The competition called for an urban icon that brought identity to San Jose and Silicon Valley. Rather than a designed object or built icon, Hypernatures amplifies Nature, which is often set in contrast to Technology. The scheme introduces as its primary move a monumental redwood forest – emblematic of the Northern California region – put on display by an interactive circulatory structure that brings people into close contact with the lower canopy while offering views of the city beyond. The ringed forest, made luminescent by sensitive night-lighting, is the icon that can be seen from near and far. The two other primary elements of the scheme, which are intimately discovered and experienced within the park, are what are being called: Amplified Ecologies and Amplified Atmospheres. 

Amplified Ecologies
The park is made up of three plant communities – (1) the Coast Redwood forest (sequoia sempervirens) and its companion plants situated in the RING; (2) the existing (and enhanced) Willow Riparian Forest + Scrub situated along the RIVER; (3) the Urban Oak Woodland and Savanna within the PARK. Each provides critical habitat and sequesters significant amounts of carbon.

Ring
Coast Redwood forests are essential to the regional identity of Santa Clara Valley, populating the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and south, where both the Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek originate. Redwood habitats support diverse regional wildlife which would be brought into the city as part of the spectacle of the introduced forest. Redwoods can be transplanted quite large and are fast-growing – thus maturing for the developing city to witness through time. 

River
The Willow Riparian Forest and Scrub habitat that is present along the river corridor will be preserved and enhanced to encourage the breeding and foraging opportunities created by a healthy tree, shrub and herbaceous layer. While the paths enter into the riparian setback, this is intended to provide park visitors the opportunity to experience this unique habitat. 

Park
The “park” is planted as an Oak Woodland and Savanna as part of the effort to “Re-Oak Silicon Valley” (an effort by Resilient Silicon Valley, funded by Google’s Ecology Program). The oak is critical to the region’s indigenous, colonial and ecological histories. The predominantly Valley Oaks were eventually cut down for agriculture but remain the region’s most iconic trees. 

Amplified Atmospheres
Immersive built experiences are situated within the park and amplify natural phenomena as another means of making HYPER the park’s Natures. Each experience – a kind of folly – uses passive, zero-energy strategies to heighten awareness of intangible natures – light, sound, wind, moisture, temperature. 

The Hypernatures landmark park monumentalizes Nature without Othering it – recognizing it as a fundamental source of awe and inspiration, and as critical to our survival.