The proposal for the Orange County Great Park transforms a former airfield into an expansive public park that integrates natural ecosystems, recreational activities, and cultural facilities. The design takes inspiration from the historic runways of the site, using their geometry as a framework to organize the park into distinct zones while reducing the monumental scale to a more human and natural experience. Central to the concept is a Great Lake, conceived as a cascading series of ponds that serve both as a focal point and a sustainable stormwater management system. Surrounding this water feature are meadows, ecological plantations, riparian and wildlife corridors, boardwalks, sports fields, and thematic gardens, each contributing to the park’s rich variety of experiences. The project emphasizes sustainability by prioritizing native vegetation, natural water cycles, renewable energy, and ecological education. Facilities such as museums, visitor centers, and cafés are carefully integrated into the landscape, fostering connections between the urban edge and the park’s interior. The masterplan is conceived as a flexible puzzle of elements, allowing phased construction and future adaptation. Through this approach, EMBT envisions a park that reflects the cultural memory of the site while offering a vibrant and inclusive public space for Orange County’s community.
