HERNDON, Va., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Audi today announced that the
inauguration of the first phase of the ‘re:design Simpson Park’ project will
occur during Design Miami/ 2008 on December 3rd at 9:30 am together with Miami
Mayor Manny Diaz. ‘re:design Simpson Park’ is a philanthropic initiative in
conjunction with the city of Miami aiming to revitalize the park as one of the
very last original hammocks in Miami which were once a critical component of
the city’s identity. Audi has partnered with renowned Swiss-based landscape
designer Enzo Enea and Miami-based green architect Chad Oppenheim to donate a
stunning new entrance to Simpson Park. In addition, Enea has developed
conceptual plans to further enhance the park and develop its educational
features in the future. ‘re:design Simpson Park’ is part of the Mayor’s
broader “Green Project.”
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081201/CLM043-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081201/CLM043-b )
Audi had announced the project in December 2007 as part of its ongoing
sponsorship of Design Miami/ together with Enea garden design and Oppenheim
Architecture. “Audi’s commitment to corporate social responsibility has long
been at the heart of our culture,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice
president, Audi of America. “With relationships ranging from Best Buddies
International to the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research we pride ourselves on
working with the right organizations to make a difference globally and
locally. Our continued involvement with Design Miami/ gave us the idea to give
back on a local level — to the community that has supported the fair now in
its fourth year. Pair this work with Audi’s industry-leading TDI clean diesel
technology and it is clear that we have a powerful commitment to positively
impacting the environment we all share.”
Located in an area that has seen major urban development in recent years,
but few green and recreational spaces, the historic Simpson Park was chosen to
make it accessible to the community at large again. Enea redesigned the
entrance by reinterpreting the native hammock in a contemporary fashion that
would make people feel and thus understand the historical ecology of the Miami
area. The entrance will introduce the visitor to the elements of the hammock
– its native plants, unique light qualities, and sense of mystery by
presenting these features in a contemporary manner that most visitors are
familiar with. Oppenheim Architecture developed a spectacular street structure
completely clad with reclaimed wood materials. The proposed pavilion/orchid
house will define the original Simpson Park wall, while embracing the existing
trees and providing shade to the park’s visitors.
“This new phase of Simpson Park is a shining example of what can be
accomplished when we are inspired to invest in our community,” said Mayor of
Miami, Manny Diaz. “The City of Miami is profoundly grateful to Audi, Enea
garden design and Oppenheim Architecture for helping us make this dream a
reality and returning historic Simpson Park to the neighborhood.”
The idea of a ‘green’ community project was born in Chad Oppenheim’s
living room. As both design and responsibility constitute key components of
Audi’s philosophy, partnering up with two leading design brands in their
respective field was a natural fit. Enzo Enea donated his conceptual design
and Chad Oppenheim provided his own facilities for the project development.
Audi contributed financially and managed the project and its communication
throughout the past year. Enea’s team has also developed conceptual plans for
further development of Simpson Park, which include an eco-friendly children’s
playground, an installation of state of the art signs and educational kiosks
and a low wood boardwalk that would run the length of the hammock without
damaging or obstructing its natural beauty.
“I became interested in the Simpson Park project after realizing the many
values this place holds for the city of Miami,” said Enzo Enea. “The park is
rich in historical and ecological wealth, and its aesthetic beauty makes it a
perfect educational platform for the future Miami to learn about its past.
The hammock itself became the inspiration for the design at Simpson Park. The
beauty of its wilderness, with the dappling of light and shade, variety of
plant textures, and unique plant forms are all things that were sought to be
expressed in the final design. The hammock also has a great sense of mystery,
but one of comfort that seeks to be explored. Our design serves as a welcoming
entrance for those who feel the call to explore the wild beauty of the park.”
The park will serve as an educational space that will teach visitors both
literally and passively. Literal learning will occur with trail signs that
display information about the history of the park and the unique plants and
animals that reside here. The park will teach passively by creating an
aesthetic experience that will make people understand what the hammock is and
how it would have felt for people in the past to be surrounded by this
ecosystem. This holistic experience is what makes people realize the
significance of such a resource, and encourages their stewardship and support
for preservation of such spaces.
“Miami is my home and the reparation of its vital natural resources is of
the utmost importance to me,” said Chad Oppenheim. “Social architecture — if
it’s projects for low income housing, eco-friendly buildings or further green
projects like this one — is one of the key requirements for society in the
21st century and is a fantastic way my company can contribute. And I am very
proud to be able to do this for my home City.”
For the first quarter of 2009, a fundraising event for the ‘Friends of
Simpson Park’ is planned. Other benefactors contributing to the project
include Miami-based illumination planning company Uli+friends, catering
company Lyon & Lyon, event agency SiiNC and creative agency Doink design.
Audi has set a company-wide goal to reduce C02 emissions by 20% by the
year 2012. The company’s TDI engines are the most successful efficiency
technology in the world. With over 4.5 million cars with TDI engines sold
globally, and the upcoming introduction of the 2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI to the
U.S. market in 2009, Audi offers a technology that is simultaneously cleaner
and more efficient than traditional gasoline, while still providing excellent
performance.
About Audi of America
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of
German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi lineup is one of the freshest in
the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years
2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year
AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth.
Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding
Audi vehicle and business issues.
About Enzo Enea
Enzo Enea is without a doubt the most prominent figure of today’s Swiss
garden scene and an internationally recognized personality in his profession.
He has received numerous honors, including Gold and Silver Awards at the
Giardina exhibition in Zurich and the Gold Award at the famous Chelsea Flower
Show in London in 1998. The fundamental basics of his garden design company
were laid by his father 40 years ago with a stone fountain and terracotta pot
trading company. Enzo Enea took over the company and started to plan, design
and construct gardens. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, the Enea Company Group
offers facilities in architectural garden planning and design, garden
construction, and gardening care. As the company’s sole proprietor, Enzo Enea
currently has a staff of 140 employees in Switzerland, Eastern Europe, North
America, and Asia, with design offices in Rapperswil-Jona, Moscow, and Miami.
To date, he has designed over 600 gardens with great attention to the smallest
of details, from the first project sketches through the actual construction,
for international clients including Tina Turner, the Prince of Liechtenstein,
Prince Charles of Wales, and Formula 1 pilot Nick Heidfeld, among others.
About Chad Oppenheim
Chad Oppenheim is an alchemist of atmosphere — an architectural pioneer,
specializing in creating powerful, sustainable and pragmatic solutions to
complex project challenges. In the nine years since its inception, Oppenheim
Architecture + Design has won over thirty awards for its unique sensibility
and ability to initiate new innovative concepts in the built environment. To
date he has designed over 50 landmark structures throughout the United States,
Brazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Venezuela and UAE.
About Simpson Park
The park was founded in 1913 when a group of concerned citizens and
environmentalists appeared before the City Commission and requested that the
5.5 acres of native hardwood hammock, located at 15th Road (Broadway) and
South Miami Avenue, be acquired from Mary Brickell and that it be preserved as
a natural area for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Originally
named “Jungle Park”, a man-made pond was built and the native vegetation began
to be replaced with more showy exotics. The Hurricane of 1926 all but destroys
the hammock as more exotics are introduced. In 1927, Dr. Carl Dahlburg, Chief
Horticulturalist for the Department of Public Welfare is assigned to the
restoration of the hammock and the removal of the exotic vegetation — without
his dedication the park probably would not exist today. In the 1930s, Jungle
Park is renamed in memory of Dr. Charles Torrey Simpson, a prominent South
Florida naturalist who worked for the preservation of Florida’s natural areas.
In the 1960s and 70s, the park was threatened many times by development, and
was saved by the surrounding community’s opposition. Today, restoration of the
park’s native state continues and the park seeks to serve as an educational
tool for Miami’s past.
“Year in and year out its greenery, its peace and quiet has appealed to me
and from it I have learned some of the most valuable lessons of my life.”
Charles Torrey Simpson on Florida’s Hammocks.
