Spanning an expansive 300,000 square feet, the iconic TMC Helix Park comprises six interconnected public parks that seamlessly integrate nature and community. Situated alongside two new buildings designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, these parks form a dynamic double helix at the heart of the Texas Medical Center campus.
Each park spans approximately 55,000 square feet, creating inviting gathering spaces that encourage visitors to explore, linger, and connect. The existing site is at substantial risk of flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to Bray’s Bayou. To mitigate this risk and build resilience, the site has been raised 5 feet above the 500-year flood plain. A comprehensive stormwater management system employs multiple strategies: bio-retention planters set into the east-west roadways capture and filter runoff, while below-grade retention tanks under the parking garages store excess water. Additional features like rain gardens, bioswales, and 11 acres of permeable paving promote on-site filtration.
Over 600 trees and 4,600 square feet of shade canopies are integrated into the development. A 3.2 million gallon cistern captures all rainfall on site, reducing flood risk during storms while preserving the water table during droughts. Thoughtfully integrated water features provide opportunities for respite and relaxation, extending the shoulder seasons with cooling effects. Designed to evoke the peaceful sensations of natural streambeds, these elements create thermal comfort zones and provide soothing aural experiences.
Canopies and benches along pathways offer further respite from Houston’s climate. Beyond its functional benefits, the Helix celebrates the diverse native ecologies of Texas through regionally inspired plantings. Each park reflects a signature eco-region – Post Oak Savanna, Blackland Prairie, Columbia Bottomlands, Edwards Plateau, and Upland Woods. Enhancing aesthetics while supporting biodiversity, this approach showcases sustainable landscaping. With its multifaceted design, the Helix fosters an inclusive, accessible environment.
Cafes, shops, and public areas promote community connections, while versatile event spaces accommodate gatherings of all sizes. Extending an open invitation, the Helix provides a place where Houstonians and visitors alike can gather, reflect, and experience the intersection of nature, science, and community. Three key features define the Helix: Waterways: Designed to extend the shoulder seasons, waterways provide cooling effects and aesthetic appeal. They act as barriers to noise pollution, evoking a sense of tranquility.
Pathways: Canopies and benches offer respite from the heat, while warm-hued concrete and stone reflect sunlight along linear pathways. This creates subconscious wayfinding. Planting: Over 650 trees comprised of 20+ species provide immediate shade. The planting scheme includes native species selected for low maintenance, drought resistance, and year-round visual interest through blooms and foliage. Areas range from intimate to open.
With its resilient stormwater management, regionally inspired landscapes, and inclusive community spaces, TMC Helix Park exemplifies innovative, functional design that integrates nature, science, and public well-being. This versatile campus stands as both a sustainable oasis in urban Houston and a celebration of the diversity of Texas ecologies and communities.
Category:Green ArchitectureYear:2024Location: Houston, Texas, USAArchitects:Mikyoung Kim DesignLead Architect:Elkus Manfredi ArchitectsContractor: Vaughan ConstructionDesign Team:Mikyoung Kim (MYKD), Ian Dowling (MYKD), Bryan Chou (MYKD), Jess Hamilton (LYKD), Emmett Gregory (MYKD), David Manfredi and Elizabeth Lowrey (Elkus Manfredi Architects)Client:Texas Medical CenterPhotographers:Luis Ayala and Robert Benson, Courtesy of Mikyoung Kim Design
