The central theme of State of Flow emerged from an in-depth study of the Huntersville area’s geography and history, with water playing a pivotal role. The development of Lake Norman in the late 1900s transformed the region, fueling its growth and defining the layout of the new greenway. Life in this area—its recreation, ecology, and prosperity—has always been closely tied to its lakes, rivers, and streams. This project seeks to honor that connection by embedding the significance of water into the design.

The visual elements are directly influenced by the physical layouts of the local rivers and bodies of water. By using a custom script that processes information from local maps, we generated a dynamic series of flowing line segments that mimic the region’s natural waterways. This technique bridges the area’s geological history with the forward-looking excitement of the new trail, linking past and present in a seamless visual narrative.

State of Flow blends abstract representations of movement, liquidity, and ephemerality with the natural features of Lake Norman, Torrence Creek, and McDowell Creek. These abstract forms evoke the flowing motion of water while also symbolizing the mental “flow state” often achieved during exercise or moments of reflection in nature. Much like a stream, where water flows effortlessly through gulleys and currents, the design invites users to lose themselves in the trail’s natural beauty and experience a sense of timelessness during their activities.

The project reflects both the tangible and intangible influences of water in the region, celebrating how it continues to shape the landscape and the lives of those who engage with it.