Civic Center Designs: Round Two

As architects refine their designs for Elk Grove's new civic center, it's clear that the project features prominently in the city's plans for economic growth. A stunning new civic center, city leaders hope, will draw visitors from miles around to gawk at its futuristic buildings, explore its children's museum, dine at its upscale restaurants and frolic on its sports fields—all features planned for the complex.

But what should it look like? The new computer renderings presented by London firm Zaha Hadid Architects and their local partners Stantec Architecture at two city-sponsored workshops Monday night dazzle with their swooping, curved shapes and dreamlike humanoid figures (anyone seen Avatar?).  Architects responded to feedback from the last round of public meetings in December by including more breathing room around the buildings, lowering the height of structures closer to Elk Grove Blvd, and adding even more open space and peek-a-boo views. (View their full presentation here.)

The main question guiding the two concepts presented: Should the buildings cluster together at one side of the site, with athletic fields at the other, or should open space be dispersed more evenly throughout the area? We'll let you be the judge.