State Street at Library Mall
State St at Library Mall
700/800 Block
Madison, WI
2017 WI APWA Project of the Year
2018 ASLA Merit Award
700/800 Block
Madison, WI
2017 WI APWA Project of the Year
2018 ASLA Merit Award
Perhaps the most iconic street in all of Wisconsin, Madison's State Street in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is known for its street life, food carts, celebrations, and demonstrations of free speech. It is a place to see and be seen. As a part of the city's urban fabric, it is also a physical tie between state government and education, connecting the State Capitol to the University.
In the early 1970's, city planners led a successful experiment of eliminating vehicular traffic and transforming the streetscape closest to campus into a pedestrian & bike corridor. The design by Paul Friedburg followed suit with many other cities around the country. However, unlike most other pedestrian malls, the 700/800 block of State Street maintained steady appreciation and vibrancy over the proceeding decades, despite physical deterioration.
With a new era of investment, State Street's redesign honors the intent by Friedburg and offers new amenities--moveable furniture, contoured seat walls, custom street high-top tables, speaking platforms, additional tree canopy, and street art. Furthermore, the redesign retains the one ingredient needed most--flexibility. From hosting the President of the United States to providing a sunny spot for food truck lunch, State Street at Library Mall is inviting, inclusive, and uniquely Madison.
This project was completed under the tenure of Saiki Design with design collaboration by SmithGroup. Construction by Bachmann Construction. Artwork by Jill Sebastian, David Dahlquist, and Matt Neibuhr. Photography by Shane Bernau.
Perhaps the most iconic street in all of Wisconsin, Madison's State Street in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is known for its street life, food carts, celebrations, and demonstrations of free speech. It is a place to see and be seen. As a part of the city's urban fabric, it is also a physical tie between state government and education, connecting the State Capitol to the University.
In the early 1970's, city planners led a successful experiment of eliminating vehicular traffic and transforming the streetscape closest to campus into a pedestrian & bike corridor. The design by Paul Friedburg followed suit with many other cities around the country. However, unlike most other pedestrian malls, the 700/800 block of State Street maintained steady appreciation and vibrancy over the proceeding decades, despite physical deterioration.
With a new era of investment, State Street's redesign honors the intent by Friedburg and offers new amenities--moveable furniture, contoured seat walls, custom street high-top tables, speaking platforms, additional tree canopy, and street art. Furthermore, the redesign retains the one ingredient needed most--flexibility. From hosting the President of the United States to providing a sunny spot for food truck lunch, State Street at Library Mall is inviting, inclusive, and uniquely Madison.
This project was completed under the tenure of Saiki Design with design collaboration by SmithGroup. Construction by Bachmann Construction. Artwork by Jill Sebastian, David Dahlquist, and Matt Neibuhr. Photography by Shane Bernau.
Design Process
Design Process
The design for State Street at Library Mall was truly a community effort. Before design, listening came first. Lots of listening! Public process was paramount, and neighborhood workshops, city stakeholder meetings, State Historical Society reviews, and a myriad of other public input sessions shaped both the process and the design.
The design for State Street at Library Mall was truly a community effort. Before design, listening came first. Lots of listening! Public process was paramount, and neighborhood workshops, city stakeholder meetings, State Historical Society reviews, and a myriad of other public input sessions shaped both the process and the design.
