The Science Museum of Virginia is located in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood of Richmond, a community that has enjoyed rapid redevelopment over the last 10 years, but still lacks urban tree canopy and communal park spaces. To address this, the new 400-space parking deck at the museum was designed to replace an existing surface parking lot, which in turn has been converted into an open green space for museum patrons and the public to enjoy.
As part of a design team, VHB developed plans for the free-standing parking deck, including site design, survey, permitting, and the Environmental Impact Report. The newly designed green space incorporates a lawn for recreation and gathering, tree-lined promenade, and sculpture plaza. The project was designed to enhance the sustainability of the site by incorporating additional stormwater management facilities, utilizing equipment that sends site-specific data back to the museum to monitor pollutant levels and water volumes that are being removed. The project reflects the museum’s dedication to improving green infrastructure and sustainability that contributes to a future-focused, resilient community.
