I still have not formulated a solid program type that I am comfortable with. Being the area I’m considering for a site is Panama’s oldest neighborhood is a densely built neighborhood and labeled a world heritage site by UNESCO, to impose a new building is a challenge. This neighborhood is currently threatened by a potential highway to connect two rapidly developing areas of Panama City and rumors are circulating it potentially could lose its UNESCO label. This area is deemed an “archaeological site of panama viejo and the historic district of Panama” by UNESCO given it was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas revealed through its street pattern and mix of spanish and french building styles. Potential program ideas I am considering is a cultural center with housing above. What I am weary of is the impact of the density, this building’s ecological response and its transition into the city. This building is the opportunity to respect traditions and culture but offer a new perspective of preservation to Panama.
I’m considering art & culture as a bridge to speak to important issues. Currently this area is a mix of finished space for both rental and sales in residential and service hotels, little commercial, minimal art galleries, and many unrenovated, historic buildings. Given its peninsula location and Panama’s poorly planned, socially divided public transit systems, its unlikely any other means will supplement its current infrastructure of roads. The program must self support but blend with the current implications.
One consideration is a mixed use building with a ground floor commercial center to sell handmade goods deeply rooted in Panama’s culture & housing above. Nearby Instituto Nacional de Cultura (government administration), Teatro National and strong public plaza activity could be linkages for this program’s success. The ground floor should provide a flexible space to convert for art events.
Possibly I need to consider looking at a multitude of blocks for redevelopment initially to strengthen my cause and determination to provide for both parties needed: market-cost and affordable housing. Both are essential to the viability of this neighborhood. Lower-cost housing should balance the influx of finished spaces with the main goal in mind that this must preserve the vibrant local street culture which makes Casco the unique barrio it is, is what I’m currently struggling with. To further shape this, I plan interview a few contacts to gather further background of its current state of development and potential future impact.
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