01. CONNECTIONS - SYNERGY IN THE CITY OF CENTRAL Time: 2018 Fall Location: Central, Louisiana Course: LSU Fourth-Year Design Studio Type: Landscape Planning and Development Duration of Project: Two Months Nature of Work: Academic
The study area is the City of Central, which is bounded to the east and west by the Amite and Comite Rivers. 74% of its 64 square miles sits within the 100-year flood plain, which means low-lying areas of the city will continue to flood. The lack of stormwater drainage infrastructure and capacity continues to place people and property at risk. Central also lacks public gathering spaces to bring the community together. Many neighborhoods are surrounded by large areas of forested open space and wetland areas. As a goal, Central would like to foster a greater sense of community and identity.
Role: Individual The proposed design uses multiple strategies to connect wetlands and people, improving the ecological, social, and educational impact on the environment. Expanded wetland area incorporating the existing wetland is proposed to provide water retention and recreational use. Water research and learning hub is designed to generate more wetland protection jobs and educate visitors. New wetland parks are designed to link the school and neighborhood with the Comite River wetland area. Biking and walking trails are provided for the local citizens to access the parks. Observation Towers are placed to visually and experientially connect the east side of the Comite River with the west side. Vehicular and pedestrian loops are used to connect observation towers and the proposed parks.
City Conceptual Diagram
Site Location
The Location of the City of Central
Central
r ive iR
Mis sis
pp ssi ssi Mi
Central
sipp
i Riv er
0
8mi
State of Louisiana
0
City of Central
Existing Conditions | Challenges | Opportunities
The Challenges and Opportunities Based on the Existing Condition
Poor accessibility
Lack of public space Lack of educational and recreational opportunities Analysis of Exisitng Community Issues
Deficient stormwater management Exisitng Flooding Issue
2mi
Data Consideration | Advantage | Disadvantage The Advantages and Disadvantages Analyzed from Data
0 1.5mi
Existing wetlands
0 1.5mi
Schools and building footprint
0 1.5mi
Existing parks
Land :
35 % Population :
28,984
Population :
55 %
Buildings :
45 %
Parks :
12
35 % of the land, 55 % population, and 45% buildings Central is subject to flood.
0 1.5mi
Flood plain
Schools :
7
Wetland :
10 %
60 % of residents think they do not have
70 % community does not have a
enough educational and recreational opportunities.
direct connection with public space.
0 1.5mi
Rivers and streams
0 1.5mi
Roads
Proposal Logic
GIS Data Combination
Implementation Strategy
Procedures to Achieve the Goals
1. Building a Flooding Resilient and Wildlife Friendly City • Expanding wetland
2. Promoting an Educational and Recreational Community
• Wildlife habitats.
• Educational hub
• New parks
• Expanding wetland
• Pervious paving
• New parks
3. Improving the Accessibility and Connectivity within the City • The Connection between communities and public space • Trail and loop
• Proposing loop • Look-out points
4. Developing the Synergy Effect • The identity of Central as a complete and livable city • More collaboration with the surrounding cities • More resources and people to Central
Synergy Effect
Benefits from the Effect
Solution Concept
The Conceptual Impression of Potential Ideas Expanded Wetland
Educational Hub + Parks
Loop + Trail + Look-out Points
Planning Process
How did I Find the Right Place for Each Solution?
Solution Diagrams Proposed Wetland
Water Level Drop Wetland Expanded
Proposed Parks
Proposed Wetland
Proposed Park
Research Hub
Loops
1 Hour Biking
1.5 Hour Biking
3 Hour Biking
Research Hub
Pedestrian Loop Vehicular Loop
Look-out Points
15 mins Driving 1 Hour Biking
Proposed Trails
Natural Trail
Urban School Trail
Neighborhood
Look-out Point
Proposed Trail
Park
Connection in the City
Planning Master Plan
B’
Comit e
River
B
Central Middle School
A
d er R
op Ho
A’ Frenchtown Conservation Area
Existing Wetland
Proposed Wetland
Existing Parks
Proposed Park
School
Research Hub
Flood Plain
Park Loop
River and Streams
Wetland Loop
Roads
Proposed Trail
Site Design
Look-out Point
Location
Section Line
SCALE 1”=50,000’
0’
25,000’ 50,000’
100,000’
Connection in the Communities Site Plans
Site Sections “Look-out” Point
Parking Lot
Wetland Loop
Park Loop
1
1’
Wetland
75 Ft 1’
1 0’
200’
0 Ft
“Look-out” Point Wetland Loop Park Loop Comite River Forest
Sidewalk and Infiltration Planter
60 Ft
Sidewalk and Infiltration Planter
Car and Bike Lane
School Parking Lot
School
65 Ft 62 Ft 2
2’
2’
2
0’
200’
Proposed Trail Road School Proposed Park
0 Ft
Wetland
3’
80 Ft
40 Ft
Proposed Pedestrian Trail
Proposed Vehicular Trail
3
47 Ft 43 Ft 3
0’
Proposed Trail Road Research Hub Comite River
3’
200’
0 Ft
30 Ft
60 Ft
Design Features
Sections and Perspectives
A Wetland + Trail
“Look-out” Point
B
A’ Proposed Park
Research Hub + Loop
B’