Theater Square
Newark, New Jersey
Theater Square was designed to be a cornerstone of the City of Newark's new art district. It also serves as the frontal piece to the recently built New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The two-acre urban park strikes a balance between the needs of diverse groups -- weekend arts festival patrons and the daily lunch/leisure crowd. In addition, it responds to the pragmatic concerns of downtown Newark -- security against vandalism and theft.
The park was conceived as a series of progressively larger outdoor rooms to serve a variety of public programs. Features include food concessions, gardens, fountains, a shade trellis, as well as multiple platforms and plazas for performing artists. The design respects the site's traditions and history without being nostalgic. The detailing and character of the park's features, while firmly rooted in the rich history of Newark's waterfront, also look toward the city's 21st century renaissance.
Scott Wilson, AIA was the Director-in-Charge/Architect of Record while with Wilson-Greene Architects.
