Baton Rouge’s historical connection with the Mississippi River and the prominent, centralized location of the project site linking downtown’s attractions are the inspiration for the Arpent design. Historically, French settlers divided property in southern Louisiana along the major waterways into long narrow parcels of land (to ensure each heir owned riverfrotn property) called arpents, marking the land with a distinctive pattern of long narrow bands.

For this design, the location of downtown’s historical elements, destinations, and landmarks were identified and connected to create a “river” of major circulation patterns around and into the site. Every arpent angle was designed to connect these major attractions to the “river”, easing visitor movement throughout the site and guiding them to surrounding attractions with intriguing views, pavement patterns and lighting, and an open flow circulation system that accommodates small and large events.

Photo-voltaic film covers the roofs on all of the proposed structures to provide solar power. Planted stormwater collection and filtering areas, pervious pavements, and low energy LED lighting are key sustainable features that strengthen the integrity of the arpent design and reflect Baton Rouge’s commitment to the environment and future generations. Utilizing sustainable design features with an arpent pattern known to Louisiana landscapes, Town Square is a dynamic and sustainable space that seamlessly integrates its innovative design and technology with Baton Rouge’s historical downtown destinations.

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