Community Lines: Crossroads Rhode Island
Where does the water go when it rains? Typically rainwater is collected in gutter systems of a building where it is released at street level free to pollute the community and eventually water bodies near by. The water wasted is a wasted opportunity for something better. Crossroads Rhode Island Crisis Management moved into its new home in the old YMCA Building at 160 Broad st in 2004. Retrofitted to serve the organizations needs, most of the original structure from 1906 remains. The YMCA still inhabits and uses part of the site for its purposes. On a daily basis the clients of Crossroads come into contact with those of the Y: two different communties of people co-existing.
Across the street from Crossroads is an old Boy Scouts center no longer in use, the building is for lease. The land available provides and opportunity for use. The goal is to design physical and metaphorical connections. The rain water will be drained across the street and incorporated into a public space, where the water is filtered and used for public amenities as well as aesthectic features.
Comments
James,
Your layouts and description is cohesive and begins to show a knowledge of the site and the stakeholder groups. The use of illustrations, models, and aerial photos give us a sense of place (though we have yet to see the site from the ground).
You are strong on the big picture. You also have a few of the middle picture ideas..."education, clarity, ownership, message, and trust." What we don't see is how you will accomplish this socially engaging list of goals. This list is very grand in its concept, but difficult to provide actual proof of accomplishment without a completed project. You might be better served by finding the archetypal moments that Colgate spoke of during your critique; sunlight on your face, shade in the heat, the sound of children playing or water trickling in a stream. These are specific moments that can be accomplished through design.
Now that you have shown the understanding of the location and the users, what is the type of space that will allow them to spend time together, comfortably? What are the activities? What is the breakdown between public and private? Can you provide for both and still make the park function?
I would pose that water can be the link between all of these questions.
Posted by: Jonathan Harris | October 30, 2006 6:48 PM