Studio Four Design, one of Knoxville’s top architecture and design firms, has collaborated with DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee (DMAT) and the City of Athens to develop Athens, Tennessee’s first eco-park, with self-sustaining elements and a Japanese-inspired design and layout.
“A 2012 trip to DENSO’s headquarters in Japan motivated this project,” said Shawn Bryant, manager of safety, health and environment at DMAT.
“We approached the city of Athens with a concept for a similar park to engage the community and to help students learn about sustainable green spaces and the environment,” Bryant added.  “Our plans for the park include a public space for meetings, an outdoor area for activities and much more.”
While the eco-park is currently in phase one of the comprehensive construction and design plans, the City of Athens and DMAT have applied for grants for an underwater wetland learning environment as well as for the energy component. These grants will fund efforts to install plants that reduce the E.coli levels in the pond as well as produce energy for restrooms and grills.
“Working with Shawn Bryant, it was evident this project was influenced by the Japanese-style garden design,” said Kevin Diegel, vice president and director of operations at Studio Four Design. “We were able to identify the key features the DMAT team liked about the Japanese theme while highlighting the sustainable aspects of the park.”
“While the uncertainty of weather in the area did present a challenge in our schedule,” Diegel explained, “we were able to evaluate each step of this phase and proceed with an aggressive schedule for completion. The property already featured interesting natural elements that align with the Japanese style such as limestone springs that made the timeline more manageable. ”
Additional partners on this project include the University of Tennessee (on the bridge that converts the flow for the pond), the City of Athens Parks and Recreation, McMinn County Economic Development Authority, and Midlab who is donating picnic furniture.
To learn more about Studio Four Design and its premiere design and architectural services, visit www.studiofourdesign.com.
About Studio Four Design Inc.
Since 2002, Studio Four Design has served as a premiere architectural and interior design firm to the Greater Knoxville Area. Its guiding principal is Design Matters and its goal is to go beyond expectations to provide design solutions that positively impact its client’s lives and organizations. The team has worked on a variety of projects over the last decade that includes: churches, educational facilities, restaurants, retail buildings, athletic venues and much more. Studio Four Design takes pride in and is dedicated to all of the projects it serves.  To find out more, call 865-523-5001 or visit www.studiofourdesign.com.