michael maltzan unveils the lens for st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier
all images courtesy of michael maltzan

los angeles-based practice michael maltzan architecture recently unveiled the latest iteration of ‘the lens’, the winning proposal for the st. petersburg pier international design competition for the bayside city of st. petersburg, florida. amid critical debate as the project goes to municipal referendum, the newest images more clearly feature an altered form and expanded programming. the marina will be a circular loop rather than an oval which would optimize construction and the ‘ learning steps’ amphitheater have been widened and expanded to accommodate 285 people.

the extension of urban programming into the bay was of central conceptual concern to the project and makes for both day and night programming. critics have called for an allotment of up to 40,000 square feet of retail space, while the current  design is tailored to a more active, park-like program of walking and biking. a network of elevated promenades offers panoramic views of the waterscape and city. an overwater drive will serve pedestrians, service vehicles and fit a motorized passenger tram while a second crossing pathway articulates the eastern loop of the park-come-pier. the main architectural gesture is the ‘lens canopy’ with an angled, stepped edge that features an elevated bike path and overlook balconies at 104 feet above the cityline.

see designboom’s previous coverage of the winning proposal here.

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

michael maltzan unveils the lens: st petersburg pier

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