RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN Defining Identity and Place
Anna Joseph Kurian | 2015
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RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN Defining Identity and Place
Anna Joseph Kurian | 2015
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Retrieving the Unseen: Defining Identity and Place
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design in Interior Studies (Adaptive Reuse) in the Department of Interior Architecture of the Rhode Island School of Design.
Anna Joseph Kurian | 2015 Approved by Master’s Examination Committee
__________________________ Liliane Wong Professor, Head, Department of Interior Architecture, Thesis Chair __________________________ Jeffrey Katz Senior Critic, Department of Interior Architecture, Thesis Advisor __________________________ Rafael Luna Critic, Department of Interior Architecture, Thesis Advisor ________________________ Wolfgang Rudorf Critic, Department of Interior Architecture, Thesis Advisor 4
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
To my family, for believing in me, without whom I would never have had the courage to think out of the box. To Walter. K. Schroder, author of Defenses of Narangansett Bay in World War II, who was generous enough to share all his research and experiences of serving both the US and German Defenses and being a British Prisoner of War himself. The time spent with him was crucial in some of the main design decisions of my Thesis. To Chris Zeeman, member of Coastal Defense Study Group, who braved through the dingy and dangerous Fort Wetherill with me to patiently explain the function of every space during the time of the biggest wars. To Kaki Martin, my Thesis Advisor, who consistently supported and encouraged my ideas and helped me push my limits. To JessicaLynne Swida, my classmate and friend who accompanied me to Fort Wetherill where we envisioned the site together for the first time.
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© Anna Joseph Kurian, 2015 6
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
Nick Heywood Adjunct Faculty, Department of Interior Architecture, Advisor, Writing and Thesis Book Ben Cornelius Critic, Department of Interior Architecture, Consultant, Structural Engineering Stephen Turner, Critic, Department of Interior Architecture, Consultant, Energy, Systems and Sustainability Kaki Martin Adjunct Faculty, Landscape Architecture Department, Rhode Island School of Design, Thesis Advisor
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
Abstract History Program Site Documentation Site Analysis Concept exterior interior Design Plans Landscape Views Bibliography Organizations and websites
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ABSTRACT
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
Historic sites define identity and place. There are two types of historic sites - those with architectural importance and those with past-use significance. Past use defines the importance of many historic sites, yet this is an intangible quality. A building site exists through its narratives, users, geographical positions, dimensions, geometric forms, and, materiality, creating its history. The unseen aspect of history is lost when not made available to the public. Mismanagement of the opportunity to utilize a structure’s historical significance and ability to fill community need is synonymous to the end of the building’s life. An ethical approach to reuse recognizes a structure’s historic significance and refines understanding of these qualities into a quantifiable experience, which makes history accessible and allows a site to attain its true potential. The town of Jamestown, RI, along with its waterfront, artist’s community and historic windmill district, is characterized by isolation. It is isolated on an island, isolated in character within a tight community, and isolated through the dominance of Newport. Jamestown’s long-term goal is to embrace its unique character by creating waterfront access and a space for its artist community. Fort Wetherill in Jamestown was the longest coastal artillery of the Narangansett Bay and protected the coast of the United States through the first and Second World War, but was never tested in a battle. Thousands of soldiers, sailors, and airmen prepared, stood fast at the ready to prevent an invasion that never came. This thesis explores ethical reuse through Fort Wetherill, proposing historic attributes to play a key role in community need, thus turning a crumbling site into a reminder of the past. Through Fort Wetherill, Jamestown will be one of the first destinations that reveals and embraces historic past-use to revitalize community.
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H I S T O R I C
ETHICAL REUSE
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=
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
ARCHITECTURE
PAST-USE
?
EMBRACE PAST-USE COMMUNITY NEED
=
II DD EE N N TT II TT YY
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SITE HISTORY
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
“The truly successful Coastal Defense Force is the one which masters that particular aspect of the military art to such a degree that its strength is so widely respected,...it is never tried” Leonard Holland Major General Adjutant General of Rhode Island
“World War II is now history. The ranks of the many Rhode Islanders who served with the military contingents assigned to these defenses are slowly thinning out. Their sons and daughters, the occasional visitor - in fact, a whole new generation now views the mute and crumbling monuments of that era and wonders: What was their significance?” Walter K. Schroder Author Defenses of Narangansett Bay in World War II
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Fort Wetherill is the site of a former coastal defense battery and training camp located along a small peninsula at the southeasterly end of the island of Jamestown. Situated directly across from Fort Adams State Park along a relatively narrow stretch of the lower East Passage, Fort Wetherill once served as a strategic military installation and is characterized by its rocky shoreline and high granite cliffs. In addition to serving as the main navigation channel for Newport and other ports north, these waters are also heavily used for recreational boating and sailing. The two small coves to the west of the site (accessed by Fort Wetherill State Park) are popular for scuba diving. Fort Wetherill State Park supports a multitude of outdoor recreation activities and is renowned for the excellent scuba diving offered at this location. Fort Wetherill served as a coast defense fort from 1901 through 1945. The first fort built on Fort Wetherill’s site was erected in the summer of 1776 during the Revolutionary War. Around 1799 a stone tower, which could have mounted up to ten cannon, was erected on the same site. It was commonly called Fort Dumpling. It was never armed nor garrisoned but was a popular outdoor setting and artist’s motif during the 19th century.
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FORT DUMPLING
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RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
Work on Fort Wetherill began in 1896. In 1900 the new fort was named in honor of Captain Alexander Wetherill. Captain Wetherill was killed in action on July 1, 1898 at the battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba. Fort Wetherill was active during both the First and Second World Wars but was never engaged in combat. The site of Fort Wetherill has always been a perfect site for the defense of Narragansett Bay from a sea attack during the Revolutionary war which led to the erection of earthworks on the site. This fortification was called the Battery on Dumpling Rock. The Britishers took on this are and during their occupation, they improved upon the fortification and called it Fort Dumpling Rock. Before leaving Rhode Island in 1779, the British destroyed the fortification at Dumpling Rock and threw their larger guns into the sea to prevent their use by the Americans. The fort saw little action afterward, other than the French rebuilding it during their occupation of Rhode Island from 1780 to 1781. There is no trace remaining today of this first fort. In 1885, a study of the coast defense needs of the country was made and their recommendations were the blueprint for the coast defenses of the country for the next 40 years. The key feature of the plans was to emplace modern, long-range, breech loading cannon at strategic points along the coast. As Narragansett Bay was a major shipping area, it would be fortified under the new system. The bay has two primary entrances - known as the East and West Passages. The West Passage would be covered by a fort on Dutch Island named Fort Greble. The East Passage would be guarded by guns emplaced slightly south of the main structure of Fort Adams on the west side and by emplacements built on the rise of land where Fort Dumpling stood. This position commanded a wide expanse of water and could engage any ships attempting to enter the east passage. This is where the first batteries of Fort Wetherill were built.
K Schroder, Walter, Defenses of Narragansett Bay in World War II, Rhode Island Publications Society, 1980
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BATTERY VARNUM 1901
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The new fort was named in honor of Captain Alexander Macomb Wetherill by War Department General Order Number 43 dated March 24th, 1900. Captain Wetherill was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 6th Infantry Regiment in 1867. He was killed in the Battle of San Juan in Cuba on July 1st, 1898, during the Spanish American War. Members of the Wetherill family were summer residents of Jamestown for many years. In 1899 the federal government purchased additional property and enlarged the fort complex. New gun emplacements were poured to receive twelve inch rifles - the largest produced at that time. On July 14th, 1907, the 12-inch guns of Battery Varnum at Fort Wetherill were fired (with blanks) as part of a training exercise in which a Rhode Island National Guard troops. As Fort Wetherill was in caretaking status at the time it was not considered part of the war game. In 1908 new gun batteries were completed to the west of the orginial ones. Battery Wheaton was the largest with two twelve inch disappearing rifles. (These had greater range than the guns at Battery Varnum due to being able to be aimed at a high angle.) In addition to Wheaton, Battery Dickenson had two 6-inch pedestal mounts and Battery Crittenden had two 3 inch pedestal mounts. Cooke had two 3-inch pedestal mounts. Battery Walbach had two 10-inch disappearing guns and Zook had three 6-inch disappearing guns. The new batteries made Fort Wetherill one of the most heavilly armed of the Endicott period forts. Fort Wetherill was part of the inner gun defenses of Narragansett Bay. Along with Forts Adams, Getty and Kearney, it defended the mine fields and submarine barriers and covered the Bay to a line from Point Judith to Sakonnet Point. Of the four major caliber batteries in the inner defense, two are at Fort Wetherill, they are Batteries Wheaton and Varnum (armed with 12-inch rifles). Fort Wetherill was in caretaking status when the United States declared war on Germany in 1917 . During the war the Guardsmen practiced with the fort’s guns and prepared to defend their homes against an attack which never came.
K Schroder, Walter, Defenses of Narragansett Bay in World War II, Rhode Island Publications Society, 1980
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BATTERY WALBACH, WHEATON, ZOOKE, DICKENSON, CRITTENDEN, COOKE, 1910
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In 1918, Fort Wetherill was again placed in caretaking status. With the advent of World War II, Fort Wetherill was taken off caretaker status, new barracks built and soldiers of the 243rd Coast Artillery Regiment of the Rhode Island National Guard were garrisoned there. In the year before the war, the fort was principally a training center, along with it’s original purpose of coastal defense. The training consisted of artillery spotting, signaling, observation and the usual service drudgery of hikes, etc. The fort saw no action in World War II. For the men stationed at Fort Wetherill during World War Two most of the time was spent waiting for a war that never came. In the spring of 1945, however, Fort Wetherill once more became a training center. This time it was used to indoctrinate German POW’s who had displayed “anti-Nazi” feelings. The purpose of the indoctrination was to instill a desire to attain a democratic way of life and to pass on some of the methods by which this desire could be implemented. The Germans, after completing this program, were to go home and be the leaders for the rebuilding of local areas in Germany. Early in 1946 Fort Wetherill was deactivated. Shortly, thereafter, it’s remaining guns were sold for scrap to a firm that manufactured cable. The fort was transfered from the Defense Department to the General Services Administration in 1960. On August 16, 1972 the 61 acres of the land which contained Fort Wetherill were transferred from the federal government to the State of Rhode Island as part of a federal program turning surplus property over to recreational use. For the past 30 years thousands of visitors have enjoyed the park’s spectacular views and opportunities for picnicing, fishing and scuba diving. Unfortunately, the only visages remaining of the Fort’s military use are its decaying gun emplacements which have fallen victim to time, the elements and vandalism. Fort Wetherill, like most other coast defense installation served the United States quietly but well. Although it was never tested in battle it helped to bring a much needed sense of security during the world’s two greatest conflicts.
K Schroder, Walter, Defenses of Narragansett Bay in World War II, Rhode Island Publications Society, 1980
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Fortification/ social outings
Fort Dumpling
Fort Wetherill
Longest linear concrete gunline
1700
1779
1901
1910
18th century
Harbor defense
Operations ceased
Public State park
1940
1940
1946
1972
TODAY
Military training (German prisoners of war)
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FORT WETHERILL 2015
Public State Park, operations ceased, decaying gun emplacements, from sense of security to vandalism, transition spaces
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http://trigphotography.smugmug.com/High-Dynamic-Range-Imagery/FWSP/i-WZTzGvd
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PUBLIC INITIATIVE: Walter. K. Schroder
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DEFENDING THE NARANGANSETT BAY DEFENSES Walter K. Schroder was born in Pawtucket, R.I. in 1928 to German-born parents. In 1937, he accompanied his parents back to Germany. He served with Germany during World War II, and acted as an interpreter while a prisoner of war from 1945 to 1946. He later served with the U.S. Army as an interpreter from 1948 to 1952. He was the employed by the U.S. Army as a civilian in the produrement and contracting field for almost thirty years until his retirement. As an historian, he has also lectured extensively and published several books, mostly relating to Rhode Island’s military installations. He is presently a resident of Jamestown, R.I. Walter. K. Schroder researched the World War II period and wrote about the Defenses of the Narangansett bay area which mainly included Fort Wetherill. His seventh book and most popular work is “Defenses of Narragansett Bay in WWII,” which has 14,000 copies in print. In his book, he says, “...the appearance of some of these sites today gives few clues as to their true age, and invariably the casual observer will associate these now-abandoned defense installations with the world war.....behind this protective umbrella, the first line of our continental defenses, the Navy was feverishly at work enlarging existing facilities or building new ones while training hundreds of thousands of men at several installations within the bay for service with the expanding fleet.” “World War II is now history. The ranks of the many Rhode Islanders who served with the military contingents assigned to these defenses are slowly thinning out. Their sons and daughters, the occasional visitor - in fact, a whole new generation now views the mute and crumbling monuments of that era and wonders: What was their significance?” “As I pause in the ruins of a deserted command bunker and envision the barbed wire, machine gun emplacements, and , above all, the long black gun barrels pointing to the sea, I realize that all this was deadly serious just a few short years ago.” Regarding his initiatives on rescuing the fort, he said, “...DEM proposes to convert the cable tank building...and, in the process, obscure a visitor’s ability to view and interpret its past use and historic significance.”
http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/local_state/a-proper-salute/article_952435eb-910c-5794-bee9-9fe22f2fdc3c.html http://www.rihs.org/
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SITE LOCATION ANALYSIS
Highest population of age group 45-54
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Jamestown Rhode Island United states
Residential Locations valued by residents Locations disliked by residents
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The core and the valued waterfront: Concentration of residential zone around the Narangansett Ave which forms the core of the village of the town of Jamestown and the high interest in the waterfront.
TOWN OF JAMESTOWN, RI
Donald Powers Architects Inc., Jamestown Vision Charette Report, Jamestown Town Hall, 2008
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INSUFFICIENT WATERFRONT ACCESS
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The underutilized East Ferry waterfront: Insufficient access to water and harbor, best views blocked by vegetation, unaddressed parking issues, underused park with high need of infrastructural repair and upgrade.
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CHARACTER OF JAMESTOWN, RI
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RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
JAMESTOWN’S VISION
Jamestown sustainable PRESERVE
character
growth
history
Open Space
DEVELOP
generate
architecture
waterfront
infrastructure
art
Compact Walkable Mixed-use Center
civic spaces
wind power site
arts community
historic district vision residents survey solutions
Donald Powers Architects Inc., Jamestown Vision Charette Report, Jamestown Town Hall, 2008
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VISION FOR JAMESTOWN
The next civic space? Balancing the location of the destination of the next civic space in terms of urban zoning and vegetation. The aspects of Fort Wetherill can be built upon to bring greater civic spaces.
1.5 miles
T1 natural zone T3 village residential zone T4 village mixed zone T5 village center zone special waterfront district civic buildings civic space
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RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
The new wind power generator? With a commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency, Jamestown should consider modern wind turbines as an energy source for the Island. Fort Wetherill’s seaside location makes it ideal for emerging wind technologies.
1.5 miles
bay
Donald Powers Architects Inc., Jamestown Vision Charette Report, Jamestown Town Hall, 2008
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The next hub for Art? The Island’s artists are threatened by a lack of affordability and few opportunities to exhibit or sell their work. Fort Wetherill can turn into one of the most strategic locations for artists as the new hub for Art.
0 -2 miles
Artist residence
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The new Historic district? Jamestown has a wealth of historically significant structures and places. Need for a district that will help preserve the existing character of the town. Fort Wetherill is under the National Register of Historic Places.
1.5 miles
National Historic Register Districts NHR structure NHR eligible State identified Scenic Distinctive
Donald Powers Architects Inc., Jamestown Vision Charette Report, Jamestown Town Hall, 2008
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PROGRAM
JAMESTOWN HISTORIC JAMESTOWN QUAINT VILLAGE WINDMILL DISTRICT ARTISTS HUB
IDENTITY JAMESTOWN’S VISION PRESERVE CHARACTER IMPROVE WATERFRONT DEVELOP WALKABLE, MIXED-USE CENTER
FORT WETHERILL NEVER SAW A BATTLE HISTORIC INFRASTRUCTURE AGE-VALUE RESOURCE
RHODE ISLAND JAMESTOWN FORT WETHERILL 40
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
A compact walkable mixed-use center for the town of Jamestown which would function as: A historic district that would take steps to preserve the character of the town as a living museum | A new hub for the Artists to exhibit and sell their work | A next civic space to accommodate the insufficient access to waterfront A more accessible history for the people of Jamestown | Maintaining the historic character of the town | Reduction of heavy reliance on the core of the village for recreational activities | Better control of traffic and parking issues with the redirection of traffic further south | 41 Union between the natural and manmade | A revitalized Jamestown and a distinctive destination from Newport
FORT WETHERILL+JAMESTOWN
1779
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TERMINATION
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DESTINATION
2015
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FRAMING HISTORIC EXPERIENCE AT FORT WETHERILL AS CIVIC SPACE
Jamestown sustainable PRESERVE
character
Open Space
Fort Wetherill NO BATTLES
history architecture
growth
DEVELOP
generate waterfront
infrastructure
art
Compact Walkable Mixed-use Center IDENTITY
walkable waterfront
artists hub
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CIVIC SPACE
historic district
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HISTORIC ATTRIBUTES TO SPATIAL EXPERIENCE
The Defense strategy: Radial coverage of the fort that existed within the bay was used to protect itself from battleships. This was achieved by means of submarine detector loops at the Harbor Entrance Control Post which would send antisubmarine signals to the forts and detonator huts.
The Shear effect: The relationship of the fort with the bay, land, and sky is still in the state of constant shear. The fort is embedded in the land and has had a huge impact as a solid mass on its surroundings. This closely relates to the general human interaction with the natural world that is in the state of opposing forces.
Darkness to light: The varying experiences within the fort from extreme darkness within the double walls of the batteries to the open-to-sky gun pits lead to different levels of anxiety and tension that once existed within these spaces during the times of anticipated attack. 46
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SHEAR
SHEAR
STUDY OF ARCHITECTURAL SHEAR INDUCED HUMAN EMOTION
Nature of blood vessels to induce shear with the Endothelial cells to produce Nitric Oxide (NO) that relaxes the smooth muscle cells for free blood flow during resistance of blood flow. The NO synthesis has direct impact on blood pressure, learning, memory, diet, and other neurological activites.
SHEAR L-Arginine
AREA
NO
O2
GTP
Endothelial cells
O2
ecNOS
0 dyn/cm2 2.
0.25 dyn/cm2
3.
0.50 dyn/cm2
1.00 dyn/cm2
Actin
ecNOS
1
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cGMP
Ca2+ sin
-myo
actin
Media
Media
1.
4.
Intima
GC GTP
sin
-myo
actin
AREA
NO
FORCE
Smooth muscle cells Ca2+
cGMP
PRESSURE CONFLICT ANGER INJURY RECONCILIATION LEARNING MEMORY DIET COMPETITION ANXIETY PRIDE
SHEAR
Blood flow NOS L-Arginine
Intima
GC
Smooth muscle cells
SHEAR
SHEAR
Blood flow NOS
Endothelial cells
The role of Shear in Architecture to ensure maximum feasibility of a building in the form of shear walls, shear columns, shear foundation, shear frames, shapes that counter wind shear, etc.
LOAD RESISTANCE COLLAPSE DESTRUCTION RESTORATION TESTING HISTORY ACTIVITIES HEIGHT DARKNESS MEMORY
FORCE
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Endothelial cells Intima Media
SH EA R
Blood flow
MEMORY HISTORY
PRIDE MEMORY
DISCOVERY TESTING
COMPETITION HEIGHTS
RECONCILIATION RESTORATION
DIET ACTIVITIES
ANXIETY DARKNESS/LIGHT
PRESSURE LOAD
CONFLICT RESISTANCE
ANGER COLLAPSE
INJURY DESTRUCTION
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FORT WETHERILL, JAMESTOWN VERSUS FORT ADAMS, NEWPORT
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Destination Jamestown The striking contrast between the forts of the neighboring towns on the two sides of the Claiborne Pell bridge could be applied to the future of Fort wether and Jamestown as a destination different from Fort Adams and Newport.
Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island was active in five major wars (the Mexican-American War, American Civil War, Spanish-American, World War I and World War II) but never fired a shot in anger. Fort Adams also served as the headquarters for all fortifications in Narragansett Bay in both world wars. In 1965, the fort, and most of the surrounding land, was given to the state of Rhode Island for use as Fort Adams State Park. In 1976, Fort Adams was declared a National Historic Landmark. Since 1981, the Fort Adams grounds have been host to the Newport Jazz Festival, and the Newport Folk Festival. In the early 1990s, Fort Adams was subjected to an environmental remediation program which made the fort safe for public access. In 1995, the fort has had several areas restored as well as having its land defenses cleared of overgrowth. In 2012, the park was the official venue for the America’s Cup World Series in Newport.
www.fortadams.org
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Destination Jamestown Offering visitors a distinctive experience of making visible the invisible.
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SPATIAL EXPERIENCE: CELEBRATING ISOLATION THROUGH FORT WETHERILL AS A LIVING MUSEUM JAMESTOWN, THE NEW DESTINATION
JAMESTOWN 54
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NEWPORT 55
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SITE DOCUMENTATION
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BUILDING AREA
Area of Fort Wetherill state park 51 Acres Gross square footage (GSF) of Fort Wetherill 182,633 Sq. ft (NUSF) + 144,916 Sq. ft (SSF) = 327, 550 Sq. ft Net Assignable Square footage (NSF) of Fort Wetherill 65,657 Sq. ft (H) + 55,452 Sq. ft (V) = 121,109 Sq. ft
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BATTERY
VARNUM
COOKE
# OF GUNS
2
2
CALIBER
12”
3”
LENGTH
34’
-
YEAR
1898
1899
MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
Concrete - Rosendale with Portland facing
Concrete - Rosendale with Portland facing
MANUFACTURER
Watervliet Arsenal Watervliet Arsenal
The structure is made out of re-inforced concrete with Rosendale or Portland cement facing. The rooms within the batteries are lined with Shawnee brick to avoid dampness. The batteries are well ventilated with window gratings, 8” ventilating shafts in air spaces with hood tops.
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BUILDING DETAILS AND STRUCTURE CRITTENDEN
DICKENSON
ZOOK
WHEATON
WALBACH
2
2
2
2
3
3”
6”
6”
12”
10”
174.65”
25’
-
40’
28’4”
1920
1901
1903
1903
1901
Concrete with Portland cement
Concrete with Portland cement
Concrete with Portland cement
Concrete with Portland cement
Concrete with Portland cement
Watervliet Arsenal
Watervliet Arsenal
Watervliet Arsenal
Watervliet Arsenal
Bethlehem Iron Company
The batteries of the building are embedded to the bedrock. The foundations for the gunpits are as wide as itself in order to withstand the recoil thrust of the guns. Additionally, the fort is open to the sky as airborne attack was not considered feasible at the time of construction. The batteries follow an orthogonal grid and the gunpits above it follow a radial grid. Each battery room is isolated from the exterior wall with an air-gap of 24”-30” to reduce the impact of the thrust of the guns and to not compromise the surrounding structure in the event of explosion of a battery containing gunpowder.
Harbor Defenses of Narangansett Bay, R.I., Report of completed works - Seacoast fortifications (Gun and Mortar batteries), Narangansett Bay, 1927
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CODES Current use Abandoned Use and Occupancy classification Assembly group A-03 as intended occupancy classification Zoning district OS II park and recreation: The purpose of this zone (district) is to allow agriculture as well as recreation activities that will not substantially impact the historic, scenic and/or environmental character of the zoning district, nor compromise natural resources. Type of construction Non-framed load bearing re-inforced concrete walls and double-wall partitions for the batteries.
Jamestown Town Council, Jamestown Zoning Ordinances, Jamestown, 2010 RIGIS, Jamestown Zoning Map, Jamestown, 2009
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OCCUPANT LOAD AND EGRESS FOR INTENDED USE Occupant load factor 30 NET Occupant load 121,109 Sq. ft / 30 = 4037
1004.1.2 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.2. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall not be less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.1.2. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.1.2, the building official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.
Falling under the high hazard group (H) as a coastal artillery in the past, and housing explosives in its batteries, the building has more than required means of Egress for its current intended use as a living museum.
http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2012/icod_ibc_2012_10_sec004.htm?bu2=undefined
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SITE FEATURES
Spectacular views, water resource, moments of pause
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http://trigphotography.smugmug.com/High-Dynamic-Range-Imagery/FWSP/i-WZTzGvd
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3” M1903 Pedestal, handrail deep 66
6” M1900 Pedestal, handrail deep
6” Disappearing, wall height
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12” Disappearing, stepped and wall height
10” Disappearing, stepped and wall height
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1
1. Crittenden 68
2
2. Dickenson
3
3. Zook
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4 5
4. Wheaton
5. Walbach
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to hide 70
to gather
to move
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to settle
to transit
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short range visible Crittenden
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mid range visible Dickenson
mid range disappearing Zook
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far range disappearing Wheaton
long range disappearing Walbach
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SITE ANALYSIS
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N
Ocean street Mine storage+Detonation Existing miscellaneous structure Destroyed Barracks Observation stations Latrines AA Batteries
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The two Navy submarine detector loops consisting of 90,000 feet of magnetic cable were laid in the waters a few miles south of the Harbor Entrance Control Post. The loops were connected to the Control Post receiving station and the detonator hut for antisubmarine signalling.
An antisubmarine net with gate in the east passage, extending southeast across the channel from Fort Wetherill kept a close watch as harbor defenses. 76
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FORT WETHERILL
E AG SS PA
CABLE NETS
ZOOK
0FT 23,95
C
T
NES
982F
OPHO
N 33,
HYDR
RITTE NDE
ST
EA
WHEATON 55,000FT
WALB
DI
CK
ACH 42
S EN
ON
,000
,0 51
FT
00
FT
NAVY LOOPS
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WHISTLER HEARN PLOTTING TABLE DP B1 B2
PLOTTING STRATEGY Whistler-Hearn Plotting board
AZIMUTH ANGLE MEASURE
TARGET ON TABLE
PRIMARY ARM AUXILIARY ARM
GUN ARM COUPLER SECONDARY ARM
DIRECTING GUN POINT DP
BASESTATION 2
BASESTATION 1
78 TARGET
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BASE STATION 2
YA AR IM PR
G CTIN DIRE
RM
N AR U NT G POI
SEC ON DA RY
AR
M
M
TARGET
BASE STATION 1
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Defense Strategy, time, and gun range
CONCEPT: Exterior methodology
invaded
under invasion
incoming invasion
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E AG SS PA
FORT WETHERILL
ST
CABLE NETS
WHEATON 55,000FT
WALB
DI
CK
ACH 42
S EN
ON
,000
,0 51
FT
00
FT
ZOOK
0FT 23,95
C
NAVY LOOPS
T
NES
982F
OPHO
N 33,
HYDR
RITTE NDE
EA
81
ESTABLISHING POINTS AND LINES incoming invasion and invaded condition
82
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83
ESTABLISHING POINTS AND LINES Under invasion condition The f
142
6.6
ft
inal g atew ay
The point (1425.6ft from cable net): The final 24 second journey of Battleship toward East passage for complete invasion 1 round of firing takes 2 minutes 5 sets of guns would fire within 24 second gaps (120sec/5) Hence, the 24 second journey of a battleship toward the final cable net that connects Fort Wetherill and Fort Adams is the most crucial
84
Battleship travels at 1425.6ft/24sec
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The final protective cable net between Jamestown and Newport
85
EAST PASSA GE
86
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DIRECTION
LITY
OF NEUTRA
F PREP ARATIO N
DIRECT ION O
DIR
EC TIO
NO
FA TT AC K
Cable nets Target (Destinations) Relative firing range Gun pit to target Base station to target Ocean street Mine storage+Detonation Existing miscellaneous structure Destroyed Barracks Observation stations Latrines AA Batteries
87
88
CONCEPT: Interior methodology
Observing, convening, loading, plotting, and firing
RETRIEVING THE UNSEEN
There is a need to develop an ethical approach to reuse abandoned historic structures through its past-use. Fort Wetherill in Jamestown, RI was the longest defense concrete gun line of New England that once was involved in two of the World’s greatest conflicts. The decaying gun emplacements and batteries have fallen victim to abandonment and vandalism with inaccessible and dangerous locations. Blocking the fort from the public disregards the commanding presence it once had, which mastered a particular aspect of military arts to such a degree that Fort Wetherill’s strength was never tested in a battle. The community The relationship of a building with the local residents is one of the main reasons for the lack of acknowledgement of structures with historic value. In the case of the town of Jamestown, the needs of its community remained unacknowledged just as Fort Wetherill’s history is unacknowledged, which is a driving theme for the thesis. The linear character of the fort is used as an advantage to create a long walkway that has several trailheads leading toward the fort and the bay. The walkway starts with a cantilevered entrance ramp from the observation station of the biggest gun pit of the fort offering spectacular framed views of the East Passage. Two gun emplacements along with its batteries are connected in order to choreograph the circulation of the visitors similar to the movement of the defense officers through the batteries during an event of attack. With the addition of an elevated mirrored ceiling, half the batteries will offer artist’s gallery space and the rest would act as the living museum. The circulation path also cuts through the land and fort along the lines of attack returning back to the gun pit, offering the visitors a rewarding experience of both the bay and history of the site. The valuable experience The fort has four segments, beginning with the framed experience at the base station where the officers observed the incoming battleships through the East Passage. This is followed by the act of convening toward the batteries where the barrels were loaded with gunpowder and sent vertically upward toward the gun pits. Meanwhile, the plotting room directs the angle at which the canons need to be firing at the gun pits. With minimal interventions at the four segments of the fort, the visitors are subjected to a framed, convened, directed, and radial experience, thus offering visitor access to long gone historic activity.
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BASESTATION/OBSERVING BATTLESHIPS
BATTERY/LOADING BAR
INTERVENTION
Entrance ramp and framed views of East passage
Elevated and mirrored tension
PROGRAM
Entrance + views
Access to Living museu
EXPERIENCE
FRAMED
TENSE
LOCATION/ PAST-USE
90
MANNING AND PREPARATION
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RRELS TO GUNPIT
PLOTTING ROOM/PLOTTING
GUNPIT/FIRING
d ceiling to reveal and reflect the
Sliced and exposed to direct toward the point of actual attack
Radial openings to enhance the experience of firing
um
Access to bay
Access to terraced park
DIRECTIONAL
CONTROLLED
91
DESIGN
DIRECTION
REPAR ATION
N OF P
DIRECT IO
92
DIR
EC TIO
NO
FA TT AC K
LITY
OF NEUTRA
+
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93
SITE PLAN
TH
EW
AT E
RW
94
AL
L
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SENSORY ROOM
95
OFFICE
STORAGE
INFORMATION GALLERY
RESTROOMS
EXHAUSTS
1
PLOTTING ROOM
96
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LOBBY
0071
WALK IN STORAGE ARTIST'S GALLERY
TIMELINE MUSEUM
6491
91
RECEPTION
5102
04
9771
1091 TH
19
72
EW
WATER TANK
AT E
RW
AL
L
CAFE
KITCHEN II
10
91
19
SENSORY ROOM
97
98
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99
THE WATER WALL Reminder of the unsung heroes who have been washed away in history.
100
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101
102
LANDSCAPE
PATHWAY
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103
OAK TREE AT GUNPIT Symbol of courage and power: Presence of Oak tree at the gunpit as a return to the damage caused by coastal vegetation to the fort.
104
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105
106
VIEWS
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107
108
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109
110
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111
112
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113
114
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
K Schroder, Walter, Defenses of Narragansett Bay in World War II, Rhode Island Publications Society, 1980 - This book explains the details of the Defense strategy used by the Defenses of Narrangansett Bay, the names of the commanding officers, the stories of many who manned the guns, and the beginning and end of the Narangansett Bay Defenses Jamestown Comprehensive Community Plan, Preamble: A vision for the future of our community, Jamestown, 2002 - A report by the Department of Environmental Management on the future of Jamestown that emphasizes on protecting Jamestown’s rural character Jamestown Comprehensive Community Plan, Public services and facilities, Jamestown, 2002 - A report by the Department of Environmental Management on the quality of community and public services offered by Jamestown to its residents through its financial commitment and reuse of historic buildings Jamestown Comprehensive Community Plan, Natural and Cultural Resources, Jamestown, 2002 - A report by the Department of Environmental Management to effectively plan on the current and future of landuse by examining the physical land characteristics of Jamestown. Natural factors that determine or influence land use include soils, slope, topography and geology, hydrology, flood hazard potential, wetlands, and vegetation have been examined in the report William Warner Architects and Planners, Fort Wetherill Reuse Plans, Jamestown Library, 2005 - A report on the presentation of future reuse plans of Fort Wetherill that highlights the importance of enhancing the use of water through Fort Wetherill and a use that affords most residents the most use of the property. Future proposals were Seasonal Shore Dinner hall, meeting space, artist’s space and exhibition, and reception hall for events Gordon R. Archibald, Inc. Professional Engineers and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Evaluation of Alternative sites for Fishing Access, Rhode Island, 2006 - A report on the character of the coastal line of Fort Wetherill and future developments of the site for fishing access Donald Powers Architects Inc., Jamestown Vision Charette Report, Jamestown Town Hall, 2008 - This report was the voice of the Jamestowners and what they need as a community of Jamestown
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Harbor Defenses of Narangansett Bay, R.I., Report of completed works - Seacoast fortifications (Gun and Mortar batteries), Narangansett Bay, 1927 - All hand drawings of Fort Wetherill since 1901 with construction and building material details War Department, Annual Report of construction and repair - Q.M.C form 104, Rhode Island, 1926 - Report of current conditions of Fort Wetherill RIGIS, Jamestown Zoning Map, Jamestown, 2009 - Information on the permissible activities at Fort Wetherill Jamestown Town Council, Jamestown Zoning Ordinances, Jamestown, 2010 - Zoning information and allowable activities at Fort Wetherill International Code Council, International Building Code, 2007 - Codes and details for safely reusing the Fort Tostþes, Ana and Braga, Ana Maria. Preserving Collective Memory through Photography. Lisbon, 2013. - Past-use of spaces preserved through photographs World Heritage Conservation and UNESCO, Safeguarding project of Hassan Fathy’s New Gourna Village: A UNESCO Initiative, Egypt, 2011 - Emotions and its relation to space design and surroundings
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ORGANIZATIONS AND WEBSITES
Coastal Defense Study Group, CA - The CDSG is a non-profit corporation formed to promote the study of coast defenses and fortifications, primarily those of the United States of America; their history, architecture, technology, and strategic and tactical employment. The primary goals of CDSG are Promotion of educational study, technical research, and accurate documentation of seacoast defense history Preservation of seacoast defense sites, equipment, and records for current and future generations. Assisting organizations with the preservation and interpretation of seacoast defense historical sites. Contributing towards charitable activities which promote the goals of the CDSG Fort Adams Trust, Newport, RI - Historic Fort Adams is operated by the Fort Adams Trust, a non-profit organization with a mission to protect and promote the historic places and public spaces at the gateway to Narragansett Bay and Newport. This includes directing and supporting the stabilization, maintenance and operation of Fort Adams as a public historic site. Department of Environmental Management, RI - the DEM is committed to preserving the quality of Rhode Island’s environment, maintaining the health and safety of its residents, and protecting the natural systems upon which life depends. Together with many partners, DEM offers assistance to individuals, business and municipalities, conduct research, find solutions, and enforce laws created to protect the environment.
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Images of Fort Wetherill: trigphotography.smugmug.com/High-Dynamic-Range-Imagery www.riparks.com/Locations/LocationFortWetherill.html www.stateparks.com/fort_wetherill_state_park_in_rhode_island.html www.oocities.org/jmgould39/wethhist.html www.discovernewport.org/jamestown www.atlasobscura.com/places/fort-wetherill web.mit.edu/scuba-club/www/Ft_Wetherill.html www.examiner.com/article/the-dark-tunnels-of-fort-wetherill www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC18NRH_defenses-of-the-bay-fort-wetherill www.insanebunkers.com www.hauntedplaces.org/item/fort-wetherill-state-park/ www.jamestownpress.com/news/2010-10-28/Front_Page/Councilors_tilt_against_Fort_Wetherill_sale.html www.flickr.com/photos www.jamestownri.gov publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2012 www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/local_state/a-proper-salute www.rihs.org www.italcementigroup.comwww.architonic.com/ntsht/help-the-aged-innovative-adaptive-reuse-in-architecture
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