Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Integrating Habitats Design Competition



Porous Urbanism
Whether argued in a single building, or the urban fabric, the envelope
is one of the most important elements. This is not just because of its
basic function as a separator of spaces but because of the possibilities
that it has to offer. Indeed, it is the envelope together with the idea of
porosity that gives the possibility of building social relationships and
allowing movement through the urban fabric. Movement, together
with the envelope is the design’s main ingredient. As a consequence,
working together with the idea of porosity, this design tries to establish
a strong relationship, both on building and block scale. On a building
scale, certain effects such as elevating the building, together with the
relationship between transparency and porosity, call for a social
architecture. At the same time, it is the integration of movement within
the envelope that allows these same opportunities. On a block scale, the
design tries to address these following goals:

• Healthy lifestyle / Livable communities
• Habitat Connection
• Building Efficiency
• Alley Character

Urban Studio 2 (Masterplanning Woodward)










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Project Introduction
(Woodward Corridor "Detroit's Spine")
This project is an urban infill development, with the focus on Urban
Agriculture. It includes Woodward Avenue and it is located at the
center of cluster four. The site is connected to the Central Business
District in the south side, stopping at Fisher Freeway, and Highland
Park in the North stopping at Webb Street.
Goals
Rebuild Neighborhood with an Urban Agriculture focus.
- Focus on high traffic intersections and promote sustainable forms
of movement.
- Create necessary recreation centers and plazas for community
gatherings.
Promote the Social-Economic benefits of Urban Agriculture
- Advertise and promote a healthy life style (LTU, 2006) through
billboards and by placing gardens along major streets.
Developing Ideas
- The Urban Agriculture communities are located between these
highly dense centers. Market and community center are typically
located on Woodward Ave. with the Urban Gardens and farms
located on the back, to respond to the density issue of transit
oriented design.
- Connect open parks, community gardens and recreation centers
by footpaths and green corridor techniques along Woodward Avenue.
- Develop a sustainable transit (light rail) system to limit the
dependence on the automobile.


Friday, May 2, 2008