Ekar Farm is a value-driven nonprofit urban farm with a community building mission that’s moving in and developing a new site at Shalom Park in Aurora, CO. As new neighbors, Ekar Farm recognized an opportunity and responsibility to design the space in a way that benefits everyone. The schematic design concepts delivered aim to do just that - propose possible site options that consider daily farm operations, community-building initiatives with adjacent groups, and wider City of Aurora and neighborhood resident’s wants and needs.

An engaged relationship with Ekar Farm’s staff was a key part of the design process from inception to completion. Site factors such as significant grade change, excellent viewsheds, and soil quality variability were drivers of the spatial layout. Ekar Farm had a goal of providing an intergenerational garden primarily for their Shalom Park Retirement Community neighbors. Considerations of refuge, shade, seating, mobility, accessibility, and opportunities for socialization informed the horizontal, vertical, and aesthetic design choices made.