The Runoff Dilemma: Paved and Sealed: Margo Blanchard Project Statement: Peeling back the surface

Innovation Studio 2006 - RISD - Fall 2006
Along Route 117 we will examine ways of finding site, locating need, and suggesting alternative ways to use and appreciate water. On the route south from Providence’s core to the intersection of Route 2, we will examine site densities, planning, the relationship to nature, and infrastructural solutions along its course. Students will propose nodal or systemic approaches to the issues facing these communities and sites. Each project’s scope will range from municipal infrastructure to material innovation. The emphasis will be on the reconciliation of development with ecological sustainability. LOG IN

« Community Lines: Crossroads Rhode Island | Main | Reconnecting Water Bodies »

Margo Blanchard Project Statement: Peeling back the surface

Addressing Route 117 in Rhode Island several issue of water arose; point and non-point pollution, old industrial site pollution, accesses and acknowledgment of the waters edge. What most interested me is how it would be possible to look at existing infrastructure and organization of the urban fabric and rework it so that the development on the waters edge acknowledges it existence and provide a multi use of space. Through physically exploration and data research The Shaw’s at 320 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island has been chosen as the site to explore these opportunities.

Through exploration of this site and current technologies I would like to provide a space that works as a system to cleanse the water runoff of the site and that surrounding it, bridge a connection to water in the urban and natural environment, and open the edges of the site to allow for mixed use of space.

Posted by on October 22, 2006 6:39 PM | Permalink

Comments

Margo,

Your images are intriguing and well designed. I am drawn in through the green boxes over the river, and I find the collages intriguing though I am unsure what they represent. However, upon closer review I am left with too many questions as to how to approach the graphics.

John was very specific when he asked for a language that could speak to the layman. You seem to have ignored this request. The graphics on page one seem to be imparting information on the area and the site, however, I have no way to interpret the data. There are no labels and no keys. You tell me that the map represents the juxtaposition of use and space along the rivers edge, but I'm a little unsure of the river and what the uses are.

You are also now speaking of mixed-use space. I'm unsure where this concept has its roots. Unto now, you have been looking at ways to incorporate the environement and walking paths with the Shaws site and its issues. If this is what you intend to do, tell us directly. You also spoke earlier of allusions to a system that would be worked out here, but may be applicable in a variety of circumstances. Is this no longer true?

You have no discussion about your community or of the scales in which you are tackling the project.

Watch out for overreaching statements like the comment attached to the 1st graphic. Water is a subject that is being addressed, by ourselves, by RIDOT Environmental, Judith Nitsch, and etcetera. You are hoping to open a new dialogue (I believe). Finally, proof read your document before the final, there are many grammatical and spelling errors (tough to start with a spelling error the first word "Pealing" Pealing is the ringing of a bell, peeling is removing a rind.)

Posted by: Jonathan Harris | October 30, 2006 2:46 AM