| dc.description.abstract | Austin Design Museum is located in downtown Austin, Texas nestled between a series of high rises and adjacent to one of the (4) parks left downtown. The location of this site was specifically chosen because of its surrounding context. This site is located across the street from one of the few remaining parks located in downtown Austin, Texas. Edwin Waller's original plan for Austin featured a grid layout centered around Capitol Square, with four additional smaller squares designated as public spaces: Brush, Hamilton (now First Baptist Church), Bell (now Wooldridge), and Hemphill (now Republic). Initially, Austin's leaders didn't place much emphasis on parks and public areas. While the city's original plan allocated land for these purposes, it soon repurposed these spaces for storage, garbage dumps, or other municipal needs. Republic Square, for example, served as a parking lot between 1950 and the early 1970s. Efforts to restore Republic Square to its original function began in 1976 during the U.S. Bicentennial celebration. The city chose the name Republic Square to honor the Republic of Texas. A collaboration between the Downtown Austin Alliance, the Austin Parks Foundation, and the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department led to the park's renovation and its re-establishment as a vital community space in downtown Austin. Delving into what role museums play in society and their impact on education, culture, and ethical considerations involved in displaying artifacts, this design museum aimed to engage the senses and emotions of visitors. The museum's design invites exploration, curiosity, and interaction, fostering immersive experiences that resonate with the principles of design | en |
