Common Good Commons represents good government in both its narrative and in the capacity to gather and inform the citizens it supports. It offers active programming and features an amphitheater; summer fountain and a winter ice rink; two interactive art pieces; a gallery showcasing Indiana’s artists; a café featuring local fare; and an outpost of Indy 311–a place on the commons where citizens can get assistance navigating their government. In addition, a great lawn accommodates summer movies and supports special events while series of gardens and casual seating provide for more intimate moments. Common Good Commons is where culture thrives, and good governance becomes visible.
The design of the commons celebrates the virtues of civic space through an economically and environmentally minded construct. Asymmetrical arrangement of the central fountain, ice rink and great lawn are in dialogue with one another, and invite activity in the common’s center, whilst directing circulation and clear viewsheds to and from the City-County Building. Architecture frames central gathering spaces on the commons and creates a gateway at the knuckle of the Cultural Trail.
In celebration of the governmental function of the City-County Building and to engage directly with citizens, existing totems at the entry to the City-County Building are clad with an allegorical art piece, Good Governance. A lit, interactive Culture Cube is a fun, inclusive element which displays current events, information from the City, and real-time social media posts by users to makes ones’ presence on the commons visible.
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