While I did not accelerate into high gear of the redesign phase this past weekend, I did spend more time reflecting, asking the what/why/how, writing and synthesizing. For me to personally move forward in a visual, spatial sense, I had some questions at large to answer. Looking back to my midterm abstract, I really criticized myself to make this a stronger, solid distilled idea.
The two main issues I have to solve:
1. My structure and sequence of the courtyards are not a clear idea
2. The coining of my project needs a new name or image. Being “[Re]Live/work :A Rebuilding center for Casco Viejo” tends to generate a large scale warehouse image similar to Portland’s local Rebuilding Center, this is sending the wrong message. I am open to any ideas on the names. Right now, it’s going to remain MATLCtr.
I do not envision my project being a 28,000 SF material storage warehouse (yes, I ran the numbers of our own Rebuilding Center) and supplying an area the size of inner-city Portland (~55,000 acres). However, I DO envision a component to my project that is a material salvage center which supplies primarily Casco Viejo (~75 acres) and plan to structure a program to reflect a community fueled and supplied entity to provide for exchange materials.
Here’s my thoughts in brief notes…
What? (the problem) Preserve identity and culture to sustain the vibrant barrio of Casco Viejo
- Idea. Parts/Matls of Renovated Bldg Stock—-> salvage + repurpose (Art + Interiors)
- 32 blocks & ~550 bldgs to be restored/renovated @ a rate of 3-5%/yr being renovated …means 16-27 bldgs/yr (taking ~30 yrs to fully restore the neighborhood’s infrastructure)
Why? (the importance & the message the architecture should convey)
- Deconstruction saves natural resources + diverts from landfill + carbon offsets
- Demolition is major component to the construction waste stream (45% of construction waste while 50% over 70 yrs of home repairs & maintenance & 5% from initial construction)
- Preserve remnants of Old Casco Viejo
- Micro-economies for specialty labor + craft
- The Community cycle: Internal material flows locally into small business needs (bar tops, built in furniture, sculpture, etc)
How? (the spatial structure & sequence. the architecture itself)
- Catalyst and continuum: Appropriately sized MATLCtr & supporting work studios (shared or private)
- String of work spaces to support various methods of work while reflecting the built infrastructure of Casco Viejo (mass figure ground + courtyards + alleyways) & responding to climate
- Public Awareness: Subtle reminder reflecting on Panama’s biodiversity to preserve our natural resources
- Architectural context is staged revealing reflection of rapid urbanization (modern Panama skyline) to Panama’s old walled city (true historic city center)
- Message conveyed to those seeking public spaces within the building and MATLCtr & those enjoying the beach
Leave a Reply