Design Goals As part of the initial planning phase with community groups, Council Members and City staff members, goals were developed to guide the project as it proceeds through design, construction and operation. Those goals included: Provide a welcoming, friendly and comfortable environment for employees and visitors. Promote interaction, public participation and dialogue. Use technology to increase effectiveness and participation in government business. Design a plaza that attracts people and promotes activities throughout the day and evening. Be unique from surrounding buildings. Provide many avenues for artistic expression through art, music and performance. Provide future access to the lake. Be a model for sustainable design and construction practices. Provide for long-term low maintenance and operational costs. Complete the project within the allocated budget.

Open Government The City Hall building belongs to our citizenry and the entire design is intended to embrace the spirit and identity of Austin and reinforce the mutual respect between the Council and the citizens of Austin. The geometry of the building is a result of the design team wanting to create a more informal feeling, to reflect Austin's open approach to its government. The concept of government transparency is apparent to passers-by inside the building with glass walls fronting all of the meeting rooms and the Council Chambers. The Board and Commission Room and Council Chambers visually extend into the plaza with large windows as a reminder to those inside and outside of the balance of government and citizens coming together for the common pursuit of exchanging ideas and shaping policy. The outdoor spaces on the plaza are ideal for free expression and can accommodate large gatherings without interrupting the process inside.

Early design proposal