Title: Quarry Park
Location of Proejct: Winston-Salem, NC
Project Completion Date: 2017
Firm Name: STITCH Design Shop

Short Description: The Quarry Observation Pier overlooks Winston-Salem’s once-abandoned quarry turned hidden water hole. This corten steel structure is anchored back on land with a comfort station wrapped in steel gabion holding back dry stacked granite rocks. Constructed from perforated metal, this naturally weathering observation deck serves as a transitional space away from the industrial world, while still framing the Winston-Salem’s skyline in the distance. Over deep blue water and lush vegetation, views back to the city and, on clear days, to Pilot Mountain make this structure worthy of any visitor’s trip to Winston-Salem.

Architect's Statement: Charged with taking one of the most unique manmade geological sites in the city and creating an attraction that would draw visitors from all over the state, the initial ideas where endless. After many site visits and studies, it became clear what was so magical about this place. It was the pure tranquility of the massively tall rock faces diving into the water, coupled with the Winston-Salem skyline within grabbing distance that was so compelling. Studying the history of the quarry and observing the old mine road spiraling down into the endless abyss of the water filled quarry, the idea hit us! How can we create an experience that would be similar to the historical activity of descending downwards into the quarry? We must spiral up in ascension! We created a natural extension of the already existing Pedestrian Greenway and used it to bring visitors up and around the upper rim of the quarry. This progression terminates at the highest elevation of the quarry rim and is the main attraction of the park. Drawing inspiration from the submerged arm crane that rests at the bottom of the quarry, the observation pier was thus conceived. Constructed of weathered steel, the heavy yet elegant structure wanted to be a rusticated material, and not a pristinely painted piece of geometry. The structure wanted to have as much raw feel and texture as the rusted crane resting 100 feet below the water’s surface. Tucked below the observation pier is a 24’x36’ comfort station that is appropriately clad in weathered steel gabions. The gabions are filled with granite stones, the same stones quarried from the site in its years of operation.