Architecture - What Makes a Difference

Information may not be reliable

If you're a New Englander, then you're no stranger to the culture of architectural design. Architects and design professionals all over the country are finding ways to inspire new visions of civic spaces through design. For example, a simple redesign of one of downtown Stamford's public squares could have an outsized impact on the way people live, Architectural Design West Haven CT shop, and interact in the community.

The renovation of Stamford's harbor pier is designed to help customers in Connecticut and beyond. Since 1998, businesses and homes along the Greenwich Greenway have benefited from the services provided by Stamford Architects. This plan, in conjunction with the Portman Group, was the latest in a series of design innovations that were unveiled as part of a statewide initiative to revitalize downtown Stamford.

The architect selected for the project was W&W Architects, a professional design firm from Stamford. Their involvement has been nothing short of extensive. The firm was called upon to design a plaza that brought together several different types of activities: culture, commerce, nature, and water.

It started with a careful look at what works best at the area - the annual Festival of Lights held on October 21st. And that's where the architects began. They made sure to consider the season, lighting, and time of day to match the different parts of the plaza to create a seamless and multi-faceted experience.

Along with allowing residents to enjoy the beautiful autumnal weather, there were landscaping elements that drew visitors in from the ocean views. They placed water features throughout the pedestrian plaza. That will make walking the pier a breeze. Instead of being confined to sidewalks, they were free to get up close and personal with the light display.

The small cafes are a wonderful place to enjoy refreshments. You'll find several restaurants here, offering delicious seafood. There are also coffee shops and fine dining options. The light show on the night of the festival only comes on when it's needed.

The town hall and historic buildings were part of the redevelopment plan in Stamford. But once again, the architecture was more than just a cosmetic change. It was about making sure there were visual connections between the various elements of the plaza.

Even the historic waterfront building at the center of the area was carefully redesigned to optimize functionality and create an inviting space. A curved roof is meant to focus the view onto the water. The building itself was transformed from a massive structure into an open space. Using the same type of lighting, the main entrance was given a significant facelift.

The plaza continues to grow with the passage of time. To capture its essence, a new outdoor auditorium was added. And a restaurant on the plaza's north side draws guests to the best in locally-sourced fare. This was a strong marketing decision by the firm, as it gives the general public access to the plaza's most popular destination.

The last component of the design is the incorporation of interactive elements. To that end, the designers decided to utilize electric wheelchairs. So if you need to go the restroom, it's no problem - you're wheeled right into the plaza. During the day, those who use wheelchairs can enjoy a very comfortable and convenient sitting experience, without the need to be transported.

The work of a skilled architect and design professional can not only make a difference in the way a community looks, but in the way that community feels. This work can encourage residents to be creative, as well as open to change. That's how things grow.

Architectural design in Stamford, CT is no joke. A design firm with a heart and the means to bring in world-class talent can transform a small space into something spectacular. That's why we need more companies like W&W Architects in Connecticut.