The Pershing Square Renew initiative revealed Agence Ter and Team as the winners of the competition to redesign Downtown L.A.'s oldest public park, exactly two weeks after the four finalist teams delivered their final presentations. The winning consortium is led by French landscape practice Agence Ter, whose major landscape work is largely based in Europe. Agence Ter collaborated with L.A.-based firms like SALT Landscape Architects, Deborah Murphy Urban Design + Planning, Rachel Allen Architecture, as well as arts programming organization Community Arts Resources LA.

Titled “The Dynamic Heart of Los Angeles”, the proposal is a plaza-park hybrid that would clear out the walls, ramps, and other such barriers along Pershing Square's perimeter, and transform the Square into an open rectangular lawn. Other elements include a “smart canopy” that provides shade during the day and lights up at night, a reflection pool, and new gardens and grassy lawns.







“Because we believe that too much topography and interrupted sight lines are blocking public life, we have created a transparent, democratic and accessible space connected to its immediate context and [is] resonant across the entire city. A radical flatness,” as described by Agence Ter founder and director Henri Bava during the team's live presentation (video linked below).

In the coming months, the proposal will undergo further refinements and the city will seek public feedback. PSR states that funds will be gathered from public and private sources. However, it's currently not crystal clear if the winning proposal will be implemented.

Full list of the winning team:

Agence Ter Landscape Urbanists

SALT Landscape Architects

Deborah Murphy Urban Design + Planning

Kelly Shannon - RUA, Landscape Urbanism Consultant

Community Arts Resources LA, Urban Programming

Rachel Allen Architecture

Pentagram, Branding

Still Room, Wayfinding and Graphic Design

Leo Villareal, Light Artist

Fehr & Peers, Transportation Consultants

KPFF, Structural / Civil Engineers

M-E Engineering, Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing Engineers

Lighting Design Alliance, Architectural Lighting Design

Previously:

Take a peek at the latest Pershing Square Renew finalist proposals

Take a look at these bold visions for Downtown LA's next park

Pershing Square Renew competition narrows down to four finalist teams