Confluence Park serves as a living laboratory, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the ecological systems in southern Texas and the functions of the San Antonio River basin. Throughout the park, visitors engage in observation, interaction, and hands-on participation to learn about the environment.
Situated at the junction of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek, the theme of “convergence” is woven throughout the park’s design. On a grand scale, the landscape embodies the merging of South Texas ecological types. The exhibition pavilion features “petals” inspired by plant shapes, designed to channel dew and rainwater down to the roots. Even the ground patterns evoke the flow and intersections of waterways.
△ Plan View
△ Analysis Diagram
The concrete “petals” are thoughtfully designed to rest lightly on the ground. The main exhibition pavilion, known as BHP, forms a geometric shape that collects rainwater into an on-site water collection system. This pavilion provides shade and shelter within the park while inviting visitors to explore the water cycle and its direct connection to the San Antonio River.
The Estella Avery Education Center is a versatile facility featuring a green roof that provides thermal comfort without relying on passive heating or cooling. It functions both as a classroom and an open space connected to exhibition areas. The rainwater collected through the site’s water collection system serves as the primary water source for the entire park. Additionally, photovoltaic arrays supply 100% of the park’s annual energy needs.
Project Information
Project type: Park, Exhibition Pavilion
Location: San Antonio, USA
Architectural Design: Lake | Flato Architects, Matsys Design
Area: 900 ft²
Completion Year: 2018
Photographer: Casey Dunn
Suppliers: Kreysler & Associates, Lumenpulse, Mission Solar, Prosoco, Tremco
Design Team: Bob Harris, Tenna Florian, Sunny Díaz, Jordan Tsai
Pavilion Design: Andrew Kudless (Matsys)
Landscape Design: Rialto Studio, Inc.
Construction: SpawGlass
Equipment: CNG Engineering
Petal Template: Kreysler & Associates
Client: San Antonio River Foundation
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