Lake Carnegie Finish Line Park
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

This small site intervention was developed in response to the inadequate existing facilities at Princeton University's rowing course finish line. Haphazard parking and insufficient seating for both spectators and officials led to a lack of the coherence and quality found elsewhere at Princeton. In developing the design, Peterson Architects selected materials that would echo the vocabulary of the rest of campus and tie this somewhat remote site into the school's fabric.

The resulting design maintains a sense of quality without intruding on the landscape, or marring the lake views for nearby residents. A linear park is developed with a running path and benches along the shoreline, and formal parking tucked along the road and shielded by trees. On approach from the road, minimal structure is apparent. The spectator seating appears only as a long, low stone wall, punctuated at the finish line by three flagpoles and the rowing judges' canopy. The low wall of the stands encloses rich, wood-lined bleachers, terraced into the ground to provide good sight lines.

Conversely, from the rower's perspective on the water the finish line is dramatically emphasized by the judges' canopy. On the horizon, it indicates the crews' destination from afar. As the boat approaches the finish, the row of flagpoles forms a dynamic reference point, gradually coming into alignment as the race approaches the finish. The flags flying with home and visitors' school colors create a festive atmosphere for race days, when alumni, family and friends convene to cheer on the crews.

Rendering by Peterson Architects