LEXINGTON COURTHOUSE PLAZA

Lance A. Decker, Architecture Consulting secured the commission to design the central plaza for Lexington, Kentucky through an international design competition.

The public process was extensive as many public amenities and future art and monument opportunities were provided.

Development of the competition entry into an amenity for the city, integrated into its’ fabric, was the most important aspect of the project.

The existing grades and road system offered both challenges and opportunities as did additions to the program, requiring adaption of the original competition entry.

The picture below shows the plaza nearing completion of phase one. One of Lance Decker’s most important ideas in the original competion design was that the most important civic plaza in the city should develop over time rather than simply designed by one person. Therefore subsequent phases will “infill” the plaza with public art and monuments. This was a critical strategy given the budget limitations.

As the city’s central square, the classic mix of seating opportunities and water features provide both a relaxing yet energetic atmosphere for everyday, and open yet functional spaces for the city’s largest civic events.

Native stone “falls” along the site in shelves reminiscent of the Kentucky River, the ancient waterway which is the source for the bluegrass pastures surrounding the city.

The result maintains the dignified sense of peace which surred the juror’s toward this Lance Decker’s scheme durning the competition.