2024
Parklet Design Competition
And the winner is…
Eoa Architects!
The Parklet Design Competition puts beautiful and functional design in the right-of-way. Instead of hosting pop-up parklets for PARK(ing) Day, we now organize the competition as a way to bring more permanent parklets to Nashville. The winning design was imagined by Katie Pennington of EOA Architects and fully built by Hardaway Construction.
Photo by Beth Gwinn
Park(ing) Day is a movement
We are big fans of supporting local businesses—it’s a part of what makes great neighborhoods and stimulates the local economy. There is something special when a local business is also a public steward, becoming people’s “third space,” or a place for gathering outside work and home. Located in the steadily growing yet tight-knit community of Donelson, Bagelshop now hosts the newest long-term Nashville parklet.
Meet Max + Kayla PalmerBagelshop was born from an exploration of new skills during the pandemic—making hand rolled, kettle boiled bagels delivered to friends. When we asked Max and Kayla Palmer why they chose to move their business to Donelson in 2023, Max responded, “It’s selfish. Donelson is our home.” But, isn’t that what everyone wants? The Civic Design Center believes in access to the resources you need and want in your community, and Donelson is quickly growing to have more of those resources. While Max may believe it was a selfish decision, the Palmers have brought a thriving new gathering space to everyone in the neighborhood. Their new parklet will embody the spirit of friendship by providing space for customers and neighbors alike to build community.
Thanks to our partners for this Design Competition!
The Brief:A Donelson Community Parklet for Bagelshop
Requirements:
Maximum footprint: 30’x7’
Platform level with curb
Shade treatment
Some dimensional seating
Incorporate natural materials, organic shapes, and possibly space to grow plants and cultivate herbs
Special Requirement:
Donelson is the community that Max and Kayla decided to plant their roots, so this parklet should be inspired by community and accessible for neighbors to visit even when the Bagelshop is closed.
All submissions followed the Parklet Program Manual and Specifications document.
Photos by Casey Mabry
Winning Design
EOA Architects
Katie Pennington
The Narrative:Entwine by Katie Pennington
Entwine seeks to emulate the inherent beauty within the natural — the imprint of the leaf, the rhythmic flow of water, or the morning sun creeping through the canopy — the unseen, yet always present. The design focuses on subtle transitions, organic movement, layering, and tectonic elements to showcase Bagelshop as a brand and placemaker within Donelson.
The hand-painted mural hugging Bagelshop’s interior walls became the inspiration for the main form-making gesture of the winding bench. A layer of concrete infill protects ocupants and defines the edge of the street. Finishes and furniture reflect the funky and unique branding of Bagelshop with color, pattern, and texture.
Runners Up
The Knot Spot
Most Creative: JP Jackson + Bryn Coel
A Tree Grows in Donelson
Most WOW Factor: Carlton Edwards
A Stone’s Throw
