Last week I had great site visit to South Waterfront. Facts provided by Ar. Bob Hesting about the district were evoking. After going through South Waterfront Design Guidelines by ‘Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’ and other online resources; I came across very interesting facts, which helped me to shape up my thesis draft. I would like to have your comments about the thought which will further help me to write my thesis statement.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
For almost 8000 years lowlands of South Waterfronts were occupied by Multnomah and Clackamas Indian nations. These first Oregonians lived here, fished the river, and hunted the surrounding hills. 200 years ago British and American fur trappers traipsed through this area on their way to trap Beaver in southern Oregon. But, around early 20th century South waterfront was started establishing as industrial park. After 1910, machinery, hardware and supply business started setting up along the Willamette River between Portland and Oregon City.
In the beginning of 20th century, South Waterfront developed as an industrial park. Businesses like hardware, machinery and supply business started setting up along the river to support area’s timber, building and shipping trades. After World War II, most of the riverside area was devoted to dismantling and salvaging ships, reclaiming wire, secondary aluminum smelting and manufacturing agricultural chemicals. This industrial act in the area contaminated land as well as river and affected ecology in the area. Many species started disappearing.
In 1980’s Portland government took charge the district and proposed redevelopment plan which designated it as mixed-use. Rezoning of the South Waterfront took place again in 1988 and once again in 1990. Finally in 2004 blueprint of zoning laid down in the area.
PRESENT CONTEXT
According to 2004 zoning plan, by 2019 South Waterfront neighborhood should provide 10000 jobs and at least 3000 housing units affordable to median family income group. The 2004 zoning plan was to attract future residents by its easy access to nearby employment centers, cultural and entertainment amenities, neighborhood retail services, restaurants and healthcare facilities. OHSU has set up largest healthcare facility in the city and one of the largest employers in the area. Right now, residential buildings in this district are almost 30-40% occupied.
CONCEPT/IDEA
The site is located between Marquam and Ross Island Bridge, which also acts as an entrance to the South Waterfront District. As per Ar. Bob Hesting suggested, this site will be serving as a one of the important transport node in next few years. Many institutional agencies in the city are willing to acquire the land for research purposes. But, the land is highly contaminated with chemicals and other poisonous materials. Right now land looks like dead industrial crematorium to me. I want to propose the plan which will generate life over here to re-establish lost ecology along the riverfront. I envision this site as openhearted entrance to South Waterfront Community, which will link and emphasize the residential, institutional and commercial character of the district. Preserving waterfront ecology and providing public space will be the most important outcomes of this thesis.
VALUE
To transform barren, highly contaminated industrial land into extremely attractive communal space for future residents in the South Waterfront District.
DESIGN METHOD
Focus is to create efficient built environment to support research facilities, which will merge into aesthetically landscaped and interactive community park by using innovative sustainable solutions. Make river edge more vibrant with life and bring people close to the water with inviting soft natural elements.
OBJECTIVES
- Provide Research Facilities
- Establish Ecology at Waterfront
- Community Park
- Developing Green-ways
- Highlight Cultural Activities
- Encourage Commercial Activities
THESIS
Intent of this thesis is to study urban patterns to develop eco-district and develop program for the site, which will help to encourage research activities, make people aware about ecology of surrounding waterfront and create open community space to attract the future residents in the South Waterfront District at Portland. It will explore creation of renewable energies through different activities taking place at the site.
REFERENCES
- SO Waterfront Design Guidelines & SO Waterfront Greenway Design Guidelines (Adopted by Portland City Council)
- Art Master Plan 2004
- Greenway Development Plan
- http://vintageportland.wordpress.com/