Urban Design Visions for Aruba: Oranjestad

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA

ORANJESTAD

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR

ORANJESTAD

ARUBA

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Department of City + Regional Planning CPLN 760 Urban Design Studio Fall 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 1. INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS 19 2. CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

37

3. WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

55

4. DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN 87 5. NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

111

6. CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

143

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | PENNDESIGN

152

STUDIO FACULTY + PARTICIPANTS

153

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Urban Design Vision Plan for Oranjestad was prepared by students in an Urban Design Studio at the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of City and Regional Planning during Fall Semester 2010. Students in the Departments of City Planning and Landscape Architecture were responsible for the production of the studio work, with guidance from their instructor team of Michael Larice, Gary Hack and Jonathan Fogelson. A team of students, recent graduates, and instructors were responsible for producing this document, which was largely designed and laid out

by Ben Bryant. Special thanks to Sarah Marks and Hannah Bryant, who helped edit and proofread the documents.

The studio was jointly funded by the Government of Aruba, the American Planning Association, and the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania. We are grateful to these institutions and their staffs for their generous support of the studio, as well as their assistance in public charrettes, site tours, client meetings, and public presentations. We are particularly thankful for the tireless work of Daphne Every from the Aruba Monuments Bureau and John Reinhardt from the American Planning Association without whose help the studio would not have been possible. We appreciate the guidance of the many Aruban residents, business owners, and officials who took the time to engage us in the Aruba workshops and final presentation in Philadelphia. We are grateful to the Oranjestad Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center for their hospitality and accommodation.

The students and faculty would like to thank the following people and organizations who contributed to the success of the studio:

GOVERNMENT OF ARUBA

4

Mr. Mike Eman

Prime Minister

Mr. Oslin (Benny) Sevinger

Minister of Integration, Infrastructure and Environment

Ms. Jocelyne Croes

Minister Plenipotentiary

Mr. Emil Herde

Advisor to the Minister, Infrastructure Advisory Team Member

Mr. Fredric Every

Chief of Staff, Ministry of Integration, Infrastructure and Environment

Ms. Daphne Every

Landscape Architect, Aruba Monuments Bureau

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION

STUDIO CRITICS

Mr. Paul Farmer

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Ms. Patty West

Landscape Designer, Andropogon Associates, Ltd.

Mr. John Reinhardt

Program Manager

Ms. Susan K. Weiler

Partner, The Olin Studio

Mr. Thomas Bassett

Program Associate

Prof. Harris Steinberg

Director, Penn Praxis, PennDesign

Prof. John Landis

Chair, City and Regional Planning, PennDesign

Prof. Laura Wolf Powers

Assistant Professor, PennDesign

Prof. Domenic Vitiello

Assistant Professor, PennDesign

Prof. Michael Nairn

Adjunct Instructor, PennDesign / Urban Studies

Mr. John Robinson

PhD Candidate, PennDesign

Prof. David Gouverneur

Assistant Professor, PennDesign

Prof. Witold Rybczynski

Professor, PennDesign & the Wharton School

Ms. Catherine Bonier

PhD Candidate, PennDesign

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - PENNDESIGN Ms. Marilyn Jordan Taylor

Dean, School of Design

Mr. Chris Cataldo

Director of Finance and Administration

Ms. Christine Reid

Business Administrator

Ms. Kate Daniel

Dept. Coordinator, City and Regional Planning

Ms. Roslynne Carter

Admin. Assistant, City and Regional Planning

Ms. Stacy Ritchey

Operations Assistant, Office of Operations

Mr. Karl Wellman

Director of Operations, Office of Operations

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

Unclear Parking Strategy – Once arriving in downtown

This Urban Design Vision Plan is the result of

unless you know the unmarked territory of back alleys

collaboration between an urban design studio at the

and surface lots. No clear parking strategy is in place

University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design, the

to guide drivers to parking spaces within close walking

Government of Aruba, and the American Planning

proximity to shopping areas.

Oranjestad, finding a parking space can be very difficult

Association. The primary objectives of the studio were educational; to expose and engage students in urban

Limited Pedestrian/Transit Mobility – Central Oranjestad

design issues and skills building exercises that could help

suffers from a lack of transportation choice.

prepare them for future careers in urban design and planning. The team from UPenn toured the island and then broke into two groups; with 8 students focusing on San Nicolas and 13 students focusing on Oranjestad. They took the results of two Renobacion Urbano workshops and charrettes and began their analysis of the two cities.

After collecting data and meeting with key stakeholders they returned to Philadelphia to produce the Vision Plan you see in front of you. Through first hand observation and experience, research, and interviews the following challenges and opportunities were identified for the central areas of Oranjestad.

Retail Troubles – The economic life of central Oranjestad is threatened from lack of customers and declining sales.

Neglected Public Realm – Along the waterfront, in the neighborhoods, and in the downtown area, Oranjestad’s public realm suffers from lack of intention and design effort.

Difficult Wayfinding – From a visitor’s perspective, wayfinding between downtown Oranjestad, the waterfront and neighborhoods is lacking. When cruise passengers exit the terminal area, their welcome to the city is remarkable for its unattractiveness.

Flooding – Stormwater infrastructure to deal with even moderate rain events is poor. When it rains, many of central Oranjestad’s shopping districts and neighborhoods flood.

Difficult Circulation – Travel is difficult in central Oranjestad. Movement is made difficult by a confusing series of one-way streets that provide indirect access to many downtown areas.

6

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Lack of Neighborhood Amenities – Oranjestad’s central neighborhoods suffer from neglect. Parks exist in the neighborhoods, but they are not publically owned.

Other issues of poverty, poor streetscapes, and declining housing conditions impair the neighborhoods.

Barriers to the Waterfront – Access to the waterfront for residents living in Oranjestad is inhibited by an unattractive light industrial district, the inhospitality of L.G. Smith Boulevard, hurricane fencing, obsolete tank yards, and the defunct free-trade zone.

Insufficient Cruise Ship Capacity and Unwelcoming Arrival – The cruise ship terminal in Oranjestad is over capacity and must expand if Aruba wants to increase its tourist base. For an island that depends so much on tourism, its physical facilities do not promote visiting its capital city.

Relocating Container Shipping / Remaking the Waterfront – The container shipping facility in Oranjestad is moving south to the older port facility at Barcadera near the airport. Government has indicated the desire for a multi-use public park facility on the land that was previously occupied by the container shipping use, the free trade zone, and the obsolete tank farm.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

7

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

VISION 2 – CONNECTED CITY: Oranjestad will be an

Several vision statements and design principles emanated

2.1 A well-connected street network improves direct

out of the analysis of Central Oranjestad and are

access throughout the city. 2.2 A well-coordinated

supported by the results of the Renobacion Urbano I

parking system can help bring customers close to

workshop. These Vision Statements should be the guiding

downtown destinations. 2.3 Streetscape amenities

direction of future planning and implementation, while

provide comfortable, safe, and enjoyable pedestrian

Design Principles provide educational ideas for achieving

experiences – and encourage walking over other means

the visions. Five vision statements guide our work in

of transport. 2.4 A balanced multi-modal transportation

Central Oranjestad.

system can help reduce auto-congestion and provide

accessible and well-connected city that helps visitors and residents navigate the city with ease. Design Principles:

access choice. 2.5 Integrated wayfinding systems can Each of these vision statements is supported by several

help users navigate the city.

related design principles. The Central Oranjestad Vision Plan applies each of these to the various urban

VISION 3 – VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY: Oranjestad will

components that make up the plan’s proposals.

have a more vibrant and diversified local economy that

Collectively these proposals are presented in a Citywide

benefits visitors seeking the flavor of Aruba and residents

Structure Plan diagram.

fulfilling everyday needs. Design Principles: 3.1 A diversified downtown land use mix provides tourists and

VISION 1 – MEMORABLE DESTINATION: Oranjestad will be

locals with a variety of entertainment, retail, and service

a memorable Aruban destination for visitors to the island

options, and helps businesses survive the off-season. 3.2

and local residents who value its contribution to Aruban

Strengthening local business supports a vibrant economy

identity. Design Principles: 1.1 Historic preservation can

and helps to minimize economic off-island leakage. 3.3

help to retain local character and manage the future of

Providing diverse spaces for new startups, workforce

the downtown area. 1.2 Design guidelines can contribute

development, business incubation, and educational

to creating a consistent and resonant urban character.

opportunities can help support economic development.

1.3 Iconic buildings and innovative urban design can help to create new and exciting place identity. 1.4 Public spaces can provide opportunities for special events, festivals, and cultural exchange.

8

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

VISION 4 – SUSTAINABLE ORANJESTAD: Oranjestad will

The Oranjestad Citywide Structure Plan is a physical

be a more environmentally sustainable city – a place

diagram that shows the arrangement of key proposed

that can become an example of green leadership for the

elements of the city organized collectively into a plan.

larger Caribbean community. Island ecology can be very

The structure plan includes all proposals suggested in

difficult to sustain for a growing population and urban

this studio and shows how they interconnect and support

development base. Design Principles: 4.1 Sustainability

each other. Their aim is to connect and invigorate

planning can help reduce the ecological footprint of

three distinct regions in the city: the downtown, the

new development and provide suggestions for more

residential neighborhoods, and the waterfront.

appropriate design solutions. 4.2 Green infrastructure can offer low impact alternatives that can effectively

CREATING CONNECTIONS: Inherent in the Oranjestad

manage resources and reduce negative externalities.

Citywide Structure Plan is increased connectivity

4.3 Healthy marine and terrestrial ecosystems improve

between people, places, and destinations. Creating the

environmental quality and can act as attractive

connections between the different nodes throughout the

destinations. 4.4 The use of native and drought resistant

city will help to unify the city’s distinct places.

plant species can help conserve water resources and reinforce the natural identity of the island.

CREATING DESTINATIONS: For Oranjestad to be a

VISION 5 – STRONG COMMUNITIES: Oranjestad will

destinations for both residents and tourists. Both small

be home to strong and livable communities that

and large-scale destinations are proposed for Oranjestad

provide a better quality of life for its residents. Design

through the downtown, waterfront, and neighborhoods.

Principles: 5.1 Physical improvements to neighborhood infrastructure and community spaces can help make Oranjestad’s neighborhoods more livable. 5.2 Attractive public spaces create opportunities for community gathering and encourage pride of place. 5.3 Public participation allows individuals and community groups to take ownership of projects. 5.4 Improving access to social services helps to ensure a greater quality of life

desirable destination for visitors it will need memorable

CREATING IMPROVEMENTS: At the heart of these proposals are efforts to design for a future Oranjestad, one that celebrates its people and evolving cultural heritage. In addition to leveraging the many unique assets of the island, these design proposals also aim to mitigate some of the city’s problems by improving existing streets and infrastructure.

and helps to respond to society’s impenetrable ‘wicked problems.’

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

9

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

meter bulkhead extension along the existing waterfront,

This structure plan presents a diagram of four distinct

on the existing docking strategy but merely lengthens

components designed collectively as one spatial

it to allow for additional capacity. The second proposal

experience. The four components are: a new cruise ship

includes an extended cruise terminal detached from

terminal; a realignment and residential development

the existing Port Authority land at the waterfront.

along L.G. Smith Boulevard; a new waterfront park;

This terminal will be located in the middle of the

and new cultural and research facilities adjacent to the

existing channel as a floating terminal. This maximizes

historic downtown core. At the behest of Government

uninterrupted waterfront access for both the park and

the lands of the relocated container shipping facility will

cultural center and keeps the coastline public at all

be transformed into a waterfront park to serve the needs

times. Regardless, both scenarios account for security

of Oranjestad residents. This park will be funded, in part,

setbacks, tram access to the welcome plaza, bus and

by new residential development and research facilities

taxi loading, and supporting development around the

that help to transform L.G. Smith Boulevard into a better

terminal.

located adjacent to the park site. This alternative builds

entry sequence into the city. The site also presents opportunities for environmental reclamation. The site

A REALIGNED L.G. SMITH BOULEVARD WITH NEW

was built on fill that extends well beyond the original

RESIDENTAL DEVELOPMENT - L.G. Smith Boulevard is

Aruban coastline. The extent of toxicity and stability

currently dominated by cars and acts as a barrier to the

of this fill is not known. Much of the edge is lined by a

waterfront and neighborhoods to the north. The redesign

bulkhead up to 2 meters above sea-level, without access

for L.G. Smith Boulevard is based on the concept of

to the water. A new park presents an opportunity to

connecting the waterfront to the city, both physically

reclaim coastal habitat and protect the reef.

and visually. By curving the boulevard, dynamic views are created while varying the experience and establishing

10

TWO CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL ALTERNATIVES - One of

new development opportunities. The realigned street is

the main opportunities for increased tourism is the

designed as a full boulevard with higher speed traffic in

Port Authority’s desired increase in cruise ship and

the center lanes and median-separated side access lanes

port capacity. The structure plan presents two design

for tram functions, cycling, and pedestrians. Twelve new

alternatives, each accommodating four megaships (the

development blocks are created along the redesigned

desired capacity). The first proposal requires a fifty-

L.G. Smith Boulevard. The majority of land use is

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

proposed as medium to high density residential to help

NEW CULTURAL AND RESEARCH FACILITIES - Following

finance the public waterfront park. A small percentage

the example of other cities like Baltimore, Sydney, and

of mixed use commercial is proposed however on the

Chicago that have made public institutions an important

ground floor at strategic corners and intersections to

part of their successful waterfronts, Oranjestad would

entice pedestrian movement from the neighborhoods

benefit from including anchor institutions within the

to the waterfront park. Parking is provided throughout

port redevelopment. The best implementation of this

the proposal: at the interior of residential blocks, on

strategy would be to encourage institutional uses that

side streets, and in a zone between the residential

have both entertainment and research components. On

development and the park. To improve the experience

the southern side of L.G. Smith Boulevard, the major

of walking to the waterfront from the neighborhoods, a

attraction is the Aquarium of the Caribbean, which

green streets and infill strategy will be used.

stands apart from other such cultural attractions by allowing visitors to have an interactive experience with

A NEW WATERFRONT PARK - With newly available

marine life. The adjacent community water garden, tide

waterfront land, the government of Aruba has expressed

pools, and mangroves further emphasize this point by

interest in a new park for the Aruban people. The park

providing outdoor spaces for interacting with the natural

design presented here intends to provide three things:

environment and learning about local marine ecosystems.

recreational spaces that celebrate Aruban culture,

On the north side of L.G. Smith Boulevard is a productive

ecological habitat for Aruba’s unique flora and fauna,

landscape that is driven by an emerging technology,

and beautiful, dramatic spaces to welcome tourists to

Seawater Greenhouses. A Seawater Greenhouse creates

the island. The new waterfront park is designed both

an ideal growing condition for all types of crops, from

as a layered system or right-of-ways, development, and

vegetables and fruits to flowers, producing fresh water in

transition spaces from L.G. Smith Boulevard to buffer

the process. As such, the entire site is envisioned as both

the park, and nodal development along the length of

a production and research facility. An elaborate version

the park – similar to a string of pearls. Within the park

of this Seawater Greenhouse system, placed in front of

itself, pavement and planting areas separate oval shaped

the aquarium, can provide a public exhibition space.

recreation and water park spaces.

At the coastal edge,

a series of beaches, islands and mangroves provides a restored natural edge to the park as it meets the sea. A waterway system between the coast and the islands is a prime area for kayaking and boating.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

11

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

would be located behind new development within a half

Five key issues and constraints helped shape the design

is a successful pedestrian circulation strategy that will

interventions for the Downtown Structure Plan: a poor

attract foot-traffic throughout downtown.

block walk of downtown shopping. No less important

pedestrian environment; vehicular congestion; an unclear parking strategy; difficulty in wayfinding; and neglected

DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE STRATEGY AND INITIATIVES

or underutilized amenities. Fundamentally, the structure

- The primary function of the Streetscape Plan is to

plan for Downtown Oranjestad is about enhancing

make downtown Oranjestad a more pleasant place

circulation and increasing amenity. To this end, four

for pedestrians while still accommodating cars and

major proposals are offered for the downtown area.

other modes of transit. This plan is in addition to

Three of these, a re-imagining of the area surrounding

the ongoing design and planning for Main Street. The

the lagoon as a sculpture garden, the redesign of the

Downtown Streetscape Plan includes four streetscape

relationship between downtown and the marina, and

typologies that can be used across the downtown as

new plaza spaces to welcome visitors and celebrate the

needed. Each typology can serve a different function: 1.

island’s native flora are site-specific. The fourth proposal

Wilhelminastraat as a key historic corridor and vehicular

is a set of streetscape typologies and modified circulation

artery; 2. Restaurant Row as a street dedicated to

patterns that improve vehicular access, pedestrian

outdoor dining, cafes and hanging out; 3. Feeder Streets

comfort, and safety for all users of the public realm.

that have wider sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians, as well as curbside parking; and, 4. Service Streets that

To be an accessible city, downtown Oranjestad will need

are narrow improved alleyways.

to provide for both automobile and pedestrian access.

12

Ensuring a well populated downtown means providing

TRAM AND PLAZA INITIATIVES - The current entry

access for multiple modes of transportation, including

sequence from the cruise ship terminal into the city is

automobiles and pedestrians. In addition to efficient

less than ideal. Cruise ship passengers pass through an

traffic circulation, downtown Oranjestad will also need

inelegant barbed wire security gate before arriving at

an adequate parking system to accommodate cars. While

an unappealing taxi drop off. Signage and wayfinding to

several parking lots currently exist in the downtown

direct visitors to the downtown is non-existent. This is

area, many drivers also use empty and vacant property

not an experience that Aruba deserves and it endangers

as informal parking lots. Several proposed parking lots

the economic livelihood of downtown shopkeepers and

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

the city as a whole. This proposal finishes the tram

while cafes, bars and restaurants can face the marina.

streetscape from Plaza Daniel Leo to the cruise ship

On the northwest part of the site next to the currently

terminal, including a Welcome Plaza at the intersection

abandoned condo building, a large market hall can be

of L.G. Smith Boulevard and the cruise terminal street,

constructed serving fresh food products. Lastly, the

and a national botanical garden at Museum Plaza. The

space in front of the Parliament building can be utilized

streetscape between the plazas will utilize the strategy

in such a way to create a multi-purpose public gathering

of heavily planted street trees to provide a shade canopy.

space as well as call attention to the Parliament’s place in Oranjestad. The semi-circular plaza will extend from

DOWNTOWN MARINA INITIATIVES - The Oranjestad

the front door of Parliament in a radiating pattern to the

downtown marina site extends along L.G. Smith

boardwalk.

Boulevard from the lagoon to the new Welcome Plaza.

The final design of the downtown marina site highlights

LAGOON INITIATIVES - The re-envisioning of Oranjestad’s

four key contributions that could make this area into

lagoon as a landscaped sculpture walk is designed

a vibrant place and most importantly, into an Aruban

to provide a new cultural amenity for residents and

destination. These four design interventions are: 1.

visitors alike, while improving pedestrian access

streetscape enhancements along L.G. Smith Boulevard;

between downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. The

2. a continuous and uninterrupted boardwalk around the

streets around the lagoon will be redesigned to give

marina; 3. new commercial venues between the street

increased priority to non-motorized traffic and improved

and marina; and, 4. a large radial plaza spanning from

streetscapes. Running the length of the lagoon itself,

the Parliament building to the water’s edge. L.G. Smith

a new series of paved pathways will guide pedestrians

Boulevard is the most heavily trafficked road in Aruba

along a series of well-placed sculptures, which are

and needs traffic calming through signalization, improved

carefully placed in the landscape. The parkland

crossings and better lighting. Lining the boulevard with

surrounding the lagoon will be shaped into distinct spaces

a dramatic row of date palms closely planted on each

using both the natural topography of the site and varying

side can provide needed shade and structure to the

levels of native vegetation. A series of grand lawns at

street. The plan calls for the boardwalk to be expanded

the southwestern end of the site invite residents to

and continued around the entire marina. The design

engage in informal play and relaxation.

also recommends new double-sided buildings to be constructed, where retail shops can face L.G. Smith

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

13

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN

Green Necklace is another major initiative that addresses

Playa Pa’ Bao is a region located directly adjacent

the area. Building on an existing stormwater-course

to downtown Oranjestad that is comprised of four

that begins on the eastern boundary of the site, the

discrete neighborhoods: Rancho, Socotoro, Madiki, and

Green Necklace proposal will be a continuous bioswale

Santa Helena. While each neighborhood has different

and pedestrian boardwalk that bisects the east-west

characteristics, they function together as a system

axis of Playa Pa’ Bao. The circulation strategy aims

connected physically, economically, and socially. On

to make the streets of Rancho, Socotoro, Santa Helena

the regional scale, the two primary networks impacting

and Madiki more accommodating to all users including

Playa Pa’ Bao are the transportation and environmental

pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transit

systems. There are a number of problems with the street

riders. The biggest change to proposed circulation is

network in Playa Pa’ Bao, which promotes a culture of

to make Driemasterstraat and Weststraat alternating

auto-dependence and discourages other modes of travel

one-way roads. This is done to accommodate a one way

within, between, and outside of the neighborhoods. In

tram on Weststraat and a green bio-swale corridor on

terms of environmental systems, Playa Pa’ Bao is central

Driemasterstraat. In Rancho, Dutch style woonerfs will

to the natural ecology of the Oranjestad region. The

create shared spaces for motorists and pedestrians.

the hydrologic, public space, and ecological needs of

area lies on some of the flattest land in Aruba and suffers from serious flooding during heavy rain. Altogether, the

HYDROLOGIC INITIATIVES - To help mitigate the

projects of the structure plan address these issues, but

stormwater problems faced by the neighborhoods of

are not necessarily a demonstration of neighborhood

Playa Pa’ Bao, we propose developing an integrated

improvement which will work everywhere but

approach to stormwater management. Instead of

illustrations for how to approach neighborhood planning

expanding sewer capacity, we propose a system of

in general.

green infrastructure that will reduce the volume of water entering existing sewers. At the center of our

14

Playa Pa’Bao will be connected to the waterfront

hydrological plan is a green necklace, a recreation and

initiative as well as the downtown area by a proposed

stormwater management system which runs through

tram loop. The tram also brings potential mixed use and

the heart of the neighborhoods from east to west. This

commercial development along Weststraat, enhancing

hydrologic system includes the following elements:

residents’ economic opportunity and retail choices. The

stormwater bioswales, recreation trails, retention sites,

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

rain gardens, and underground cisterns. Madiki Square is

historic connection to the sea and has the potential to

an example of how new gathering points can be plugged

create a high-value product with benefits for community

into the corridor. The square would include a basketball

residents. A Queen Conch farm pays for itself through the

court, chess tables, and a new playground for Madiki.

potential generation of 2.5 million in revenue annually,

The planted swale running through the square would

creates jobs, and funds a community center. While

retain water and create a place where people can rest

several different species can be farmed in a maricultural

and relax

operation, the Queen Conch is most suitable. It has long been part of traditional cuisine on the island and is

STREETSCAPE AND WOONERF INITIATIVES - The plans

locally available. Next to the conch farm, plans call for

approach neighborhood streets on two levels: 1. as an

a restaurant that serves traditional and innovative conch

integrated network within Playa Pa’ Bao; and, 2. on a

dishes.

site level that includes the complete detailing of the urban design changes needed to create a woonerf system

XAVIER UNIVERSITY PARK EXPANSION - The Xavier

in Rancho. The first major proposal is for a tram to run

University Park proposal includes the expansion of

north on Weststraat, southwest along Belige Straat,

academic facilities on the vacant residential lots

and back to the existing bus station. The second major

adjacent to the current medical school as well as a

proposal is for a green street along Dreimasterstraat to

central park easily accessible to nearby residents. The

assist with water management issues. The third proposal

park would not only establish the University as an

is for a more defined network of streets that streamlines

exciting new anchor for Oranjestad, but would also

traffic movement. The Rancho woonerf plan provides a

create much-needed public spaces and help manage the

detailed proposal for how the street can be redesigned as

city’s stormwater.

a single surface space that integrates traffic calming and social space within the public realm of the street. Simply put, a woonerf is designed as a shared street.

THE CENTER FOR SEA AND COMMUNITY - The Center for Sea and Community is a neighborhood based economic development project that is sensitive to the history and traditions of Playa Pa’ Bao. This project re-establishes a

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

15

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

LOCAL PLANNING: Currently, no localized city

This Urban Design Vision Plan for Oranjestad focuses on

City of Oranjestad. By far this is the most significant

the specific challenges and development opportunities

shortcoming in moving forward with the implementation

of Oranjestad’s central area districts: the downtown,

of a comprehensive vision plan for the city. The

the waterfront, and adjacent neighborhoods. It provides

Government should establish a local planning office in

a series of citywide and area structure plans that

each of the primary cities of the island and staff it with

provide diagrammatic organization of key infrastructure

at least a person serving in the role of a City Manager. A

interventions and project development suggestions. Most

small staff of junior planners can assist this City Manager

of the designs are illustrative in nature and suggest a set

in the short term until some key documents, plans and

of ideas about how to approach developing the city or

implementation processes have been established to

specific project sites. To achieve the visions detailed in

get Oranjestad moving in the direction of achieving its

this plan a set of strategies is recommended as a means

visions.

2. CREATE THE INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR planning institutions or functions exist within the

of advancing an implementation process. The most crucial and path-dependent strategies are listed first,

3. CREATE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES &

followed by more discrete and independent strategies

DECLARE A SPECIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT: In addition

that can happen concurrent with other efforts.

to the need for a local planning agency, the downtown would benefit greatly from a set of guidelines that could

16

1. DECIDE THE ROLE AND CHARACTER OF THE

help in directing future development decisions. These

DOWNTOWN BRAND: What is the identity of Oranjestad?

guidelines could also be part of the regulatory package

And how can we shape its brand through well-considered

associated with the establishment of a special Downtown

policies and planning action. This first strategy will

Historic District. A special downtown Historic District

require that government and community leaders come to

designation would help in coordinating the many design

the table to decide on the city’s role in the future of the

and planning initiatives underway and avoid some of

island, establish a brand for the city, and determine goals

the neglect that other areas are experiencing in the

that move beyond the general vision.

downtown.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. WORK DIRECTLY WITH PARTNERS AND OTHER

7. DETERMINE THE DESIRED EXTENT OF THE TRAM

COMMUNITY LEADERS: The importance of community

SYSTEM: Connecting the new tram system to the

participation has proven itself valuable in the two

neighborhoods and waterfront will help bring people to

Renobacion Urban conferences and must be maintained.

downtown shopping with no added pressure on parking.

Government should be partnering closely with two

However, this will require study, financial analysis,

agencies in particular to help in redeveloping both the

funding, and design investigation. Implementing an

physical and economic structure of the downtown: the

expanded tram system is a big decision on the part of

Aruba Port Authority, and the Downtown Merchants

Government and will require a good deal of social and

Association.

economic capital.

5. COMMUNICATE THE VISION REGULARLY TO CREATE

8. PRIORITIZE AND IMPLEMENT DISCRETE PROJECT

AN AIR OF OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY: To be

PROPOSALS: Even before key infrastructure systems

owned by the community and public officials, the visions

are planned and implemented, several of the design

suggested in this (or any future vision plan) should be

proposals within this vision plan could be constructed,

communicated and reiterated on a regular basis.

since they have marginal dependency on these larger systems.

6. SEQUENCE THE ESSENTIAL CATALYSTS AND PLANNING NEEDED FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE: Many

9. START WHERE IT’S EASIEST: To create support for

of the proposals included herein depend on other

later large scale developments, government leaders

actions prior to their construction. If not phased and

should try to complete some of the simpler projects that

sequenced properly, subsequent investments may be used

can let people see the vision for Oranjestad coming to

inefficiently. These 4 planning and infrastructure efforts

life.

are not to be taken lightly and include: 1. a Stormwater Management Plan; 2. a Circulation and Transportation Management Plan; 3. a. Downtown Parking Plan; and, 4. a Public Realm Improvement Plan.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

17

1

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

URBAN DESIGN STUDIOS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA THE ARUBA URBAN DESIGN STUDIO INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY AND CITY CITYWIDE CHALLENGES + OPPORTUNITIES

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDIO

A group of professionals from the June 2010 conference and workshop tour Oranjestad

URBAN DESIGN STUDIOS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The academic studio setting can provide our clients

This Urban Design Vision Plan is the result of

to avoid potentially uncomfortable airing of issues and

collaboration between an urban design studio at the

design discussions in public. Studio products from UPenn

University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design, the

typically consist of formal presentations to the client,

Government of Aruba, and the American Planning

coupled with a printed document that summarizes

Association. The studio was comprised of 21 city

studio outputs. Clients have the right to use the final

planning and landscape architecture students, two

documents produced by the students as they see fit, with

professors, and two assistant instructors. The primary

no restriction on the right of UPenn or its students to

objectives of the studio were educational; to expose

reproduce or use the work for personal or institutional

students to urban design issues and skills building

purposes. UPenn has a long history of client-funded

exercises that could help prepare them for future careers

studios, which helps to differentiate it from other U.S.

in urban design and planning. Other than a handful of

urban design programs. As an academic studio, the

students with undergraduate design experience, most of

project had a final end date in December 2010, after

the course participants had little previous experience in

which the students departed and were not expected to

studio project design. They came to this introductory

further engage in the studio project and deliverables.

studio with prerequisite design knowledge, including

This is different from standard project consulting, where

courses in design computing, urban design research

consultants can be retained over an extended period.

methods, neighborhood planning practice, and other

Several students, however, continued to work on the

foundational city planning and landscape courses. In

project documentation and presentations in Aruba.

with an opportunity to explore options and urban design issues in a low-pressure / low-key manner that helps

parallel to these educational objectives, design goals in our urban design studios typically take a pragmatic and real-world approach to addressing challenges and solving problems presented by our clients. Our studios incorporate a wide variety of professional perspectives, including development, economic and political concerns.

Urban design at UPenn is typically explored through an expansive sustainability filter, looking at the full panoply of social, economic and environmental issues.

20

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

THE ARUBA URBAN DESIGN STUDIO

The studio delegation from the University of Pennsylvania

In June 2010 the American Planning Association and the

during the second week of September 2010. After

Government of Aruba coordinated a conference and

touring the island on the first day, the team participated

workshop on a vision for the future of several areas

in the Renobacion Urbano II Conference in San Nicolas,

of central Oranjestad. The conference was attended

which was held in a government building in the center

by academics and planning professionals from around

of town. Students and faculty presented on a variety of

the world, government officials, and members of the

topics, including: downtown entertainment districts,

public. Two days of presentations on various urban

neighborhood planning, sustainable environmental

design and planning topics were followed by several

issues, and industrial redevelopment. Within these

days of public workshop and presentation. At the

presentations, case study examples pertinent to

end of the conference, a set of recommendations

the issues of San Nicolas were presented to provide

was made by the professional consultants about how

inspiration and possibility. Conference attendees from

Aruba should move forward in planning the central

the community and government joined the students and

area of Oranjestad, including the development of a

faculty in lively discussion. On the second day of the

coordinated vision and structure plan. In discussion

conference a public charrette was held with conference

with the Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure

participants to discuss key issues of interest, approaches

after the conference concluded, representatives from

to any future planning efforts, and design directions for

UPenn´s School of Design agreed to hold a fall semester

several geographical areas of San Nicolas. The results of

urban design studio to address the production of this

the charrette were presented to the public in San Nicolas

document for Oranjestad, in addition to participating

(after a dramatic rain delay) a couple of nights later.

in a 2nd Renobacion Urbano Conference and Workshop,

Compared to the earlier Oranjestad conference, the San

this time focusing on the town of San Nicolas. As with

Nicolas event was better attended by local residents and

the Oranjestad conference, the American Planning

was much livelier, with impassioned debate and historical

Association took the lead on coordinating the Renobacion

frustrations rising through discussion. Despite early

Urbano II conference and producing a summary document

skepticism on the part of local participants, they left the

of that event, while UPenn took the lead on producing

event with some degree of hope that the studio’s effort

the Urban Design Vision Plans for the cities of Oranjestad

would prove fruitful. Over the next week, those students

and San Nicolas. This document is the vision plan for

assigned to the San Nicolas Vision Plan toured a variety

arrived in Aruba for a 12 day orientation and site visit

Community members sharing thoughts and ideas during the San Nicolas charrette

Studio instructors, students and community members during the September trip to Aruba

Oranjestad.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

21

CHAPTER 1

of local sites, including the Valero Refinery, valued

capacity. Extensive site reconnaissance visits allowed

environmental resources, neighborhoods, and business

other students to map downtown and neighborhood

areas. The data, context analysis and vision plan for San

areas, chat with locals, and discuss strategy. Throughout

Nicolas will be presented in a separate document from

the week, the studio was able to witness firsthand the

this one, which focuses on central Oranjestad.

effects of heavy rain events on the city – seeing the effects of rapid flooding, standing water, and ineffective

While 8 students continued to focus on San Nicolas

stormwater drainage. For both the San Nicolas and

during the second week, 13 students were assigned

Oranjestad students, the visit to Aruba helped foster a

to Oranjestad and met with local officials, toured

change in the minds of some of the students. No longer

various sites, and discussed the future of the central

was this merely a studio about tourism opportunities on a

area with local stakeholders. Students were divided

posh Caribbean island, but instead it became an exercise

into three groups and focused their attention on the

in representing the needs of residents, solving real

historic downtown area, the port facility waterfront,

problems on the island, and providing a workable vision.

and the adjacent neighborhoods to the northwest (Rancho, Madiki, Santa Helena, and Socotoro). They were instructed that their work must be integrated with ongoing efforts in the central area, including incorporation of the Main Street urban design and tram projects, Parliament expansion, and the relocation of the port facility. The studio worked in the city’s history Students from the University of Pennsylvania touring Aruba in September 2010

and archaeology museum with the assistance of officials from the Aruba Monuments Bureau. Meetings were held there with representatives from the Infrastructure Team and the downtown merchants association. A small group of students toured the port facility under the guidance of the Port Authority leadership. After getting soaked by a torrential downpour, they were able to learn about failed efforts to redevelop the port, as well as future desires to build a new cruise terminal and expand cruise ship

22

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

On returning to Philadelphia, the real work of the studio

The final presentation took place in mid-December

began. In the first weeks back, students undertook

in Philadelphia. It was attended by many of the

a site and context analysis of both cities, identifying

government officials who participated in both Renobacion

key issues and challenges that would become the

Urbano conferences, along with UPenn faculty, invited

prioritized problem statements for the studio. This was

guests and design critics from around Philadelphia. The

presented to a small group of faculty at the University

presentations took place over two days. The first night

of Pennsylvania, who provided comments and suggested

of the presentation provided a summary of the work

clarifications. This effort was then used as the base

over the semester, highlighting both the process and the

information for creating vision statements and design

products of the studio. This presentation was incredibly

principles that would guide later design efforts. These

well attended, and began with comments from School

two exercises took the greater part of four weeks in

of Design Dean Marilyn Taylor, APA Director Paul Farmer,

the studio, before the students began work on group

Minister Benny Sevinger, and the studio instructors.

structure plans for the various geographical areas where

Lively discussion was followed by a reception and dinner

they had previously chosen to work. Students worked in

for invited guests. During the next day, the work from

these groups for the rest of the semester, breaking off

San Nicolas was presented in the morning, followed

to work individually on specific sites within each group

by Oranjestad in the afternoon. Coming into this

area. Each student worked circularly between the group

presentation, a good degree of skepticism existed on the

structure plan scale and the individual site scale for a

part of the client, with respect to the ability of students

couple weeks. At the midterm review in late October,

to provide professional level urban design suggestions

the students presented their structure plans for each of

that would be taken seriously back on the island. Closing

five geographical areas in the two cities. The structure

comments suggested the studio had easily overcome

plans for each city showed the collective changes

these worries and that the students had far exceeded

suggested by each group, and indicated the design

expectations and surprised our client. In early 2011, the

direction of their individual projects as well. For the

work was hung in an exhibition space in Oranjestad prior

remainder of the semester, groups and individuals worked

to a UPenn delegation returning to Aruba to present the

with their instructors to refine their ideas and designs.

work in March 2011.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Studio instructors and critics discuss student work from the final review

The Aruban delegation, studio instructors and invited critics review final student projects at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia

23

CHAPTER 1

SITE + CONTEXT ANALYSIS

Imported Curaçao style architecture in downtown

INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLAND + CITY

settings. Compared to other Caribbean islands, Aruba

Located 27 kms north of Venezuela, the island nation

comes from tourism, with the rest coming from oil

of Aruba is one of a string of islands that make up the

refining, services, and local products. Concerns about the

Leeward Antilles with Curaçao and Bonaire. As part of

quality of urban life, a desire to diversify the economy

the larger Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is a 33 km

and increase domestic incomes, a need for infrastructure

long island stretching roughly in a northwest to southeast

upgrading and stormwater control, water resource and

direction. The southern coast is anchored centrally by

desalinization issues, and the reinforcement of local

the capital city of Oranjestad, with multi-national tourist

place character in new project design are some of the

development on the northwest coast and industrial

key challenges faced by the island.

has a particularly high standard of living with low unemployment. Nearly ¾ of its gross national product

refinery development at the southeast around the city of San Nicolas. The island has an arid landscape dominated by various species of thorn tree and cactus, along with a hot and humid climate. The written history of Aruba dates back to its first contact by the Spanish in the late 15th Century. Dutch administration of the island began in 1636 under Peter Stuyvesant and continues today, although it enjoys special status as an independent country.

Typical native landscape and vegetation

Aruba has a hybrid culture formed by its history of settlement and colonization, including influences by the indigenous Arawak, the Spanish, Dutch and English, immigrants from South America and other Caribbean islands, and a large non-permanent tourist base. Part of this mixed culture can be seen in its two official languages: Papiemento and Dutch, with English being spoken widely in business and government

24

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

Aruba

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

Located in the southern Carribean Sea, the island is part of the Leeward Antilles and sits just off the coast of Venezuela. The two major cities are the capital of Oranjestad and San Nicolas.

Oranjestad

San Nicolas 10km

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

25

CHAPTER 1

Downtown Oranjestad

View of downtown Oranjestad

Established as Fort Zoutman in the late 18th Century,

homelessness, poverty, and an ineffective public

Oranjestad has grown into the island’s port of entry for

infrastructure system that regularly floods. Several

air and cruise ship travel. For the majority of the nearly

recent decisions will help to catalyze new opportunity

700,000 annual visitors to Aruba each year, downtown

for the city: moving the container shipping facility to

Oranjestad is their first glimpse of the island. The town

the east at Barcadero, a new tram system that will carry

was officially given the name Oranjestad in honor of

cruise ship passengers to a new welcome center and Main

the royal Dutch House of Orange in 1820. In addition

Street shopping area; new streetscape and plaza designs

to being Aruba’s administrative capital, Oranjestad

for downtown, and an expansion of the parliament

has grown from a modest port and fishing town to a

buildings. Together with the suggestions made in this

sprawling low density service city that reaches far into

vision plan, these change-making projects will provide a

the interior of the island. Today, Oranjestad is home to

new context for central Oranjestad.

about one third of all Arubans. Landfill at the water’s edge has enabled the city to expand from its original town center along Wilhelminastraat, adding land where L.G. Smith Boulevard and the most active part of the marina and hotel zone are now located. Over time the primary shopping district along Main Street has lost its customer base, which has shifted closer to the cruise ship terminal to catch foot traffic. Along with a lack of repair and regular upkeep, this has left the downtown’s public realm as a rather vacant and under-utilized area. Oranjestad today is a city of contrasts: wellCommercial Activity

Retail storefronts often lack place-based design elements and a character that builds a healthy and strong sense of place

preserved colonial and art-deco architecture stands aside inauthentic Curacao-style buildings and midcentury tear-downs; an increasingly busy cruise ship calendar transports thousands of visitors, yet the city’s primary shopping district goes begging for customers.

In addition to economic and identity issues, the city is home to neighborhoods with troubling drug problems,

26

CITYWIDE CHALLENGES + OPPORTUNITIES Through first hand observation and experience, research, and interviews the following challenges and opportunities were identified for the central areas of Oranjestad.

Several meetings were held with business owners, public officials, key stakeholders, and residents to identify the key issues vexing the city. Some of these were physical in nature, others were functional, and yet others were management oriented. Some of the key problems we identified were applicable on a citywide basis, while others were isolated to specific locations. The outline below summarizes these issues in a clear and concise manner, but has not been prioritized. To respond to these challenges will require a coordinated strategy that can build a stronger central Oranjestad holistically over time.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

The proposals that come later in this vision plan will

7,924

7,688

7,819

provide both catalytic and systemic solutions to these

7,449

6,902 5,116

challenges. In this section, the key challenges across the

5,121

5,057

5,140

5,128

7,417

cruise ship passengers

5,925

city are presented, along with opportunities where they workers

might exist.

Retail Troubles – The economic life of central Oranjestad is threatened from lack of customers and declining sales. Two solutions are suggested here: 1. Building an enlarged customer base to provide for greater sales; and 2. Building a more diverse retail base that customers might find interesting. With respect to the

residents JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Fluctuating Population

The average daily population in Oranjestad is made up of a high percentage of workers relative to residents, and fluctuates throughout the year due to visitors from the cruise ships

first goal, tourists from cruise ships are often intercepted before reaching main street businesses and many of the attractions that used to be downtown have moved

for the downtown to become an attraction for visitors.

to the northern end of the island. Parking is difficult,

Retail in the public realm which reinforces retail

which encourages shoppers to go where vehicular

synergy, such as cafes, kiosks, food carts, and vendors,

access is more convenient. Pedestrian connections

is non-existent (except for a single batido kiosk at

to the neighborhoods are ill-defined and discourage

Plaza Commercio). And most importantly, the whole of

local shoppers from accessing much of the downtown.

downtown is not perceived as a desirable destination,

The second goal of improving retail mix, however,

neither in terms of design, retail content, or experience.

is the greater issue. A number of problems hinder this. Retail shopping hours need to be extended, so that those working during the day can access shops after 6 pm. The retail mix needs to be expanded to offer retail experiences that will attract tourists to

Vacant Streets

Retail streets devoid of pedestrians in downtown Oranjestad

downtown, including local Aruban craft and art sales.

The downtown is not a fun place. Few food, beverage, and entertainment venues exist in great enough number

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

27

CHAPTER 1

Land Use

The land use plan for downtown Aruba shows a strong commercial core with the potential to add transit, capitalize on proximity to the cruise ships, and better serve the needs of local residents

Retail Commercial Government Religious Historic Residential Food + Beverage Arts + Entertainment Hospitality Parking Vacant Buildings Vacant Lots

28

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

Difficult Circulation – Travel is difficult in central

addition, the construction of a parking structure near the

Oranjestad. Movement is hindered by a confusing series

new Welcome Plaza will alleviate the parking situation

of one-way streets that provide indirect access to many

somewhat, and provide parking for employees so they

downtown areas. Vehicles are sometimes forced to drive

don’t park in valued customer parking areas.

much longer distances to arrive at destinations because of these one-way streets. In addition, the circulation

Limited Pedestrian/Transit Mobility – Central Oranjestad

network depends on the use of narrow back alleys and

suffers from a lack of transportation choice. While

streets to access parking and properties in mid-block

serving downtown in an ad hoc manner, public transit

areas. The few streets entering the capital city are

does not directly serve neighborhood residents very

heavily congested, especially on L.G. Smith Boulevard

well. Rather, bus stops are located along the periphery

and Main Street. Since Aruba has very few controlled

of neighborhoods, with long distances to walk from

street intersections, crossing the street for pedestrians

residential streets. Sidewalks in both the downtown area

can often be very difficult and sometimes dangerous.

and the neighborhoods are a mixed bag: sometimes non-

Poor viewsheds at intersections are dangerous for both

existent, at other times cracked and poorly maintained,

pedestrians and vehicles.

at most times dirty and in need of cleaning. An

Parking

Ad hoc parking can be found on many sidewalks within the City, as no clear parking strategy exists

unbelievably wide variety of pavement materials in the Unclear Parking Strategy – Once arriving in downtown

downtown muddles its physical identity. More troubling

Oranjestad, finding a parking space can be very difficult

are the lack of marked crosswalks anywhere in the city.

unless you know the unmarked territory of back alleys

Cycling facilities in the form of bike lanes or bike parking

and surface lots. No clear parking strategy is in place

are non-existent. Given the flatness and close proximity

to guide drivers to parking spaces within close walking

of neighborhoods and destinations in Oranjestad, cycling

proximity to shopping areas. In addition, ad hoc parking

could provide a fast and direct means of access for many

overwhelms pedestrian space in some areas, with cars

residents to the downtown and waterfront area.

parking on sidewalks and any available vacant land in the city. While the parking situation is currently difficult,

Pedestrian Experience

Many streets in the downtown area do not have adequate accomodations for pedestrians

sufficient land exists in mid-block areas behind shops to create a clearly marked and efficient parking system. In

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

29

CHAPTER 1

Neglected Public Realm – Along the waterfront, in the neighborhoods, and in the downtown area, Oranjestad’s public realm suffers from lack of intention and design effort. While attention is being paid to the improvement of Main Street, most other central areas require renewal as well. Pedestrian space is deteriorated; parks are few in number; the city’s tree canopy is inconsistent and disconnected. The public realm is poorly outfitted with street furniture, such as benches, lighting, trash receptacles, bollards, kiosks, and signage. Vacant

Public Realm Maintenance

Sidewalks that are poorly maintained in neighborhoods can become impassable as nature reclaims the concrete

parcels provide areas for dumping, litter and the proliferation of parked cars. Trees lean dangerously in some areas with their roots damaging sidewalks.

Maintenance of previous urban design efforts in the downtown is poor, and can be witnessed in a number of broken benches, cracked planters, broken lights, and damaged trees. Most problematic is the lack of shade in Aruba’s hot and humid climate. Trees and awnings are not used effectively to create a continuous canopy to provide shade and comfort for pedestrians, on sidewalks or in plaza areas. Cafes and other places to socialize in public are non-existent. Intentional streetscapes, particularly on L.G. Smith Blvd and other key downtown

Vacancies

A vacant lot in Oranjestad, where lack of maintenance and care provides a canvas for graffiti

streets, could help to make the city more walkable and attractive.

Aging Public Realm

Poorly maintained public realm elements can be found throughout the city.

30

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

Difficult Wayfinding – From a visitor’s perspective,

neighborhood areas, standing water pools and turns

wayfinding between downtown Oranjestad, the

stagnant over time. Most damaging is the surface

waterfront and neighborhoods is lacking. When cruise

drainage that empties in outfalls directly to the harbor,

passengers exit the terminal area, their welcome to the

lagoon, and waterfront. This untreated stormwater

city is remarkable for its unattractiveness: a barbed

damages water quality and endangers marine and reef

wire control point, shacks that sell tourist trinkets,

life along Aruba’s southern coast. To protect future

taxis and shuttles elbowing each other for space, a

investments from flooding and damage, a comprehensive

fast moving and ugly urban arterials, and no clear

stormwater infrastructure system is a priority for the

signage to reach downtown. Getting to Main Street is

city.

difficult not just for its lack of signage, but also for

Flooding

A lack of a comprehensive stormwater infrastructure system causes flooding that impedes circulation, and damages private property and the public realm

the difficulty in negotiating L.G. Smith Blvd. If a visitor should find downtown, no signage exists to orient visitors to attractions, plazas, or historic sites. The city of Oranjestad is difficult to understand for the visitor.

Poor signage, a lack of information, an unclear welcome sequence, and ineffective wayfinding does not help this.

Stormwater Flow

Flood water passes through Playa Pa’Bao, eventually dumping into the ocean, as a result of regional topography and a lack of stormwater infrastructure

Flooding – Stormwater infrastructure to deal with even moderate rain events is poor. When it rains, many of central Oranjestad’s shopping districts and neighborhoods flood – causing mobility, health, and sanitation problems. In the downtown area, surface drainage to the waterfront translates to fast moving water that builds rapidly at too few drainage inlets. At times this flooding damages both shops and residences that are located at grade. While some areas of downtown, Rancho and Madiki are outfitted with sub-grade drainage systems, these facilities are ad hoc and not integrated into a comprehensive citywide system. In the outlying

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

31

CHAPTER 1

Make-Shift Public Realm

An example of make-shift public space, assembled from discarded furniture under trees on vacant lots

Lack of Neighborhood Amenities – Oranjestad’s central

zone to the north of the arterial provides no pedestrian

neighborhoods suffer from neglect. Parks exist in the

amenity and is an unpleasant walking experience with

neighborhoods, but they are not publically owned. A

few creature comforts. The land uses are auto oriented

desire for public park space is evident from dumped

and surface parking lots dominate this zone. Crossing

furniture arranged in the shady areas of vacant lots

L.G. Smith Boulevard itself can be a death-defying

by local residents in order to congregate. The public

feat of traffic negotiation and timing. No controlled or

realm of the neighborhoods is poorly outfitted with few

marked pedestrian crossings exist. Drivers are known

amenities. Sidewalks, street trees, sitting areas, lighting,

to be unforgiving to pedestrians trying to cross the

and the basic features of the public realm are missing.

street to the waterfront. Access to the waterfront

Places to come together as a community are not evident.

is currently controlled at only two points along the

The lack of a community center for events, education,

kilometer long stretch of road, and public access is not

and public meetings is a noticeable shortcoming.

allowed. Breaking down these barriers will require a

While some residents take pride in maintaining their

reconceptualization of the L.G. Smith Boulevard along

properties, urban poverty and vacancy has reduced other

the waterfront, and may require new land uses that

properties to unacceptable disrepair. The pathologies

improve the quality of pedestrian experience. While the

of poverty can be seen in drug dealing, homelessness,

light industrial uses are necessary to the economic health

and a nascent sex trade forming in some places. Lack

of the city, they can be buffered and supplemented

of physical connections between the neighborhoods,

with other development that extends the city and

surrounding areas, university, waterfront and downtown

provides a more attractive edge for any new waterfront

only deepens this divide.

improvements.

Barriers to the Waterfront – Access to the waterfront for residents living in Oranjestad is inhibited by a series of physical barriers. Between the neighborhoods and Open Space

Much of Oranjestad’s downtown and inner neighborhoods are under-served by open space

a potentially renewed waterfront are: an unattractive light industrial district, the inhospitality of L.G. Smith Boulevard, hurricane fencing, obsolete tank yards, and the defunct free-trade zone. The light industrial

32

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

Roads as Barriers

L.G. Smith Boulevard acts as a barrier to pedestrian movement

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Commercial

Squatter Housing

Institutional

Industrial

Vacant

Light Industrial

Sea

Parks

Shallow Reefs

Residential

Waterfront Land Use

Current land use patterns along the waterfront and surrounding blocks are dominated by industrial uses and vacancies

33

CHAPTER 1

Insufficient Cruise Ship Capacity and Unwelcoming Arrival – The cruise ship terminal in Oranjestad is overcapacity and must expand if Aruba wants to increase its tourist base. Currently the cruise ship terminal turns away ships every year because there is not enough room to dock more than a few cruise ships along the current bulkhead. Once the container shipping port relocates, the Port Authority of Aruba would like to develop a docking strategy that would allow four upgraded Cruise Ship Arrival

A gateway dominated by asphalt and fencing is the first impression of Oranjestad for many visitors

Cruise Ship Terminal Retail

Make-shift tourist shops line the road next to the cruise ship terminal entrance

passenger cruise ships to dock at once. In addition to the capacity of cruise ship docking, a new cruise ship terminal building will need to be designed and constructed that can clearly direct and process visitors to various sites around the island, including visitors to the downtown area. The welcome sequence for over half a million cruise ship passengers per year involves a series of unattractive passages, parking lots and turnarounds from LG Smith Boulevard that are congested

Visual Blockage by Cruise Ships

After disembarking from the ships, an unwelcoming 100 meter asphalt lot, drop off area, multi-lane boulevard, and vacant properties must be crossed by the pedestrian before stepping foot in downtown Oranjestad. The scale of the cruise ships docking in downtown Oranjestad dwarfs the adjacent city and port facilities

with buses, taxis, and coaches when ships dock. Visitors are inundated with vendors selling tourist trinkets form crudely built shacks. The entrance to town is currently blocked by a government public works yard. For an island that depends on so much of its livelihood from tourism, its physical facilities do not promote visiting its capital city.

34

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

Relocating Container Shipping / Remaking the Waterfront – The container shipping facility in Oranjestad is moving south to the older port facility at Barcadera near the airport, which will be rebuilt for container shipping use. This will leave a significant stretch of waterfront vacant along the central coastline of Oranjestad. While container shipping will move, cruise ship activity will continue to function on site in a newly designed facility at the southeast end of the development parcel. At the northwest end of the parcel, a new hotel has been designated on the beach adjacent to the low-rise hotel zone. Government has indicated the desire for a multi-use public park facility on the land that was previously occupied by the container shipping use, the free trade zone, and the obsolete tank farm. Public officials have suggested a desire for a local serving park that addresses the passive and active recreational needs of Oranjestad residents, rather than catering to the needs of the tourist class. Providing a financially feasible public park will be challenging for the Port Authority, which manages this land. Any new park will require some

but can also provide opportunity. Alternatives exist

amount of development that can underwrite any park

for both a redesigned vehicular welcome into the city,

investment. A number of development proposals have

increased pedestrian, cycling and vehicular access to the

been rejected by government in the past because they’ve

park, and new housing that addresses market gaps. The

included too much retail that would compete with

move of the container shipping facility and development

downtown business. Finding the right development mix

of a new park and housing district could provide the key

along L.G. Smith Boulevard that can be used to finance

catalyst for redeveloping the entire city.

Container Shipping Area

Remaking the container shipping area as a public amenity would open up prime waterfront land to provide a unique park experience to both locals and tourists

the public components of the park will be challenging,

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

35

2

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

VISION AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES CITYWIDE STRUCTURE PLAN + FRAMEWORK

CHAPTER 2

VISIONS + DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Design principles, on the other hand, should be

Urban Design Vision Plans present a future goal and

they function quite differently. Rather than suggesting

direction for a place. Visions are strongest and most

goals, they should educate implementers, developers,

implementable when they are ‘owned’ by both the

and beneficiaries about ideas for achieving the vision.

officials who are responsible for seeing them through,

Design principles don’t tell us what to do explicitly – that

and the stakeholders who are most likely to benefit from

is the role of the design guideline. Design principles are

them. They must be firmly grounded in the pragmatic

mere ideas. They provide thoughts that help justify

realities of the place, but reach beyond what is

the larger vision, show options, and introduce notions

conceivably possible. They should help the place become

that might not have been considered previously. Think

what it is destined to become from the seeds that are

of a design principle as the roadmap that gets us to the

currently planted there. Good vision plans must be clear

destination.

embedded directly within the larger vision plan – but

and unambiguous – imageable and inspirational. They should be based in wide-spread desire for improvement and change – rather than be advocated by only a select few. For visions to be effective they must be communicated easily and regularly – they must remain active policy that guides future development decisions.

Successful vision implementation builds an increasingly larger platform for implementation – including those who would come along later to interpret and provide new energy for their manifestation. As broad policy statements about the future, successful vision planning should be synonymous with a deep understanding of the current situation – innovative development – enlightened place-making – and inclusive transformation. Think of visions as the destinations we are trying to reach.

38

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

VISION 1 – MEMORABLE DESTINATION

clubbing, for shopping and celebrating. And in turn, the city will welcome visitors to share in this experience,

ORANJESTAD WILL BE A MEMORABLE ARUBAN

rather than catering directly to them at the expense of

DESTINATION FOR VISITORS TO THE ISLAND AND LOCAL

the local-serving character. Oranjestad can achieve this

RESIDENTS WHO VALUE ITS CONTRIBUTION TO ARUBAN

memorability by improving its physical character – by

IDENTITY.

implementing public realm improvements that produce

While many places in the Caribbean have the benefit of centuries of urban history, Oranjestad is a relative newcomer to the Caribbean experience. Places like San Juan, Santo Domingo, Havana and Cartagena have several centuries of urban development history behind them to help in creating their destination value.

Largely a 20th Century city, Oranjestad must preserve what remains of its local history and look after what is authentic about the place so that it can continue to emerge as a valued destination. To capture an increasing share of the visitor traffic through the Caribbean, and

a consistent urban image – by highlighting its culture and expressing the diverse identity of island residents. Focus on what is great about this city and build on it: historic colonial buildings, an amazing collection of Art-Deco architecture, a great waterfront location, a huge amount of visitor traffic, a walkable scale, an active merchant

Historic Preservation

An example of how historic preservation efforts have already helped solidify Oranjestad’s local place character

group, a government willing to invest in the public realm.

Just think about the possibilities of what this city is, and what it might become. The city will stand with the natural beauty of the island as one of the major reasons why people return to Aruba.

continue to reap return visits to the island, Oranjestad

Design Principle 1.1 Historic preservation can help to

can help Aruba by becoming a greater experience

retain local character and manage the future of the

amenity. In the future, Oranjestad will be a place that

downtown area.

tourists remember for its aesthetic qualities, memorable experiences, and expression of local identity. It can

Aruba’s historic buildings, landscapes, and monuments

do this by becoming more Aruban; by nurturing local

are assets that help to showcase the islands diverse

flavor; by championing what is special about the city, the

cultural identity and character. Supporting historic

island, its landscape, its architecture. Oranjestad will

preservation and conserving distinctive landmarks will

become a more memorable city by offering experiences

both preserve Aruba’s history and energize the cultural

that are more fun – more active – more exciting. It

economy. Already this strategy is beginning to pay

will become the city where locals go for nightlife and

off in Oranjestad. The historic buildings that have

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Restoration

A kunuku house, representative of traditional Aruban architecture

39

CHAPTER 2

Public Space Opportunities

The current design of Museum Plaza suffers from a lack of sun protection, immature vegetation, and few pedestrian comforts.

already been saved and preserved provide a physical

and a sense of energy. Buildings, streetscapes, parks,

and visual connection to the island’s history. Downtown

statues, and public art can serve as a medium for

Oranjestad would benefit greatly from a broader use

representing the cultures and communities living in

of preservation in the shape of a Downtown Historic

Oranjestad. Successful examples of this strategy include

District. Management of this district could help establish

Millennium Park in Chicago, Highline Park in New York

façade improvement guidelines, new signage regulations,

City, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain, and

awning controls, and public assistance in design

the Pompidou Centre in Paris France. Moreover, these

recommendations.

icons can help residents develop a sense of pride in the accomplishments of their city.

Design Principle 1.2 Design guidelines can contribute to creating a consistent and resonant urban character.

Design Principle 1.4 Public spaces can provide opportunities for special events, festivals, and cultural

Design guidelines coordinate development by insuring

exchange.

that all projects contribute to a safe, comfortable, and attractively scaled urban environment. They seek

The public realm is often the stage on which people

to guide architectural and urban design character,

express themselves. Oranjestad should have flexible

regulate parking, and create a public realm to support

spaces that hold cultural events including concerts,

the larger urban ensemble. Successful guidelines align

markets, and festivals. When well-designed, these

development patterns with future visions while providing

spaces create increased interaction among strangers,

flexibility for creative interpretation. They can also help

create stronger community identities, and enhance the

to control design outcomes in the face of insensitive

city’s attractiveness to tourists.

projects and low-end development practices.

Design Principle 1.3 Iconic buildings and innovative urban design can help to create new and exciting place identity.

In the process of place making, cultural icons, such as buildings and recognizable open spaces, help to create symbols that represent new place identities

40

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

VISION 2 – CONNECTED CITY

as an integrated public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian network. Imagine a city that guides visitors

ORANJESTAD WILL BE AN ACCESSIBLE AND WELL

effortlessly and intuitively through a renewed cruise ship

CONNECTED CITY WHERE VISITORS AND RESIDENTS

terminal facility – and encourages them to walk along a

NAVIGATE THE CITY WITH EASE.

well-marked path or catch a tram to downtown shopping

A number of accessibility and connection problems confront visitors to central Oranjestad. If you were a first time visitor to Aruba, you would disembark from a cruise ship or airplane and be confused about your next destination. Most likely you would be whisked away to a hotel or a tour. If you wanted to explore Oranjestad however, you would have little information to guide your path. The welcome sequence into town is difficult to navigate – no clear wayfinding system exists – no intuitive path connects visitors to the downtown. On the other hand, if you were driving to central Oranjestad from

and dining. The future Oranjestad will welcome visitors to the city by means of an information center that can highlight visitor options and direct people to valued amenities. It will offer local tram service to valued places throughout the downtown area – delivering visitors to museums, plazas, shopping, and entertainment. A future Oranjestad will provide cycling options for local residents, and an evident parking strategy for Arubans

L.G. Smith Boulevard

The boulevard moves traffic across the city, but does not provide many places for pedestrians to cross. Sidewalks are narrow and few pedestrian amenities exist.

from across the island. Most importantly, the future of Oranjestad depends on rationalizing and clarifying the street network to guide drivers into the city.

another part of the island for an afternoon of shopping,

Design Principle 2.1 A well-connected street network

you would find difficulty not only with direct road access

improves direct access throughout the city.

due to the poor circulation network, but also with uncoordinated parking options that force drivers to waste

A well-organized street network makes navigation

time hunting for parking. If you are a local resident

more efficient while improving connections between

trying to get downtown, few transport options exist for

amenities and attractions. A strong hierarchy of streets

you to get to destinations quickly and efficiently. Transit

gives pedestrians clearer direction and improves the

in the downtown area is virtually non-existent. In the

experience for tourists and residents alike. A strong

future, Oranjestad will be city where residents and

street signage system can help guide drivers to

tourists can access services and amenities through a well

destinations and parking.

developed transportation network. This will include a well connected and maintained street system, as well

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

41

CHAPTER 2

Oranjestad’s Downtown Bus Station

Improved multi-modal transit systems are needed in order to improve circulation around the island

Design Principle 2.2 A well-coordinated parking

Design Principle 2.4 A balanced multi-modal

system can help bring customers close to downtown

transportation system can help reduce auto-congestion

destinations.

and provide access choice.

Instituting a rationalized parking system will help drivers

Public transportation, bike networks and pedestrian

access the downtown and desired shopping destinations.

pathways can reduce auto-congestion and provide a

This strategy can include new structured parking, new

degree of choice for local and island-wide visitors.

surface lots, and wayfinding signage that directs drivers

An integrated transportation system allows drivers,

to parking. Because of Aruba’s regular heat and sun,

commuters, bikers and pedestrians to travel safely

parking should be located no more than a block from

and easily throughout the city. This will mean the

primary retail and service destinations to shorten walking

establishment of an expanded tram network, a

distances. This will mean a series of inter-connected

new system of marked bikeways, sidewalk amenity

parking options that allow drivers to find parking with

investment, and improved bus routing across the island.

ease from any point of access into the city.

Design Principle 2.5 Integrated wayfinding systems can Design Principle 2.3 Streetscape amenities provide

help users navigate the city.

comfortable, safe, and enjoyable pedestrian experiences – and encourage walking over other means of transport.

Consistent signage and wayfinding devices improve navigation and help people locate public services, tourist

Well-designed streetscapes are one of the most effective

attractions and shopping areas while highlighting the

place-making strategies and enhance economic viability,

positive aspects of the city. Typical wayfinding elements

attractiveness, and environmental health. Improved

include: information centers, regular and coordinated

street design should be seen as part of the larger

pedestrian level signage, a resonant public realm design

economic development strategy for the city. Street trees

that allows visitors to follow a clear path of access, and

provide for shade and improved human comfort in the

coordinated lighting that shows visitors where to go. An

walking environment. Benches provide opportunities to

integrated wayfinding strategy can also provide a degree

rest and socialize. Pedestrian-scale lighting improves

of design resonance that assists in place-making.

safety. Sign regulations help create a consistent urban character.

42

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

VISION 3 – VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY

need to improve both its tourist offerings and its local serving retail and service base. A vibrant economy with

ORANJESTAD WILL HAVE A MORE VIBRANT AND

locally owned businesses and a diverse array of retail,

DIVERSIFIED LOCAL ECONOMY THAT BENEFITS VISITORS

office and work spaces can provide residents with

SEEKING THE FLAVOR OF ARUBA AND RESIDENTS

services and employment opportunities and tourists with

FULFILLING EVERYDAY NEEDS.

a host of interesting downtown destinations. Imagine

The central shopping area of Oranjestad is beset by a diversity of challenges – both physical and economic: under-performing revenue expectations; a poor retail mix with an emphasis on low-end products; inadequate dining, beverage and entertainment options; a deteriorating public realm; inhospitable pedestrian accommodations; and ill-performing infrastructure systems. For the tourist, central Oranjestad offers few memorable experiences: a lack of local flavor in food and craft products; too few public spaces for relaxing and socializing; some unattractive and unimproved facades; and a public realm pock-marked with vacancy, lack of maintenance, and under-regulated signage.

Main Street frequently feels empty – the marina is often lifeless – the waterfront is defunct – vendors offer imported and unremarkable products to tourists. On

a central Oranjestad where locals and tourists relax together in expansive plaza cafes listening to local music into the night – where merchants strive to keep shops open later to capture increasing sales opportunities – where a wide variety of shops and kiosks provide new ownership opportunities for startups and local jobs– where the local economy doesn’t struggle nearly so much during the off-season. The future of central Oranjestad will be built not just on physical improvement, but also on improved maintenance, extended operating hours, event programming, and entrepreneurship. Diversifying the retail and service base of central Oranjestad will also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy that begins to supplement its tourism base with an everincreasing local retail foundation, and hopefully new

The Local Tourist Economy

Local markets are an important part of advancing a sustainable economy, but often sell goods that are not representative of the Caribbean or Aruban culture

production opportunities.

the other hand opportunities exist for improvement.

Design Principle 3.1 A diversified downtown land

Wilhelminastraat offers a few exciting clubs and

use mix provides tourists and locals with a variety of

restaurants – notable preservation efforts have saved

entertainment, retail, and service options, and helps

colonial gems – and the city’s access to the coastline

business survive the off-season.

offers a number of alternatives for development. To create a more vibrant local economy, Oranjestad will

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

43

CHAPTER 2

A mix of entertainment, retail, and services can create

material. More attention could be paid to the city’s

vibrancy at different hours of the day and year and

oceanfront location – providing support to a nascent

ensures commercial activities can fulfill the needs of

fishing industry, seafood production, and other maritime

both Arubans and tourists. Greater retail diversity helps

industries. At the least, the art, craft, food, and

insure that businesses don’t cannibalize each other by

entertainment offered on the island should be a local

offering too much of the same product, and that each

product. Central Oranjestad could become the locus for

place forms its own expanding customer niche. Retail

this local production.

diversity and more attractive shopping places can also Local Economic Drivers

Local businesses put money directly into the local economy and help spur employment and production on the island

help guard against economic decline during the off-

Design Principle 3.3 Providing diverse spaces for new

season, when the island must rely on Aruban residents to

startups, workforce development, business incubation,

keep shops busy. Moreover, greater and more interesting

and educational opportunities can help support economic

retail choice is a proven strategy in building a vital

development.

economy.

Government, schools, and merchant associations can

Design Principle 3.2 Strengthening local business

help expand opportunity for an expanded workforce. This

supports a vibrant economy and helps to minimize

can include both education opportunities as well as the

economic off-island leakage.

supply of more varied retail and office spaces at various scales. Offering diverse retail spaces of different sizes

44

Locally owned business re-circulates more money back

can help reduce the rents and overheads paid by those

into the economy, supports community events, and

just starting out in business. Community centers, schools

links local residents in a network of economic and

and other government buildings can provide space

social relationships. Local ownership ensures decisions

where the next generation of Arubans will be educated,

are made by those who will experience their complete

helping to grow local business and a more capable

impacts. Most importantly local ownership helps to avoid

workforce. Local universities and vocational colleges

the departure of economic benefits to multi-nationals

can help in this effort by offering workshops and courses

and off-island interests. Given that Aruba imports so

in small business entrepreneurship and business skills

much of the goods sold on the island, support to local

development. Government can help lubricate this process

business can begin by creating production opportunities

by providing incentives, tax-breaks, and assistance to

to substitute some of these imports with locally produced

those wanting to invest in the island’s economic future.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

VISION 4 – SUSTAINABLE ORANJESTAD

regional land base is often insufficient to supply the resources and buffering necessary for daily survival –

ORANJESTAD WILL BE A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY

let alone sustainable development. Recent efforts and

SUSTAINABLE CITY – A PLACE THAT CAN BECOME AN

interest in the Aruban environment suggest hope for

EXAMPLE OF GREEN LEADERSHIP FOR THE LARGER

a more resilient and sustainable future. Already the

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY.

island is increasing energy production with wind power

Island ecology can be very difficult to sustain for a growing population and urban development base. As the Aruba population and visitor base continues to expand, additional pressures are placed on the resources necessary to sustain this growth. We need to face the realization that Aruba has degraded its natural environment by unchecked and ill-advised development decisions that might have enhanced the short term economic life of the island, but may have threatened its long term sustainability. The environmental challenges of expansive urban development can be seen in a variety of impacts: increased urban stormwater runoff that outfalls into coastal areas and damages maritime ecosystems; increased energy and potable water requirements; loss of natural habitats with land transformation; increasing solid waste volumes; and the environmental costs of importing ever greater amounts of goods into the island – with all their indirect transport, energy use,

on the east side of the island. However, other efforts are needed as well, including water conservation and other new technologies to increase the potable water supply. In the future, Oranjestad will be an exemplar of sustainable development in the Caribbean and play an important role in improving the island’s environment.

Physical interventions, public transportation and land use policy will reduce Oranjestad’s ecological footprint. New infrastructure will capture, reuse and manage rainwater while protecting sensitive habitats. Sustainability in technology and urban development, including the use of drought resistant landscape materials and climatologically appropriate building techniques can all assist in this effort. Beyond the benefits to Aruba itself,

Wind production at the eastern edge of Aruba is leading to more sustainable energy use

the island and its sustainability program could become a strategic initiative to marshal attention and interest on the part of other Caribbean islands to learn from the Aruban experience.

pollution, and distribution impacts. In most continental

Design Principle 4.1 Sustainability planning can help

cities, the region surrounding cities can help to offset

reduce the ecological footprint of new development

and buffer the impacts caused by urbanization. On an

and provide suggestions for more appropriate design

island these impacts are even more evident, as the

solutions.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Clean Energy Production

45

CHAPTER 2

Strategic sustainability planning (including: energy

Design Principle 4.3 Healthy marine and terrestrial

production, progressive water desalinization, stormwater

ecosystems improve environmental quality and can act as

management, sewage and solid waste reduction, and

attractive destinations.

improved transportation options) can effectively manage resources as the island continues to develop. Managed

Protecting and restoring Aruba’s native ecosystems should

networks of natural lands and open spaces can offset

be a priority in all development decisions. Often these

the environmental impact of development and preserve

environmental initiatives have little immediate economic

Aruba’s natural habitat base for future generations.

rationale. Over the long term however, their cumulative

Quantifiable sustainability metrics such as greenhouse gas

benefits will result in additional economic possibilities,

emissions or a specialized island rating system can help

as well as healthier and more attractive places for both

control and evaluate the impact that projects will have

local residents and tourism. Along the coastline of

on the overall environment. Any sustainability initiative

central Oranjestad, generations of dredging, industrial

will require a champion in the Government structure,

activity, and maritime development have degraded reef

who can monitor progress and enforce efforts.

systems, wetland buffers, and maritime ecologies. In the past, wetlands and mangrove habitats along the coast

Over-Taxed Infrastructure

Traditional gray infrastructure systems can be costly and difficult to maintain, and are not selfsustaining

Design Principle 4.2 Green infrastructure can offer

served as defenses against ecosystem failure and damage

low impact alternatives that can effectively manage

– serving as effective filters for stormwater runoff and

resources and reduce negative externalities.

tidal impacts. The coastline of Aruba can be enhanced by new beaches, restored wetlands, and mangroves – all

Status quo infrastructure systems are insufficient to

of which can help reduce shoreline erosion and protect

improve environmental conditions and make positive

water quality. Efforts to enhance reef ecosystems can

moves toward a more sustainable future. Green

help remediate past impacts and provide settings for

infrastructure systems, such as innovative stormwater,

eco-tourism and increased fish stocks. In inland areas,

water conservation, and localized energy production can

restoration and preservation of natural riparian corridors

have a direct and immediate impact on the environment.

can help control erosion and provide habitat settings.

New stormwater infrastructure should take the form of

More compact development patterns, and perhaps the

permeable pavers, green roofs, cisterns, rain gardens

use of urban growth boundaries, can help control sprawl

and bioswales. This green infrastructure protects

and diminish the loss of the native landscape.

natural landscapes and is more cost effective than gray infrastructure.

46

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

Design Principle 4.4 The use of native and drought

rather than tropical palms. As most of the plant materials

resistant plant species can help conserve water resources

for Aruba are imported from North and South America,

and reinforce the natural identity of the island.

Aruba would benefit from the establishment of nurseries and tree farms that can supply this vegetation, while also

As a hot and humid climate, not every plant species can

providing economic development opportunity. The use of

be planted in Oranjestad without adverse sustainability

local plant materials and rock will also help to reinforce

impacts and extensive water consumption. To survive

a local landscape identity for Oranjestad.

into the future, innovative irrigation strategies will need to be used for urban plant life to establish itself and grow to maturity. These should combine stormwater and irrigation strategies into a mutually reinforcing system. But beyond survivability, trees and other

Aruban Landscapes

Native plants provide both aesthetic beauty and a sense of place that can be utilized in urban areas without taxing irrigation systems

vegetation are necessary for creating an attractive and comfortable public realm. The need for shade from street trees is a priority in increasing walkability for central Oranjestad. Street trees that form a continuous canopy over pedestrians will require closer-than-normal spacing, structured soils, and innovative drainage systems given the shallow soils of the city. Rather than planting non-native species inappropriate to the climate, a list of climate appropriate landscape materials should be devised to guide planting decisions. This may mean selecting non-native species from other parts of the world that are conducive to the Aruban climate; a good example of which might be the planting of desert palms

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

47

CHAPTER 2

VISION 5 – STRONG COMMUNITIES

and will demand long-term monitoring, consultation, funding and time. The neighborhoods of Oranjestad can

ORANJESTAD WILL BE HOME TO STRONG AND LIVABLE

only be improved by this type of long term physical and

COMMUNITIES THAT PROVIDE A BETTER QUALITY OF

social planning. In the future, Oranjestad’s inner ring

LIFE FOR ITS RESIDENTS.

neighborhoods will be physically improved to include

Strong communities are the foundation of a strong city. Achieving this requires attention to both physical livability and well-matched social services. While most Neighborhood Development

Infrastructure, vacant land, and open space need to be developed and maintained in order to strengthen neighborhoods and provide a higher quality of life to residents

communities in Aruba provide the basic conditions to enable urban living (potable water, access to

places for public interaction, playgrounds and parks, improved walkability and stormwater infrastructure, and valued community centers. Residents will be able to access a strong support network that encourages participation in government and access to services.

food, shelter, electricity, sanitation), other higher

Design Principle 5.1 Physical improvement to

level livability conditions are sometimes challenged

neighborhood infrastructure and community spaces can

(safety, economic health, choice in housing/retail/

help make Oranjestad’s neighborhoods more livable.

transportation, walkability, and adequate public spaces). To make Oranjestad’s communities more livable

The challenges to neighborhood infrastructure are

will require attention to these higher level physical

easily viewed from a short walk through any of the

concerns. In addition to the physical, social services

neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown area.

are also required for strong communities. Some of

Pedestrian facilities, stormwater systems, community

Oranjestad’s inner ring communities are besieged by

parks and recreation amenities all need attention.

social problems, including poverty, joblessness, drug

Transportation systems are limited – so is local serving

addiction, homelessness, and low-level educations.

retail. At the center of the neighborhood, government

Services such as these are not only the responsibility of

should coordinate the provision of community centers

government. Local community organizations must also

that can serve as the public meeting grounds, community

assume some of this responsibility. However, the physical

education spaces, and outreach programs necessary to

infrastructure for these services could be planned

elevate quality of life for Oranjestad residents.

and implemented by better government oversight and coordination. Neighborhood planning is not for the weakhearted however. It requires more than plan-making

48

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

Design Principle 5.2 Attractive public spaces create

Community involvement is essential in the planning

opportunities for community gathering and encourage

and implementation of projects. Partnerships between

pride of place.

government, NGO’s and neighborhood organizations open up communication and allow residents to have

Public spaces that are comfortable throughout the

impacts on projects. Such collaboration also encourages

year, are well-maintained, and have a strong aesthetic

continued participation and long-term investment.

image encourage constant use and ownership by the public. Usable public places need to be flexible to

Design Principle 5.4 Improving access to social services

host different types of events, meetings, and festivals.

helps to ensure a greater quality of life and helps to

Strategically located community centers and plazas

respond to society’s impenetrable ‘wicked problems.’

allow for formal and informal gathering. These areas permit residents to interact with neighbors and enrich

A ‘wicked problem’ is a term for those societal issues

local community. Space should be provided for social

that don’t have easy answers and where people

service programs, community outreach programs,

cannot easily come to consensus over what to do to

and interest group functions. Beyond the provision of

combat them. Investment in local social services and

space however, creating a memorable design character

community institutions is a first step in laying the

across the neighborhood is also important in creating a

groundwork for quality of life improvements, and may

sense of ownership. When residents are proud of their

help to battle ‘wicked problems.’ These investments

neighborhoods they protect them, care for them, and

answer the specific social challenges associated with

monitor activity. Equal-access community amenities and

particular places, enhance neighborhood cohesion, and

formal opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities

spur community involvement. Oranjestad’s inner ring

increase satisfaction and use.

neighborhoods suffer from a host of social pathologies that can be helped by focused and long term attention.

Design Principle 5.3 Public participation allows

Issues of homelessness, poverty alleviation, the sex

individuals and community groups to take ownership of

trade, drug dealing, and various addictions are best dealt

projects.

with by ongoing treatment and counseling programs, in addition to more formal education and training. All of these will require physical space and government funding.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

49

CHAPTER 2

CITYWIDE STRUCTURE PLAN + FRAMEWORK

CREATING CONNECTIONS - Inherent in the Oranjestad

The Oranjestad Citywide Structure Plan is a physical

connections between the different nodes throughout the

diagram that shows the arrangement of key proposed

city will help to unify the city’s distinct places.

Citywide Structure Plan is increased connectivity between people, places, and destinations. Creating the

elements of the city organized collectively into a plan.

The structure plan includes all proposals suggested in

The plan aims to improve accessibility between the

this studio and shows how they interconnect and support

downtown, neighborhoods, and waterfront. In addition

each other. Their aim is to connect and invigorate

to the Main Street Tram line, which will bring people

three distinct regions in the city: the downtown, the

from the waterfront through downtown, there is

residential neighborhoods, and the waterfront. Though

a second proposed tram line that will run through

each area invokes unique design proposals, collectively

the neighborhoods and down the waterfront. The

they achieve a unified vision for a future Oranjestad.

neighborhood tram provides much needed public

The goal of the Citywide Structure Plan is to present a

transportation for Oranjestad residents. A large portion

physical design framework that supports the visions and

of L.G. Smith Boulevard has been redesigned as a multi-

principles set forth in the previous section. This structure

modal boulevard.

plan aims to create a memorable, unified, and lively city for both visitors and island residents.

Pedestrian connections have also been a target of the Oranjestad structure plan. Streetscape improvements

The Citywide Structure Plan was designed under a

in downtown, the neighborhoods, and the waterfront,

number of assumptions. First, the plan builds off

have been designed for more enjoyable, convenient,

the proposed Main Street Tram line that will begin in

and safe pedestrian-oriented routes. These streetscape

front of the Cruise Ship terminal and loop down Main

improvements will both beautify the street and attract

Street. In tandem with the Main Street Tram line is a

more people to walk. Improved pedestrian access will

streetscape proposal and a number of new plazas along

increase foot traffic and decrease automobile traffic.

the route. The second assumption is that the waterfront shipping container facility will soon move south towards the airport. This move opens up a large space on the waterfront for activity and development.

50

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

Oranjestad Citywide Structure Plan 250m

Proposed Projects Proposed Streetscape Improvements Green Street Tram Line URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

51

CHAPTER 2

Finally, the citywide structure plan aims to reconnect

incoming cruise ship passengers and Oranjestad visitors.

the city back to the waterfront. The connection will

The botanical garden in front of the Archeology Museum

be made at both the boat harbor downtown, which is

will be both a transit stop and a destination. The garden

redesigned for better water access and views, and at the

will showcase the island’s native plant life and provide

shipping container facility, which has been designed as an

shaded leisure space that can accommodate lingering

active recreational park and cultural center. In addition

and gathering. A newly designed Lagoon Park will become

to the waterfront park, the cruise ship terminal will be

a sculpture garden that highlights local art and the

redesigned to accommodate more cruise ships and create

history of the island. The park will frame the southern

a better welcome entrance for visitors and tourists.

edge of Oranjestad’s downtown, providing a link to the waterfront from Downtown and a peaceful place to rest.

CREATING DESTINATIONS - For Oranjestad to be a more

Finally, an improved design for the waterfront harbor

memorable place, it will need imageable destinations for

will help to unite the beautiful waterfront with the

both its residents and the tourists who visit. Both small

rest of the city, celebrating the Parliament with a new

and large-scale destinations are proposed for Oranjestad

plaza that can provide space for ceremonial events at

through the downtown, waterfront, and neighborhoods.

the capital. All of these destinations together will help

The waterfront park that will replace the shipping container facility offers a unique experience for

to create a unique and memorable experience for both residents and visitors.

recreational activity and leisure for the residents of

CREATING IMPROVEMENTS - At the heart of these

Oranjestad. It celebrates the city’s beautiful waterfront

proposals are efforts to design for a future Oranjestad,

and still allows for new development and entertainment

one that celebrates its people and evolving cultural

that would help to pay for the infrastructure changes

heritage. In addition to leveraging the many unique

and park development. In the neighborhoods, the

assets of the island, these design proposals also aim

proposed Madiki Square, Community Center, and Xavier

to mitigate some of the city’s problems by improving

University Park will act as anchor destinations for their

existing streets and infrastructure.

surrounding communities, providing meeting spaces

52

and places for education. The Welcome Center design

Stormwater run-off is a major issue during the rainy

located along L.G. Smith Boulevard is proposed as

season, as it causes frequent flooding that damage

a downtown transportation and information hub for

property and make travel difficult. New streetscape

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

strategies on downtown and neighborhood streets use drainage strategies, bio-swales, and landscaping to assuage the runoff and reduce flooding. Further, additional streetscape planting will beautify the streets, incorporate permeable surfaces and water-accessible tree wells, but also add much needed shade during Aruba’s hot weather months to make sidewalks more comfortable.

Enhancing and celebrating the island’s native plant and wildlife is important to reinforcing Aruba’s culture and protecting its shoreline. The Waterfront Park will use mangroves along its water’s edge that, in addition to protecting the city from tidal flux, will help to create beautiful places of refuge for fish and birds and help to increase the biodiversity of the island’s fish habitat.

Likewise, plant materials used for streetscapes, plazas and parks will be chosen from both indigenous plant lists, but also from similar geographical locations around the world to expand the slim vegetation choices emanating directly from the island. Similar tropical-arid ecosystems in South America, the Gulf States, California, and the Mediterranean can all be useful additions to Aruba’s plant-life base.

All of these designs will be described in further detail

A Waterfront Park for the Future

The proposed projects celebrate the people and culture of Oranjestad, and are meant to benefit future generations.

throughout this book. The purpose of the Citywide Structure Plan is to provide an overview of how these proposals fit together into a unified design vision for the city.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

53

3

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

CURRENT SITE, KEY ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY CRUISESHIP TERMINAL INITIATIVES L.G. SMITH BOULEVARD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES WATERFRONT PARK RESEARCH PARK + CULTURAL CENTER

CHAPTER 3

CURRENT SITE, KEY ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS

Aruba’s cruise tourism industry is growing, as are the

The waterfront site consists of approximately 35 hectares

in size by over 100 meters in length. These ships

and extends for a kilometer along the sea northwest

continue to grow and Oranjestad is seeing more annual

of downtown Oranjestad. The site contains the cruise

passengers than ever before. At present, the port can

ship terminal, shipping container facility, and a free

accommodate 2 mega ships and one standard-sized ship.

trade zone industrial area. With the exception of

The desired capacity is 4 mega ships and one standard-

the cruise port facility, the site will be vacated when

sized ship. The site provides the opportunity for a new

the industrial uses relocate south of the Airport. The

docking strategy, which will be limited by the boundary

Aruban Port Authority must also respond to the growing

of the coral reef to the west, the marina to the south,

size of cruise ships and needs to provide space for

and private lands to the north.

ships the port needs to accommodate increasing tourist traffic. In the past 20 years, cruise ships have increased

more and larger cruise ships at this location. At the behest of Government, the site will be transformed

There is also the opportunity to improve the welcome

into a waterfront park to serve the needs of Oranjestad

sequence of tourists visiting the island. At present,

residents. This park will be funded, in part, by new

visitors must walk over 100 meters across an asphalt

residential development and research facilities that

parking lot from the terminal to a gated entrance,

help to transform L.G. Smith Boulevard into a better

only to find an unwelcoming barbed wire fence and

entry sequence into the city. Lastly, the new waterfront

the uncomfortable calls of vendors and tour operators

site must be visually and physically connected to the

yelling for attention. The existing cruise ship port space

downtown and neighborhoods to ensure access for

is underutilized, out of scale, and poorly connected to

pedestrians and vehicles alike.

the rest of Oranjestad. The cruise port should be more visually attractive to entice passengers to leave the cruise ship. A more welcoming, efficient, and pedestrian friendly sequence should greet cruise ship passengers after they exit the ship.

56

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

With the newly available waterfront lands, the Aruban

At present, the waterfront site has limited accessibility

government has identified the opportunity for a public

and an extremely busy L.G. Smith Boulevard is a barrier.

park that can serve Aruban residents. Public spaces in

Blind turns, inadequate crossings, and the lack of shade

the adjacent neighborhoods are limited but informal

make the pedestrian experience uncomfortable and

reuse of unoccupied space gives evidence that they

dangerous approaching the waterfront. L.G. Smith

are desired. The new park must be financially feasible.

Boulevard was designed as a multiway boulevard and

New development can help raise the funds, but the

offers opportunities for more efficient traffic movement

Aruban government has made clear with regards to past

and pedestrian spaces. Stronger connections should be

proposals that there should be no competition with

established to the downtown and neighborhoods from

the downtown. Residential development is preferred

the waterfront with wayfinding, designated paths, and

while commercial development should be limited to a

visual connections. Land uses along L.G. Smith Boulevard

minimum.

are also of serious concern. As much as 40% of buildings are vacant. Land use controls and zoning could be

The site also presents opportunities for environmental

implemented to control future uses that complement

reclamation. The site was built on fill that extends well-

proposed improvements.

beyond the original Aruban coastline. The extent of toxicity and stability of this fill is not known. There is almost no vegetation to protect the site from the winds and sun. Much of the edge is lined by a bulkhead up to 2 meters above sea-level, without access to the water.

In addition, the adjacent reef is threatened by habitat

Opening Up The Waterfront

A new waterfront park will transform the coastline from a center of industry to a cherished public amenity

loss and stormwater run-off from the island. This reef is important for providing wave protection for the ships as well as a valuable asset for its fish. A new park presents an opportunity to reclaim coastal habitat and protect the reef.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

57

CHAPTER 3

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY

The structure plan presents a diagram of the larger

The Aruban government challenged students at the

cruise ship and port capacity. Thus, the structure plan

University of Pennsylvania to re-envision Oranjestad’s

presents two design alternatives, each accommodating

waterfront to better accommodate Aruba’s social,

four megaships (the desired capacity). The first proposal

economic, and environmental needs. The structure plan

requires a fifty-meter bulkhead extension along the

for Oranjestad’s waterfront proposes a redevelopment

existing waterfront, located adjacent to the park site.

of the existing Port Authority Terminal and L.G. Smith

The second proposal displays an extended cruise terminal

Boulevard, along with a new Recreational/Ecological Park

off the existing Port Authority waterfront (located in

and Institutional Center for Aruba’s people.

the middle of the existing channel). This maximizes

moves combined together. One of the main concerns addressed is the Port Authority’s desired increase in

uninterrupted waterfront access for both the park and The structure plan for Oranjestad’s waterfront provides

cultural center. Regardless, both scenarios account for

opportunity at various levels, while accounting for

security setbacks, tram access to the welcome plaza, bus

the primary function and feasibility of the proposed

and taxi loading, and supporting development around the

site. Physical connections between buildings, streets,

terminal.

landscapes, water, and so forth strengthens Aruba’s social and interactions between multiple populations.

The design for L.G. Smith Boulevard corresponds

Additionally, access to public amenities along

to another key challenge presented by the Aruban

Oranjestad’s waterfront affirms Aruba’s identity and

Government. As a primary commercial street in

supports local businesses within the area. Our goals for

Oranjestad, L.G. Smith Boulevard is currently congested

Oranjestad’s waterfront entails: enhancing the welcome

with vehicular traffic and lacks crosswalks, speed limits,

experience for cruise ship visitors, improving on market

streetlights, sidewalks, and further accommodation

potentials through development, and supporting cultural,

for pedestrians. Additionally, the boulevard acts as

institutional and ecological amenities for the public.

a barrier to the waterfront and neighborhoods in its

Likewise, the proposal addresses key challenges by

current state. The redesign for L.G. Smith Boulevard

offering stormwater management strategies and better

L.G. Smith Boulevard provides better access and

vehicular and pedestrian access.

connections between the city and its waterfront. By physically curving the boulevard and providing side-street

58

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

access, the proposed plan affords dynamic views, new

The proposed institutional and cultural center functions

development opportunities, and local-serving business

as an iconic gateway for disembarking cruise tourists.

infill. Adjustments in land use controls combined with

As a synergetic hub for people to experience, learn,

adjacent, residential/ mixed-use development and public

grow and innovate, the proposed design capitalizes

amenities address the high-degree of vacancies (that

on other waterfront investments in residential

are located in the light industrial area northeast of L.G.

development, parks, and the cruise ship terminal. The

Smith). The physical and visual display also accounts for

anchor institution, the Aquarium of the Caribbean,

parking, public transportation, street frontage, improved

and the productive landscape exhibition center, the

pedestrian mobility, and green streets.

Seawater Greenhouse, are both cultural attractions that allow visitors to interact with the existing natural

The waterfront park design integrates a flexible, public

ecology and marine life. These places not only enrich

space that supports the Aruban identity by enhancing

the Aruban identity, but also incorporate technology

the existing culture and natural ecology. Movement

with sustainable strategies in order to support local

is choreographed by a connected ramping system,

economies. Commercial office and mixed-use retail

essentially five ovals structurally integrated to create

buildings connect with development along L.G. Smith

a variety of public places, dynamic views, and modes

Boulevard and provide employment opportunities and

of mobility. Urban development terraces into storm-

financial feasibility. The adjacent community water

water gardens and public plazas, which then joins

garden, tide pools, and mangroves further provide public

with waterfront beachside. Interstitial spaces are

amenities that serve as educational and social places of

programmed to create special moments, germane

interaction.

to the Aruban culture. These places allow for social interactions between diverse populations. At the water’s edge, a multi-mode pathway system extends across the site area, linking with the adjacent cultural center.

Mangroves frame the waterfront, supporting Aruba’s natural ecology while physically forming passageways for kayaking and row-boating. Combined, these elements bring water closer to the Arubans and allow them to enjoy its natural beauty.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

59

Oranjestad Waterfront Structure Plan (Cruise Ship Terminal Alternative 1 Shown)

100m

L.G. Smith Boulevard Development Initiatives

Waterfront Park

Research Park and Cultural Center

Cruise Ship Terminal Initiatives

CHAPTER 3

CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL INITIATIVES

With each comes its own unique challenges and

A NEED FOR INCREASED CRUISE SHIP CAPACITY - With

providing these alternatives, we hope that the Aruba

both the demand for cruises to Aruba on the rise and

Port Authority and the Aruban Government might better

the physical size of cruise ships also growing, the cruise

understand their own priorities and desires for a terminal

ship terminal in Oranjestad is in need of expansion and

redesign project.

constraints, but also opportunities and advantages. By

upgrade. With the container shipping facility moving from its current location adjacent to the cruise terminal,

CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL ALTERNATIVE 1: The first

the timing is ideal for moving forward with a terminal

alternative takes advantage of the bulkhead that already

project. The following recommendation for a new cruise

exists as part of the shipping facility. It requires an

ship terminal for Oranjestad is not limited to one design.

extension of only 50m to the north to accommodate

Here we have conceived of two alternatives that might

the desired four megaships. Passengers disembark

work for the city.

on the long, linear bulkhead and enjoy a pleasant, shaded walk between raised planters and palms on a

Each design alternative focuses on functionality,

walkway that follows the same curvilinear movement

technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, security

of the proposed park to the terminal’s north. Cruise

concerns, pedestrian comfort, as well as connectivity

ships are accommodated by a 30m security setback

within the site and to the downtown, adjacent

along the length of the bulkhead so they can tie down

neighborhoods and newly proposed redevelopment at the

as necessary. This has been left rather flexible in the

harbor. Each design intends to entice cruise passengers

design. The passengers then reach the multi-leveled,

to get off their ships and experience the island. This is

teardrop-shaped terminal that separates the secured

done with attractive architecture, an emphasis on the

and non-secured zones. The terminal is designed with

pedestrian experience, increased connections, including

a seating area and a desert roof garden complete with

a new tram line, to downtown Oranjestad, and increased

drought tolerant and native plantings. Both terminal

opportunity for shopping, dining and recreation on the

amenities are accessible to the public. Because the

waterfront.

water acts as a natural buffer to the north, the need for unsightly fencing is greatly reduced. The need for fencing is further reduced by building residential condominiums that abut the 30m security setback to

62

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Cruise Ship Terminal Plan - Alternative 1 Detail

the east. These units get ocean and harbor views as well as act as de facto security buffers without the need for unsightly fences. Issues associated with this alternative are fairly minimal and include: extension of the existing bulkhead, the coordination of public use of the terminal facility during off-season when ships are not at dock, and security coordination where the bulkhead meets the waterfront park. This alternative is seen as very achievable with the least cost and disruption to ongoing ship activity, while providing an improved aesthetic experience along the bulkhead.

View of Alternative 1 Docking Area and Bulkhead

25m

Area of Detail URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

63

CHAPTER 3

Cruise Ship Terminal Plan - Alternative 2

50m

64

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL ALTERNATIVE 2: The second alternative proposes the new cruise ship terminal facility sits in the middle of the channel to free up the coastline along the terminal for public use. In this scenario, the 30m security setback is accounted for by the mere fact that the terminal is separated from the land and no noticeable securitization is required along a water edge.

The passengers disembark onto the second floor of the terminal and can either enjoy the terminal’s roof park or cross the channel by way of a hinged pontoon bridge (similar to one in use in Willemstad) to the tram plaza and waterfront promenade on the other side. Here the passengers might elect to sit at a cafe before boarding the tram that will take them straight to the welcome plaza where they will receive all the information they need to enjoy the island. The passenger might also elect, instead, to walk along the waterfront promenade to arrive at the proposed waterfront park or the cultural center. Issues associated with this alternative include: possible need for re-dredging and reef protection, the construction of the water-based terminal, ship docking and passage, pontoon bridge operation and ship coordination, and security issues with a water-based system. The alternative is innovative and may provide a great example for other cruise terminals around the

View to the Alternative 2 access bridge and cruise ship terminal from the shore

world.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

65

CHAPTER 3

L.G. Smith Boulevard

Dominated by cars and industry, L.G. Smith Boulevard blocks the neighborhoods of Oranjestad from the Waterfront

L.G. SMITH BOULEVARD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

tram will run and return to its current configuration.

The design for L.G. Smith Boulevard and surrounding

neighborhoods. Two side streets split from the boulevard

development responds to existing key issues. L.G. Smith

between Rockefeller Straat and Belgie Straat to serve

Boulevard is dominated by cars and acts as a barrier to

the waterfront park and residents and existing businesses

the waterfront and neighborhoods in its current state.

on either side of L.G. Smith Boulevard. The horizontal

The boulevard is often congested with truck traffic,

curvature of the boulevard allows for a maximum

speeding vehicles, and cars parked everywhere. The

design speed of 65 kilometers per hour for thru traffic.

existing light industrial area is populated with low

However, a slower speed limit of 55 kilometers per hour

density warehouses, car dealerships, and distribution

is recommended. The boulevard itself is designed as

facilities. A high degree of vacancy was also observed.

five lanes with two vehicular thru streets and a central

The redesign for L.G. Smith Boulevard was based on

alternating left-hand turn lane. Two public transit lanes

the concept of connecting the waterfront to the city,

are separated from the central thru way by vegetated

both physically and visually. By curving the boulevard,

medians that carry bus and tram traffic only. The trams

dynamic views are created while varying the experience

will be traveling much slower than thru traffic, around

and establishing new development opportunities.

30 kilometers per hour, and were therefore separated

The major elements of the redesigned of L.G. Smith

for safety and to enhance the street level experience.

Boulevard are outlined below.

The public transit only lanes could utilize pervious

After 0.9 kilometers at the roundabout intersections with Belgie Straat the tram begins to loop east into the

pavers to discourage vehicular use, allow for stormwater A REDESIGNED L.G. SMITH BOULEVARD WITH LOCAL

infiltration, and augment the pedestrian sidewalk area

ACCESS STREETS – This realignment of L.G. Smith

adjacent to it. Because trams and buses will be moving

Boulevard is one of the primary design interventions

slower in the public transit only lanes, these lanes would

suggested in the Waterfront Structure Plan. Its curving

also be ideal for bicycles.

and sinuous alignment will provide for interesting and

66

changing views along the street and to the water as

NEW RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT –

drivers meander its length. The proposed realignment

Twelve new development blocks are created along the

of L.G. Smith Boulevard begins at the Welcome Plaza,

redesigned L.G. Smith Boulevard. The majority of land

south of Paarenbaaistraat, where an extension of the

use is proposed as medium to high density residential

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

3

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

L.G. Smith Boulevard Master Plan Key

traat

Belgie Str aat

Arends

Paardenbaaistraat

Existing Businesses

Local Serving Business Infill

3

1

Residential and Mixed Use Development LG Smith Blvd

C

2 B

Parking Street

A

100m URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

67

CHAPTER 3

to help finance the public waterfront park with limited commercial activity that might compete with downtown Oranjestad businesses. A small percentage of mixed use commercial is proposed however on the ground floor at strategic corners and intersections to entice pedestrian movement from the neighborhoods to the waterfront park. This retail is envisioned as local food and beverage businesses or park-serving retailers such as kayak or bicycle rentals. The proposed residential development ranges from 2 to 4 stories with an occasional taller

Wate P

building at key intersections. The waterfront park facing buildings should be restricted in height where possible to allow for upper story water views from buildings behind them. Building typologies are comprised of stacked townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. Desired architectural character is comprised of plentiful windows and doors to allow for air movement. Private outdoor space should be provided in almost every unit in the form of balconies or a raised patio. The overall scale of the View Along the Redesigned L.G. Smith Boulevard

development and its relationship to the existing context reinforces the curved boulevard from the roundabout looking south. These design opportunities allow a formal gateway to Oranjestad to be created and encourage a more prominent scale of architecture.

PLENTIFUL ACCESSIBLE PARKING – Both local residents and visitors to the park will need space for parking.

Where blocks are wide enough, alleys are encouraged to provide ground floor rear parking spaces for at least

68

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

Water Pa

erfront Park

rfront ark

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Section A

Section through proposed development from the waterfront park to existing businesses

Pervious Local Street Park Parking

Resident + Park Parking

Condominium/Stacked Townhouses

Alley

Residential with Ground Floor Commercial at Intersections

Bus + Two Lane Thru Street Trolley with Alternating Turning Lane Lane

Bus + Trolley Lane

Condominiums with Ground Floor Commercial on LG Smith

Local Two Way Local Serving Street with On Commercial Street Parking

10m

Section B

Section C

Section through L.G. Smith Boulevard and the parking street

Pervious Park Parking

Local Street

Pervious Park Bio Parking Swale

Bus + Trolley Lane

Two Lane Thru Street with Alternating Turning Lane

Bus + Trolley Lane

Condominiums/ Stacked Townhouses

10m URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Section through Green Street

Residential Condos

Bioretention Planting Box

Franklin Straat (Two Way)

Bioretention Planting Box

Residential Condos

10m

69

CHAPTER 3

one space for 90 percent of units. Where blocks are less

GREEN STREETS TO THE NORTHERN NEIGHBORHOODS

wide, a ground floor parking garage that is accessed from

– To augment connections between the existing

a local street behind the building is recommended. On

neighborhoods to the north and the waterfront park,

street parking is provided on both local side streets. Park

green streets are proposed on all east-west cross streets

parking is provided off the eastern local street. Because

from the park to Arendstraat behind the light industrial

residents’ parking needs will mostly be met within or

uses to the northeast of the new development. Green

behind the building, the park parking areas will be used

streets will not only provide safe connections for people

less frequently and could be pervious by being paved

and vehicles, but will help to convey and infiltrate

with gravel, reinforced lawn, or pavers. Where this

cleaner stormwater from inland to the sea. The green

parking abuts residential properties, vegetated buffers

street idea provides different street design alternatives

and raised patio areas can be used to separate private

that include: bioswales, pervious paving, rain gardens,

spaces from the public sidewalk.

tree well infiltration, and increased vegetative planting.

They have been used in a number of progressive planning

LOCAL SERVING INFILL IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA –

cities such as Seattle, Portland and Vancouver where rain

With the high degree of vacancy observed in the light

events have a propensity to cause short-term flooding.

industrial area northeast of L.G. Smith Boulevard and the anticipated increase in property values once the waterfront improvements are complete, land use controls that require a higher density along L.G. Smith Boulevard are recommended for the light industrial area. This will ensure that infill in this area supports and enhances the adjacent waterfront investments and develops in a pedestrian-friendly manner. The design depicts what an increase in density might look like if such land use controls are implemented. Off-street parking is removed from the front of businesses and provided in lots in the interior of the block behind the street frontage.

70

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

View From Roundabout Looking South

The curvature of the redesigned boulevard creates interspersed viewsheds along the rightof-way, and additionally serves to calm traffic

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

71

CHAPTER 3

WATERFRONT PARK

recreation spaces. At the south end of the park, cultural

PARK DESIGN- With newly available waterfront land,

provide an integrated design experience. At the coastal

the government of Aruba has expressed interest in a

edge, a series of beaches, islands and mangroves

new park for the Aruban people. A new park is a great

provides a restored natural edge to the park as it meets

opportunity to reconnect the city of Oranjestad to

the sea. Within this zone, pathways allow visitors to

its long forgotten waterfront. A park can serve many

access this natural area for hikes and lingering on the

functions; most importantly, the design presented here

beaches with family or friends. A waterway system

intends to provide three things: recreational spaces that

between the coast and the islands is a prime area for

celebrate Aruban culture, ecological habitat for Aruba’s

kayaking and boating.

facilities adopt the design lead of the oval shapes to

unique flora and fauna, and beautiful, dramatic spaces to welcome tourists to the island.

PARK PROGRAM - First and foremost, the success of the park depends on the ease of wayfinding and travel.

The new waterfront park is designed both as a layered

The availability of multimodal transit and walkability

system or right-of-ways, development, and transition

to the site will be the ultimate tests. This design

spaces from L.G. Smith Boulevard to buffer the park, and

offers an integrated parking strategy; extension of

nodal development along the length of the park – similar

the downtown tram, bus, and taxi access; and new

to a string of pearls. The park is integrated closely

pedestrian improvements to ensure the park will be a

with the L.G. Smith Boulevard development proposal

convenient destination. Green streets to the northeast

described previously. The sinuous curves of the newly

serve as connectors for people coming from the

aligned boulevard work to help provide a variegated

neighborhoods, offering views to the park and pleasantly

edge condition to the park. Behind the new residential

shaded sidewalks. Along the southern edge of the park,

development can be found: a planted sidewalk area,

pathways connect to the cultural center and cruise ship

parking zone for park visitors, and another well-planted

terminal.

pedestrian edge up against the park edge. Within the park itself, pavement and planting areas separate oval shaped recreation and water park spaces. At times these ovals serve as active recreation and festival fields, at other times they become water parks and passive

72

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Park Programs + Services Plan

1.2 1.4 2.3 4.7

Services/ Bicycle Rentals

Sports Fields

Water Gardens Entry Plazas

Market + Festival Space

km Waterfront Promenade km Cycling Trail km Kayaking km Walking Paths

Water Playscape

Service Kiosks

Skate Park Stormwater Gardens

B

Elevated Walkway

C

D

A

Kayak Launch

Cycling Trail Beach Services

Ecology Trail Outdoor Theatre

Fish Feeding

Beach

Waterfront Promenade

Active Recreation Passive Recreation Connectors

100m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

73

CHAPTER 3

Hydrological Rehabilitation Design

At the park entrances, visitors will be greeted by linear plazas which will direct them to the various programs Tidal Flushing

Bulkhead

Tidal Flushing

Land Mass

within the park as well as provide a straight pathway to the sea. The plazas are also a place for rest and refreshment. They provide seating, food, kiosks, restrooms, and other park services. Alongside the street, the bordering edges of the plazas terrace into gardens

Water Depth/Substrate Height

that treat stormwater runoff from the streets when it rains. These gardens also provide welcoming spaces through all seasons.

High Tide Low Tide Substrate

The park is a flexible public space that supports Aruban identity by allowing for social interaction among diverse populations. Programming includes, but is not limited to: soccer, tennis, festivals, concerts, and skateboarding.

High Marsh

Berm

Low Marsh

The park also includes water gardens, children’s playgrounds, beaches, nature trails, and an outdoor movie theatre. Bicycles can be rented at the sports center to the north and kayaks can be rented along the

Planting/Slope Stabilization

docks to the south. The park is a place for activity as much as a place for respite and retreat. Circulating around the park activities is a continuous walkway. As it ramps above the plazas, the walkway reveals 360 degrees of views across the park and the ocean.

Revetment/Embankment

Encasement Artificial Bottom at Water Level

74

Coir Log

Coconut Fiber Biodegradable Netting

“Comp Pillow”

Coconut Fiber Wire Mesh Container Polypropylene

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Sections (Refer to Park Programs + Services Plan for Location) A

Mangrove Restoration

Ecology Trail

Sea Grass Beds

B

Skate Park

Walkway

Food + Beverage

Plaza

Bike Path

Elevated Walkway

Amphitheatre

C

Stormwater Gardens

Plaza

Bike Path

Stormwater Gardens

10m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

75

CHAPTER 3

At the water’s edge, the plazas transition into bicycling

islands by boardwalk and see the unique breathing

paths and a promenade, which run parallel to each other,

roots along a viewing platform that is below sea-level.

at times separated by a vegetated median and park

Mangroves are also a fantastic opportunity for bird-

benches. These paths run along a public beach that runs

watching.

the length of the park. Docks provide opportunities for people to sit and feed fish, launch a kayak, or just relax

Mangroves, which saved lives in the 2004 tsunami

and sunbathe.

disaster in Southeast Asia, have been valued at US $3.5 million per square kilometer in Thailand. These trees

PARK ENVIRONMENT - A unique experience for visitors is

calm coastal waters, acting as a natural storm barrier. In

the opportunity to interact with mangroves, the world’s

Aruba, mangroves can protect the park from sea winds

most threatened ecosystem. Mangrove forests are

and cruise ship wakes. This ecosystem can provide a

disappearing more quickly than the Amazon rainforest

range of habitats for several native species including

and, according to the journal Science, are likely to be

birds, crustaceans, and juvenile fish. Mangroves can play

destroyed entirely by the end of the century. Mangrove

a key role in rehabilitating the adjacent reef. Studies

forests create dramatic experiences of prospect and

have shown that fish are as much as twice as abundant on

refuge and make popular tourist attractions. Kayakers

reefs near mangrove forests. Some species, such as the

can paddle up close to their roots and even venture along

rainbow parrotfish, cannot survive without mangroves. It

trails between them. Hikers can access the mangrove

is important that seagrass beds are also rehabilitated, as the three systems rely on each other mutually.

Urban to Waterfront Transect (Refer to Park Programs + Services Plan for Location) D

Parking

10m

76

Plaza

Waterfront Promenade

Beach

Kayaking

Mangroves

Cruiseship Disembarkment

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Waterfront Park Renderings

The following renderings of the Waterfront Park show the environmental, connective and cultural highlights of the park

Park Plaza

Mangroves URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Walkway System

77

CHAPTER 3

Mangrove rehabilitation is very technical but fortunately it is a subject that has been well studied in recent years. First, hydrology of nearby swamp should serve as a model. Channels should not be straight but should meander like natural streams and enable tidal flushing.

Next, the substrate levels are extremely important.

Though the tidal fluctuation in Aruba is minimal, high tide should be above the substrate level whereas the low tide should be below. The floor of the substrate must not be flat but should have variation as one might find in a natural environment. Finally, planting mangroves must be done with great care. For areas with high erosive potential, revetment/embankment techniques, coir log plantings, and the “comp pillow� technique (developed by the Forest Institute of Malaysia) may secure the plantings. Successful rehabilitation projects have been completed across the world including the United States, Ecuador, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and many other places.

78

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Amphitheatre, Plaza, Water Garden + Fishing Docks

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

79

CHAPTER 3 100m

Education Center

Research Park + Cultural Center

Experience Seawater Greenhouse

Productive Landscape

Learn

Seawater Greenhouse

Natural Science Museum

Innovate

Aquarium

Grow

A

80

B

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

RESEARCH PARK + CULTURAL CENTER

Seawater Greenhouse

Redeveloping Oranjestad’s port provides the opportunity to reconnect residents to the water, construct important public amenities, unleash the untapped market potential of the land, and improve the welcome experience for cruise ship visitors. Following the example of other cities like Baltimore, Sydney, and Chicago that have made public institutions an important part of their successful waterfronts, Oranjestad would benefit from including anchor institutions within the port redevelopment.

The best implementation of this strategy would be to encourage institutional uses that have both entertainment and research components. The National Archives can serve as an example of such an institution.

The archives play an important governmental role, preserving and storing important documents, as well as a social role, creating exhibitions that inform Arubans about their history.

THE AQUARIUM OF THE CARIBBEAN – A NEW CULTURAL CENTER - The proposed institutional spaces are a hub of learning and innovation that capitalize on the other investments in residential development, park, and cruise ship terminal. On the southern side of L.G. Smith Boulevard, the major attraction is the Aquarium of the Caribbean, which stands apart from other such cultural attractions by allowing visitors to have an interactive

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Fresh Water Collection

Condenser Deep Seawater Intake

Second Humidifier

Crops

Humidifier

Permeable Front

Surface Seawater Intake

Step 1 - Wind

Step 4 - Second Humidification

Wind brings warm air through front of seawater greenhouse.

Air passes through section seawater evaporator and is further humidified to saturation points.

Step 2 - Water Evaporation

Step 5 - Condensation

Surface seawater trickles down the front wall evaporator. Wind passes through evaporator. Dust, salt and pollen are trapped and filtered out. Air exits humidified and cool.

Fully saturated air passes through condenser, filled with cold deep sea water. Pure desalinated water condensates and is collect for use.

Step 3 - Cooling Air passes over plants and keeps the Seawater Greenhouse cool, where crops can grow in cool, highlight conditions.

81

CHAPTER 3

experience with marine life. Instead of a simple “come

producing fresh water in the process. The system mimics

and see� encounter, the proposed aquarium will be a

the hydrological cycle where the sun heats seawater

place to touch, swim with, and experience the magic of

which later cools and returns to the earth as freshwater

marine life. The adjacent community water garden, tide

rain.

pools, and mangroves further emphasize this point by providing outdoor spaces for interacting with the natural

Through this technology, Aruba will be able to produce

environment and learning about local marine ecosystems.

water more sustainably and cheaply than conventional reverse-osmosis desalination plants. As such, the entire

Such a dynamic space also provides the opportunity

site is envisioned as both a production and research

for the aquarium to be more than just a cultural

facility. Thus the proposal recommends an educational

attraction. It should also have a research component,

space, a warehouse, and a storage facility to support

possibly related to mangrove establishment and costal

production located on the north side of the street.

restoration. In this way, the aquarium will be more financial viable, incubate investment in the country

An elaborate version of this Seawater Greenhouse

and create research jobs. The important idea for

system, placed in front of the aquarium, can provide a

the waterfront is not necessarily the presence of an

public exhibition space. The large glass building will be

aquarium, per se, but any viable cultural institution that

a major attraction for both Arubans and tourists alike.

can hold the interest of both tourists and residents alike

Moreover, it provides a venue to educate people about

over the long-term. With sufficient programming and a

the important role that water plays in the ecosystem and

pan-Caribbean focus, we think a regional aquarium can

economy of Aruba.

avoid some of the issues of past aquarium attempts in Aruba.

NEW SEAWATER DESALINATION GREENHOUSE RESEARCH - On the north side of L.G. Smith Boulevard is a productive landscape that is driven by an emerging technology, Seawater Greenhouses. A Seawater Greenhouse creates an ideal growing condition for all types of crops, from vegetables and fruits to flowers,

82

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Section A

Section B

100m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

83

CHAPTER 3

BOULEVARD ORIENTED OFFICE SPACE - Directly adjacent to L.G. Smith Boulevard are buildings that provide important office and ground floor retail space. These buildings allow for the continuation of the street wall along L.G. Smith Boulevard. Moreover, they capitalize on the valuable land along L.G. Smith Boulevard and the park, providing much needed office space that is currently unavailable in the downtown.

In conjunction, these projects create a synergetic hub where people come to experience, learn, grow and innovate. Through strategic public investments, Arubans will be more connected to the water and have access to a better means of producing the fresh water. The city and country will have a new iconic gateway that will encourage tourists to disembark from the cruise ships.

Finally, Arubans will have new cultural spaces that help to develop and strengthen the national identity.

84

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

WATERFRONT STRUCTURE PLAN

Perspective View of the Proposed Aquarium

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

85

4

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

KEY DOWNTOWN ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY CIRCULATION + PARKING STRATEGY STREETSCAPE STRATEGY + INITIATIVES TRAM + PLAZA INITIATIVES DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT INITIATIVES LAGOON INITIATIVES

CHAPTER 4

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN KEY ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS

remaking the downtown. However, an additional strategy

The downtown area of Oranjestad presents itself with

20 different paving materials and patterns are evident in

incredible opportunities for revitalization but there are

the downtown area. This is not the way to build a visually

issues and constraints that must be addressed. Through

resonant public realm.

is also required for the other downtown streets. Over

site analysis, our team came up with five key issues and constraints that helped shape our design interventions:

Due to the high volume of cars in the city, parking is

a poor pedestrian environment; vehicular congestion;

a major problem in the downtown area. Since most

an unclear parking strategy; difficulty in wayfinding; and

Arubans commute or run errands by car, it is necessary to

neglected or under-utilized amenities.

provide adequate and easy-to-find parking while at the same time making sure the downtown becomes a vibrant,

View down a reimagined downtown street

A lack of shade, poor pavement maintenance, and little

walkable place that does not feel like one big parking

seating in the downtown area, combined with the hot

lot. Starting from the idea of making parking easy to

and humid climate of Aruba, make for a sometimes

locate, it is important for the city’s many attractions to

uncomfortable pedestrian environment.

be easy to locate as well. Navigation and wayfinding are

Many locals

relayed this message in describing Oranjestad as having

keys issues facing the downtown. Superblocks and one

an “indoor air-conditioning culture” rather than one

way streets throughout the downtown make it difficult

of livelier street activity. Combined with these issues,

to get through the city on car and foot alike, especially

Oranjestad is heavily dominated by the automobile.

for those unfamiliar with the city. Additional signage

Traffic and congestion is high in the downtown area,

that directs visitors to key attractions and amenities is

increasing noise and pollution levels while making

needed to bridge this gap.

sidewalks feel less safe and streets harder to cross.

88

While Oranjestad has a special car “cruising” culture

Due in part to the previously mentioned issues and

that we wish to preserve, additional actions must be

constraints, our final issue and constraint for the city

taken to make the city feel hospitable to all forms of

of Oranjestad is neglected and underutilized amenities.

transportation, whether it be walking, biking, transit,

Aside from the multiple cultural attractions like

or automobile. The public realm of the downtown is

museums, parliament buildings, and historical sites,

disjointed and incoherent. The proposed streetscape

other amenities such as the marina waterfront are also

program and tram along Main Street will go a long way in

vital to the growth and development of Oranjestad.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

Currently, the marina and city waterfront area are

Each of these proposals builds upon the tram and

underutilized but provide a tremendous opportunity for

plaza project slated to help bring cruise ship visitors

development. These cultural and physical attractions

to Oranjestad’s ‘Main Street’, Caya G.F. Bettico Croes.

should be both highlighted and better connected. They

If implemented individually, any one would serve to

are near each other but fairly disjointed at present

improve conditions for a large area of downtown. When

and tackling this through design can only add to the

viewed as a set, however, they form the powerful vision

attendance and use of these amenities. Cities worldwide

of a new way to experience Oranjestad for residents and

are remaking their waterfronts to attract visitors, induce

visitors alike.

economic development and provide a memorable identity for visitors.

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY

To understand how these projects interact with one another, consider the experience of a visitor to Oranjestad from any one of the hundreds of cruise ships that visit Aruba every year. Upon disembarking their ship, passengers will be presented with an attractive

Fundamentally, the structure plan for Downtown

public space featuring visitor information, small-

Oranjestad is about enhancing circulation and increasing

scale retail, light food, restrooms and a free tram to

amenity. To this end, four major proposals are offered

the downtown commercial district. En route to the

for the downtown area. Three of these, a re-imagining

commercial district, the tram will pass through an

of the area surrounding the lagoon as a sculpture garden,

urban botanical garden framing the Museo Arqueologico

the redesign of the relationship between downtown and

Nacional.

the marina, and new plaza spaces to welcome visitors and celebrate the island’s native flora, are site-specific.

Passing down Oranjestad’s Main Street, visitors will have

The fourth proposal is a set of streetscape typologies

a number of stops at which they can get off the tram and

and modified circulation patterns that improve vehicular

stroll or stop for a cool beverage at an umbrella-shaded

access, pedestrian comfort, and safety for all users

table. Upon reaching the end of the tram line, visitors

of the public realm. Though this proposal focuses on

will be able to choose from any number of experiences.

Wilhelminastraat and adjacent streets, the typologies

If they are looking to relax, they will have the option of

can be extended to the entire downtown street network.

walking along the calm waters of the lagoon, viewing sculpture by Aruban and international artists. If they are

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

89

CHAPTER 4

looking for more excitement, they will have the option of

Downtown Structure Plan

walking down to a revitalized dining and entertainment

New Streetscaping

district along Wilhelminastraat. As they return to the

Plazas

port, the new parliament plaza and redesigned marina

Tram Line

waterfront along L.G. Smith Boulevard provides them one

New Structured Parking

last unforgettable brush with Aruban culture.

This adaptable circuit of diverse sightseeing and retail

New + Enhanced Buildings

50m

experiences is well-suited to the cruise ship tourist who frequently has only 6-8 hours to visit the island before reboarding their ship to head to the next port of call.

However, the strategies of this structure plan offer numerous benefits for the Aruban people as well.

Adjusted traffic circulation patterns will make it easier to get to, and get around, the downtown area. The creation of a new, comprehensive parking strategy will ease the pressures of finding a parking spot while respecting some of the established parking practices of Oranjestad. Each of the proposals addresses some of the infrastructure issues that face downtown Oranjestad, with a specific focus on improved stormwater drainage.

This is an issue of special note, because flooding is an issue of public safety (as streets are made nearly impassible), but also an issue of private property risk as well. Finally, each proposal is targeted with an eye toward improving economic conditions for the Aruban people. By diversifying the scale of retail opportunities and increasing pedestrian access, it is thought that new, smaller, locally-owned enterprises might flourish.

90

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

91

CHAPTER 4

CIRCULATION + PARKING STRATEGIES

In addition to efficient traffic circulation, downtown

To be an accessible city, downtown Oranjestad will

lots currently exist in the downtown area, many drivers

need to provide for both automobile and pedestrian

also use empty and vacant property as informal parking

access. Ensuring a well populated downtown means

lots. This circulation map proposes a number of new

providing access for multiple modes of transportation,

parking lots, including current vacant lots, which should

including automobiles and pedestrians. The Traffic

be incorporated into a formal and integrated parking

Circulation Map illustrates the current and proposed

system. Several of these proposed parking lots would be

traffic circulation strategies for ensuring an efficient flow

located behind new development with street driveway

in and around downtown. In its current state, there is

access.

Oranjestad will also need an adequate parking system to accommodate cars. While several existing parking

limited northbound access for automobiles. Cars must take either Wilhelminastraat or L.G. Smith Boulevard to

No less important is a successful pedestrian circulation

circumnavigate the downtown. The design proposal for

strategy that will attract foot-traffic throughout

Wilhelminastraat may further limit northbound traffic

downtown. The Pedestrian Circulation Map indicates the

flow. As such, we propose turning John G. Eman Straat

main pedestrian routes that should be priority streets for

into a bi-directional road to alleviate the northbound

downtown streetscape improvement strategies. These

congestion on L.G. Smith Boulevard.

demonstrate a pedestrian loop that will bring people in and around downtown, pulling people past Oranjestad’s main streets and attractions, including Main Street, the Lagoon, Wilhelminastraat, Parliament, Fort Zoutman, and the waterfront.

92

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

Circulation + Parking Diagram Proposed New Circulation Routes Major North/East Circulation Routes Minor North/East Circulation Routes Major South/West Circulation Routes Minor South/West Circulation Routes Proposed Parking Existing Parking

25m

Pedestrian Circulation Diagram Major Pedestrian Circulation Routes

25m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

93

CHAPTER 4

DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE STRATEGY + INITIATIVES

Street Typologies Downtown Plan Wilhelminastraat Restaurant Row

Streets are the lifelines of Downtown Oranjestad, and

Feeder Street

provide critical functions in a thriving and livable city.

Service Street

The Downtown Oranjestad Streetscape Plan will support the Visions and Design Principles outlined earlier in this

25m

document. The primary function of the Streetscape Plan is to make downtown Oranjestad a more pleasant place for pedestrians while still accommodating cars and other modes of transit. The Downtown Streetscape Plan includes four streetscape typologies, each serving a different function. These street design typologies can be applied to different streets throughout downtown Oranjestad depending on the use, location, and size of the street

94

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

95

CHAPTER 4

Wilhelminastraat

Restaurant Row

Wilhelminastraat

4m

2.13m

3m

3.35m

Public Realm

Flex Space

Traffic Ln

Public Realm

Kruis Weg

Restaurant Row Kruis Weg

Wilhelminastraat

5m

96

1.75m

2.13m

3m

2.5m

Ped Zn

Flex Sp

Shared Ln

Ped Zn

5m

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

WILHELMINASTRAAT - Wilhelminastraat serves as one of the main travel arteries through downtown Oranjestad.

Unlike Main Street, which is primarily a shopping street, Wilhelminastraat serves a different function for locals and tourists: it has more service-oriented businesses, restaurants, and historic sites. As Oranjestad becomes a more well-connected city and memorable destination, the Wilhelminastraat streetscape guidelines will help to bolster the street’s unique assets. Most notably, the streetscape improvements seek to widen the sidewalks to provide more room for walking, sidewalk furniture, and café seating. Parking spaces will be located at sidewalk grade in-between street trees, which will provide much needed shade from Aruba’s hot climate. A center drain will help to alleviate stormwater run-off. This will require coordination of a citywide stormwater strategy to connect all the disparate parts of the Downtown.

RESTAURANT ROW - Downtown Oranjestad is ripe for a lively restaurant scene. Already populated with a handful of great restaurants, a street dedicated to outdoor dining is a terrific opportunity to create a memorable and unique destination for both locals and tourists.

Restaurant Row will be a woonerf (a single-grade, shared street for cars and people), and will accommodate outdoor dining and entertaining while still providing room

Restaurant Row

View of enhanced streetscape, pedestrian, retail, and circulation conditions

for through-traffic and occasional parking. Trees wells, benches, and umbrellas will demarcate parking spaces.

This shared space will force drivers to drive slowly and cautiously.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

97

CHAPTER 4

Feeder Street

Feeder Street

Colombus Straat

Service Street

Colombus Straat

2.9m

3m

2.13m

2.9m

Public Realm

Traffic Ln

Parking Ln

Public Realm

Oude School Straat

Service Street

Oude School Straat

1m

2.13m

Ped Zn Flex Sp

3.2m

1m

Shared Ln

Ped Zn

5m

98

5m

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

FEEDER STREETS - Feeder Streets are primary thoroughfares in the circulation hierarchy of downtown Oranjestad. Similar to the other street typologies, Feeder Streets will have wider sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians. Car parking will be available in between curb bulb-outs. These bulb-outs provide two functions: 1. as traffic calming devices; and 2. to increase sidewalk space for furniture or other outdoor activities. Sidewalks will be on a higher grade than the car traffic lane. The street will be lined with trees and light fixtures, which will provide shade and light.

SERVICE STREETS - The Service Street typology was initially designed for Klip Straat, but can be applied to many of the side streets throughout Downtown Oranjestad. Similar to Restaurant Row, Service Streets will be single-surface, shared streets. Paving materials and trees will demarcate protected pedestrian-only space. Car parking will be located on one side of the street, which will alternate every block. The trees will line one side of the street and will also alternate every block, which will help to slow car traffic.

Wilhelminastraat

View of integrated pedestrian and vehicular space, enhanced retail conditions, and flexible parking/public realm areas

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

99

CHAPTER 4

TRAM + PLAZA INITIATIVES

ship passengers directly from the terminal facility,

The current entry sequence from the cruise ship terminal

Street at Plaza Commercio. From there, the battery-

into the city is less than ideal. Cruise ship passengers

operated bi-directional tram will loop around the Plaza

pass through a “Checkpoint Charley” type of barbed

Commercio block and return to the cruise ship facility.

wire security gate before arriving at an unappealing taxi

The Downtown Structure Plan delineates the route the

roundabout filled with broken down vendor’s shacks,

tram will travel through the downtown. A first phase of

where they can buy inexpensive tourist trinkets. The

streetscape and plaza design includes only the area from

first view of the city is the wall to a government public

Plaza Daniel Leo up Main Street to Plaza Commercio.

works yard. Signage and wayfinding to direct visitors to

The streetscape design utilizes a strategy of closely

the downtown is non-existent. This is not an experience

planted street trees in large at grade planting beds

that Aruba deserves and it endangers the economic

to provide a continuous canopy for purposes of shade

livelihood of downtown shopkeepers and the city as a

delivery to pedestrians. The street will be continuously

whole.

paved from building line to building line with permeable

across L.G. Smith Boulevard, to the end of Main

pavers and a storm drain system that incorporates the COMPLETING THE DOWNTOWN TRAM SYSTEM - Over

tree wells and planting beds to infiltrate water. The

the past year, decisions were made by Government to

design of four plazas is also incorporated into the

build a downtown tram system that will carry cruise

streetscape design, including two mid-block plazas

Welcome Plaza Section

5m

100

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

at the Aruba Trading Company and near the Bon Bini Department Store. The plazas will be treated as special design moments along the tram line to punctuate a rather simple streetscape strategy. Festival lighting will be strung from street lights to enable different seasonal lighting patterns. As currently phased, the tramscape stops at the western edge of Plaza Daniel Leo. This proposal will complete the tram and streetscape from Plaza Daniel Leo to the cruise ship terminal. As currently designed the tram will loop to the south of Plaza Daniel Leo to the Welcome Plaza on a dedicated one way rail before coming together on a single rail when crossing Daniel Leo to the cruise ship terminal. On its way to Main Street, it will have a dedicated one-way rail down Schleppestraat from the Welcome Plaza until it becomes a bi-directional rail on Main Street near Plaza Daniel Leo. STREETSCAPE DESIGN - This western portion of the tramscape includes two new plazas and the streets between them that connect to the Phase 1 tram: a Welcome Plaza at the intersection of L.G. Smith

Bollards and granite edged planters will separate through

Boulevard and the cruise terminal street, and a plaza at

traffic from pedestrian areas. Behind the Welcome

the national archaeological museum. These two plazas

Plaza, the street pattern will be reconnected to provide

will each have a separate design that reinforces different

throughput from downtown to the new Desalination

use objectives. The streetscape between the plazas will

Greenhouse Research Facility. Across the street from the

continue the strategy of heavily planted street trees to

plaza, a significant new multi-story parking garage will

provide a shade canopy. The streetbed will again run

be constructed as the lynchpin in the larger downtown

continuously across the street from building edge to

parking strategy. With the tram running adjacent to this

building edge without raising the sidewalks to curb level.

parking, employees of downtown shops can park and ride

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Western Tram + Streetscape Proposal 50m

101

CHAPTER 4

Rendering of landscaped passage to Museum Plaza

the tram to jobs, without parking in spaces valued by

station and help to define it as a space. The bus station

shoppers directly off Main Street. A series of new retail

parking area will be newly buffered by an alee of trees to

buildings will be located around this parking structure,

the west and north. The return route for the tram runs

as well as embedded into the ground floor of the parking

directly to the north of the bus parking area, which runs

structure facing the street. The tram to Schleppestraat

directly across the north end of the Welcome Plaza to a

will run in a reconfigured straight line in the pedestrian

‘car barn’ where the tram cars can be parked at night

area between an alee of trees behind the bus station and

and be repaired when necessary. In all likelihood this

two new buildings, until it meets the downtown street

will need to be a new building designed specifically for

grid. From the intersection with Westraat, the tram

this purpose. The Welcome Plaza itself will be designed

follows Schleppestraat directly until it connects with the

with a canopy of trees and planters around the edges

Phase 1 tram at Plaza Daniel Leo.

in a diamond fashion to shape a space at the center, and provide a pavement pattern emanating from the

A NEW WELCOME PLAZA – The Welcome Plaza on

Welcome Center. This place will be a multi-use plaza that

L.G. Smith Boulevard will focus on the tram station

can accommodate the tram, comfortable seating, special

at the center of the plaza, providing a heavily shaded

market events, and a memorable entry sequence into the

tree canopy for tram riders waiting for the train to

city.

arrive. The plaza will be bounded at its edges by new

102

buildings that frame the plaza. At the west will be a

REDESIGN OF MUSEUM PLAZA – The final piece of

signature Welcome Center with a glass façade. This

this entry sequence is Museum Plaza at the National

will serve as the information and tourist visitor center

Archaeological Museum. Currently the plaza is a stone

for the downtown. It will provide wayfinding and tour

paved semi-circle, scorched with sun, with under-sized

information as well as bathrooms for downtown visitors.

and struggling plant life. The driving programmatic

Across the plaza will be a market hall that re-houses

idea is for this plaza to become the national botanical

the vendors who will be relocated from the existing

garden. It will feature the indigenous plant life of the

market area at the other side of L.G. Smith Boulevard.

island, including trees, thorn brush, cactus, grasses,

This market hall will be designed to evoke the profile

and flowering groundcovers. Two requirements were

of Aruba’s historic kunuku houses. It will provide

necessary in the design of this plaza: 1. maintaining a

permanent vendor space that opens to the outside. This

clear view to the museum across the plaza to adequately

building will also help provide a new edge to the bus

see the historic buildings; and 2. maintaining the small

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

surface parking lot to the east of the plaza with vehicular access across the plaza. This accessway is located parallel and abutting the buildings, and paved flush with plaza materials. The new plaza is designed with a semicircular water feature at the center. Both pavement and walkway lines radiate out from the center of this pool to structure the planting areas, perimeter trees, pathways, and furniture. The plaza has a semi-circular alee of palms around its perimeter, between which are urban chaise lounges for relaxing in the shade or sun. At the edges of the plaza and in the interstitial planters around the plaza, the botanical garden is planted in an organic manner, punctuated by local stone boulders, and labeled with the names of the plant life. Two primary pathways access the garden: 1. radiating from the center to

Museum Plaza

10m

Museum Plaza Section

5m

the parking lot at the grocery store across the street and connecting to Havenstraat; and 2. radiating from the center and pointed toward Schleppestraat in the direction of Plaza Daniel Leo. These two radiating paths provide a formal access structure to the plaza. The botanical garden provides a nice synergy with the nature of the archaeology museum – providing educational spaces both inside and outside the buildings.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

103

CHAPTER 4

DOWNTOWN MARINA INITIATIVES

tight spacing is necessary to make palm trees into a

The Oranjestad downtown marina site extends along L.G.

decorative. Intersections within the downtown area

Smith Boulevard from the lagoon to the new Welcome

should be signalized with variable timing to allow control

Plaza. Site analysis indicated that L.G. Smith Boulevard

during different traffic loads. Adding a planted median

was becoming a barrier to waterfront access. Trying to

to the street (where possible) will narrow the road for

understand how the two sides of the street could be

drivers thus slowing traffic. In addition, new crosswalks

unified helped to guide the structuring of the waterfront

should be added at intersections and mid-block locations

experience and shape ways of thinking about how this

to encourage pedestrian safety and comfort. These

space could be better used. The final design of the

moves will not only make the pedestrian environment

downtown marina site highlights four key contributions

more comfortable by providing much needed shade and

that could make this area into a vibrant place and most

lighting, but they will also form an imageable means of

importantly, into an Aruban destination. These four

shaping the street. L.G. Smith Boulevard is the most

design interventions are: 1. streetscape enhancements

heavily trafficked road in Aruba. Giving it the look of

along L.G. Smith Boulevard; 2. a continuous and

a more formal boulevard will be eye-catching and alert

uninterrupted boardwalk around the marina; 3. new

people to the importance of the street.

continuous shade canopy – otherwise they are merely

commercial venues between the street and marina; and, 4. a large radial plaza spanning from the Parliament

EXTENDING A CONTINOUS BOARDWALK AROUND THE

building to the water’s edge.

MARINA - One of the great amenities of the current marina is the boardwalk that runs along part of it, but

104

DESIGNING A DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE FOR L.G.

is incomplete around certain parts. The boardwalk can

SMITH BOULEVARD - The L.G. Smith Boulevard

become a greater destination because it helps to connect

streetscape plan calls for one consistent sidewalk

people to the water on a much more comfortable scale

spanning the length of this site on both sides of the

than a concrete bulkhead can generate. This plan calls

street.

for these boardwalk successes in Oranjestad’s marina to

The sidewalk will be widened (especially on

the northern side) to include 4m of pedestrian right-

be expanded and continued around the entire marina.

of-way and 2m for trees and pedestrian-level light

This will create more public space along the waterfront

standards. Together with this sidewalk, date palm trees

and become an important way for tourists and locals to

will be planted every 5.5m along the length of the street

move around the harbor. The current bridge over the

with up-lights that highlight the under-canopy. This

Renaissance Hotel’s boat inlet is narrow and pinches UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

pedestrian flow; it should be replaced with a wider, more generous crossing. And if any visitor decides to take a break from walking, stone planter benches should be provided along the boardwalk to allow lingering and respite under shade trees. The use of memorable shade trees such as bright orange flamboyants or pink barba di joncumans would provide great imageability for the

B

A

boardwalk.

NEW SHOPPING AND RESTAURANT VENUES ON THE WATERFRONT – Currently, on the southwest side of L.G.

A`

B`

Smith Boulevard, there are many small retail shops that sell primarily imported tourist souvenirs. While these shops are an important part of the marina experience for tourists, this plan envisions this prime waterfront space as one that can be shared by tourists and Arubans alike. By remaking the unsightly and pedestrian unfriendly parking lot in front of these buildings, space is freed to do something much more exciting with this space. This plan calls for new double-sided buildings to be constructed, where retail shops can face L.G. Smith Boulevard while cafes, bars and restaurants can face the marina. On the northwest part of the site next to the currently abandoned condo building, a large market hall can be constructed serving Arubans looking for fresh meats and produce as well as tourists looking to

Downtown Oranjestad / L.G. Smith Boulevard and Marina Plan

50m

experience local flavors. The market hall is fronted by a significant cafĂŠ and dining space along the boardwalk.

Also within this area will be public bathrooms maintained by a new business improvement district created by this URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

105

CHAPTER 4

development. There is certainly a lack of comfortable

in Oranjestad. While traffic will be able to pass along

outdoor food and beverage culture in Oranjestad and

L.G. Smith Boulevard, paving and planting schemes will

many people (especially tourists) travel north to the

extend outward from the Parliament building’s entrance

hotel areas for food and drinks. The buildings will

until reaching the boardwalk, creating a unified public

feature a plant-covered pergola along their length on

space able to accommodate anything from large political

both sides to shade shoppers and restaurant patrons.

gatherings to intimate conversations under the shade of

On the water side, built in planters form protected café

trees. Bollards will protect pedestrians walking along the

areas with stone double-sided seating that addresses

street, and channel people to an easy mid-block crossing.

both café and water. The second floor of these buildings

The semi-circular shape of this space will resonate

can become additional club and restaurant spaces

with other public plazas throughout the downtown,

with great views of the marina and water. Rather than

including the new Museum Plaza. Those on foot or car

object buildings that call attention to themselves, these

will notice the alee of palms running along L.G. Smith

buildings should become part of the waterfront fabric,

Boulevard open up to a wide paved and planted space.

providing backdrops for waterfront activity. This prime

The semi-circular plaza will extend from the front door

waterfront location in the heart of Oranjestad could

of Parliament in a radiating pattern, cross the street in

become the most popular restaurant and bar destination

an unbroken manner, and be bordered by a continuous

in Aruba and signal a major economic shift back to the

half-circle of shade trees. A central feature of the plaza

city.

is a raised perimeter planting bed landscaped with boulders and native species that abuts the boardwalk.

A PLAZA WORTHY OF PARLIAMENT - Not only is the

A pedestrian path winds through the 1m high planter,

National Government of Aruba housed in Oranjestad, it is

allowing visitors to experience some of the native Aruban

situated within the bounds of this waterfront site. As it

landscape up close while still in a shaded environment. A

sits now, members of Parliament have a great view……of

small cabana in the northwest of the plaza (tucked away

a parking lot. While the Parliament building itself is only

near the bridge) can serve anyone looking to eat and

about 60 meters from the ocean’s edge, it is separated

take respite in the plaza. The Parliament Plaza takes

by a large parking lot, a busy L.G. Smith Boulevard,

this portion of Oranjestad’s downtown waterfront from

and then a small lawn. This space can be utilized in

parking lot to vibrant and memorable cultural destination

such a way to create a multi-purpose public gathering

and key piece in the city’s marina redevelopment.

space as well as call attention to the Parliament’s place

106

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

Section A

A redefined retail experience and public realm along the Marina

RETAIL

L.G. SMITH BLVD

COMMERCIAL

BOARDWALK

10m

Section B

A plaza at the Parliament building with improved public realm conditions connecting to the Marina

PARLIAMENT + PLAZA

L.G. SMITH BLVD

PLAZA + NATURE WALK

BOARDWALK

10m URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

107

CHAPTER 4

LAGOON INITIATIVES

and increasing amenity for pedestrians. To this end,

This re-envisioning of Oranjestad’s lagoon as a

This will allow space for additional services for motorists

landscaped sculpture walk is designed to provide a new

and pedestrians alike. Along the streets the new and

cultural amenity for residents and visitors alike, while

widened sidewalks and the provision of shade trees will

improving pedestrian access between downtown and

create a pleasant environment in which to walk, either

adjacent neighborhoods. One key goal of the proposal

for pleasure or as a commuter.

vehicular travel lanes will be narrowed to slow traffic.

is to increase pedestrian traffic through the area by the creation of new amenity, spurring the redevelopment of

Part of the revised streetscape will include formalized

the vacant buildings at either end of the project area.

on-street parking areas along the length of the lagoon.

Currently the lagoon serves as a necessary landscape

This new approach to parking along the lagoon should

finger into the city. Its banks are steeply sloped to a

help prevent residents parking informally on the interior

tidal waterway that also serves as a storm drainage

of the site when parking facilities at nearby offices and

outfall. Little programming is currently situated along

businesses are full. While these spaces are intended to

its banks and it seems like a potential amenity that is

be free to users on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, they

under-designed and under-utilized; also known as a lost

could easily be adapted into metered spaces as part of

opportunity.

a citywide parking strategy. Additionally, reworking the streetscape will enable the inclusion of an integrated

FRAMING THE LAGOON WITH IMPROVED STREETSCAPES

stormwater management system. This will help protect

- The streets around the lagoon will be redesigned

both the proposed landscape from the intense surface

to give increased priority to non-motorized traffic

erosion it now suffers and alleviate some of the flooding problems common to adjacent streets and properties.

Section A - Near L.G. Smith Boulevard

10m

108

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

Lagoon Park

This re-envisioning of Oranjestad’s lagoon as a landscaped sculpture walk is designed to provide a new cultural amenity for residents and visitors alike.

A NEW SCULPTURE GARDEN ALONG THE LAGOON -

new crossings of the canal itself: two ‘stepping

Running the length of the lagoon itself, a new series of

stone’ pathways across the water and one elevated

paved pathways will guide pedestrians along a series of

pedestrian bridge. This will provide easier pedestrian

well-placed sculptures, which are carefully placed in

access from neighborhoods to the southeast of

the landscape. These sculptures, commissioned by both

downtown that, previously, might have felt somewhat

Aruban and international artists, will be placed into the

disconnected from the amenities and opportunities of

landscape based on the topography of the site and will

the commercial core of Oranjestad.

B

act as totemic markers, drawing pedestrians through the site.

There are several under-utilized or abandoned

B’

structures along the project area. Each of these, The parkland surrounding the lagoon will be shaped into

given some modest rehabilitation, could serve well

distinct spaces using both the natural topography of the

as incubators for locally-owned businesses. As public

site and varying levels of native vegetation. A series of

investment in the park space begins to draw additional

grand lawns at the southwestern end of the site invite

visitors to the lagoon, these sites will become

residents to engage in informal play and relaxation.

attractive for rehabilitation. Their relatively small

In areas with more natural variation in topography,

size, and the fact there are buildings extant on each

different levels of vegetation create the play of shadow

site, makes them particularly attractive for adaptive

and light across pathways of the sculpture walk, creating

reuse as either locally-serving retail or small-scale food

an engaging and diverse experience.

and beverage enterprises.

The new spaces created along the lagoon will also

A

serve the adjacent neighborhoods by providing three

A’ Section B - Near Irenestraat

10m URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

50m

109

5

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

DESCRIPTION OF NEIGHBORHOODS, KEY ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY CIRCULATION STRATEGY LAND USE + INFILL STRATEGY HYDROLOGIC INITIATIVES STREETSCAPE + WOONERF INITIATIVES NEW NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER INITIATIVES NEW CAMPUS ANCHOR

CHAPTER 5

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF NEIGHBORHOODS, KEY ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS OVERVIEW OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND PLAYA PA’ BAO - Playa Pa’ Bao is a region located directly adjacent

Rendering of an open space created on a vacant neighborhood lot, providing green space, stormwater infrastructure, and the centerpiece of an expanded Xavier University

safety, and public health. Despite these challenges, the area has a strong identity and many people strongly associate with the neighborhood after they move away.

Socotoro was originally an agave plantation and is now

to downtown Oranjestad and separated from the

a continuation of Rancho with a mix of older homes and

port by a light-industrial district. On one scale Playa

businesses. Madiki is rapidly being developed despite

Pa’ Bao is a region, on another it is a series of four

problems with flooding when it rains. Many of the roads

discrete neighborhoods, Rancho, Socotoro, Madiki, and

have not been paved but new housing is filling all the

Santa Helena. While each neighborhood has different

available spaces, accounting for much of the region’s

characteristics, they function together as a system

population growth. There is a high demand for more

connected physically, economically, and socially. To fully

public and recreational space in the area. People

address the key issues and constraints it was necessary to

have resorted to moving their own patio furniture into

plan at both the regional and neighborhood scale.

the vacant lots to create spaces for gathering. Santa Helena is a middle class residential neighborhood and

Though Playa Pa’ Bao functions as a region, there are

is characterized by wide streets and well kept houses

unique patterns of development that differentiate each

buffered from the street by walled off front yards.

neighborhood. Rancho is the oldest neighborhood in

112

Playa Pa’ Bao and has fine-grained development with

PHYSICAL NETWORKS - On the regional scale, the

small historic houses, irregular lots, narrow roads, and

two primary networks impacting Playa Pa’ Bao are the

pedestrian walkways that cut between the blocks. Since

transportation and environmental systems. There are a

the neighborhood abuts the downtown, there are also a

number of problems with the street network in Playa Pa’

variety of businesses from restaurants to grocery stores

Bao, which promotes a culture of auto-dependence and

used by both locals and visitors. More recently, many

discourages other modes of travel within, between, and

of the homes have fallen into disrepair and the area is

outside of the neighborhoods. Sidewalks are too narrow

known for an association with drugs that spills into the

to allow comfortable pedestrian travel. Pedestrian

surrounding neighborhoods and the downtown. Rancho

movement is further hindered by people parking on

has a general lack of social amenities, and a reputation

the sidewalks on residential streets. Finally, there is no

for rampant public drug use. Rancho’s drug-related

bus service within the neighborhoods further enforcing

reputation adversely impacts the local economy, street

auto-dependence. In terms of environmental systems, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Playa Pa’ Bao is central to the natural ecology of the

More recently, Playa Pa’Bao’s immigrant population

Oranjestad region. The area lies on some of the flattest

grew by almost 20% between 1991 and 2000 while

land in Aruba and suffers from serious flooding during

overall unemployment simultaneously grew. In spite of

heavy rain. Water from surrounding areas of Oranjestad

population growth the economy has not kept pace, nor

flows through the neighborhood on its way to the sea.

have government services. In general, there is a lack of

Runoff carries with it trash and pollutants that seriously

access to public facilities and services, as schools and

harm the health of reefs along the Oranjestad coast.

recreational facilities are inaccessible to many residents.

As the neighborhood runs out of room to expand, new

There are also few public spaces, resulting in a lack of

housing is being built on critical natural habitats,

public life and social opportunities. Despite the area’s

reducing the area’s ability to absorb floodwaters.

challenges, there are also important opportunities to

Further complicating the problem is the concentration

consider. The neighborhoods are characterized by strong

of stormwater infrastructure in older areas like Rancho.

community networks. Close-knit inter-generational ties

These systems are unable to handle the runoff from

and strong political participation mean that residents

outlying areas like Santa Helena or Madiki. Without

have built-in social support systems. Such strong

redundancy in the system, the aging systems are easily

community networks facilitate the implementation and

overwhelmed and do not connect the people to the

ownership of future community-oriented projects.

environmental processes so important to sustaining Aruba.

Altogether, the projects we designed to address these issues are not necessarily a demonstration of

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS - Playa Pa’ Bao has

neighborhood improvement which will work everywhere

been transformed over time as spatial and economic

but a model for how to approach neighborhood planning.

development patterns have shaped and reshaped the

At times, our ideas may not be typical but they

area. The first industry in the area was fishing. The

demonstrate innovative problem solving and how a single

neighborhood of Rancho was previously located much

project can simultaneously provide numerous benefits.

closer to the water than it is now. This was succeeded by a chalk kiln and then light industry. As the economy of the neighborhood became less dependent on the sea, the area also lost the spatial connection to the waterfront as the natural harbor was filled.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

113

CHAPTER 5

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY

The Green Necklace is a major initiative that addresses

Playa Pa’Bao boasts an adjacency to the ocean and

that begins on the eastern boundary of the site, the

downtown, historically significant structures, and strong,

Green Necklace is a continuous bioswale and pedestrian

lively communities. Despite such assets, however,

boardwalk that bisects the east-west axis of Playa

the area lacks adequate public spaces for meaningful

Pa’Bao. The linear boardwalk and water-course continue

social gatherings, adequate infrastructure to manage

west until Dreimasterstraat, where the pedestrian

flooding, and access to social services and amenities.

pathways lead to a neighborhood park and eventually

The initiatives for Playa Pa’Bao directly target the

to the first ring road. Meanwhile, a series of swales

area’s needs in an interconnected and comprehensive

and culverts absorb and carry the stormwater to a

manner, with a mind towards social and environmental

large natural retention area to the northwest. The

sustainability.

Green Necklace works in conjunction with a proposed

the hydrologic, public space, and ecological needs of the area. Building on an existing stormwater-course

green street along Dreimasterstraat. Green streets are The neighborhood structure plan emphasizes continuous

also proposed on a small neighborhood street on the

connectivity and access to various sites and amenities

northwest of the neighborhood and the southwestern

across Oranjestad. Playa Pa’Bao is connected to the

end of the ring road, connecting the Necklace to the

waterfront initiative as well as the downtown area by

waterfront. The Green Necklace also connects to the

a proposed tram loop. The tram would travel from

Madiki Square initiative, a redesigned neighborhood park

the Welcome Plaza, up Weststraat, down the first ring

that incorporates the watercourse and offers activities

road and the redesigned L.G. Smith Boulevard, and

for residents.

back again. The loop connects residents and visitors to proposed and existing amenities throughout Oranjestad, and creates a physical and perceptual unity between the city’s diverse neighborhoods. The tram also brings potential mixed use and commercial development along Weststraat, enhancing residents’ economic opportunity and retail choices.

114

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

Stormwater Retention Site

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL Tram Green Street

Xavier University Park

Green Necklace Madiki Square Green Street Westraat Upgrade + Tram

Tram

Green Necklace

Playa Pa Bao Community Center Rancho Woonerf Network

Neighborhood Structure Plan and Project Map 250m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

115

CHAPTER 5

The Rancho Woonerf Network connects the residents to

responds to the neighborhood’s need for active public

the downtown and waterfront areas by improving the

spaces, a vibrant cultural institution, and adequate

accessibility and imageability of Rancho. A woonerf

infrastructure to manage heavy floods.

system allows roads to be shared by pedestrians, automobiles and cyclists while allowing for adequate

While the proposals for Weststraat’s tram and the

drainage during the rainy season. Such a system will

Green Necklace offer axial connections across Playa

allow pedestrians greater access to various parts of

Pa’Bao, recommended street enhancements along

the neighborhood, promote a healthy public life, and

the first ring road, Venezuelastraat and Boliviastraat

enhance community networks.

will further strengthen the connections between sitespecific initiatives and existing amenities. Overall, Playa

The Playa Pa’Bao Community Center is strategically

Pa’Bao’s plan responds to Oranjestad’s vision of being a

located off Weststraat’s proposed tram and the Rancho

connected, sustainable city with a vibrant economy and

Woonerf initiative. The proposed community center

strong communities.

features a public swimming pool, a Queen Conch farm, and a restaurant. The initiative would function as an important cultural and economic asset for the community, generating jobs and revenue for residents while offering a lively destination for all. The proposal calls for an environmentally and economically sustainable local industry that empowers the local community and creates a vibrant neighborhood destination.

CIRCULATION STRATEGY The circulation strategy aims to make the streets of Rancho, Socotoro, Santa Helena and Madiki more accommodating to all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transit riders. The road system loosely creates a cellular grid throughout the neighborhood, with clusters of residential streets

Continuing north on Weststraat is Xavier University Park,

surrounded by busier roads that accommodate through

which works in conjunction with the larger hydrological

traffic.

initiatives. Connected by Weststraat’s bioswales and tram, the proposal for Xavier University’s expansion includes additional academic facilities as well as an ecological park, plaza, retail hub, and a comprehensive stormwater/greywater management scheme. The plan

116

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Proposed New + Extended Transit Service Downtown Tram Playa Pa’Bao Tram Existing Bus Service

250m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

117

CHAPTER 5

The biggest change to proposed circulation is to make

motorists and pedestrians. While woonerfs allow two

Driemasterstraat and Weststraat alternating one-

way access, they will be narrow enough to discourage

way roads. This is done to accommodate a one way

motorists from cutting through. In other parts of the

tram on Weststraat and a green bio-swale corridor on

neighborhood, residential streets will remain two way.

Driemasterstraat. Weststraat will become northbound

The existing street grid is such that only a handful

for much of its length, while Driemasterstraat will run

of focus streets create paths for through traffic. The

southbound. The Weststraat tram will form a one-way

majority of residential roads only run for a few blocks

loop running from the Welcome Plaza up to Belgiestraat

and motorists use them to access local houses and

ring road, and the waterfront. The loop will provide a

businesses. Finally a new recreation corridor will run

stronger link between downtown and the neighborhoods.

through the neighborhood from East to West. Part of the

Though it will be one way, we estimate the tram loop

“green necklace” hydrological scheme, this path will

will take only 20 minutes to complete. While the tram

connect the neighborhoods to surrounding recreation

is a long term proposal, in the short term a reworked

facilities and the waterfront. At select points in Madiki,

Weststraat could accommodate a new bus line along the

intersection roadways will become woonerfs to ease

future tram right of way. Weststraat will also feature a

pedestrian movement along the paths.

number of streetscape updates to solidify its position as the main link across the neighborhood. Planted swales will alternate with parking to provide shade and better manage stormwater. Along Driemasterstraat a new continuous swale will channel water toward the sea and provide stormwater relief for the overwhelmed stormwater sewer underneath the street. The sidewalk along the bioswale will be widened to 2 meters, providing space for bicyclists and pedestrians, and linking to the east west greenway.

LAND USE + INFILL STRATEGY Playa Pa’Bao is a region composed of four neighborhoods Rancho, Socotoro, Madiki, and Santa Helena. While they compose a region, their varying physical characteristics have a direct impact on future land use and infill strategies. Specifically, Rancho has a fine-grained character with small houses and narrow roads and a mix of retail, commercial, and residential uses. It is also has a concentration of historic Kunuku houses. Socotoro is

Along residential streets, changes to circulation reflect

in many ways similar to Rancho but was developed after

a desire to discourage through traffic. In Rancho,

Rancho and is generally more residential with pockets

Dutch style woonerfs will create shared spaces for

of retail development. Madiki has been developed most recently and as a result many blocks are incomplete

118

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Proposed Circulation Major Arterial Local Streets Woonerf Pedestrian / Bike Path

250m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

119

CHAPTER 5

and roads unfinished. Santa Helena is a middle class

Historic designations and subsidy for historic

residential neighborhood and is characterized by wide

redevelopment are another way to promote

streets and well kept houses. Any proposed infill or land

reinvestment. This type of program could be especially

use strategies should address these local differences.

successful in areas where a number of Kunuku homes are located around each other, such as in Rancho.

INFILL SITES AND GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN

Historic programs are just one example of public/private

REDEVELOPMENT - While a specific infill program was

partnerships. Through the formation of partnerships

not created as part of this project, the opportunities and

between government, NGO’s and neighborhood

constraints map shows the parcels that are most in need

organizations, a formal basis for community participation

of assistance or most prone to change. In addition, within

can be created. These open lines of communication

the Rancho Woonerf Plan, sites/properties that should be

allow residents to have impacts on neighborhood

targeted for redevelopment are highlighted in grey.

specific projects and will result in greater ownership of

The most important aspect of any infill development is to

completed projects.

focus investments around areas that are already active

LAND USES - Land uses should complement one another

or have the most potential to become active. An example

and support local cultural, retail, and commercial areas.

of such sites would be vacant land along a new tram line.

They should contribute to a complete and interconnected

Concentrating investments is these areas will help create

system. Sites that are the only vacant or undeveloped

complete districts or support the growth of the critical

parcel on a block should be targeted first. Investment

market that will encourage private development. As

in local serving social services, cultural amenities,

investments are made overtime, land uses changes and

and community institutions lay the groundwork for an

selection of infill sites should address and complement

improvement in the overall improvement in quality

this activity. In addition, vacant lots, especially those on

of life. Overtime these investments will result in a

the periphery of the neighborhood, can be used as water

greater connection to Playa Pa’ Bao and will result in

retention areas during the rainy season.

more community involvement and social interaction, and subsequently, the long-term reinvestment by and permanence of residential populations.

120

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Land Use Residential Commercial Institutional Vacant

250m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

121

CHAPTER 5

HYDROLOGIC INITIATIVES

The stormwater that does exist in newer areas frequently

EXISTING HYDROLOGICAL SYSTEM - The neighborhoods

Flooding can cause a chain of effects that impact all

of Playa Pa’ Bao sit on some of the lowest laying land in

neighborhoods along the way to the sea. Development

Aruba. During heavy rain events, stormwater flows into

has further reduced the area’s capacity to handle

the neighborhood. Modern urban development and the

stormwater. As more parts of the neighborhoods are built

construction of the port have blocked the natural outlet

upon, there are fewer areas where water can collect

for water to reach the sea. Furthermore urbanization has

and percolate into the ground. Today, two sink holes in

reduced the capacity of the land to handle stormwater,

Madiki play an important part in managing stormwater

with fewer undeveloped acreage, stormwater pools on

by providing a space for the water to seep into the

streets and private property.

limestone ground.

The existing stormwater infrastructure is concentrated

GREEN NECKLACE PROPOSAL - To help mitigate the

in the neighborhoods closest to downtown and stretches

stormwater problems faced by the neighborhoods of

out into Santa Helena and Madiki. Rancho and much of

Playa Pa’ Bao, we propose developing an integrated

Socotoro have storm sewers underneath most streets.

approach to stormwater management. Aruba experiences

Furthermore, these parts of Playa Pa Boa are located

heavy rains at certain times of the year, but for the most

along a gentle slope, allowing for good sheet drainage

part is a dry climate. To expand the storm sewer capacity

to the ocean. Running along the border of Socotoro and

to meet present needs, the government would have to

Santa Helena is an open air stormwater channel. This

spend large sums of money for infrastructure that would

channel runs from the eastern periphery of Oranjestad

remain unused most of the year. Furthermore, expanding

and through the neighborhoods to a storm sewer along

sewers would have little effect on the coastal pollution

Driemasterstraat. The newer developed portions of

caused by stormwater.

overwhelms the older stormwater system in Rancho.

the neighborhoods, Madiki and Santa Helena, have less stormwater infrastructure. Furthermore these areas have poorer drainage to the sea. In Madiki, water runs parallel to the coast and pools in significant quantity. In Santa Helena stagnant water collects behind the Xavier Medical School.

122

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

The Green Necklace Trail Plan

The Green Necklace is an integrated stormwater and recreation system that handles excess stormwater while providing recreation areas for residents

SANTA HELENA Community Center+ Bushiri

Madiki Square

MADIKI Sports Facilities Waterfront Community Gardens

SOCOTRO

RANCHO 250m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

123

CHAPTER 5

Trail Typologies Roadside Trail Boardwalk Trail

Rain Garden Trail Channelside Trail

Instead of expanding sewer capacity, we propose a system of green infrastructure that will reduce the

SECTION

volume of water entering existing sewers. This green infrastructure would act as a multifunctional investment; while during heavy storms it would mitigate flooding, but during other times of the year, the infrastructure would serve as a recreation space, leisure space and natural habitat.

SECTION

At the center of our hydrological plan is the green

SECTION

necklace, a recreation and stormwater management SECTION

system which runs through the heart of the neighborhoods from east to west.

Hydrological System Typologies Sinkholes Sewer

Roadside Swale Raingarden Swale

Stormwater Channel Underground Culvert

The green necklace begins east of the project area, at a large soccer field on the edge of Oranjestad. Between its eastern terminus and Driemasterstraat, the corridor runs along the existing storm channel. The channel will be deepened to handle greater volumes of water, while also being greened with grasses and plants which can preserve the soil, while slowing down the stormwater and filtering out some pollutants. During the rainy season the corridor will act as a vernal pool, while during other times of the year it will be mostly dry.

The recreation trail will run alongside the channel for most of the channel’s length. In places where the corridor is too narrow to accommodate a trail and

250m

124

channel, the trail will become a lofted boardwalk that

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Trail Typologies

allows people to more intimately experience nature. At Driemasterstraat the water that hasn’t been retained and absorbed along the way will enter the storm sewer

Community Garden

and run out to sea.

Bioswale

Raingarden

Raingarden

West of Driemasterstraat, the corridor will become a series of bioswales that helps channel water away from streets and property to retention sites and sewers. The corridor will begin along vacant land between houses.

Alongside the swale and trail will be space for community gardens, irrigated by rainwater. For some of its length, Roadside Bioswale

the swale will run alongside the street, with one sidewalk

Roadside

widened to a trail width.

The green necklace will connect to multiple retention sites. Alongside the corridor vacant land can be repurposed as community gardens or landscaped rain gardens that hold stormwater. The sinkholes will also be integrated into the corridor to enhance their rainwater capture potential. West of Belgiestraat, between Bushiri

Stormwater Channel

Channelside

and Madiki, there are low lying vacant areas that can act as major retention sites. Underground cisterns could also hold water that would later be used for irrigation.

Biofiltration

Boardwalk

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

125

CHAPTER 5

Plan View of Proposed Madiki Square

The green necklace provides opportunities for new public spaces. Madiki Square is an example of how new gathering points can be plugged into the corridor. The square would include a basketball court, chess tables, and a new playground for Madiki. The planted swale running through the square would retain water and create a place where people can rest and relax The green necklace will be the center of a larger A

neighborhood wide water strategy. Connecting north to south along Driemasterstraat will be a continual bioswale. The swale will channel water toward the sea and help reduce the strain on the Driemasterstraat sewer. The Driemasterstraat green street will link the Xavier University stormwater system to the larger sewer system and the green necklace. Throughout the neighborhood, streetscape improvements will include water retaining planters and swales to further reduce the amount of water draining into sewers.

15m

B

4.4m

126

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

m

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Trail System

Madiki Square

Typical view of the lofted boardwalk

Perspective rendering of the new Madiki Square

Section A

2m

2m

10m

4m

9.5m

12.5m

1.5m

Section B

7.0m

2.0m

10m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

9.5m

10m

15.5m

1.5m

2m

3m

6m

127

CHAPTER 5

Typical Neighborhood Street - Before

STREETSCAPE + WOONERF INITIATIVES

for a green street along Dreimasterstraat to assist with

A street is not simply a means for automobile travel

movement.

water management issues. The third proposal is for a more defined network of streets that streamlines traffic

but is a defining aspect of a neighborhood that should

Typical Neighborhood Street - After

support multiple modes of travel, contribute to the

A woonerf is a type of street design that originated in

character of the place, and efficiently move people

the Netherlands. Generally, woonerfs combine multiple

though and within it. The plans below approach the

modes of transportation and public spaces, promote

street on two levels: 1. as an integrated network within

walking and biking, introduce uncertainty for drivers as a

Playa Pa’ Bao; and, 2. on a site level that includes the

way to decrease auto speeds, and encourage community

complete detailing of the urban design changes needed

activity on the street. Simply put, a woonerf is a shared

to create a woonerf system in Rancho.

street.

The focus of the plans and street sections are to

The Rancho woonerf plan provides a detailed proposal for

suggest changes to the existing street that capitalize on

how the street can be redesigned. The goal of this type

opportunities and address major challenges, on both a

of street is to encourage pedestrian movement, better

regional and street level. Specifically, these proposals

structure the system of parking, and provide outdoor

address future infrastructure investments and how these

community spaces on the street. The reason Rancho was

investments can change the structure and use of the

selected as the site for the first phase of infrastructure

streets.

investments is because it is very close to downtown, abuts a new proposed community center, has a number

On a regional level, the proposal provides plans and

of streets in disrepair, and was the site of Renobacion

sections for a defined hierarchy of streets. The purpose

Urbano 1.

is to create a more structured system of streets that efficiently moves traffic, provides access to mass transit, alleviates flooding issues, and creates a defined network of use. The first major proposal is for a tram to run north on Weststraat, southwest along Belige Straat, and back to the existing bus station. The second major proposal is

128

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Local Streets

Collector Streets

Arterial

Local

Collector

Ped. Path

Green Street

Trolley

Woonerf

Site Plan

Driemasterstraat

Street Hierarchy and Typologies

Belgie Straat

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

129

CHAPTER 5

Rancho is the starting point for reimagining what the street can be. It begins to allow people to come outside of their homes and use the street as a public space. Some of the important aspects of the woonerf system will be access to pocket parks with benches, outdoor BBQ’s, or other amenities for residents to use.

Woonerfs

Overall, the two distinct plans are part of a project that focuses on creating comfortable streets that support pedestrian life. Any project must address the rhythm of the place both day and night. Key aspects of street design include lighting schemes, tree planning and natural shading, parking, outdoor seating, and modal choices. The goal of all these improvements is to increase the livability of the street and provide improved connectivity through and between neighborhoods and

Weststraat

downtown. The timetable for this development will be determined as funding becomes available. The focus should initially be on Rancho but further investments should be made on a case by case basis or together with larger infrastructure investments such as the tram.

Pedestrian Paths

130

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Woonerf - Variable Paving Street Lights Planters URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Trolley

Streets as Public Spaces 20m

131

CHAPTER 5

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER INITIATIVES THE CENTER FOR SEA AND COMMUNITY - The Center for Sea and Community is a neighborhood based economic development project that is sensitive to the history and traditions of Playa Pa’ Bao. This project re-establishes a historic connection to the sea and has the potential to create a high-value product with benefits for community residents. A Queen Conch farm pays for itself through the potential generation of 2.5 million in revenue annually, creates jobs, and funds a community center.

On the island of Aruba, where land is at a premium and the environment is best suited for growing cactus, there are few opportunities to provide a local supply of food that is both cost effective and can generate revenue.

Mariculture is an alternative to ocean fishing that uses available seawater rather than fresh water (which in Aruba requires an energy intensive desalination process), and judiciously preserves land.

While several different species can be farmed in a maricultural operation, the Queen Conch is most suitable. It has long been part of traditional cuisine on the island and is locally available. As an endangered Community Center Public Amenities

The new proposed community center acts as an engine of local economic development while providing a recreational space for neighbors and visitors

132

species, it is important to international research.

Moreover, due to declining numbers, it is an increasingly valuable commodity around the world.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Playa Pa’Bao Community Center

Professor Lorentz Straat

Brazilie Straat

Westraat

Driemasterstraat

10m

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

133

CHAPTER 5

Vocational Training

Community Building

International Research

Using data from the world’s only conch farm on the Turks and Caicos Islands, estimates for the specific project site (that contains 26 pools) project that it generates: $900,000 annually through the sale of the meat, $600,000 for the sale of shells, and close to a million dollars from tourism. Each one of these activities creates local jobs, a new identity for the area, and ultimately pays for the creation of community services for the neighborhood. By placing the conch farm and community center in close proximity, there is a cumulative benefit, as the area becomes a nexus of innovation that is active and engaging at all times.

The Queen Conch farm provides the financing for community services on the site, including a community center and pool. The community center includes classrooms for ongoing education about the conch and flexible spaces for everything from art shows to performances.

The pool and supporting concessions provide a pleasant place for swimming and other aquatic exercise at any time of day. It is an activity that easily accommodates the recreational needs of everyone from youth to elderly residents, physically connecting them to the water.

The farm not only provides an economic asset but also

Community Center Economic Benefits

The Community Center provides economic benefits directly to residents of the surrounding neighborhood, improving the local economy through job training, research, and tourism

134

a physical one. Walkways and fountains that aerate the seawater double as pleasant places for residents to gather and observe the growth of the conch. These areas serve as meeting points.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Next to the conch farm, plans call for a restaurant that serves traditional and innovative conch dishes such as conch shooters. Residents and tourists can come taste the fruits of local labors and celebrate the area and the contemporary Aruban connection to the sea.

The economic and social benefits of the project extend well beyond the borders of the site. The project

A Sustainable Community Center

The Queen Conch Farm will provide a place for children to learn about marine ecosystems and sustainability

site was chosen for its location at the intersection of several neighborhoods, and is located just off the main neighborhood economic corridor of Westraat.

Jobs from the conch farm increase the profitability of existing restaurants and support new businesses that cater to workers, residents, and tourists alike, adding to the strength of the neighborhood. The pool and the

Phase 1 Development

community center, meanwhile, will bring residents together and help foster positive interactions between neighbors. Moreover, the Center for Sea and Community increases resources in a renewable way while building on the pride of the residents of Playa Pa’ Bao to help move the area away from drugs towards a new social and economic future.

Phase 2 Development URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

135

CHAPTER 5

Site Conditions

The current site is largely vacant, and suffers from excessive flooding and waste dumping

XAVIER UNIVERSITY PARK EXPANSION - Xavier University is currently a single building surrounded by vacant residential lots, including a large vacant parcel that is predisposed to flooding during the rainy season. The Xavier University proposal includes the expansion of academic facilities on the vacant residential lots as well as a central park easily accessible to nearby residents.

The park would not only establish the University as an exciting new anchor for Oranjestad, but would also create much-needed public spaces and help manage the city’s stormwater.

The site for the proposed park currently has severe flooding issues, and is not ideal for traditional development. As such, we propose a slightly sunken park, approximately 100 meters wide, 50 meters long, and a maximum depth of 2.5 meters. The park plays on the idea of the site as a natural detention area for stormwater while creating unique opportunities for visitors to explore various contours, sightlines, and elevations. The park will be accessible from the west by Weststraat and from the east by Emma Straat. Each side will have a series of stairs with shade awnings, creating a passive recreational area that leads users into and across the park. “Sitting” and “walking” steps allow

Stormwater / Greywater Cycle

Integrated within the public space of the site is a comprehensive system for treating excess stormwater and reusing greywater

136

for ease of access and a diversity of uses. In addition, a shaded bridge allows visitors to walk across the park, maintaining the north-south axis of the campus.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Xavier University Park Site Plan 50m

A

A’

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

137

CHAPTER 5

Xavier University Integrated Drainage System Graywater Irrigation Lines Primary Channels to Cisterns Secondary Culverts Neighborhood Filtration/ Detention Tanks

The park will incorporate strategically planted native vegetation, including indigenous and adapted succulents, cacti, and shrubs. Such diverse plantings would increase the area’s biodiversity, attracting migratory birds and various fauna. The proposed park also features large boulders to climb and play on. A pebbled path leads visitors across the park, inviting them to explore the natural environment. The space not only becomes a meaningful gathering area, but also creates opportunities for ecological education, promoting increased environmental stewardship and local pride.

The proposed expanded campus is connected to the larger vision of a more connected Playa Pa’Bao. The University project is adjacent to the proposed Weststraat tramline, and would work in conjunction with the broader hydrological plan for the Playa Pa’Bao neighborhoods. Underneath the sunken park, we propose a large cistern that filters, collects, and stores stormwater runoff from the campus as well as from surrounding residential units. The cistern absorbs water from the sunken park, and also collects water from gravity-fed underground culverts from

138

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Section A

10m

Underground Cistern Components Detail

Top Soil Permeable Pavement Loose Aggregate Geogrid Geotextile Filter Fabric Geomembrane Liner Pre-treatment Filtration Rainstore Modular Units Pump Outlet Pipe Geogrid Overflow drain to ground

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

139

CHAPTER 5

adjacent buildings. Additionally, each residential block is equipped with a filtration and storage device that collects stormwater/greywater from each unit. The device then feeds into the cistern, which can store up to 1,200 cubic meters of water. This water can then be used for irrigation purposes, or even pumped back and reused in individual homes. Any overflow from the cistern would resupply the water-table. As a result of the high capacity of the cistern, the garden above would Bird’s Eye View of Park

never fill with standing water. The neighborhood-wide water management system would greatly reduce flooding conditions in the area, limit stormwater runoff into the ocean, and provide a sustainable greywater source for Oranjestad’s residents.

In addition to the ecological and recreational benefits of the park and cistern, the proposed campus includes not only academic resources and classrooms, but also features a small retail hub, a community center, and additional housing. The proposal for the expansion of Xavier University would create a much-needed community anchor, promoting enhanced social, economic, and educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Plaza Perspective

140

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE PLAN DETAIL

Perspective Rendering of Xavier University Park

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

141

6

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

MOVING FORWARD ON THE VISIONS ACHIEVING THE VISIONS - 9 STRATEGIES UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA STUDIO FACULTY + PARTICIPANTS

CHAPTER 6

MOVING FORWARD ON THE VISIONS

public realm, improve its economic performance, and

Imagine Oranjestad in the future: a city on the sea

development. These vision statements must be owned

that celebrates itself with festivals and activities in its

and nurtured by Aruban officials and members of

new waterfront park; a place with a downtown that has

the public if they are to have any power in providing

rebuilt itself to become the primary tourist attraction on

direction. These visions are:

create new opportunities for waterfront and downtown

a heavily visited island; a downtown that has conquered the issues of heat and humidity to provide shaded

1 - Oranjestad will be a memorable Aruban destination

sidewalks where pedestrians stroll and visitors window

for visitors to the island and local residents who value its

shop for local craft products; a marina where you can

contribution to Aruban identity;

grab a bite off the boardwalk and have a drink while the sun sets over the water; a place where you can board a tram and take a tour of the city’s shopping areas, neighborhoods and parks. All of this is very alluring, but also very achievable. To get to this position will require concerted planning and action that focuses consciously on implementing the visions, design principles, and proposals detailed in this report.

This Urban Design Vision Plan for Oranjestad has focused on the specific challenges and development opportunities of Oranjestad’s central area districts: the downtown, the waterfront, and adjacent neighborhoods. Visiting the city and meeting with local stakeholders allowed the UPenn design team to identify a series of visions and design principles that helped to focus subsequent project design efforts. What you have seen in this report are a series of visions that can help to lead the future

2 - Oranjestad will be an accessible and well-connected city that helps visitors and residents navigate the city with ease; 3 - Oranjestad will have a more vibrant and diversified local economy that benefits visitors seeking the flavor of Aruba and residents fulfilling everyday needs; 4 - Oranjestad will be a more environmentally sustainable city – a place that can become an example of green leadership for the larger Caribbean community.

Island ecology can be very difficult to sustain for a growing population and urban development base; and, 5 - Oranjestad will be home to strong and livable communities that provide a better quality of life for its residents.

direction of the capital city – provide it with an improved

144

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

This Urban Design Vision for Oranjestad provides a series of citywide and area structure plans that provide diagrammatic organization of key infrastructure interventions and project development suggestions.

Most of the designs are illustrative in nature and suggest a set of ideas about how to approach developing the city or specific project sites. Most of the proposals are not mutually exclusive and can be mixed and matched depending on the political and financial will of the Government for accomplishment. At other times, alternatives and options show how you can achieve the vision through different methods, e.g., the alternatives for cruise ship docking, or the downtown streetscape hierarchy. What is clear throughout this report is that discussion is needed to prioritize these proposals and plan their implementation of these visions.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

145

CHAPTER 6

ACHIEVING THE VISIONS 9 STRATEGIES To achieve the visions detailed in this plan a set of strategies is recommended as a means of advancing an implementation process. The most crucial and pathdependent strategies are listed first, followed by more discrete and independent strategies that can happen concurrent with other efforts. While it would be rather simplistic to merely provide recommendations about the design proposals themselves, e.g., build this or design that, these strategies pose challenges and questions for the Government of Aruba in moving forward on any comprehensive city development agenda.

1. DECIDE THE ROLE AND CHARACTER OF THE DOWNTOWN BRAND As outlined in the first section of this document, Oranjestad faces a number of challenges both physical and economic. Beyond solving some of the direct physical problems, a more crucial issue for the city’s future is determining what its role will be and how its brand will be shaped. All successful cities are known by their identity markers. What is the identity of Oranjestad? And how can we shape its brand through well-considered policies and planning action. This first strategy will require that government and community leaders come to the table to decide on the city’s role in the future of the island, establish a brand for the

146

city, and determine goals that move beyond the general vision. For example, Oranjestad might become the island’s center for nightlife and dining. Or conversely, it might become known as a place of culture and the arts.

Acknowledging that it can’t do everything, Government might select 2-4 identity goals for the city to help build this brand.

2. CREATE THE INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR LOCAL PLANNING Currently, no localized city planning institutions or functions exist within the City of Oranjestad. By far this is the most significant shortcoming in moving forward with the implementation of a comprehensive vision plan for the city. Most physical planning and decisionmaking functions for day to day operation of the city reside within the Ministries of the national government bureaucracy. While experienced planning professionals are in place, they are spread thin in their task work and nobody has the mantle of caring and guiding the city of Oranjestad specifically. This should be changed. Too many loose ends are left unattended in managing the city; too little coordination between stakeholders is occurring; ongoing maintenance and care for the city is marginal at best; concern for citywide systems and infrastructure planning is under-developed; not enough institutional memory is retained to plan conscientiously and holistically. As a parliamentary system of government, the establishment of a stable civil service

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

system beyond the fluctuations of politics can help local

redevelopment strategy. They could also be part of the

places create greater continuity of function without

regulatory package associated with the establishment

disruption, even during times of political change. The

of a special Downtown Historic District. The Aruba

Government should establish a local planning office in

Monuments Bureau has done a fine job in declaring

each of the primary cities of the island and staff it with

monuments and aiding in the preservation of several

at least a person serving in the role of a City Manager. A

historic properties in the downtown area. Expanding

small staff of junior planners can assist this City Manager

their physical area of coverage and responsibilities to

in the short term until some key documents, plans and

a larger demarcated downtown district could help in

implementation processes have been established to

the coordination and planning of this area. The District

get Oranjestad moving in the direction of achieving its

should encompass the full downtown area from Rancho

visions. We are not talking about a planning function for

and Emanstraat to the waterfront and lagoon area.

the city as a watchdog or regulation enforcement agency,

As a special district, the agency could impose design

but rather a coordinating office for the various efforts

guidelines on properties within the area, helping to

and development projects the city needs to undertake.

coordinate the overall materiality and identity of the downtown district. A special downtown Historic District

3. CREATE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES &

designation would help in coordinating the many design

DECLARE A SPECIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

and planning initiatives underway and avoid some of

In addition to the need for a local planning agency, the

the neglect that other areas are experiencing in the

downtown would benefit greatly from a set of guidelines

downtown.

that could help in directing future development decisions. A number of efforts are currently underway to

4. WORK DIRECTLY WITH PARTNERS AND OTHER

improve the public realm. Without the tools in place to

COMMUNITY LEADERS

guide the private realm accordingly, investments in the

While the importance of community participation has

public realm may be wasted. Guidelines for downtown

proven itself valuable in the two Renobacion Urban

development could include: street design standards,

conferences sponsored by Government and the APA,

façade improvement recommendations, signage and

these efforts must be maintained. Keeping clean

awning controls, building envelope recommendations for

and open lines of communication between the larger

vacant properties, and a public realm materials palette.

community and Oranjestad’s ongoing planning efforts is

These guidelines should be at the heart of any downtown

crucial in building a sense of downtown responsibility and

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

147

CHAPTER 6

ownership for all. It can also help build support for future

be communicated and reiterated on a regular basis. This

improvement projects. Participation should be perceived

might happen in a variety of forums and over the course

as an opportunity to expand the core of those taking

of time. It will help in creating ongoing partnerships

responsibility for the city. More importantly Government

and stakeholders who take these visions seriously, and

should be partnering closely with two agencies in

may hold elected officials to the implementation of

particular to help in redeveloping both the physical and

the visions. Reinforcing the visions through all that

economic structure of the downtown: the Aruba Port

Government does, without contradiction, is important

Authority and the Downtown Merchants Association.

in building consensus over future directions. A clear

Both of these groups will serve valuable roles in the

presentation of the visions will help to inspire those

redevelopment of a future Oranjestad. Government

building the city, and add new participants to an ever-

should be direct in helping to guide the redevelopment

increasing platform of support.

of the container shipping lands with a series of recommendations and design guidelines with respect to

6. SEQUENCE THE ESSENTIAL CATALYSTS AND PLANNING

desired outcomes. Rather than waiting for the perfect

NEEDED FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE

development proposal to land on their desk for approval,

Many of the proposals included herein depend on other

Government should work with the Port Authority to

actions prior to their construction. If not phased and

develop a scheme from which the Port Authority can then

sequenced properly, subsequent investments may be

move forward. In a similar manner, Government should

used inefficiently. To avoid infrastructure disruption

help to maintain and organize the Merchants Association,

or replacement, these path dependent actions are the

particularly in the formation of a Business Improvement

crucial first moves in preparing for larger development

District (BID) that can be responsible for area wide

initiatives later. These catalytic moves will require

maintenance, programming, cafĂŠ functions, and plaza

extensive coordination with other systems, and may

activities. The BID can be a crucial partner in helping to

require significant investments of time and manpower.

operate an improved and redesigned downtown.

Planning for these large-scale interventions will require extensive study of phasing, sequencing, and coordination

148

5. COMMUNICATE THE VISION REGULARLY TO CREATE

with other projects, properties, and stakeholders. Each

AN AIR OF OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY

of them is also an important planning task in the larger

To be owned by the community and public officials, the

remaking of the downtown area, including the waterfront

visions suggested in this (or any future vision plan) should

and neighborhood areas. Most of them require highly

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

technical engineering, quantitative study, and advanced

CIRCULATION AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

planning. These catalytic plans and infrastructure

PLAN: A second planning effort will entail examination

systems are key steps in the efficient and long-term

of the circulation network and transportation system

sustainability of central Oranjestad. These 4 planning

design and management of central Oranjestad. As the

and infrastructure efforts are not to be taken lightly.

character of the downtown is slowed to encourage tourist

They are necessary foundations for most other project

and visitor comfort, traffic will need to be calmed and

and redevelopment efforts, including current projects

made more pedestrian friendly. Traffic signalization

for Main Street, Parliament expansion, and plaza

is assumed as one of the key major changes along the

redevelopment.

length of L.G. Smith Boulevard. With the construction of the new bypass road around the city, opportunities

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: No other system in

for reduced traffic loads can begin to influence current

Oranjestad is in need of greater attention and serves a

circulation management, which means that the nature

greater catalytic role than the stormwater infrastructure

of major urban arterials might change their function.

system. As stated time and again, areas throughout the

Planning for slower traffic, pedestrian comfort and

city are subject to periodic flooding from rain events.

access, clarified parking, and rationalized one-way

Coordinating a system of subterranean stormwater mains

couplets through the downtown is crucial for encouraging

and local reticulation of stormwater inlets will help to

the rebirth of the downtown retail core. We would

lay the foundation for other systemic planning tasks,

expect that any circulation plan would provide guidance

including: circulation, public realm improvements, and

on improved pedestrian crossings, traffic calming,

parking. In addition to traditional piping, newer green

single surface right-of-ways, improved lighting, and

infrastructure techniques should also be considered,

other streetscape amenities. In addition to basic street

especially for an island that desalinates the bulk of its

functions, however, attention to multi-modal access is

potable water. Green infrastructure techniques and

also crucial to the vision of this plan. Accommodating

water collection can be used for both drinking water

cycling, pedestrians, and other forms of transit will

and as irrigation for the public realm. A stormwater

change the nature of street life. Expanding the tram

management plan for the full city is the next step in

system from Main Street and Cruise Ship Terminal will

planning for Oranjestad.

also help to provide greater benefit to the city. All of these varied efforts require coordination and will require a full circulation and transportation study.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

149

CHAPTER 6

DOWNTOWN PARKING PLAN: A third catalytic system, which

will require a coordinated design and implementation

requires attention for central Oranjestad’s success, is a

plan. The public realm of Oranjestad could also use an

coordinated downtown parking plan. It is unlikely that the

improved wayfinding system to channel visitors from the

downtown will see much investment without consideration

Cruise Ship Terminal to downtown, and to guide drivers

of improved parking. Visitors and residents alike require

entering the city. Public realm investments in key

convenient parking to access shops and services in all areas

plazas, wayfinding routes, streetscapes, and destinations

of downtown. Shop patrons are unlikely to walk significant

will be most effective if coordinated and joined together

distances in Aruba’s hot climate without parking and a

into a larger system of accessible urban places.

climate-calmed street network. While we encourage a shift to other more sustainable modes of transport, the pragmatic

7. DETERMINE THE DESIRED EXTENT OF THE TRAM

need to supply parking within close proximity to shops is

SYSTEM

essential. A coordinated parking strategy is required to

The introduction of a tram system on Main Street

study quantitative parking need, new structured and surface

between the Cruise Ship Terminal and Plaza Commercio

parking lot locations, and a linked system of parking access

is a great first step in improving the accessibility and

roads. This parking plan will also need to look at parking

economic success of the downtown area. To continue

access and wayfinding from key city arterials.

expanding this system to other areas adjacent to central Oranjestad is a next step. Within this document,

PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENT PLAN: Although efforts are

suggestions have been made to extend the tram to the

currently underway to improve the public realm associated

northwest neighborhoods and to the new waterfront

with Main Street and several key urban plazas, the rest of

development along L.G. Smith Boulevard. Connecting

the downtown street and open space network now needs

the rail-based tram system to the new and existing

attention. A public realm improvement plan for the long-

neighborhoods will help bring people to downtown

term development of streets, plazas and parks in the central

shopping with no added pressure on parking. This will

area needs to be developed to guide coordinated design and

help to further integrate these areas into the larger

material selection for the incremental upgrading of the public

success of the downtown area. However, this will

realm over time. The typological design proposals within this

require study, financial analysis, funding, and design

document is a good first step in discussing the public realm.

investigation. Implementing an expanded tram system is

However, applying this hierarchy as a set of street design

a big decision on the part of Government and will require

guidelines, prioritizing first projects, and implementing them

a good deal of social and economic capital to get off the ground.

150

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

8. PRIORITIZE AND IMPLEMENT DISCRETE PROJECT

9. START WHERE IT’S EASIEST

PROPOSALS

While nothing is truly easy in city-making – given

Even before key infrastructure systems are planned and

the number of agencies and stakeholders involved in

implemented, several of the design proposals within

implementation, comment and critique – several smaller

this vision plan could be constructed, since they have

and more modest projects could be started quickly.

marginal dependency on these larger systems. These

To create support for later large scale developments,

projects can add immense public realm value to central

such as the waterfront park or the realignment of L.G.

Oranjestad and be constructed in a piece-by-piece

Smith Boulevard, government leaders and the larger

manner as budgets and planning capacity becomes

community should try to ascertain a list of quick and

available. They can become an incremental means

simple implementable projects – even those that might

of improving the city that occurs on a regular basis,

be part and parcel of other larger projects. An example

allowing steady movement toward the end vision.

of this might be the renovation of vacant buildings next

Some of the projects that might be included herein

to the lagoon and their conversion to cafes. Another easy

are: neighborhood initiatives like community centers,

policy change would be the extension of shopping hours

university expansions, plazas, parks and housing infill;

in the downtown shopping district. Another might be

downtown plaza, park, and preservation efforts. A list

the construction of the Parliament plaza at the marina.

of all such projects should be compiled, prioritized

These projects could be very visible and let people see

and scheduled for implementation across a phased

the vision for Oranjestad taking shape. These might be

calendar. The range of implemented ideas and projects

framed as pilot projects to test designs, garner public

should match temporal contexts for internal project

support, and provide a list of accomplishments for

management, community need, and ongoing problem-

government. Projects such as public art, tree planting,

solving and funding options.

pavement improvement, cross-walks, park enhancement, playground construction and façade improvement programs can create visible and immediate benefits within a short period of time. Let people see the vision plan coming to fruition.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

151

CHAPTER 6

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | PENNDESIGN The University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest

The School’s Department of City and Regional Planning

universities in the United States, founded in 1740 and

(PennPlanning) was recently ranked as one of the top

located in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In

five planning schools in the country. Within the Masters

keeping with the innovative example of the University’s

Program, students can concentrate in Urban Design,

founder Benjamin Franklin, it is a place where teaching

Community and Economic Development, Public/Private

embraces both theory and practice. The educational

Development, Land Use & Environmental Planning, or

experience at Penn is both intellectual and utilitarian;

Sustainable Transportation & Infrastructure Planning. The

education that explores not only why, but how. Penn’s

Urban Design concentration at PennPlanning is one of

School of Design is dedicated to improving the quality

the oldest and most progressive programs in the United

of life through the design and preservation of artworks,

States. The School is noteworthy for the history of its

buildings, landscapes, cities, and regions. The School’s

distinguished faculty and graduates, including: Lewis

distinctive contributions to this effort lie at the

Mumford, Ian McHarg, Louis Kahn, Herbert Gans, Robert

intersection of the disciplines of architecture, landscape

Venturi, Allan Jacobs, Edmund Bacon and Jonathan

architecture, fine arts, city and regional planning, and

Barnett. Education at PennDesign is directed under the

historic preservation. The design arts are the common

leadership of Dean Marilyn Taylor.

intellectual core of the School, but PennDesign’s work is equally rooted in knowledge from technologists, historians, and social scientists. The School creates an environment in which students are challenged to consider the wider implications of their work. Professional master’s degrees are offered in architecture (M.Arch), city planning (MCP), fine arts (MFA), historic preservation (MSHP), urban spatial analytics (MUSA) and landscape

PennDesign at the University of Pennsylvania 210 South 34th Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6311 USA (215) 898-3425 www.design.upenn.edu

architecture (MLA). The Ph.D. is offered in architecture and city planning. The University is consistently ranked in the top ten universities in the United States.

152

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

STUDIO FACULTY + PARTICIPANTS INSTRUCTORS Prof. Michael Larice Prof. Gary Hack

STUDENTS Associate Professor of Urban Design and

Rachel Ahern

Landscape Architecture

City Planning

Adam Amrhein

City and Regional Planning

Professor of Urban Design and City

Chris Bleakley

Landscape Architecture

Ariane Burwell

City and Regional Planning

Raman Gardner

City and Regional Planning

Keyleigh Kern

Landscape Architecture / City and

Planning

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS Jonathan Kol Fogelson

Urban Designer - Michael Singer Studio

Ben Bryant

Planning Analyst – Group Melvin Design

TEACHING ASSISTANT Anthony Riederer

City and Regional Planning

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - ORANJESTAD

Regional Planning Emily Leckvarcik

City and Regional Planning

Jae Kyung Lee

City and Regional Planning

Yumi Lifer

City and Regional Planning

Anjuli Maniam

City and Regional Planning

Jillian Nameth

City and Regional Planning

Marie Park

City and Regional Planning

Michael Parkinson

City and Regional Planning

Allen Penniman

City and Regional Planning

Anthony Riederer

City and Regional Planning

Alexandra Sweet

City and Regional Planning

John Tatum

City and Regional Planning

Adam Tecza

City and Regional Planning

Karen Thompson

City and Regional Planning

Matthew Vanoosten

City and Regional Planning

Andrew Zalewski

City and Regional Planning

153

Department of City & Regional Planning