DMC Parklet

Year / 2020

Location / Memphis, Tennessee

Type / Temporary Pavilion

Floor Area / 360 sf

The Possum-Trot Parklet takes its inspiration from the vernacular style of South-eastern houses by the same name.

These turn-of-the-century breezeway houses feature two parallel living volumes which sandwich a generous, covered breezeway. While providing outdoor space for guests to dine and contemplate the landscape, the breezeway’s primary function was to cross-ventilate the unconditioned interiors, drawing in cool breezes, shading interior facaes, and allowing warm air to escape from all sides of the living volumes.

Designing first with the rules of social distancing, we wanted to create a space that kept people at a safe distance, yet still felt whole and singular. As one long extrusion, we shoved all program (seating, bike racks, planters, entries) to the outer extents of the parcel, creating a long open throat with an aisle width >36” for ADA. The street side is more solid (protected) and features an extruded 30’ bench which may be parlayed with tables and chairs to seat parties of 1-6 people. The bench seating is infinitely flexible giving patrons the ability to slide a few feet in either direction to maintain safe distance. On the sidewalk side more openings are featured to take advantage of the urban canyon effect- as breezes bounce from neighboring buildings and enter our parklet. This side features a 34” counter-height bar for individuals and pods of 2 or 3 to dine more casually. It also maintains ADA so that it may be utilized universally.

The outside of the shell is painted while the inside maintains a natural finish, giving the appearance of a house unwrapping its facade to invite guests in. Each time the shell cracks or deviates from the traditional gable, patrons will find a unique event such as entry portals, bike racks, tree planters, ornamental grasses, and an angular loveseat upholstered in artificial turf.

For all of these reasons and themes, we feel Possum-Trot will do an excellent job serving the community- as a safe venue for outdoor dining during meal times, while doubling as a fun piece of urban furniture with great shading, air flow, and moments of discovery. While we are not yet sprinting to full pre-COVID capacity, we have come a long way from quarantine, and are now “trotting” back into the restaurant community we so desire to patronize..