In 2009 the hotel owners wished to fill an existing swimming pool from the 1950s as part of their on-going (since 2002) renovation of a former motor hotel.  The courtyard, although too small for a decent swimming pool, provides the canvas for ample social space for guests and for small events to serve the adjacent conference room.  OCD looked at the vest-pocket park precedent of Paley Park in New York (1972) as a point of departure. 

Here, as in Paley Park, a water feature against the back wall drowns out the sounds of the city.  It is also a striking visual feature for arriving guests in the hotel lobby.  Down the middle of the courtyard is a trough of blue succulents, a reminder of the swimming pool.  Bisecting the trough are two long fire biers which beckon guests to gather round at night.  The organization of these biers allows for small or big groups to form.  The three trees provide an acoustic and solar canopy. Films are projected onto the only blank wall on the courtyard at night.  Project cancelled due to recession.