PARKSIDE TERRACE

HOBBS, NEW MEXICO

Didier Design Studio developed the vision and schematic design for landscape spaces to enhance an affordable housing complex for the City of Hobbs. The result is a safe, fun, and beautiful design offering numerous amenities for residents. With a central courtyard as the primary shared landscape for the complex, the design is centered around the development of a series of social spaces articulated around sections of slight grade change while still maintaining ADA accessibility throughout the space. These grade changes allow for the creation of secondary social rooms, the successful management of stormwater events through depressions, and the development of a natural hierarchy for a layered and resilient landscape. Naturally raised areas for planting are xeric and dry, while channeled depressions to convey stormwater allow for a more lush planting regime.

The courtyard is comprised of five distinct spaces: plaza, outdoor dining, kids play, open lawn, and oasis lounge. The plaza space naturally lends itself to small or large gatherings; shaded under the cover of trees are movable tables and chairs, sitting blocks, xeric planting, and a community art wall. The outdoor dining area is a flexible space through which, under the light glow of string lights above, families can gather, cook together, engage in conversation, and enjoy the company of one another. Visible from nearly every viewing angle within the courtyard, the kids play area accommodates multiple capacities of educational and natural play. In the sand pit young kids may find loose parts to act out stories, logs for tactile stimulation, and a mini teeter totter. Older kids may find interest in the boulders for climbing and log steppers for hopping and skipping. In the open lawn, kids and adults alike can find space to play or relax. Around the periphery of the lawn are amphitheater sized steps for sitting and socializing. Lastly, the oasis lounge accommodates families for social gatherings and activities.