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• Indoor green space:  30,000 ft² (250' x 125') greenhouse under an arched, 60-foot-high transparent roof. This would be a public, naturally-lit, vegetation-filled open space with pathways, flowing water, rocks, gathering places, dining areas, kiosks, etc.
• The south side of the Atrium would have a 21,000 ft² structure used for retail, restaurant, office, and/or educational spaces. This 2-story structure would not block sunlight into the Atrium but would have frontage into the Atrium as well as a new street.
• The north side of the atrium could have taller structures (4+ stories) with at least 42,000 ft² of lease-able space.
• Direct entrance from Adams Street on the east end.
• Connection to the Tower on the west end.
• Be part of a continuous pedestrian walkway extending from the Riverfront Boardwalk to the KI Convention Center and the Pine Street parking ramp

Click on the thumbnail images above above for a larger picture

The Atrium concept is based on several ideas, one being that the only surviving feature of the Washington Commons is the food court area which does have a few glass skylights and a couple of trees.  This new Atrium idea would take this small attractive part of the mall and greatly enhance it by drastically increasing the natural lighting, vegetation, and indoor courtyard areas.

Imagine on a cold, gray winter day being able to go into a large, warm, green, organic indoor park---the sounds of falling water fills the air as you stroll through the lush trees and vegetation.  There would be lots to do: You could sit down in the leaf-filtered natural lighting to have lunch with your business partners...you could go shopping in the Atrium with your significant other while you wait for your table in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Tower. Perhaps you just want to get some exercise and do a little window shopping around the perimeter of the Atrium.   I'll try fleshing out the indoor concepts more in the future, including some 3D illustrations.

The Atrium would still be a "mall" in some sense, but a more unique, attractive mall than the existing Commons (and a much smaller footprint).  

There is a symbiotic relationship between the Atrium, the attached structures, and the Tower;  each component depends on one another in terms of attractiveness and economic viability.  (see overall concept)

Other considerations for the Atrium:

• The roof would be made of a new material which is highly transparent, lightweight, and strong enough to handle snow and other loads. It can also be 'spectrally tuned' to accept or reject solar light as needed 
• The existing mall's foundation might be useable for at least parts of the new Atrium and adjacent structures
• It cannot be too big or too small. I believe this design (30,000 square feet) might be too small. I may experiment with larger atrium spaces in future renderings.
• At night, it would be well lit with lamp posts
• The roof would have both mechanical and natural air exchangers to remove hot humid air in the summer
• A stream would run longitudinally through the Atrium with at least a couple of waterfalls and bridges.
• Parts of the Atrium could be leased to restaurants for dining areas. The restaurants would be located in the first floor of the flanking structure.
• Small bars could serve drinks within the Atrium space, adding further lease able space
• The foundation of the existing mall may be used for this new Atrium and the adjoining buildings

green space

Green space

Pedestrian

Misc Images

last updated 09/01/2007

Note: These renderings are incomplete: Some of the blue building facades are simply unfinished illustrations. Please check back later for updated images.

These conceptual designs, 3D illustrations, and web pages were created by Visualize IT of Green Bay