Following the research stage of the competition, Parks for the People posed provocative questions that could be applied to both the National Park Services and our specific site, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Our design studio used these questions as a framework to step back and investigate our big ideas for the Parks and how these could be applied across other National Parks. Based on the bigger ideas we developed our mission, design principles and a concept to be implemented for the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Listed below are the thought provoking Big 9:
How can design enhance the park experience?
How can parks become more accessible?
What is “preservation” and how can it evolve?
What new ventures or partnerships could help connect parks to people?
What is “sustainability” and what is its future role?
How can technology be implemented in parks?
How does one communicate the narrative of a place?
What perception do people have of National Parks?
How methodologies can be used to hook different interest groups visiting the National Parks?