Urban Design Visions for Aruba: San Nicolas

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA

ORANJESTAD SAN NICOLAS

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR

SAN NICOLAS

ARUBA

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

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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

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

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3. SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

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4. LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

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5. REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN

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6. CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | PENNDESIGN

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STUDIO FACULTY + PARTICIPANTS

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Urban Design Vision Plan for San Nicolas 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

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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 - SAN NICOLAS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

RED LIGHT DISTRICT- Currently, there is no specialized

This Urban Design Vision Plan is the result of

there any specific signage regulations being enforced.

district for adult entertainment in San Nicolas nor are

collaboration between an urban design studio at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design, the

LAND VACANCY - Both retail and housing vacancies are

Government of Aruba, and the American Planning

challenges for San Nicolas and the region. There are

Association. The primary objectives of the studio

many vacant parcels in downtown San Nicolas, and they

were educational; to expose and engage students in

are an impediment to creating a safe, vibrant downtown.

urban design issues and skills building exercises that could help 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 San Nicolas.

RETAIL TROUBLES – San Nicolas has a shortage of both local and tourist-driven retail.

ACCESS AND CIRCULATION - Downtown San Nicolas is extremely disjointed from the ocean. There is virtually no pedestrian or bicycle connection from the downtown to any of the beaches as well.

RENOVATION OF BABY AND RODGERS BEACH - The beaches and adjacent recreational facilities are in need of substantial restoration.

FRAGMENTED NEIGHBORHOODS - There are many neighborhoods around the periphery of downtown San Nicolas. These neighborhoods are fragmented from each other by environmental barriers, a lack of infrastructure, and disjointed road networks.

FLOODING – Stormwater infrastructure to deal with even moderate rain events is poor.

NEGLECTED PUBLIC REALM – Much of the public realm of downtown San Nicolas is under-developed and unfriendly.

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UNCERTAINTY OF REFINERY - San Nicolas was developed around the refinery as its sole economic basis, but the refinery has scaled back and repeatedly ceased

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

operations. Although the refinery is scheduled to come

Several vision statements and design principles emanated

back online within the year, its long-term viability is still

out of the analysis of San Nicolas and are supported

in question.

by the results of the Renobacion Urbano II workshop.

REMEDIATION - Much of the areas within and around the

These Vision Statements should be the guiding direction of future planning and implementation, while Design

Valero lands have been cleaned up, but there is still the

Principles provide educational ideas for achieving the

possibility of soil and water contamination.

visions. Five vision statements guided our work in San

TOURISM - Over seventy percent of Aruba’s GDP is

Nicolas.

based on tourism, yet most tourists don’t even know

Each of these vision statements is supported by several

San Nicolas exists. Currently, very few tourists visit San

related design principles. The San Nicolas Vision Plan

Nicolas and only do so on day trips to Charlie’s Bar, the

applies each of these to the various urban components

beaches, or adult entertainment venues.

that make up the plan’s proposals. Collectively these

NATURAL ASSETS - The existing natural assets of Seroe Colorado are one of San Nicolas’ greatest opportunities.

However, many of these landscapes are in need of restoration or at least careful management.

proposals are presented in a Citywide Structure Plan diagram.

VISION 1 - NEW MODEL FOR TOURISM: San Nicolas’ tourist economy will emphasize both natural resources and cultural assets. Design Principles: 1.1 Infill development can emphasize culture and heritage tourism. 1.2 Eco-tourism development can be used to preserve the existing ecologies of San Nicolas. 1.3 Making amenities accessible to both locals and tourists can provide for greater diversity and economic sustainability.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

VISION 2 - CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS: The people

4.2 Future public works projects can be designed around

of San Nicolas will be connected to valued places

existing refinery infrastructure to minimize inputs

and communities. Design Principles: 2.1 Connecting

and costs. 4.3 Transferring designated land to other

downtown San Nicolas with the ocean can provide

parties can reconnect the Valero lands to the rest of the

new cultural and economic opportunities for the

region. 4.4 Repurposing land for a variety of uses can

city. 2.2 Meaningful infill development can connect

provide greater economic diversity for the region. 4.5

neighborhoods. 2.3 Developing and enforcing growth

Sustainability planning can help reduce the ecological

boundaries can ensure neighborhood density. 2.4 Multi-

footprint of new development of the refinery and provide

modal transit can make neighborhoods more accessible.

suggestions for more appropriate design solutions.

2.5 Neighborhood centers can be established as sites of social interaction.

VISION 5 - A DOWNTOWN FOR EVERYONE: San Nicolas will be a revitalized, imageable, and vibrant place that

VISION 3 - A REGIONAL PARK SYSTEM AND ECOLOGICAL

attracts both residents and tourists. Design Principles:

NETWORK: A park system for the San Nicolas region will

5.1 A vibrant downtown can attract culture and heritage

protect existing natural resources and restore degraded

tourists to its unique character and amenities. 5.2

ecosystems. Design Principles: 3.1 New parks can be

Designating special zones for red light uses can ensure

created by restoring natural areas in the region. 3.2

safety and comfort for all downtown users. 5.3 Creating

Linking parks and natural areas together can create a

strong visual connections and wayfinding signage can

more accessible and resilient ecological network. 3.3

orient visitors and support easier navigation for tourists.

The use of native and drought resistant plant species can

5.4 Providing a downtown transportation system

help conserve water resources and reinforce the natural

that connects attractions and amenities can increase

identity of the island.

connectivity and access for tourists and locals. 5.5 Encouraging strong local retail and community amenities

VISION 4 - ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND DEVELOPMENT:

can strengthen the regional economy.

The refinery site will become a catalyst for new

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opportunity in the San Nicolas region. Design Principles:

The San Nicolas Citywide Structure Plan is a physical

4.1 Remediating the site with ecologically regenerative

diagram that shows the arrangement of key proposed

plant life and integrated landscape systems can provide

elements of the city organized collectively in a

a cost-effective long-term solution to soil contamination.

framework for development. Its timeline is long-term;

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

however, many of the projects can be started right now.

The aims of the proposals are to connect the entire region and provide new economic support for the area.

CONNECTIVITY: The regional plan provides a framework

SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN The short-term structure plan consists of proposals that can be implemented quickly and completed within three

for increased connectivity between downtown San

to five years. The themes of the short-term structure

Nicolas, adjacent neighborhoods, and the waterfront.

plan are revitalization, regeneration, and economic

This can be achieved through new road, bicycle, and

recovery. Its goal is to infuse San Nicolas with catalytic

pedestrian networks.

energy that spurs a multiplying effect within the town’s

ECONOMIC DIVERSITY: The downtown proposals focus on a new civic center and marketplace, a revitalized main street, local-serving infill and retail, and a new downtown commercial center. Within the regional scale, the proposals focus on larger, long-term economic development strategies, including a cruise ship terminal, resorts, and a new institutional center.

LANDSCAPE SYSTEMS: The plan proposes a land banking strategy for the areas around the periphery of the refinery. The refinery lands will also be converted to a number of different ecological uses, including a tree nursery, a water treatment park, a recreational adventure park, and a phytoremediation field.

economy, cultural capital, and social capital. All of these proposals seek to revitalize the downtown district of San Nicolas through infill development, streetscaping, and public realm improvements. Our goals for the downtown entail: creating a new public park and market in the center of town, improving retail opportunities through the creation of a new art and shopping district, consolidating red light entertainment into a single district, and creating pedestrian streets and a new neighborhood locus in the Village.

A NEW CIVIC CENTER INITIATIVE - The new civic center provides a locus for downtown San Nicolas. The site will include a market plaza with as well as shaded outdoor seating space. One market building will act as a stage for performances in the market square or park. A large park, consisting of a flexible civic lawn, is also planned around the existing residential and historic buildings. Around the park is a tree-lined promenade, and a small playground.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The civic core is also framed by infill of various uses,

The Main Street and adult entertainment district will

including new housing, a museum, and other institutional

be terminated at both ends by large hotels. These two

buildings.

hotels will bring a much needed density of tourists directly into downtown San Nicolas.

A REDEVELOPED DOWNTOWN ART AND SHOPPING DISTRICT- Economic instability has resulted in a dying

A RENEWED VILLAGE - This neighborhood improvement

shopping district with high vacancy. This proposal is

demonstration project concerns the regeneration

also based on providing a new anchor for the area: the

of existing neighborhoods in terms of physical

Gerrit Rietveld Art Academy, a design school based in

infrastructure, social capital, and economy. A

The Netherlands. This school will provide the catalyst

neighborhood commons, built around the existing public

for the district, bringing new users to struggling shops.

basketball court, is the centerpiece of this plan. A

The new shopping district will also build off a revitalized

canopy of trees offers shade, and raised planters with

public realm. The existing Art Deco building stock could

integrated seating create an amphitheater around the

provide a unique shopping experience and sense of place.

basketball court, which can double as a performance

Paving patterns will be used as wayfinding and structural

area. Side streets in the Village will be converted into

elements for streets, plazas, and intersections in the art

woonerfs, a Dutch design concept for shared streets.

and shopping district. New street furniture, street trees,

Infill development will replace “missing teeth” in the

and ornamental vegetation will also be added.

Village with new housing, boutique-scaled retail, and community space. This infill development will also

A REIMAGINED ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT - This proposal

continue local building traditions in order to harmonize

retains the red light uses in San Nicolas within an

with the Village’s existing fabric.

autonomous district located along Rembrandtstraat, and redevelops Main Street as an entertainment district.

The adult entertainment district will have public realm improvements such as trees, seating, decorative lighting, and exterior building improvements. The area should be converted to pedestrian only access. The streetscaping improvements provide an opportunity to link the public realm between the shopping and entertainment districts.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

regional public recreation and regenerative landscape

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY

shopping, restaurants, bars and cafĂŠs, as well as light

- The downtown long-term structure plan strategy

industrial and production areas; athletic fields; a

proposes two key overarching ideas. First, future

public beach; a look-out pavilion; and a performance

development on the south side of the island should

amphitheater.

be concentrated around a new waterfront core for

network; hotel, rental-condo, middle-income, and student residential space; commercial space for

the city. The commercial, institutional, residential,

CIRCULATION STRATEGY - The circulation strategy for

and tourist development that might accompany such

the expanded downtown seeks to address the current

a waterfront would increase traffic flow and energy

conditions and allow for new opportunities within and

in the downtown in a move to revitalize San Nicolas.

around the Valero lands. The location of the oil refinery

Second, future development around San Nicolas should

poses several circulation constraints; New circulation

include shaded, walkable public space and direct public

systems can be used to connect catalytic developments

access to the waterfront and other amenities. Creating

to the east and south of the existing downtown. A new

an urban waterfront that is truly open to and used by

road acts as a throughway from the shopping district

the public is essential for the people of Aruba. The

through the entertainment and university districts to

San Nicolas waterfront could provide necessary public

beaches and other recreational facilities to the east.

access and create a new and unique experience on the

Circulation in the new university district will also

island of Aruba while still maintaining a distinctly Aruban

extend existing streets from the Village to the east and

character.

encourage linkages to recreation and downtown.

The long-term downtown structure plan shows a

LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY - When the

potential expansion of the downtown directly to the

oil refinery eventually goes offline, development to the

water and toward the south-east and Seroe Colorado.

south of San Nicolas will finally connect the city to the

The proposed development includes: a public harbor

water. Construction of an inviting public space between

connecting downtown San Nicolas to the water; a cruise

the town and the ocean can begin soon after the refinery

ship terminal; an education and research campus; an Aruba welcome center; an energy museum; a marina; a

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

closes down. Docks located on the refinery lands will be

NEW DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS AND NODES -

converted to hold passenger cruise ships. Land near the

Valero lands within the immediate vicinity of downtown

downtown will be designated for the future growth of San

will be absorbed into the existing fabric of the city

Nicolas, including waterfront hotels and condominiums.

and will be used to strengthen physical and social

Land to the east of San Nicolas will become available

linkages throughout the region. Much of the downtown

for new development opportunities. Such opportunities

extension will be directed toward commercial and

include a new research and development campus for

institutional development. The cruise ship terminal,

renewable energy technologies.

campus, marina, residential neighborhoods, and public space bring additional activity and energy to San

A NEW DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT - Providing quality

Nicolas. The residential area in the expanded downtown

public space to the people of San Nicolas is the primary

waterfront area integrates tourist housing and amenities

goal of the Downtown Waterfront proposal. The

into the city, creating a unique destination and a

waterfront access that is created by the new harbor is

lively neighborhood. The creation of a neighborhood

framed by public space, which connects the new center

supporting the housing needs of students and faculty will

of downtown to the water through a series of public

also be dovetailed into the existing downtown Village.

plazas. This new waterfront development will provide a density of residents and tourists large enough to support

A NEW ANCHOR INSTITUTION AND MARINA - The

greater economic development in the retail, service,

research and development center for renewable energy

and hospitality sectors. The mouth of the harbor is

technologies will be able to replace the oil refinery as

punctuated by a new cruise ship terminal building on

a large economic generator for the city. The research

one side and a public look-out pavilion on the other. The

and development campus has four main sections. On the

topography slopes gradually upward from the mouth to

north end of the campus, single-family and multi-unit

the town, creating a slow, smooth grade upward for the

apartments will be constructed to house faculty and

buildings and streets. As you reach the elevation of the

their families as well as students, visiting scholars and

town, the ground levels, and both sides of the harbor

scientists. South of the campus housing, will be a block

empty into a plaza framed by the Aruba welcome center

that acts as an intersection of residential, commercial

and the energy museum.

and institutional land uses. The campus will not only conduct research on cutting edge energy technologies, but also employ these new energy technologies in

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

the site design. The individual buildings of this part

another. The proposed regional bicycle network, which

of the campus will be connected on the second floor

will allow walkers and bikers to access the different

by a network of walkways and awnings that integrate

amenities of the region, will be a part of the larger

solar panels into the shading structure. The southern

ecological network. Resort will also work to support this

end of the campus allows for large-scale development

network. This plan also calls for the restoration of the

opportunities that take full advantage of its waterfront

recreational facilities at Baby and Rodgers Beaches and

location, as well as recreational fields and a marina.

Commanders Bay as well as the creation of a new Marina

REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN GOALS / INTENSIONS - There are five main goals and principles for the regional structure plan of the San Nicolas Region. These five goals will work together to

adjacent to the downtown. The final goal of the regional structure plan is to ensure a more focused development in the region. Through the use of a greenbelt, the plan proposes that all future development be concentrated in already urbanized areas such as in the Downtown or at Seroe Colorado.

create new opportunities for the region. They are: to

RECREATION NETWORK STRATEGY - The creation of a

build a more diverse economy unique to the island;

new regional park system and ecological network will

to improve the access, circulation, and connectivity

be valuable to the San Nicolas Region for a number of

of the region; to restore and reclaim valuable Aruban

reasons: It will re-knit the ecological fabric of the region,

landscapes; to provide new recreational opportunities;

create new recreational opportunities for residents and

and to achieve a more focused development.

guests, and reclaim valuable Aruban landscapes. By

The Regional Structure plan proposes the creation of a new road network, based on the existing street system that will allow for both more north/south and east/ west connections. In addition to this street network, a new bicycle network is also proposed for the region. The plan also addresses another element of connectivity and circulation: ecological networks. Currently, the natural areas in the San Nicolas Region are separated one from

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

linking these sites together with Arikok National Park in an ecological network, there is opportunity to begin to restore the San Nicolas Region. The restoration and creation of new parks in the San Nicolas region will also improve recreational opportunities for both residents and guests. In this way, these new and restored recreational opportunities will be both environmentally-savvy and economically feasible.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A NEW TYPE OF TOURISM + ADVENTURE CENTER - There

and public park at Colorado Point. This project provides

are three major structuring devices for Refinery Park:

two alternative proposals for maintaining public access

the trail system and corridor that run through it, existing

to Colorado point, while continuing to provide the

infrastructure, and the need for ecological restoration.

economic incentives of a new golf course development.

The trail system and corridor are linear elements that

The first begins with the development program that is

run through the park. Where practical, connections from

currently on the table and makes a few adjustments to

this trail system are made to elements within the park

increase public access to the waterfront and preserve

and to the surrounding areas. Key infrastructure will be

existing habitat. The second proposal moves about

retained in order to create a new dive center, a new

half of the golf course holes inland to create a larger,

kayak center, fishing piers, a viewing tower with climbing

continuous publicly accessible park along the coast. The

structure, and a new tourism and adventure center.

goal of a shared public-private circulation system is to

There are several key elements that this tourism and

increase public use of the golf course and resort, without

adventure center should include, such as a visitor center,

impeding golf course activities. The use of a shared cart,

hostel, and campground. Depending on availability of

pedestrian, and bicycle path would link the two public

space and financing, other elements such as a bicycle

parks on each end of the golf course, providing a safe

rental shop, indoor climbing wall, skate park, cafes and

throughway for viewing the habitat preserves within the

restaurants could be included. The natural landscape

golf course.

is the final structuring device of Refinery Park. Based largely on topography, the landscape should be restored

CREATING PRODUCTIVE LANDSCAPES - Much of

to begin to re-create a functioning ecosystem for the

the refinery site outside of the immediate vicinity

region.

of Downtown could be repurposed for productive landscapes. Productive landscapes are landscapes that

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RE-IMAGINING A RESORT AND GOLF COURSE

perform active uses like agriculture, remediation, or

DEVELOPMENT - The remaking of this existing

purification through biological processes. The refinery

resort proposal has the possibility of preserving the

site could provide two different types of productive

extraordinary qualities of the place, without taking

landscapes: a plant nursery/remediation project and a

anything away from the Aruban people or prospective

water treatment plant/park. Both proposals combine

tourists. The main elements of the proposal are: a golf

economic generators with restoration projects, creating

course, resort development, ecological bike network,

multi-functional, robust landscape systems. The nursery

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

would accomplish two goals: bio-remediating refinery

1. UNDERSTAND SAN NICOLAS’ ROLE IN NATION

lands and growing native and ornamental vegetation for

BUILDING - San Nicolas has the opportunity to re-cast

the island. The second type, a water treatment facility,

itself as a new international destination. New projects in

uses the existing refinery infrastructure to collect, store,

San Nicolas could be a chance for Aruba to brand itself

and distribute fresh water to the region. This would not

with a new approach to international development. San

only lessen pollution to the surrounding reefs, reduce

Nicolas needs to recognize its potential as a world class

energy consumption on the island and but also provide

Aruban city, and the effect that substantial development

opportunity for job creation.

in the region would have in remaking the nation.

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

2. SOLIDIFY AND COMMUNICATE THE VISION REGULARLY

The Vision Plan for the San Nicolas region has

need to continue to solidify their long-term goals for

investigated opportunities and new ideas for revitalizing

the region. After this vision has been structured, the

the downtown, neighborhoods and environmental assets.

community needs to be continually informed in order to

These visions were ultimately expressed in a series of

promote common ownership of these visions.

- San Nicolas is in the process of forming a new identity for itself. The government and other key stakeholders

frameworks and proposals. They seek to create a new identity for the city without losing the diversity of

3. CREATE CAPACITY FOR PLANNING AND CITY

existing city. The Urban Design Vision Plan for San Nicolas

MANAGEMENT - In order to ensure the continued

suggests a series of structures and projects for the city.

success of any new project, San Nicolas needs a local

These projects are meant to be instructional; They are

planning institution and staff. This will be essential to

intended to give an idea of possibilities for a site or key

implementing and maintaining projects of any scale.

issue. These proposals do not represent a master plan,

The city is also in need of a City Manger that can be held

but a diagrammatic structure of different moves. Many

accountable for continued maintenance and oversight of

of the projects show alternatives for achieving a desired

the public realm, land use, and urban design goals. This

goal through a variety of means. The structure plans are

will also help to ensure that projects are not shelved

also meant to emphasize the range of possibilities for San

every time there is a change in government leadership.

Nicolas in different time scales.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY IN DECISION-MAKING

7. CLARIFY THE CITY’S CIRCULATION AND WAYFINDING

PROCESSES - San Nicolans have a strong culture of

SYSTEMS - Circulation and wayfinding is a major element

organizing, and this should be utilized in the visioning

of nearly every area structure plan in San Nicolas.

process. A community that feels engaged in the

A comprehensive plan for the long-term circulation

vision-making for their city will feel more inspired to

network should be discussed prior to establishing new

participate in the project. An open dialogue between

roads since the road network will likely influence

the community and government also builds trust, which

new patterns of development in areas that are poorly

will help strengthen long-term relationships between the

accessible. The region is also in need of increased means

government and the residents.

of pedestrian and bicycle circulation.

5. DECIDE ON A POLICY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE

8. WORK WITH THE REFINERY TO ACCOMPLISH SHORT-

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN - The design interventions for

TERM GOALS DURING OPERATION - Although most of

the short-term downtown structure plan hinge on a

the visions for the Valero lands are long-term in scope,

number of different policy changes in the city. The

there are projects that could begin prior to the complete

most significant of these policy changes would be the

closure of the refinery. These may include the creation

extension of retail hours to allow shopping opportunities

of an access road through the refinery lands to increase

for commuters returning from the north end of the island

connectivity to the beaches and resorts and the starting

and adjustments to the existing land use and zoning

of on-site bioremediation.

policies to consolidate the red light uses into a single district.

9. WORK WITH KEY EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS IN CAMPUS PLANNING - The Urban Design Vision for San Nicolas

6. DETERMINE AN ECOLOGICAL AND LAND MANAGEMENT

includes two new educational campuses in the city.

STRATEGY TO PRESERVE VALUED RESOURCES - Many

Local government needs to actively work with these

goals of the long-term structure plan hinge upon

educational partners, the Gerrit Rietveld Academy

purchase, restoration, and management of large tracts of

and the Delft University of Technology, to ensure new

land. The enforcement of existing growth boundaries and

institutions are mutually beneficial for all parties.

development of a land banking strategy will also require a greater institutional capacity for land management.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

10. UNDERSTAND THE REFINERY’S LONG-TERM ACTION PLAN - It is essential that local government and community groups develop and implement a long-term plan for the site as soon as possible. If this happens, planners can take steps to implement projects as refinery areas go offline, without having to wait for the total closure of the site in order to begin a visioning and implementation process.

11. PRIORITIZE AND IMPLEMENT NON-PATH DEPENDENT PROJECTS - There are still projects of multiple scales that can be implemented in the short-term. These include projects in the existing core of San Nicolas, as well as restoration efforts at Baby and Rodgers Beach, resort development, and circulation improvements between the city and its periphery 12. ACCOMPLISH WHAT SEEMS EASIEST - In order to stimulate interest in larger, more complex projects, government officials should start with simple, quick, and implementable projects. Public realm improvements and demonstration projects are highly visible, and can serve to bolster support for larger interventions. These projects allow residents to understand what form their visions are taking, furthering their potential ownership of the plans.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

17

1

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

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

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDIO URBAN DESIGN STUDIOS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

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

This Urban Design Vision Plan is the result of

The entrance of the Valero Oil Refinery in San Nicolas

Conference Participants from the June 2010 conference and workshop tour Oranjestad

collaboration between an urban design studio at the

The academic studio setting can provide our clients

University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design, the

with an opportunity to explore options and urban design

Government of Aruba, and the American Planning

issues in a low-pressure / low-key manner that helps

Association. The studio was comprised of 21 city

to avoid potentially uncomfortable airing of issues and

planning and landscape architecture students, two

design discussions in public. Studio products from UPenn

professors, and two assistant instructors. The primary

typically consist of formal presentations to the client,

objectives of the studio were educational: to expose and

coupled with a printed document that summarizes

engage students in urban design issues and skills building

studio outputs. Clients have the right to use the final

exercises that could help prepare them for future careers

documents produced by the students as they see fit, with

in urban design and planning. Other than a handful of

no restriction on the right of UPenn or its students to

students with undergraduate design experience, most of

reproduce or use the work for personal or institutional

the course participants had little previous experience in

purposes. UPenn has a long history of client-funded

studio project design. They came to this introductory

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

studio with prerequisite design knowledge, including

urban design programs. As an academic studio, the

courses in design computing, urban design research

project had a final end date after which the students

methods, neighborhood planning practice, and other

departed and were not expected to further engage in the

foundational city planning and landscape courses.

studio project and deliverables. This is different from

Parallel to these educational objectives, design goals

standard project consulting, where consultants can be

in our urban design studios typically take a pragmatic

retained over an extended period.

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.

20

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

THE ARUBA URBAN DESIGN STUDIO

producing the Urban Design Vision Plans for both cities of

In June 2010 the American Planning Association and

plan for Oranjestad.

Oranjestad and San Nicolas. This document is the vision

the Government of Aruba coordinated a conference and workshop on the future vision of several areas

The studio delegation from the University of Pennsylvania

of central Oranjestad. The conference was attended

arrived in Aruba for a 12 day orientation and site visit

by academics and planning professionals from around

during the second week of September 2010. After

the world, government officials, and members of the

touring the island on the first day, the team participated

public. Two days of presentations on various urban

in the Renobacion Urbano II Conference in San Nicolas,

design and planning topics were followed by several

which was held in a government building in the center

days of public workshops and presentations. At the

of town. Students and faculty presented on a variety of

end of the conference, a set of recommendations

topics, including: downtown entertainment districts,

was made by the professional consultants about how

neighborhood planning, sustainable environmental

Aruba should move forward in planning the central

issues, and industrial redevelopment. Within these

area of Oranjestad, including the development of a

presentations, case study examples pertinent to

coordinated vision and structure plan. In discussion

the issues of San Nicolas were presented to provide

with the Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure

inspiration and possibility. Lively discussion was joined

after the conference concluded, representatives from

by conference attendees from the community and

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

government. On the second day of the conference a

urban design studio to address the production of this

public charrette was held with conference participants

document for Oranjestad, in addition to participating

to discuss key issues of interest, approaches to future

in a 2nd Renobacion Urbano Conference and Workshop,

planning efforts, and design directions for several

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

geographical areas of San Nicolas. The results of the

the Oranjestad conference, the American Planning

charrette were presented to the public in San Nicolas

Association took the lead on coordinating the Renobacion

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

Urbano II conference and producing a summary

Compared to the earlier Oranjestad conference, the San

document of that event, while UPenn took the lead on

Nicolas event was better attended by local residents and

Community members sharing thoughts and ideas during the San Nicolas charrette

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

was much livelier with impassioned debate and historical frustrations rising through discussion. Despite early

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

21

CHAPTER 1

skepticism on the part of local participants, they left the

in representing the needs of residents, solving real

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

problems on the island, and providing a workable vision.

would prove fruitful. Over the next week, those students assigned to the San Nicolas Vision Plan toured a variety

On returning to Philadelphia, the real work of the studio

of local sites, including the Valero Refinery, valued

began. In the first weeks back, students undertook

environmental resources, neighborhoods, and business

a site and context analysis of both cities, identifying

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

key issues and challenges that would become the

Nicolas will be presented in a separate document from

prioritized problem statements for the studio. This was

this one, which focuses on central Oranjestad.

presented to a small group of faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, who provided comments and suggested

Students from the University of Pennsylvania touring near Baby Beach outside of San Nicolas in September 2010

Students and studio instructors touring the caves of Arikok National Park

22

While 8 students continued to focus on San Nicolas

clarifications. This effort was then used as the base

during the second week, 13 students were assigned to

information for creating vision statements and design

Oranjestad and met with local officials, toured various

principles that would guide later design efforts. These

sites, and discussed the future of the central area with

two exercises took the greater part of four weeks in the

local stakeholders. Students working on San Nicolas

studio before the students began work on group structure

were divided into two groups and focused their attention

plans for the various geographical areas where they had

on the historic downtown area (including the Village),

previously chosen to work. Students worked in these

and regional /refinery conversion issues. In the second

groups for the rest of the semester, breaking off to work

week of the visit, students met with local stakeholders,

individually on specific sites within each group area. Each

toured the refinery, looked at potential development

student worked circularly between the group structure

sites, and took tours of downtown areas. Throughout

plan scale and the individual site scale for a couple

the week, the studio was able to witness firsthand the

weeks. At the midterm review in late October, the

effects of heavy rain events on the city – seeing the

students presented their structure plans for each of five

effects of rapid flooding, standing water, and ineffective

geographical areas in the two cities. The structure plans

stormwater drainage. For both the San Nicolas and

for each city showed the collective changes suggested

Oranjestad students, the visit to Aruba helped foster a

by each group and indicated the design direction of

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

their individual projects as well. For the remainder of

was this merely a studio about tourism opportunities on a

the semester, groups and individuals worked with their

posh Caribbean island, but instead it became an exercise

instructors to refine their ideas and designs.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

The final presentation took place in mid-December in Philadelphia. It was attended by many of the government officials who participated in both Renobacion Urbano conferences, along with UPenn faculty, invited guests, and design critics from around Philadelphia. The presentations took place over two days. The first night of the presentation provided a summary of the work over the semester, highlighting both the process and the products of the studio. This presentation was incredibly well attended and began with comments from Dean Marilyn Taylor, APA Director Paul Farmer, Minister Benny

Studio instructors and critics discuss student work from the final review

Sevinger, and the studio instructors. Lively discussion was followed by a reception and dinner for invited guests. During the next day, the work from San Nicolas was presented in the morning, followed by Oranjestad in the afternoon. Coming into this presentation, a good degree of skepticism existed on the part of the client with respect to the ability of students to provide professional level urban design suggestions that would be taken seriously back on the island. Closing comments suggested the studio had easily overcome these worries and that the students had far exceeded expectations and surprised our client. In early 2011, the work was hung in an exhibition space in Oranjestad prior to a UPenn delegation returning to Aruba to present the work in March 2011.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

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

23

CHAPTER 1

SITE + CONTEXT ANALYSIS

The Oil Refinery and the Carribean Sea arE dominant features of the San Nicolas region

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. Some of the key

Leeward Antilles with Curaçao and Bonaire. As part of

challenges faced by the island are concerns about the

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

quality of urban life, a desire to diversify the economy

long island stretching roughly in a northwest to southeast

and increase domestic incomes, a need for infrastructure

direction. The southern coast is anchored centrally by

upgrading and stormwater control, water resource and

the capital city of Oranjestad, with multi-national tourist

desalinization issues, and the reinforcement of local

development on the northwest coast and industrial

place character in new project design.

has a particularly high standard of living with low unemployment. Nearly ž 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 in the area surrounding San Nicolas

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: Papiamento 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 - SAN NICOLAS

25

CHAPTER 1

Historic San Nicolas

The Oil Refinery has been a driving force of the economy and cultural life of San Nicolas since operations began in 1924

Development History

Since its opening, the Oil Refinery has influenced the development of San Nicolas

Before 1925: Fishing village with small phosphate industry

REFINERY EMPLOYMENT

9000

26

7000

1929: Lago oil refinery opens

Originally founded as a small fishing Village, San Nicolas

population of male contract workers living in the city.

has experienced both great prosperity and great

Over the next 50 years, the refinery made San Nicolas

disinvestment since its establishment. It is a largely Pan-

an international hub for industry. Since the 1960s,

Caribbean town with many residents of Dutch, South

the refinery has continually scaled back employment,

American, Caribbean, and British descent. San Nicolas

leaving the city and its residents with a great deal of

was formerly Aruba’s largest city but now is home to

economic uncertainty. The city has also been plagued

fewer than 20,000 residents. In 1873, phosphates were

with increased crime and drug use in the wake of

discovered in the hills near Seroe Colorado and Seroe

widespread unemployment. The city’s formerly vibrant

Culebra outside of San Nicolas, spurring the industrial

downtown district is declining rapidly and all but empty.

economy of the region. By 1879, San Nicolas was being

The blank, concrete wall of the refinery constantly looms

developed as a service center for mining operations,

in the background. Despite its position as an economic

and San Nicolas Bay was being outfitted for industrial

anchor for the city, the refinery obstructs any possible

use. Mining operations ceased during the first decades

relationship between the city and ocean. In recent years,

of the twentieth century but were quickly replaced by a

master plans for the San Nicolas Region have proposed

booming oil industry. Lago founded an oil refinery at San

new uses and cultural amenities, as well as catalytic

Nicolas Bay and began operations in 1924, revolutionizing

projects for its transition from a primarily industrial-

the cultural and economic life of the city. During the

based economy to one based on tourism. San Nicolas

height of refinery operations, prostitution was also

is now poised to re-define itself as a 21st century post-

legalized in San Nicolas as a response to the large

industrial city.

Late 1950s-1960s: Competition and Early 1980s: Construction of new government mechanization lead to housing in the Village and development of worker layoffs downtown Promenade Late 1930s-1950s: San 1970s-1980s: Oil Nicolas and Lago experience crises significantly impact the building boom refinery and San Nicolas March 1985: Oil refinery ceases operations and Aruba focuses on tourist economy

Mid-1960s: Red Light district emerges

5000

1986: Aruba gains ‘Status Aparte’ and economic aid

3000

2011: Oil refinery scheduled to reopen 2010: Renobacion Urbano II and small amount of new development

1000 0

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010 2010 1990 2000 2015

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

CITYWIDE CHALLENGES + OPPORTUNITIES

RETAIL TROUBLES – San Nicolas has a shortage of both

Through first hand observation and experience,

further strain on the already struggling local economy.

research, and interviews, the following challenges and

There are also policy decisions that have contributed

opportunities were identified for the central areas of

to the lack of viable retail, including early mandatory

San Nicolas. Several meetings and a design charrette

closing hours for most shops in Aruba, which are too

were held with business owners, public officials, key

early for many residents who work in Oranjestad.

stakeholders, and residents to identify the key issues

Retail shopping hours need to be extended so that

vexing the city. Some of these were physical in nature,

those working during the day can access shops after

others were functional, and yet others were management

6 pm. There are few structures in place for bringing

oriented. Some of the key problems we identified were

tourists to and from San Nicolas, and guided bus tours

applicable on a citywide basis, while others were isolated

only come to the south side of the island to visit Baby

to specific locations. The outline below summarizes

Beach. There is also no clear parking strategy in the

these issues in a clear and concise manner but has not

downtown for tourists. These two factors significantly

been prioritized. Responding to these challenges will

limit the city’s ability to draw retail revenue from anyone

require a coordinated strategy that can build a stronger

other than local residents. The only regional attraction

central San Nicolas holistically over time. The proposals

within the city is Charlie’s Bar. Many tourists also have

that come later in this vision plan will provide both

poor perceptions of safety in San Nicolas, which could

catalytic and systemic solutions to these challenges.

be addressed through wayfinding signage, lighting,

In this section, the key challenges across the city are

and streetscape improvements. Local serving retail is

presented, along with opportunities where they might

also virtually nonexistent in the Village and outlying

exist.

neighborhoods. Residents primarily rely on cars to get

local and tourist-driven retail. Most residents work, and therefore shop, in Oranjestad. This retail leakage puts

them to and from any retail destinations, including the corner store.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

Retail Leakage

Shopping is done primarily in Oranjestad because San Nicolas shops close before commuters return from work

Regional Attractions

Few regional attractions exist in San Nicolas Charlie’s Bar, a popular establishment since the heyday of the Oil Refinery, is one of the few

27

CHAPTER 1

Deterioration of the Public Realm

The public realm of San Nicolas suffers from poor design, inadequate maintenance, and lack of shade given the hot and humid climate

Red Light District

The sex trade industry is legal in San Nicolas, yet there is no formal district for red light uses

28

NEGLECTED PUBLIC REALM – Much of the public realm

any part of downtown after dark. These adult uses

of downtown San Nicolas is under-developed and

pose challenges to the economic viability of the entire

unfriendly. Pedestrian space is deteriorated; parks are

downtown because many local residents, especially

few in number; the city’s tree canopy is inconsistent and

women and families, do not feel comfortable walking

disconnected. The public realm is poorly outfitted with

through many downtown streets. The disinvestment of

street furniture: benches, lighting, trash receptacles,

Main Street and the red light district has also resulted

bollards, kiosks, signage, and other amenities. Very

in increased crime and drug activity within the area.

few streets have maintained sidewalks and adequate

The challenge here is finding a way to mitigate between

shading. Many residents park on the sidewalks, further

perceptions of safety and the adult entertainment

obstructing pedestrian traffic. There is also litter along

industries. Adequate lighting is also needed to ensure

the street and in vacant parcels, and a number of feral

perceptions of safety after dark.

dogs run through the streets. Most problematic is the lack of shade in Aruba’s hot and humid climate. Trees and

LAND AND BUILDING VACANCY - Both retail and housing

awnings are not used effectively to create a continuous

vacancy are challenges for San Nicolas and the region.

canopy to provide shade and comfort for pedestrians on

There are many vacant parcels in downtown San Nicolas,

sidewalks or in plaza areas. One of the least inviting

and they are an impediment to creating a safe and

walks is along the refinery wall, which only has a small,

vibrant downtown. Vacant parcels provide areas for

unshaded sidewalk running along its length. Intentional

dumping, litter, and the proliferation of parked cars. The

streetscapes, particularly on key downtown streets and

poor condition of vacant buildings also contributes to

linkages to the Village, could help to make the city more

the negative perceptions of safety. These parcels can be

walkable and attractive.

an opportunity for infill housing and retail development.

Infill development of local retail would bring greater

RED LIGHT DISTRICT- Downtown San Nicolas is the only

opportunities for a range of shopping needs, provide

site for legalized prostitution in Aruba. Currently, there

additional jobs, and strengthen the existing urban

is no specialized district for adult entertainment in San

fabric. There is also a great deal of vacancy in the

Nicolas, nor are any specific sex industry regulations

outlying neighborhoods of San Nicolas, especially Seroe

enforced. It is not always easy to distinguish between

Colorado. Much of this vacancy is due to the fact that

traditional and adult entertainment bars, which inhibits

the neighborhood was an exclusively expatriate housing

some members of the community from frequenting

subdivision prior to the closure of the refinery. Many of

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

Commercial Red Light Commercial Institutional Residential Open Space Vacant

Vacancy

Vacant properties can be found throughout the commercial areas of San Nicolas, and offer opportunities for infill development

District Land Use

Many vacant and underutilized properties sit in the Downtown and the Red Light District, while at the same time few formal parks and recreation areas can be found in San Nicolas

the houses belong to the government and have recently

from the downtown to any of the beaches as well. One

been turned over to private owners. These neighborhoods

trying to walk to the beach would have to walk on the

have no retail or services and are not within walking

roadway median along the edge of the refinery wall

distance of any necessities. They need strategic infill

for over half the trip. From that point on, there is no

projects that provide employment, retail, and social

longer even a sidewalk along the road’s edge. Only one

opportunities.

road connects the city to the areas of Seroe Colorado and Colorado Point, much of which is flanked by vacant

ACCESS AND CIRCULATION - Downtown San Nicolas

expatriate housing. There is also a lack of access

is extremely disjointed from the ocean. The closest

between San Nicolas and Oranjestad. One major road

oceanfront access from the downtown is a 5 km drive.

links the two cities, and it is often congested during peak

There is virtually no pedestrian or bicycle connection

hours. Signage along the road is poor, and visitors don’t

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

Main Bus Station

Better transit options are needed in San Nicolas, such as improved bus service and reliability, as well as better pedestrian and bicycle routes

29

even know they’ve entered San Nicolas until they’re a few blocks in. The direction of the two main streets is not conducive to retail access. Also, bus service is unreliable and not clearly marked, and there are no opportunities for bicycle transit between the two cities.

1,000m

Pedestrian and bicycle access within the downtown core is also not well-developed. Signage is confusing, and

Toxins

there are few moments or places where visitors are able

Under-utilized Green Space

to orient themselves to downtown attractions.

Stormwater Runoff 0

370

740

1,480

2,220

RENOVATION OF BABY AND RODGERS BEACH- Baby 2,960 Meters

Beach and Rodgers Beach are well-used and well-

1:12,00

loved amenities for locals and tourists. The beaches Water Flows

Untreated stormwater mixes with toxins from the oil refinery as it rushes towards the waterfront and endangers water quality and marine life

themselves, as well as the recreational facilities located immediately adjacent to them, are in need of substantial

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

restoration. The old recreational fields, as well as the

FRAGMENTED NEIGHBORHOODS - There are many

roads to the beach, flood during every storm event and

neighborhoods around the periphery of downtown

are constantly inundated with water. The former Esso

San Nicolas. These neighborhoods are fragmented

Club complex, which currently houses JADS diving outfit,

from each other by environmental barriers, a lack of

is also in poor condition and beginning to deteriorate.

infrastructure, and a disjointed road network. Each

In addition to restoration, the area is in need of an

of the neighborhoods has a slightly different socio-

ongoing maintenance strategy, including litter removal

economic status and ethnic breakdown. Seroe Colorado

and upkeep. There are also limited bathroom and shower

is physically disconnected from the social life of greater

facilities other than those located at JADS. Hospitality

San Nicolas and is plagued by vacancy and a lack of

services need to be introduced to the area to provide a

retail and social services. Community anchors need to be

better recreational experience for tourists and residents.

developed in these neighborhoods to strengthen local, as

Conversely, this area might be replanned for other

well as, regional ties.

more intensive uses associated with beach or recreation activity.

Beaches of San Nicolas

Baby Beach and Rodgers beach are among San Nicolas’ best loved recreational open spaces however, restoration is needed to maintain and preserve these spaces for future generations

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

31

CHAPTER 1

FLOODING – Stormwater infrastructure to deal with even moderate rain events is poor. When it rains, many San Nicolas neighborhoods flood. This can cause mobility, health, and sanitation problems. In the downtown area, surface drainage to the waterfront means

1,000m

fast moving water that builds rapidly and inundates Zeewijk. At times this flooding damages residences and road infrastructure located at grade. During major, sustained storm events, the roads to Baby Beach become

Key Actors + Institutions

impassable. In the outlying neighborhood areas, standing

Government 0

370

740

JADS / Lago Colony

-Government has allocated 26 Million 1:12000 -Once the center of activity for San in improvements in region Nicolas Suid with theatre, ice cream parlor and bowling alley -Government owns large parcels in Seroe Colorado -When revitalized, the center will become a catalyst for -Many Government institutions are redevelopment in Sero Colorado present on site, including Prison, Korps Mariniers, and Arikok 1,480

2,220

2,960 Meters

water pools and turns stagnant over time. This untreated stormwater damages water quality and endangers marine and reef life along Aruba’s southern coast. To protect future investments from flooding and damage, a comprehensive stormwater infrastructure system is a priority for the city.

UNCERTAINTY OF THE REFINERY - San Nicolas was

San Nicolas Community

-Residents and businesses in San Nicolas are ready for a change -Development can be driven by existing organizations in San Nicolas

Valero

-Occupies 489 acres, though only 70% of the site is active -Key actor in determining the future of San Nicolas

developed around the refinery as its primary economic backbone, but the refinery has scaled back and repeatedly ceased operations. Although the refinery is scheduled to come back online within the year, its longterm viability is still in question. Even if the refinery

Sunrise Rock Development

32

continues operations, it provides a fraction of the

-Attempt to bring tourism to the east side of Aruba

number of jobs it sustained during its peak. Shop and

-One resort with 270 rooms and 170 condominiums

larger numbers of people to sustain their businesses, and

-Government approved development plans

the refinery lands themselves provide new opportunities

restaurant owners in San Nicolas are in desperate need of the refinery may not be able to provide that. However,

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

INTRODUCTION + ANALYSIS

for downtown expansion, new industries, and parks. San

jobs back to the local economy. However, there is no

Nicolas needs a long-term vision for the region in the

guarantee that these resorts will bring anyone directly

event the refinery goes offline again permanently at

into San Nicolas. The resorts are being introduced

some point in the future.

in areas with unique and fragile local ecosystems.

Developing tourist-driven retail and hospitality services

REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED LANDS - The Valero

within the heart of downtown would strengthen the

lands and other adjacent parcels have been devoted to

economic basis of the entire region.

industrial uses for over a century. Much of these areas have been cleaned up, but there is still the possibility

THREATENED NATURAL ASSETS - The existing natural

of soil and water contamination throughout the region.

assets of Seroe Colorado are one of San Nicolas’ greatest

Stormwater runoff carries large amounts of contaminated

opportunities. However, much of these landscapes are

silt into the bay during storm events. This contamination

in need of restoration or at least careful management.

limits the variety of land uses permissible on the site.

Many of these ecologically sensitive areas have been

Bioremediation and phytoremediation can take decades

damaged from mining or refinery operations. Colorado

to cleanse a site and should be started on underutilized

Point has one of the most unique landscapes on the

areas of the Valero lands as soon as possible.

island, but the area is difficult to access and is often

Natural Landscapes

The areas surrounding San Nicolas contain some of the most beautiful yet fragile landscapes in Aruba

covered with litter. Much of this area is also being TOURISM - Over seventy percent of Aruba’s GDP is based

considered for resort development. Local residents

on tourism, yet most tourists don’t even know that San

frequent these areas, including Colorado Point, and

Nicolas exists, let alone that there would be anything to

want to maintain access to the shoreline, caves, and

see there. Currently, very few tourists visit San Nicolas

parks. A balance needs to be struck between economic

and only do so on day trips to Charlie’s Bar, the beaches,

and environmental needs in order to protect the fragile

or adult entertainment venues. There are also no hotels

ecologies of San Nicolas.

in San Nicolas, so tourists couldn’t even stay in the city if they wanted to. Plans exist to bring resort development to Seroe Colorado, which could bring hospitality

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

33

2

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

VISIONS + DESIGN PRINCIPLES CITYWIDE STRUCTURE PLAN + FRAMEWORK REFINERY CONVERSION + PHASING FRAMEWORK

CHAPTER 2

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN Urban Design Vision Plans present a future goal and

Design principles, on the other hand, should be

direction for a place. Visions are strongest and most

embedded directly within the larger vision plan, but they

implementable when they are ‘owned’ by both the

function quite differently. Rather than suggesting goals,

officials who are responsible for seeing them through

they should educate implementers, developers, and

and the stakeholders who are most likely to benefit

beneficiaries about ideas for achieving particular visions.

from them. They must be firmly grounded in the

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

pragmatic realities of the place but reach beyond what

is the role of the design guideline. Design principles are

is conceivably possible. They should help the place

mere ideas. They provide thoughts that help justify

become what it is destined to become from the seeds

the larger vision, show options, and introduce notions

that are currently planted there. Good vision plans must

that might not have been considered previously. Think

be clear and unambiguous, imageable and inspirational.

of design principles as the roadmap that gets us to the

They should be based on wide-spread desires for

destination.

improvement and change, rather than service for only a direct few. For vision plans to be effective they must be communicated easily and regularly. They should become active policy vehicles for future development decisions.

Successful vision implementation builds an increasingly larger platform of support 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.

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VISION + DESIGN PRINCIPLES

should emphasize natural resources and cultural assets

VISION 1 – A NEW MODEL FOR TOURISM

should be able to access San Nicolas’ landscape amenities

SAN NICOLAS’ TOURIST ECONOMY WILL EMPHASIZE BOTH NATURAL RESOURCES AND CULTURAL ASSETS. People from over forty different nations call San Nicolas home. Their heritage is integral to the experience of the city. The tourism industry contributes significantly

while preserving them for future generations. Tourists without barring access to locals. San Nicolas has the potential to create a unique, post-industrial, Caribbean destination.

Design Principle 1.1: Infill development can emphasize culture and heritage tourism.

to Aruba’s GDP, and it is important for San Nicolas to

Aruba’s historical buildings, landscapes, and monuments

recognize its potential in this economic sector. While

are assets that help showcase the island’s diverse

Charlie’s Bar is currently the only major downtown

cultural identity and character. Supporting historic

attraction, the people of San Nicolas will have other

preservation and conserving distinctive landmarks will

ways of sharing their history and culture with visitors.

both preserve Aruba’s history and energize the cultural

Official historic monuments will be restored to promote

economy. Several development opportunities exist

cultural tourism that both visitors and residents can

throughout San Nicolas. These could be designed to

enjoy. The city of San Nicolas, the refinery lands, and

give the people of San Nicolas the chance to tell their

the surrounding landscape have unique attractions

story through their buildings and public spaces. Walking

to draw visitors and can help to make the tourism

tours, educational signage, and interpretive centers

experience in San Nicolas different than any other found

could provide a backbone for cultural tourism in San

in the Caribbean. A number of vacant properties also

Nicolas. The city would also benefit from making sure

exist in the historic core of San Nicolas. The city can

each monument has a continued maintenance plan and

take these existing assets and improve them through

explicitly states its historic significance to visitors.

Landmarks

Through historic preservation and the maintenance of landmark industrial-era buildings, San Nicolas can develop a unique sense of place

infill development. Also, within the lands outside the city, new tourist-driven development will both protect and make accessible the semi-arid landscape of Seroe Colorado. An eco-tourism strategy will serve to connect San Nicolas to Arikok National Park. Future development

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CHAPTER 2

Design Principle 1.2: Eco-tourism development can be

New development, parks, civic spaces, and facilities

used to preserve the existing ecologies of San Nicolas.

should be mutually beneficial for residents and visitors.

Eco-tourism is a form of economic development based

VISION 2 - CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS

on traveling to natural areas and staying in low impact and environmentally responsible dwellings. It is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism market and can range from primitive camp sites to high-end resorts.

There is a significant amount of tourist development planned for the San Nicolas region, much of which is proposed on greenfield sites near Seroe Colorado. Eco tourism can be a successful means of generating capital for preservation projects. New development proposals should employ strategies to preserve and rehabilitate existing habitat while still providing a viable economic catalyst for the region.

Eco-Tourism

The semi-arid landscape surrounding San Nicolas, largely left untouched by development, offers unique eco-tourism opportunities not found elsewhere in the Carribean

Design Principle 1.3: Making amenities accessible to both locals and tourists can provide for greater diversity

THE PEOPLE OF SAN NICOLAS WILL BE CONNECTED TO VALUED PLACES AND COMMUNITIES. A number of accessibility and connection problems impede movement between downtown San Nicolas and the surrounding neighborhoods. There are few modes of transportation available. There is only one road that takes visitors and residents to the ocean and outlying neighborhoods, and the refinery impedes any view or access to the ocean throughout most of the city. Many neighborhoods are disconnected from local services and economic opportunities. Safer and more comfortable connections throughout the San Nicolas region will make places and amenities accessible to the people of the

and economic sustainability.

city. These physical connections will not only improve

San Nicolas currently contains a wealth of cultural

for daily interaction and community gathering. Increased

and natural resources used primarily by local Arubans.

road and public transit infrastructure will also make San

Beaches and protected lands, including Baby Beach,

Nicolas more amenable to tourist-oriented development.

Boca Grande Beach, and Colorado Point, should be

By connecting neighborhoods and valued natural

kept accessible to locals. This could be achieved by

landmarks, both physically and socially, the region of San

maintaining public roads and parkways to important

Nicolas will foster a unified community and a rich sense

sites. A unified parkway system along the entire coastline

of place.

movement across the region but also provide the setting

will aid in the accessibility of important waterfront sites.

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Design Principle 2.1: Connecting downtown San Nicolas

Design Principle 2.3: Developing and enforcing growth

with the ocean can provide new cultural and economic

boundaries can ensure neighborhood density.

opportunities for the city.

Aruba already has a series of ROP growth boundaries.

Creating a new waterfront district can revitalize the

Land conservation zones can ensure that development

economy of a city. San Nicolas has that opportunity and

in the San Nicolas region is dense and connected to

should work with Valero on a strategy for opening access

existing infrastructure and amenities. Neighborhood

to the water. While the refinery is in operation, unused

density can prevent urban sprawl and the construction

land within the refinery walls could be repurposed to

of additional infrastructure, which would only

allow access from the neighborhoods to the ocean.

serve a small percentage of the population anyway.

Establishing a beautification committee for the refinery

Additionally, growth boundaries encourage developers

wall can soften the austerity of the wall in the interim. If

to develop vacant land that currently exists in many

and when the oil refinery closes, necessary remediation

of the downtown neighborhoods. They also serve to

should take place to ensure the viability of downtown’s

protect regional ecologies from unnecessary low density

future growth towards the ocean.

development.

Design Principle 2.2: Meaningful infill development can

Design Principle 2.4: Multi-modal transit can make

connect neighborhoods.

neighborhoods more accessible.

Redeveloping vacant land is a successful means of re-

An integrated transportation system allows drivers,

establishing neighborhoods. Many vacant parcels in San

commuters, bikers, and pedestrians to travel safely

Nicolas are well positioned for anchor or key institutions

and easily throughout the city. This will mean the

that will knit neighborhoods together and serve as nodes

establishment of a new system of marked bikeways,

of community activity. Repurposing vacant land will also

sidewalk amenity investment, and improved bus routing

discourage criminal behavior, which should reduce crime

across the island. Reliability and overall comfort of

and increase property values in the surrounding areas.

transit vehicles can be improved to support greater use.

Additionally, it will serve to reinforce the streets and

Also, a greater range of transit networks with safer and

public realm as vibrant centers of activity.

more comfortable stops can encourage greater local and

Refinery Wall

The Valero Refinery site cuts off the town of San Nicolas from the nearby waterfront and views of the ocean

Transit

Improved multi-modal transit systems are needed to more efficiently improve circulation around the island

tourist use.

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CHAPTER 2

Design Principle 2.5: Neighborhood centers can be

connections between them. Many are also difficult to

established as sites of social interaction.

access by car or bus, the two most common modes of transit for both tourists and locals. Developing linkages

Neglected Spaces

Many open spaces around San Nicolas are in disrepair, but have the potential to be restored to create a regional park system

Neighborhood centers give physical identity to places.

between these areas will help to create a unified park

These ‘imageable nodes’ can center each neighborhood

system for the region. A new park system will not only

and serve as the focal point of social life. They provide

help to restore the degraded landscape but will also

public space where neighbors can gather, flexible

allow for movement between the various areas. San

civic spaces for meetings, classes, and recreation, and

Nicolas has the opportunity to create a world class

neighborhood-serving uses, such as libraries, schools, and

destination out of its beaches and cliffs. The park system

local-serving retail. Neighborhood centers can also serve

will also serve an infrastructural function by including

as anchors for future development.

stormwater management elements to help manage

VISION 3 - A REGIONAL PARK SYSTEM AND ECOLOGICAL NETWORK A PARK SYSTEM FOR THE SAN NICOLAS REGION WILL PROTECT EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCES AND HELP TO RESTORE DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS. The San Nicolas region has some of the most stunning natural assets on the island of Aruba. These include beaches, cliffs, stands of cactus, and natural roois. The area around San Nicolas shows traces of its geological history through its fossilized corral landscapes and natural caves. San Nicolas is also a short distance from the Arikok National Park, a protected environmental reserve. The area is subject to intense climatic variation, which is expressed in the variety of natural landscape

flooding in Zeewijk and Baby Beach.

Design Principle 3.1: New parks can be created by restoring natural areas in the region.

Many of the region’s open spaces have been neglected or polluted and are therefore not functioning at their highest ecological capacity. Many areas are also in danger of being overtaken by exotic species. Those areas that have been degraded from neglect can be rehabilitated to functioning ecosystems and public parks. These parks will become a part of the regional park system and will allow future residents and visitors to experience their natural character. The addition of educational opportunities and interpretive signage will also foster greater interest and stewardship for existing natural areas.

types around the city. While these celebrated assets all exist within the San Nicolas region, there are no current

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CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

Design Principle 3.2: Linking parks and natural areas

species inappropriate to the climate, a list of climate

together can create a more accessible and resilient

appropriate landscape materials should be devised to

ecological network.

guide planting decisions. This may mean selecting nonnative species from other parts of the world that are

A park system can have many benefits for people and

conducive to the Aruban climate, a good example of

the environment. An ecological network will expand the

which might be the planting of desert palms rather than

territories of plants and animals between isolated natural

tropical palms. As most of the plant materials for Aruba

areas. This will help create an integrated, functioning

are imported from North and South America, Aruba would

network rather than many fragmented ecosystems,

benefit from the establishment of nurseries and tree

helping propagate a larger variety of flora and fauna

farms that can supply this vegetation while also providing

in southern Aruba. The corridors which create the links

economic development opportunity. The use of local

between the natural areas can also be used to create

plant materials and rock will also help to reinforce a

a trail system, establishing recreational opportunities

local landscape identity for San Nicolas.

Tree Canopy

Because of the heat of Aruba’s climate, closely spaced trees with generous canopies are helpful to providing pedestrian comfort in the public realm

for residents and visitors. This trail system will also be paired with green stormwater infrastructure to capture water for the parks system.

Design Principle 3.3: The use of native and drought resistant plant species can help conserve water resources and reinforce the natural identity of the island.

As a hot and humid climate, not every plant species can survive or be planted in San Nicolas without adverse sustainability impacts and extensive water consumption.

To survive into the future, innovative irrigation strategies

Semi-Arid Climates

Aruba’s climate should be reflected in the public realm, and both native and non-native species that thrive in hot, semi-arid climates can be used to reinforce place identity

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. Rather than planting non-native

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

41

CHAPTER 2

VISION 4 - ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND DEVELOPMENT

together with green public space. The development on

THE REFINERY SITE WILL BE THE CATALYST FOR NEW

and natural amenities.

the site will be closely monitored in order to ensure the health, safety, and sustainability of the region’s people

OPPORTUNITY IN THE SAN NICOLAS REGION. Design Principle 4.1: Remediating the site with

Refinery Wall

Removing this barrier would result in better connected neighborhoods that are no longer isolated from downtown and the waterfront

The refinery has been the single most important

ecologically regenerative plant life and integrated

economic driver for the south side of the island. Its

landscape systems can provide a cost-effective long-term

closure resulted in significant economic decline for

solution to soil contamination.

the larger region, and the refinery lands still sever San Nicolas from the ocean. While its reopening promises

The majority of the site needs to be remediated prior

economic revitalization, unremediated vacant land

to conversion for non-industrial uses. The site should

and infrastructure will remain when the refinery closes

be planted with phytoremediating plants that would

permanently. Connecting a remediated site with the

eliminate harmful toxins as well as provide landscape

downtown and surrounding neighborhoods through a

materials that should be planted in other places on the

range of economic and cultural uses will create lasting

island. Local contractors could purchase plants from

value and provide opportunity for economic growth

the refinery nursery instead of from south Florida or

to protect the health and prosperity of the region.

Colombia, and they could be more confident that the

Remediation of contamination on the refinery site will be

landscape material would survive in the Aruban climate.

a step toward the regeneration of native plant species,

A remediated site could also be used as a showcase

productive landscapes, and ecological awareness for

for remediation efforts all over the world and would

Aruba. The site also offers much in the way of reusable

move Aruba towards a much needed conservation and

infrastructure, which will minimize capital investment in

sustainability mode.

public works projects through the reuse of materials and structures. A remediated site will help to dissolve the

Design Principle 4.2: Future public works projects can

barrier between San Nicolas and the ocean, and should

be designed around existing refinery infrastructure to

allow multiple connections to the water from inland

minimize inputs and costs.

neighborhoods. Public works, tourism, research and development, and light industry can all exist on the site

42

Aruba’s water issues are two-fold. The island desalinates all water used for consumption and irrigation, a resource-

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

intensive and expensive process. It also has no real Downtown San Nicolas

stormwater management system, resulting in millions of gallons of water sheet draining to the ocean. By using an innovative collection system, and by retrofitting the large number of tanks and connective piping systems that exist on the site, the rainwater could be collected and redistributed. This water could be used for the irrigation of the remediation effort, or be converted to serve the water needs of San Nicolas.

Design Principle 4.3: Transferring designated land to other parties can reconnect the Valero lands to the rest

a range of economic activity. Integrating cultural and eco-tourism, research and development, and alternative energy with existing local economic activities would

of the region.

create a strong, independent, and sustainable economy.

Since its beginnings, the presence of the refinery has

Design Principle 4.5: Sustainability planning can help

disconnected San Nicolas from the ocean. Integrating the current refinery land into downtown and neighboring communities will create connections between isolated neighborhoods while allowing direct access from those neighborhoods to the water.

Design Principle 4.4: Repurposing land for a variety of uses can provide greater economic diversity for the

reduce the ecological footprint of new development of the refinery and provide suggestions for more appropriate design solutions.

Strategic sustainability planning (including: energy production, progressive water desalinization, stormwater

Existing infrastructure from the Oil Refinery site can be adapted and repurposed as the site is remediated and reclaimed for new park space and development

1,000m

management, sewage and solid waste reduction, and improved transportation options) can help to effectively

region.

manage resources as the island continues to develop.

The refinery has been a singular driver of economic

can offset the environmental impact of development

activity in San Nicolas since it opened. Economic

and preserve Aruba’s natural habitat base for future

diversity is the key to building and maintaining a healthy

generations. The refinery is especially poised to

economy for the future of the south side of the island.

participate in this initiative due to its proximity to wind

The refinery site provides the space and opportunity for

farms and existing linkages to regional infrastructure.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

Infrastructure Adaption

Managed networks of natural lands and open spaces

43

CHAPTER 2

VISION 5 - A DOWNTOWN FOR EVERYONE

The unique Art Deco architecture of many downtown buildings can offer a great destination for tourists. The

DOWNTOWN SAN NICOLAS WILL BE A REVITALIZED,

influx of many different groups of people working at

IMAGEABLE, AND VIBRANT PLACE THAT ATTRACTS BOTH

the refinery has resulted in a town that is unique in

RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.

Aruba and in the larger Caribbean region. Downtown

Downtown San Nicolas, once a vibrant and bustling place, has declined due to the closure of the nearby oil refinery and the resulting unemployment for many residents.

Red Light District

San Nicolas can create a welcoming downtown atmosphere for all residents and visitors by consolidating and clearly defining its Red Light District

With the potential for revitalization from the refinery’s

monuments could be restored and repurposed to connect the present and future with San Nicolas’ vibrant past.

Strengthening downtown’s sense of place will provide a framework for developing a new tourism industry.

reopening and new government efforts aimed at bringing

Design Principle 5.2: Designating special zones for

more people and employment to San Nicolas, downtown

red light uses can ensure safety and comfort for all

can once again become lively. Residents will be able to

downtown users.

run errands and use the downtown both day and night.

Tourists to San Nicolas, drawn by the unique qualities

For downtown San Nicolas to be successful, it must

of the southern part of Aruba and the pan-Caribbean

appeal to a variety of people while retaining its unique

character of San Nicolas itself, will also find amenities

qualities. Consolidating adult entertainment uses into a

within downtown. Vacant properties will provide new

special district can alleviate many community concerns

retail and institutional opportunities that will draw

about safety. Rather than removing these red light

residents and visitors to downtown. A revitalized San

uses from the downtown or maintaining their current

Nicolas downtown will imprint itself on the minds of

scattered configuration, they should be consolidated.

Arubans and tourists alike and provide a place to live,

San Nicolas should create a cohesive and contiguous red

work, and play.

light district with enforced rules, enabling all visitors to enjoy downtown.

Design Principle 5.1: A vibrant downtown can attract culture and heritage tourists to its unique character and

Design Principle 5.3: Creating strong visual connections

amenities.

and wayfinding signage can orient visitors and support easy travel for tourists.

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Downtown San Nicolas has two distinct sub-districts,

like Baby Beach. These improvements will serve as a key

the entertainment/red light district and the retail

component to a newly revitalized and vibrant downtown

downtown; these sub-districts are disconnected due to a

San Nicolas.

lack of clear visual connection. Wayfinding signage and a unified streetscape design could be used to reduce the

Design Principle 5.5: Encouraging strong local retail

impact of this disconnect and help visitors experience

and community amenities can strengthen the regional

all that downtown has to offer. Downtown San Nicolas

economy.

is also the historic core of the area and features nearly all of the town’s monument buildings. Special plaques at

New institutional and business anchors, such as new hotel

each monument, along with official maps and brochures,

space and the proposed Gerrit Rietveld Art Academy, can

should be placed at each building to highlight San

position downtown to serve as a catalyst for new retail

Nicolas’ rich history while providing a clear path that

and commercial development. These new establishments

visitors may take to see all of downtown San Nicolas.

can strengthen existing businesses with more traffic,

Public Transit

An improved multi-modal regional transit system can help link many of the amenities surrounding San Nicolas to the downtown

allowing for greater returns to the local economy.

Design Principle 5.4: Providing a downtown

In addition to these new anchors, new public spaces

transportation system that connects attractions and

should be provided to create areas where residents and

amenities can increase connectivity and access for

visitors can rest or play while downtown. These new

tourists and locals.

spaces should allow residents and tourists to walk and sit comfortably, as well as provide visually attractive space,

Walkable and easily accessible downtown districts

through the use of shading and vegetation.

can draw in greater numbers of visitors and sustain their interest longer. Currently, public transportation in San Nicolas is inconsistent, and stops are not wellmarked. Downtown itself is walkable, but it is difficult to get to and from the area. Transportation networks should be extended to allow easier movement between downtown and outlying neighborhoods and attractions

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

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CHAPTER 2

CITYWIDE STRUCTURE PLAN + FRAMEWORK San Nicolas is a vibrant, Pan-Caribbean town. It is also

economic hinge of the entire region for the last century,

an industrial city with a limited future in the refinery

and San Nicolas needs a greater possibility for economic

industry. The citywide structure plan addresses the

diversity and job creation. The citywide structure

unique character of southeastern Aruba while providing

plan provides just this, including changes in land use

a new vision for the area. The ultimate goal of these

to include urban infill, a new cruise ship terminal and

proposals is to create a self-sufficient region that

marina, and a new university campus. The following

successfully balances tourism, industry, and everyday life

section presents the physical projects that address each

needs.

of the visions for San Nicolas.

The citywide structure plan is meant to address San

CONNECTIVITY

Nicolas in both the short and long-term. The timeline for the city-wide plan is based on the final closing date

The regional plan provides a framework for increased

of the refinery, but many elements can be implemented

connectivity between downtown San Nicolas, adjacent

within the next five years. Improvements to downtown

neighborhoods, and the waterfront. This can be achieved

San Nicolas, including infill development, a new market

through new road, bicycle, and pedestrian networks.

and civic center, new neighborhood streets and plazas,

A new road system through the Valero site will provide

the re-design of Main Street and the Red light district,

a more direct connection from downtown San Nicolas

and a new art and retail district, can be initiated within

to the resort developments around Seroe Colorado.

the short-term. Outside of the city, renovation of the

It will also provide greater access to Baby Beach and

recreational areas around Baby Beach and a proposal for

new waterfront amenities from downtown San Nicolas.

a new golf and resort development at Colorado Point can

Additionally, these road networks will lay the groundwork

be initiated immediately.

for a greater diversity of transit options throughout the region. These could include city buses, tourist charters,

A LONG-TERM STRATEGY

or personal and taxi vehicles. Dedicated tourist stops in the downtown, Baby Beach, and the new resort will also

When approaching San Nicolas in the long-term, the

increase movement of tourists around San Nicolas.

studio worked under the assumption that the refinery will go offline at some point in the future. We don’t predict the moment this will happen. The refinery has been the

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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

100m

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CHAPTER 2

The second series of connective elements addresses

At the regional scale, the proposals focus on larger, long-

the needs of pedestrians. This includes streetscape

term economic development strategies. A new cruise

improvements throughout downtown, especially the

ship terminal will take advantage of excess cruise ship

Village, shopping district, and Main Street. The Village

surplus from the other side of the island to bring a larger

and new green campus will also introduce a woonerf

influx of day tourists to the Southeastern region of the

system to San Nicolas. A woonerf is a traffic-calmed

island. These new tourists would add greater support for

street that is shared between pedestrians, bicycle and

local retail in downtown San Nicola and new recreational

vehicular traffic. These connective elements also include

opportunities. New tourists would also provide enough

a bicycle network linking recreational and ecological

density to support hotels, museums, and civic institutions

amenities in the region. The bicycle network will loop

in a new waterfront extension of the town. The vacated

from Arikok National Park through the refinery lands

refinery lands also provide the opportunity for long-term

and then pass through the golf course development

institutional job creation. Our citywide vision proposes

north of the park. The regional bicycle network will act

a new institutional anchor adjacent to the Village. This

as the connective spine for ecological sites throughout

“Green Campus” is envisioned as a joint partnership

the region. It will also double as a bioswale, increasing

with the University of Delft, specializing in green energy

drainage throughout the city.

research. The campus would build off the solar and wind assets of the area and also act as a catalyst for energy

ECONOMIC DIVERSITY

research on the island.

We are proposing new strategies for economic

RESORT TOURISM

development as a replacement for the economic

48

monopoly of the refinery. The downtown proposals focus

Tourism accounts for the majority of Aruba’s GDP. These

on a new civic center and marketplace, a revitalized

proposals acknowledge the importance of tourism to the

main street, local-serving retail infill, and a new

Aruban economy and seek to draw in a new market: eco-

downtown commercial center. These projects emphasize

tourism. The existing plan for a golf course development

local job and retail opportunities within San Nicolas in

provides the opportunity to create an eco-tourism resort

order to slow retail and job leakage to Oranjestad. This

that preserves the existing Aruban landscape without

retail revitalization will also require a change in opening

sacrificing resort amenities. The plan also proposes

and closing hours for businesses in San Nicolas.

eco-tourism campsites around Baby Beach and at the

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

new recreation center on the Valero site. Currently, downtown San Nicolas does not have any hotels and can’t take advantage of day tourists and other visitors. Main Street will provide two new downtown hotels, and new waterfront hotels will be built facing the bay.

LANDSCAPE SYSTEMS The citywide structure plan also addresses the unique ecological systems of the San Nicolas Region. The plan proposes a land banking strategy for areas around the periphery of the refinery. These lands would act as a boundary for further suburban growth, directing development to Valero lands immediately adjacent to the downtown core. The refinery lands will also be converted to a number of different ecological uses, including a tree nursery, a water treatment park, a recreational adventure park, and a phytoremediation field. Some of these landscape-driven proposals include the following improvements: the area of the refinery which currently holds the coke barn will be converted to a recreational park; parcels along the Commanders Bay and the

100m

Short-Term Downtown Structure Plan

shoreline of the refinery will be restored to mangrove wetlands; existing recreational areas, like Baby and Rodgers Beach, will be renovated. Each of the landscape systems in San Nicolas seeks to establish or improve the existing ecologies of San Nicolas.

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CHAPTER 2

REFINERY CONVERSION + PHASING FRAMEWORK The Lago Refinery made San Nicolas a thriving and

PHASING STRATEGY

prosperous city; the refinery site has the ability to make

The Oil Refinery Question

San Nicolas is tied economically and socially to the Oil Refinery, and needs to plan now for the possibility that the Refinery may one day close

the region thrive again. The city is economically and

It is not pragmatic for the refinery closure to be phased

socially tied to the fate of the refinery, and any positive

because Valero uses most of the site for day-to-day

improvements on the Valero lands will have a catalytic

operations. Also, one of the greatest obstructions to

effect on the city as a whole. Valero employs between

development in the city is the refinery wall. Much of the

700-1000 full time employees, as well as 3000 temporary

pipe infrastructure for the refinery, including water, is

laborers when operational. It is no longer the major

run on-grade immediately behind the refinery wall. In

economic player that it was during the first half of the

addition, access to the water within the refinery site is

20 century when it employed over 20,000 workers. Our

banned due to security regulations. Fallow areas within

proposals are based on the notion that more jobs can be

the refinery, like “North 40�, could begin bioremediation

created from diversifying uses on the refinery site than

prior to closure or could even be ceded for new uses

by maintaining the 500 acre site as a single industrial

once a clear strategy for the entire site is in place. The

employer.

issue at stake is making sure the government has a vision

th

for the refinery site so that areas of the site are not The Valero plant has an uncertain present and future.

parceled too early, impeding new development.

It is unable to produce refined gasoline on site and only refines jet fuel from crude. This severely limits

Once Valero closes its doors permanently, remediation

the profitability of the refinery since it can only act

on-site would be phased, beginning with the areas

as a middle man between raw product and gasoline.

closest to downtown. This phase includes the cruise ship

Ultimately, the question is not if the refinery will close

terminal area, marina, and San Nicolas harbor. The most

permanently but when. Now is the best time to plan

likely remediation strategy for the first post-refinery

for this change. Many proposals from the citywide

phase would be the excavation of existing soil, followed

structure plan can be executed prior to the shutdown of

by capping with new soil. This method is relatively quick

the refinery, setting the stage for larger regional moves

but can be expensive, especially in an environment

within the Valero property.

where fill has to be imported from off-island. However, this zone is most important to the long-term economic viability of San Nicolas, and many different parties could be involved in new development, allowing the burden of remediation costs to be split between many parties.

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CITYWIDE VISIONS + STRUCTURE PLAN

LONG-TERM PHASING STRUCTURE

to 30 years) and should be started as soon as possible for areas slated for eventual development. The Valero site

The peripheral Valero lands provide an opportunity for

has the possibility of bringing new economic and social

new bioremediation strategies. At present, the demand

health to the city. The short and long-term consequences

for new land around San Nicolas is not great enough

of all actions taken on the refinery lands need to be

to justify costly remediation projects in areas outside

taken into account.

of walking distance from the city. Phytoremediation, the use of plants to naturally purify pollutants from groundwater and soil, would be a great candidate for much of the Valero site. Phytoremediation is often used for purifying petroleum distillates, and a mix of planting materials that are suitable for remediation and suitable for nursery production could be planted across the site.

The nursery mix would generate revenue to sustain remediation activities on the Valero site over the course of the cleanup. Phytoremediation has a long timeline (up

The Refinery Wall

The Refinery wall is one of the greatest obstructions to future development, blocking San Nicolas from the ocean

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3

SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

CURRENT DOWNTOWN ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY A NEW CIVIC CENTER INITIATIVE A REDEVELOPED DOWNTOWN ART + SHOPPING DISTRICT A REIMAGINED ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT A RENEWED VILLAGE

CHAPTER 3

SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN CURRENT DOWNTOWN ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS

guidelines. In addition, the vacant area in the center of

In light of the opportunities that exist in downtown San

below.

Nicolas, there are several issues and constraints. The largest constraint for downtown San Nicolas is the oil refinery. While it has provided economic opportunities in the past, its future is uncertain. The oil refinery is a physical obstacle between downtown San Nicolas, the ocean, and properties east of downtown. This exists in the form of oil refinery infrastructure, pollutants, and a wall that obstructs the view of the ocean and provides a physical barrier from the city to the ocean. In order to turn the city from a landlocked town into a waterfront destination, the uses at the waterfront need to be reexamined to create a new experience for residents and guests. This could be in the form of a catalytic project for the city that benefits both San Nicolas residents and the region as a whole.

Wayfinding signage to downtown

the city serves as a block to connecting all downtown districts. These and other challenges will be addressed

Vacancy While the city has consistent street frontage and a generally tight-knit urban fabric, there are vacant buildings and parcels that provide urban design challenges. First, there are vacant buildings in the downtown shopping area and entertainment district that are not only historic but also located in strategic areas.

These buildings must be restored to their former stature in order to contribute to the unique fabric that currently exists in the city. In addition to the vacant buildings, there are large vacant parcels in the entertainment and shopping districts that must be strategically developed to complement the programming of the area. However, the largest vacant parcel exists in the center of the city,

Connectivity

surrounded by the water tower and government building.

A lack of connection not only exists between the

Nicolas residents and tourists and to re-knit the urban

waterfront and the town but also between districts in the

fabric of the city.

This area must be developed to meet the needs of San

current downtown. Main Street does not connect from the retail area to the entertainment district, and there

In addition to these overall key issues, there are site-

is no formal connection from the entertainment district

specific constraints that should be addressed in the

to the Village. Many of these issues could be addressed

new design for the city. First, the lack of regulation of

through a series of comprehensive streetscaping

red light uses in the entertainment district has made it an uncomfortable place for women and families.

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Red light uses exist on the main street, in alleys, and

Intentions / Goals

adjacent to single family homes. These uses must be consolidated to create an entertainment district that is

The structure plan for downtown San Nicolas in the

safe and comfortable for everyone. In the shopping area,

short-term provides opportunity at various levels while

vacancies and inconvenient store hours have resulted

accounting for the primary function and feasibility of

in a lack of a robust retail center. There is also a lack

projects in the area. Physical connections between

of public resting space for shoppers in inhospitable

buildings, streets, landscapes, and water strengthen

weather, making it difficult to walk around the district.

Aruba’s social interactions between multiple populations.

While the Village has a consistent urban fabric and a

All of these proposals seek to revitalize the downtown

large gathering space in the form of a basketball court,

district of San Nicolas through infill development,

the area around the basketball court is dilapidated and

improved streetscapes, and public realm improvements.

does not accommodate residents of the neighborhood.

Our goals for the downtown entail: creating a new

Additionally, the streets in the Village can be difficult to

public park and market in the center of town, improving

navigate due to garbage and illegally parked cars.

retail opportunities through a new art and shopping

SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY

Infilling vacant lots, creating better inner-city connections, and diversifying the uses of the Refinery Site are key to San Nicolas’s economic development

district, consolidating red light entertainment into a single district, and creating pedestrian streets and a strengthened neighborhood node in the Village.

The short-term structure plan consists of proposals that can be implemented quickly and completed within three to five years. It focuses on existing neighborhoods, infrastructure, and economics as well as proposals already on the drawing board. The themes of the shortterm structure plan are revitalization, regeneration, and economic recovery. Its goal is to infuse San Nicolas with catalytic energy that spurs a multiplying effect within the town’s economy, cultural capital, and social capital — and to do so in a tractable, politically-minded timeframe.

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Summary

visitors alike. In the long-term, the Academy will feed San Nicolas’ creative class. Architects, fashion designers,

The Valero oil refinery has been the economic lifeblood

graphic designers, and jewelry designers will enter the

of San Nicolas since the 1920s. However, overreliance

workforce with the potential to establish new, locally-

on this single employer led to severe economic hardship

owned businesses.

when the refinery downsized and eventually closed in the late twentieth century. With the future of the refinery

The San Nicolas entertainment district presents a unique

uncertain, the short-term structure plan looks to new

challenge in that it is the only district in Aruba where

economic anchors to diversify the San Nicolas economy.

adult entertainment activity is legal. Enforcement of

The proposed satellite campus of the Gerrit Rietveld

entertainment regulations has been lax. Brothels are

Academy has the potential to anchor a revitalized arts

scattered throughout the district and solicitation occurs

and retail district. An upgraded and better-managed

openly in the street. These conditions repel many user

entertainment district can draw new tourism spending.

groups, particularly families, from visiting the district.

Both of these anchors, which are basic industries, can

While the community remains divided on what should

exist whether or not the oil refinery resumes operations

be done about red light activity, it was concluded at

or closes altogether.

the Renobacion Urbano II charrette that it should be contained rather than eliminated. Under the short-

Without the refinery, San Nicolas went from a company

term structure plan, red light activity is consolidated

town to a bedroom community. Most San Nicolans

into a special sub-district where law enforcement is

commute to Oranjestad to work tourism jobs, especially

more manageable. It also makes the remainder of the

at the large resorts. San Nicolan retailers have also

entertainment district more attractive to uses that are

suffered. The downtown shopping district is all but

incompatible with the sex industry. By rezoning the

vacant. The Gerrit Rietveld Academy will bring a modest

district with these considerations in mind, San Nicolas

number of jobs and several classes of students downtown

has the potential to attract a broadened user base. The

(a specific number is yet to be determined). In the

primary target is international tourists. The local bars

short-term, the Academy is expected to generate new

and urban setting of San Nicolas’ entertainment district

retail demand and establish culture programming such as

is an attractive down-market alternative to Oranjestad’s

art exhibits and theater performances. This presents a

posh resort clubs.

tourism draw that can appeal to Aruban and international

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In addition to these economic development strategies, the short-term structure plan also proposes a neighborhood improvement demonstration project in the Village. It highlights the power of simple public realm

New Civic Center

enhancements to facilitate the neighbor-to-neighbor interaction that builds social capital. With the goal of

Gerrit Rietveld Academie

Neighborhood Improvement Demonstration Project

transforming the Village into a tight-knit community where neighbors trade favors, kids play in the street, and crime is deterred, this demonstration project is an exemplar for regenerating Aruba’s troubled urban districts into neighborhoods of choice.

The short-term structure plan proposes a second social initiative: a new civic center that replaces a twohectare tract of vacant land. This massive gap in San

Consolidated Red Light District

Nicolas’ urban fabric is positioned at the intersection of the town’s three central districts: the Village, the retail district, and the entertainment district. The plan incorporates much-needed open space, a café/museum for the interpretation of local history and culture, and a market hall where small-scale retailers can purvey their goods. This civic center can tie downtown San Nicolas together both physically and experientially. It is the new

100m

Short-Term Downtown Structure Plan Major Design Moves

heart of a revitalized town.

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CHAPTER 3

site, bordering the government building, has been turned into a market plaza with several stalls for Arubans to sell food and other goods. Seating and gathering space is provided around the market so that patrons can have a comfortable experience and are enticed to stay longer.

This area is laid out so there are two seating areas with a hardscape plaza in the middle and a buffer of succulents between the government building and seating area. One market building, at the center of the site, also acts as A Place To Come Together

A vibrant public space can be created at the intersection of the shopping area, entertainment district, and neighborhoods

A NEW CIVIC CENTER INITIATIVE In discussions with San Nicolas residents about their city, several people vocalized a need for a place where residents can come together to celebrate their city and country. This area is the perfect gathering space due to its location at the intersection of the retail district, the entertainment district, and the Village. As it exists today, the land on the proposed town center is mostly vacant, although it does include a few parcels of single-family residential housing, a large government building, and the historic water tower. This plan aims to capitalize on the opportunities for the site made available by the existing monument and government building without sacrificing the present residential and civic uses.

A New Marketplace

a stage that can be used for performances to audiences either in the market square or the large park. This is done through raising the building with stairs so that it can play to either side and by providing sliding doors on both sides for the purpose of better acoustics.

A large park is planned amidst the existing residential and historic buildings. This park will exist as a flexible civic lawn that can accommodate people for a festival, show, or informal gathering. Around the park is a promenade with trees on either side to provide shade and a place for a leisurely stroll. The park also houses a playground, complete with swing-sets, see-saws, and a climbing globe for children. There will be a shaded seating area for adults as well. In addition to a lawn and a playground, the park will have shaded tables on the right side for tourists and residents to play dominos and other games, despite the hot weather.

This site is planned to be a regional destination for both visitors and tourists. First, the southern portion of the

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Existing Conditions

SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

aat

rd Str

Berna Civic Center Site

Illustrative Plan

The new Civic Center strategically infills The Gap, creating a connection between The Village and Downtown, as well as establishing a future connection to the waterfront

50 Year Plan Waterfront Connectivity

van Renselae

rstraat Aruba Straat

traat Toren S

Civic Center Marketplace

Access to Ocean

10m

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System Diagram

The diagram shows a highly connected network of public amenities, commercial and institutional uses

Activity Intensity

High Intensity Use Low Intensity Use

A New Civic Core Infill has been added around the park to address the existing uses on the site. On the left side of the park, buildings will house a museum. Civic uses will surround the historic water tower as well as the existing kunuku

Vehicular Circulation

houses. These monuments will be restored to their former condition to celebrate the history of the island.

Optional Street Closure

On the right side of the park, infill development in the form of single-family homes that will be similar in size and scale to existing houses in the Village. These homes will be buffered from the park with succulents, grasses, trees, and large half-walled backyards to allow for semiprivacy. Curb bump-outs will make crossing the street

Pedestrian Circulation

easier from the Village to the civic center. Overall, this site provides much needed open space for the city. It allows residents and tourists to experience San Nicolas as a place where people come together and commemorate the history and culture of Aruba.

Land Use

Commercial Existing Open Space Residential Institutional

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Market Section

Massing Model

Aruba Straat

Sidewalk 5M

Government Building 15M

Cafe Area Plaza 4M 3M

Cafe Area 4M

Market Building 10M

Sidewalk 5M

Park Section

Aruba Straat

Sidewalk 5M

Civic Building 10M

Cafe Area 4M

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

Promenade 3M

Park 33M

Promenade 3M

Game Tables 7M

Buffer Residential 4M Yard 5M

Residential 10 M

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CHAPTER 3

A REDEVELOPED DOWNTOWN ART + SHOPPING DISTRICT

characteristics that signal the potential for a revived

Once a thriving and bustling shopping area, the western

architecture, a reminder of San Nicolas’ thriving era in

portion of downtown San Nicolas has seen declining

the 1940s which is not found anywhere else in Aruba,

numbers of visitors since the close of the refinery

provides a wonderful character and sense of place.

in the 1980s. A lack of employment opportunities in

Existing buildings and vacant lots are ripe for adaptive

downtown following this closure meant that many

reuse and redevelopment.

district. The existing building stock and urban fabric of the area is ideal for a shopping district. Unique Art Deco

San Nicolas residents sought work elsewhere on the island, predominantly in Oranjestad. Residents also

With the oil refinery reopening in 2011, some potential

run their errands in Oranjestad rather than in San

revitalization may be possible as employees will need

Nicolas, largely due to the early closing hours required

access to various services. Further, should retail shops

of businesses. This has resulted in a dying shopping

be allowed to remain open later, allowing San Nicolas

district with vacant buildings and only a small number

residents to run errands after working hours, the

of operating storefronts. While these conditions provide

downtown could be able to support additional retail.

challenges to downtown, there are also several positive

However, in the short-term, downtown San Nicolas will

Land Use

Art School Campus Phasing

Phase One

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Potential Infill Sites

Phase Two

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A Redeveloped Art + Shopping District

A vibrant streetscape plan reinforces Zeppenfeldstraat and is anchored by the new Art Academy

10m

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CHAPTER 3

need a new anchor to provide the additional foot traffic

reminder that the street is important and will connect

needed to truly revitalize downtown. The Gerrit Rietveld

the two halves of the downtown. Uniform street trees

Art Academy, a design school based in The Netherlands,

serve this function as well. Another distinct paving

is opening a satellite campus in Aruba and is looking

pattern will be used on all sidewalks throughout the

at the San Nicolas region for a potential site. Our plan

district to create a cohesive district.

proposes that the school locate within this section of downtown as a catalyst for additional development and

The “bowtie� intersection at Zeppenfeld Straat and

retail opportunities to make downtown an art and retail

Van Renselaer Straat provides an opportunity to create

district for San Nicolas. It should be phased according to

a node that is visually distinct as Van Renselaer Street

its needs and the availability of vacant properties in the

and will connect downtown, the new civic center, and

downtown.

the Village. Here the proposal includes a multi-colored paving pattern that contrasts from the Main Street

Zeppenfeldstraat

Embedded pavement lighting in vibrant colors gives the art academy district a new look and an exciting, active night time presence

As in many other historic downtowns in need of

paving pattern, as well as embedded solar light pavers

revitalization, locating the art academy on this site

in bright colors that will provide an exciting night-time

would bring the foot traffic needed to bring back

atmosphere.

a depressed area. Further, by repurposing existing downtown buildings, downtown can retail its unique

Another key aspect of the plan is the new public space

character while moving into a new era. Existing vacant

created using existing open areas and vacant lots. This

lots can allow the school to build necessary new spaces

new space will provide ample shade and seating for

for studios and galleries in an architectural style that

shoppers, students, and visitors while they relax with

demonstrates the contemporary and artistic nature of

a drink or simply rest and people watch. The sidewalk

the art academy.

paving pattern continues through this public space while benches and tree cover provide comfortable rest areas.

A Unified Downtown Public Realm Beyond the art academy, the proposal includes a uniform streetscape plan for Zeppenfeld Straat, extending into the entertainment district. A distinct paving pattern for the main street will allow visitors to have a visual

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Section A - Zeppenfeldstraat

A

B

Section B - New Plaza Section

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CHAPTER 3

A Reimagined Red Light District - Illustrative Plan

30m

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A REIMAGINED ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT The red light district in San Nicolas developed in response to the needs of a large influx of transient male workers. Now that the refinery operates on a much smaller scale, there is a question of whether or not adult uses should continue to be part of the image of the city.

The response we received was one that understood the importance of the district but wanted to see it contained from more family-oriented districts in San Nicolas. This proposal retains the red light uses in San Nicolas within an autonomous district located along Rembrandt Straat,

Commercial

a smaller alley directly north of the main street. The

Red Light

areas would be clearly marked and have day and night

Institutional

specific streetscaping improvements. The creation of

Residential

this district would also allow for greater enforcement of

Vacant

current regulations, including the prohibition of soliciting on the street. Sex workers would be allowed in windows or doorways but not within the public right of way.

The adult entertainment district will also have public

Existing Land Use

realm improvements such as trees, seating, and exterior building improvements. These public realm features would also include a new decorative lighting scheme, a series of illuminated arches placed over the street at a 10 meter interval. The area would be also be converted to pedestrian only access.

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Main Street Commercial Red Light Uses Anchor Commercial Secondary Commercial Open Space Existing Industry

Proposed Land Use Plan

Proposed Open Space + Pedestrian Network

Main Street Two-way

Infill

One-way

Repurpose

Pedestrian Street

Proposed Circulation

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Proposed Sites to Infill + Repurpose

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A Revitalized Main Street The relocation of red light uses to an adjacent district will also allow for the revitalization of Main Street.

Currently, half of Main Street along the edge of the refinery is taken up by surface parking and a large industrial Laundromat. These uses make the south edge of the street unsightly and divert visitors from walking the entire length of the downtown via Main Street. The public realm between the adult entertainment area

Main Street

and the retail corridor is disconnected. We propose to create a unifying streetscaping system to seam the new arts and retail district, civic center, and entertainment district together. This will include street tree planting, wayfinding signage, distinctive paving, lighting, and seating. The Main Street and adult entertainment district will be terminated at both ends by two large hotels. One of these will be located within the currently unfinished hotel immediately adjacent to the refinery wall. These two hotels will bring a much needed density of tourists directly into downtown San Nicolas. There are currently plans on the table for resort developments around San Nicolas, but none are being planned close enough to the heart of the city to guarantee tourist traffic. Through the separation of the red light and downtown entertainment districts, these areas will become the centers of nightlife for San Nicolas and even Aruba.

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A RENEWED VILLAGE

Direct physical and visual connections are made

This neighborhood improvement demonstration project

axial streets and paths. Standing at the commons,

concerns the regeneration of existing neighborhoods

users have uninterrupted vistas to the downtown

in terms of physical infrastructure, social capital,

shopping district, the entertainment district, Essoville,

and economy. A regenerated Village stands to be an

the proposed market hall, and the proposed research

exemplar of the potential for Aruba’s struggling urban

campus. A systematic planting strategy guides users

neighborhoods to become neighborhoods of choice.

along these streets and paths. White tabebuias are the

between the commons and adjacent districts through

standard street tree, fiery-red flamboyants are inserted Opportunities for Infill Development

A neighborhood commons, built around the existing

at gateways and fulcra, and massive barba di joncuman

public basketball court, is the centerpiece of this plan.

trees are reserved for moments of importance.

Improving upon what already is the social hub of the Village, the commons is designed to facilitate local customs for social life. A canopy of trees offers shade throughout, a necessary amenity for outdoor life in Aruba’s hot, humid climate. Domino tables cater to daytime users, especially elders, who often engage the public realm over a game or simply to people watch.

Raised planters with integrated seating create an amphitheater around the basketball court, which can double as a performance area. A small grove creates a more contemplative space on the west arm of the commons. Sun rays filter through the canopy onto integrated seating/planter modules and domino tables,

A New “Public Living Room” Side streets in the Village are converted into woonerfs, a Dutch design concept for shared streets. Translating literally to “public living room,” woonerfs are singlegrade spaces that integrate pedestrian needs—shade, seating, low vehicle speeds—with automobile needs such as parking and access. Pedestrians have foot access to the entire woonerf. They are safe for children to play in, and they include shaded seating areas for neighbors to gather. At the same time vehicle access is maintained throughout and parking supply is increased.

facilitating passive activity.

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ST. MAARTEN STRAAT

HELFR

ICH STR

AAT

Public Living Rooms

Small public places are appropriate stages for neighborhood social life. By centering the Village around a shaded plaza and redesigning its side streets into woonerfs—Dutch for “public living rooms”— the Village can become an example of how Aruba’s urban neighborhoods can better sustain the social networks that bind them together

OW

71

LAG

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EG

50m

CHAPTER 3

Woonerf Perspective

Infill development replaces “missing teeth” in the Village with new housing, boutique-scaled retail, and community space. The supply of vacant lots in the Village is enough to support roughly 75 new housing units and 5,000 square meters of retail and community space if the neighborhood’s existing typology is maintained. Common residential housing types consist of one-story, detached dwellings, either single-family or duplexes. Commercial buildings are also one-story detached buildings or in some cases small outbuildings related to adjacent dwellings.

Infill development continues these building traditions in order to harmonize with the Village’s existing fabric.

Woonerf Plan

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CAYA ST. JOHN

SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

BASKETBALL COURT / EVENT SPACE

Creating A Social Hub For The Neighborhood

The plan envisions a new neighborhood commons built around the existing basketball court with a new ampitheatre and grove for passive recreation

ST. MAARTEN STRA AT

15m

PLAZA SECTION Plaza Section

st. martin straat

basketball court / event space

amphitheater

caya saba 10m

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4

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY CIRCULATION STRATEGY LAND USE + DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY A NEW DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT NEW DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS + NODES A NEW ANCHOR INSTITUTION + MARINA

CHAPTER 4

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS

contamination of the land has taken place. A full survey

Activity on the refinery lands has defined the San Nicolas

activity. The opportunities, though seemingly endless,

region for over a century. Over the years, the sprawling

are tied directly to the successful remediation of the

tract has been the source of economic activity on

contaminants on the land. Implementing a properly

the south side of the island, playing host to multiple

informed, comprehensive, and creative remediation

extraction and refining operations. Despite the tumult of

strategy would open the land to these opportunities

the global economy, the current refinery has managed to

and provide the potential for tremendous social and

stay in a state of semi-operation. However, some doubt

economic impact on the refinery site.

of the validity and profitability of the refinery has begun to creep into the equation. Along with this doubt comes the possibility that more appropriate uses might replace the refinery to ensure a more sustainable future for the region and the island of Aruba.

The following proposals seek to highlight a snapshot of the many possibilities that would become available with a complete shutdown of the existing refinery uses. If we imagine that the refinery has shut down and the land has become the property of the Aruban Government or a public/private partnership, there are several major

documenting the level and condition of contamination of the entire site would be necessary prior to any other

Infill Development and Downtown Extension The opportunities that exist on the site are nearly endless. The vast amount of land allows for multiple types of reuse. High-value (monetary and ecological), ocean front land provides ample development and ecological regeneration opportunity, along with the potential to connect the town of San Nicolas to the ocean. The large inland tracts have the potential to reknit the fragmented development that has taken place,

opportunities and constraints that exist.

as well as provide space for land intensive commercial

Remediation

docks, piers, etc.) provides the bones for energy

The most significant constraint to development is the

recreation, light industry and research opportunities, and

contamination of the site. As a result of the extraction

multiple types of tourism development options.

endeavors. Industrial infrastructure (i.e. tanks, piping, production, rain-water storage and reuse, land and water

and refinery operations, heavy and potentially dangerous

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Long-Term Downtown Structure Plan

Connectivity The Valero lands currently obstruct movement throughout the region. If the refinery were to permanently go offline, opportunities would become available for increasing connections to the ocean as well as to outlying neighborhoods. This investment in circulation and road infrastructure would most likely need to be taken on by the government. Development along the Northern edge of the refinery would also strengthen retail along adjacent streets.

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY The long-term structure plan for San Nicolas presupposes the final closure of the refinery and proposes a series of moves that will aid in the development of the region.

This site has always been the economic anchor of San Nicolas, and the following projects will continue that tradition, only with a greater diversity. The long-term plan will also strengthen linkages between the downtown core and outlying neighborhoods, improving stormwater infrastructure, roads, transportation, and neighborhood facilities. The Valero lands pose great challenges to traditional projects but can also provide a world-class example of post-industrial waterfront development.

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Goals / Intentions The structure plan for downtown San Nicolas in the long-term focuses on development of the refinery lands nearest to the existing city. This development will strengthen earlier moves made in the short-term and begin to really make San Nicolas an international destination. All of these proposals are based on big moves, joint partnerships, and infrastructural investments. Our goals for the downtown in the longterm entail: creating a new waterfront cruise terminal and public plaza, creating a new residential and hotel district, extending the retail district into the Valero lands, creating a new waterfront gateway to San Nicolas, and diversifying the local economies thorough a research campus and water treatment plant.

Summary The long-term downtown structure plan strategy proposes two key overarching ideas. First, future development on the south side of the island should be concentrated around the urban core of San Nicolas. With the availability of the refinery land comes the ability to expand the downtown and develop a truly unique and beautiful waterfront. The commercial, institutional, residential, and tourist development that might accompany such a waterfront would increase traffic flow and energy in the downtown in a move to revitalize the city of San Nicolas.

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Second, future development around San Nicolas should include shaded, walkable public space and direct public access to the waterfront and other amenities. Creating an urban waterfront that is truly open to and used by the public is essential for the people of Aruba. Large developments on the north side of the island have essentially limited the access to the waterfront, and the people of Aruba deserve better. This is the opportunity to create a walkable urban environment that embraces the water and the coastline that characterize the Aruban landscape. The San Nicolas waterfront could provide necessary public access and create a new and unique experience on the island of Aruba while still maintaining a distinctly Aruban character.

After the remediation process, the land between the existing town and the waterfront would become available for development. The long-term downtown structure plan shows a potential expansion of the downtown directly to the water and toward the south-east and Seroe Colorado.

The proposed development includes: a public harbor connecting downtown San Nicolas to the water; a cruise ship terminal; an education and research campus; an Aruba welcome center; an energy museum; a marina; a regional public recreation and regenerative landscape

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LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN AREA

network; hotel, rental-condo, middle-income, and student residential space; commercial space for shopping, restaurants, bars and cafĂŠs, as well as light industrial and production areas; athletic fields; a public beach; a look-out pavilion; and a performance amphitheater.

CIRCULATION STRATEGY The circulation strategy for the expanded downtown seeks to address the current conditions and allow for new opportunities within and around the Valero lands.

The location of the oil refinery poses several circulation constraints, including lack of connection to the ocean and to neighborhoods east of the city. New circulation systems can be used to connect catalytic developments to the east and south of the existing downtown. A road from the new cruise terminal will transport cars, buses, and pedestrians

Oil Refinery - Existing Structures 300m

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CHAPTER 4

to downtown. The bus station will be relocated so that four different streets can access it for optimal pick-up and drop-off opportunities. New development along the edge of the retail district will also provide a road that connects the retail and entertainment district just south of the main street from the west to the east. This

LAND USE + DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

new road would act as a throughway from the shopping

The Valero site will eventually become a post-industrial

district through the entertainment and university

site. It is currently covered by machinery and industrial

districts to beaches and other recreational facilities to

infrastructure. Our land use strategy tries to mitigate

the east. Main Street will continue to exist as a one-way

between these existing conditions and land uses that may

street, with instances of two-way traffic, now connected

be more amenable to downtown redevelopment. When

with public space and commercial uses in the area where

the oil refinery eventually goes offline, development

the wall formerly existed. Surface lots and street parking

to the south of San Nicolas will finally connect the

will exist further south to accommodate tourists and

city to the water. Much of the refinery land will need

residents.

remediation as a result of its present use. However,

Circulation in the new university district will continue existing streets from the Village through to the east to allow for linkages to recreation and downtown.

These streets could then be expanded into the refinery site at a later time to provide a framework for new development. The circulation strategy also includes a network connecting the downtown extension all the way to Colorado Point. There will also be a series of public plazas and pedestrian paths from the civic center to the waterfront. Ultimately, the new circulation system will provide access to the ocean and connections from new districts to the existing downtown.

the land directly south of the entertainment district is currently used for office space. Therefore, construction of an inviting public space between the town and the ocean can begin soon after the refinery closes down.

Additionally, the refinery currently contains working docks that now accommodate large oil tankers. These docks can be converted to hold passenger cruise ships and alleviate the demand on Oranjestad’s port of entry. Once docked at the cruise ship terminal in San Nicolas, passengers are guided to the new civic center where there are markets, outdoor events, government buildings, a new historical museum, and passive recreation space – to beaches – golf opportunities – the national park – and other valued local amenities.

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LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN AREA

Land along the waterfront will be remediated for public use. A regional bike system along the waterfront will ensure that the land remains accessible to all and will connect the neighborhoods of San Nicolas to the region’s key natural assets. Furthermore, when refinery land becomes available, a direct path for vehicles from San Nicolas to Baby Beach can be constructed, which will decrease traffic from neighborhood streets. Land above the regional park system and to the south of the entertainment district is designated for the future growth of San Nicolas, including waterfront hotels and

Circulation Oil Refinery Boundary

condominiums and the commerce required to serve those

Primary Circulation

populations.

Recreation Network Trail

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Lastly, when the wall of the refinery comes down, land to the east of San Nicolas that runs the length of the Village and the entertainment district will become available for new development opportunities. Such opportunities include a new research and development campus for renewable energy technologies. The Aruban government took its first steps towards the establishment of this center in September 2010 when they signed a partnership agreement with the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. The location of the R & D center, which the government aspires to be the forerunner for sustainable energy in the Caribbean, is proposed to be in the San Nicolas region where the center can capture the greatest amount of solar, wind, and water energy.

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public plaza that envelopes the harbor terminates at the proposed civic center, taking San Nicolas Bay directly into the heart of the city.

By extending the urban fabric of the existing downtown and increasing the density of the floor area, a truly

A NEW DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT

urban waterfront experience can be created. The

The Downtown Civic Realm

is framed by public space, which connects the new

Providing quality public space to the people of San

public plazas. The topography and layout of the physical

Nicolas is the primary goal of the Downtown Waterfront

structures allows one to see the ocean from the center

proposal. Multi-national hotel development on the north

of downtown and experience the transition from land to

side of the island has effectively limited public access to

sea. In addition to the public space along the harbor’s

the water, and this proposal seeks to avoid that outcome.

edge, a new cruise ship terminal, a lookout point, and a

Not only does this proposal link downtown San Nicolas to

public beachfront area accent the waterfront. First floor

the water, it brings the water to the downtown. It also

cafĂŠs, shops, and restaurants line the harbor to create

brings cruise ship passengers through a post-industrial

a vibrant and interactive atmosphere as well as provide

park up through the harbor front and into town. The

an opportunity for current and potential local business

waterfront access that is created by the new harbor center of downtown to the water through a series of

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LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

Downtown Waterfront and Harbor LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN AREA Anchor Institution and Marina

owners to set up shop. The upper floors of the buildings provide hotel space for tourists and residential space for vacationers and locals alike. This new waterfront development will provide a density of residents and tourists large enough to support greater economic development in the retail, services, and hospitality sectors.

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The Harbor The harbor itself is a multi-tiered stone and concrete bulkhead headed by a landscaped amphitheater adjacent to the downtown. The mouth of the harbor is punctuated by a new cruise ship terminal building on one side and a public look-out pavilion on the other. The topography slopes gradually upward from the mouth to the town, creating a slow, smooth grade upward for the buildings and streets. As you reach the elevation of the town, the ground levels, and both sides of the harbor empty into a plaza framed by the Aruba welcome center and the energy museum. A fountain, encircled by benches and wading pools, is centered in the plaza and fed by ocean water, which flows down through the amphitheater creating a series of wading pools and waterfalls. The topography of the land creates a unique opportunity for a dramatic staircase that leads directly from the plaza to Land Use Plan Commercial Institutional Residential Open Space

the water. The lowest tier is landscaped with grass, and because of the very minor tidal fluctuation (less than 1’/ .3 meters), it would be a great place to sit and dangle your legs into the water. The second and third tiers run level outward from the amphitheater so that as each walkway leaves the amphitheater it eventually empties onto the public space that frames the harbor. This urban water landscape is unique to Aruba and would provide a much needed amenity for the Aruban people and a memorable experience for visitors.

Massing of Harbor Development Looking East

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Detail 1

LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE50m PLAN Waterfront Illustrative Plan

Waterfront Section

Detail 2

Waterfront Section

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NEW DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS + NODES

downtown Village. This neighborhood would also act as the seam between the Village and existing neighborhoods to the north of the refinery.

Valero lands within the immediate vicinity of downtown will be absorbed into the existing fabric of the city and

The residential area in the expanded downtown

will be used to strengthen physical and social linkages

waterfront area would integrate tourist housing and

throughout the region. Much of the downtown extension

amenities into the city, creating a unique destination

will be directed toward commercial and institutional

and a lively neighborhood. The harbor and the plazas

development. The cruise ship terminal, campus,

that connect the new downtown San Nicolas to the

marina, residential neighborhoods, and public space

water provide walkable public access and create new

bring additional activity and energy to San Nicolas. The

channels of activity from the city to the water and back.

cruise ship terminal would become the hub of tourist

This residential extension will also strengthen the Main

traffic through San Nicolas. Ships carrying thousands of

Street corridor and convert it from an edge to a center of

people would be able to dock within a short walk from

activity for downtown and its extension.

the downtown. The educational campus would provide an institutional anchor to the downtown and bring new opportunity to the city. The center of campus punctuates the east end of Main Street and would become a node of

PER

activity for the students and locals alike.

The Downtown Neighborhood Extension The proposed expansion into the refinery site would create a new set of neighborhoods and nodes in the downtown. The kind of intensity of development we are proposing would dramatically increase the number of both short and long-term residents. The creation of a neighborhood supporting the housing needs of students and faculty would be dovetailed into the existing

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LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

HARBOR NORTH CAMPUS

LOWER DOWNTOWN CONNECTION TO DOWNTOWN

LOCAL TRANSIT HUB

WATERFRONT PLAZA

ARUBA WELCOME CENTER

RFORMANCE AMPHITHEATER

New Harbor and Downtown Activity Node

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New Neighborhoods

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A NEW ANCHOR INSTITUTION + MARINA

The research and development campus has four main

An International Research Campus

faculty and their families as well as students and visiting

sections. On the north end of the campus, single-family and multi-unit apartments will be constructed to house scholars and scientists. This area will incorporate the

A

The premise of the research and development center

woonerf seen in the Village, thereby reducing car speeds

for renewable energy technologies is that it will be

in the neighborhood. These two residential blocks will

able to replace the oil refinery as a large economic

re-knit the fabric of the city by physically reconnecting

generator for the city. Not only will the center itself

the neighborhoods in the northeast back to downtown

create jobs for those living in San Nicolas but the spin off

San Nicolas and by creating walkable access routes

manufacturing industries that may result from renewable

between both places. South of campus housing, will be

energy research will also create jobs for the region. More

a block that acts as a mediating ground for residential,

importantly, the research center will enable Aruba to

commercial and institutional land uses. The hotel that

move away from oil dependency by generating its own

already exists on this block will frame the block to the

energy. This will significantly lower the cost of living for

west, with another large-scale development such as a

Arubans, many of whom spend between 30% and 50% of

student gym adjacent to it. In the center of the block

their income on water and electricity. The increase in

there will be an informal gathering space where tourists,

disposable income for San Nicolas households will also

students and workers can take their lunch. East of this

end up supporting local businesses in the downtown area.

central park, the academic and research core of the campus begins.

A

The academic and research core is made up of tightly knit three to four story buildings that increase in scale as it approaches the water. This scaling up from the Campus Illustrative Plan

The new Research and Development Campus will contain residential areas for students and faculty, an academic core, and an area for parks and waterfront development

50m

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central node ensures that the research and development campus does not dominate the three story structures in the downtown area. The individual buildings of this part of the campus will be connected on the second floor by a network of walkways that integrate solar panels into

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LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE PLAN

the shading structure. This shading structure will also be

Additionally, the docks that are currently used in the oil

constructed in the central plazas of the academic and

refinery could be reconverted into a marina with a yacht

research core.

club house with a restaurant and bar on the top floor,

A New Marina The southern end of the campus allows for large-scale development opportunities that take full advantage of its waterfront location. Developments in this area should be more widely dispersed so as to not block vistas to the water and to integrate pedestrian scale activities such as the regional bike network that runs through the southern end of the campus. Waterfront athletics facilities would be ideal for this space and would provide

from which you would have the best view of the Aruban sunset.

Lastly, the research and development campus will have a strong central axis on which there will be a bike trail that runs from the north end to the south end of the campus and will connect San Nicolas’ neighborhoods to the water and the regional bike trail. Along the central axis there will also be a bioswale that will collect and channel flood water from the roi that is located north of the campus.

the city with essential community facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and boat sheds.

Section A - Campus Development

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5

REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN

KEY REGIONAL ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY RECREATION NETWORK STRATEGY A NEW TOURISM + ADVENTURE CENTER REIMAGINING A RESORT + GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT CREATING PRODUCTIVE LANDSCAPES

CHAPTER 5

REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN KEY REGIONAL ISSUES + CONSTRAINTS

Post Industrial Town In Transition

The Regional Structure Plan proposes a long-term

future of the refinery. A few regional proposals can be

strategy for growth in and around San Nicolas. It assumes

executed prior to the closure of the refinery, but the

the final closure of the refinery, and the ability to

major moves hinge on new ideas for the 500 acre site.

separate the refinery lands into large parcels for further

The structure plan is presented at its long-term stage,

use. The structure plan defines a framework for new

demonstrating possibilities for the region after the

development on the post-industrial site, and well as

refinery ceases to be economically competitive. The

strategies for linking the region through the site. The

refinery is scheduled to re-open within the year, but its

key issues and constraints at the regional level are: the

long-term future is uncertain. In the short-term, the

long-term viability of the refinery, the necessity for

refinery is an impediment to large-scale growth in the

remediation in and around the refinery site, and the need

region. After the final closure of the refinery, the post-

for greater connectivity between Downtown San Nicolas

industrial site will provide additional challenges and

and the rest of the region.

opportunities for San Nicolas. Some of these challenges

The most important issue at the regional scale is the

include job creation, site remediation, and funding.

However, the scale and geographical location of the refinery provide opportunities for the diversifying the local economy, opening up access to the ocean and Seroe Colorado, and expanding Downtown San Nicolas.

View of the Oil Refinery and surrounding landscape

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Remediation

rainy season and is not easily accessible by pedestrians or bicyclists. Presently, beach access is cut off by the

One of the most significant constraints to turning over

refinery wall. Downtown San Nicolas could take greater

the refinery lands is the possible contamination of the

advantage of the proposed resort developments around

refinery site. The lands within and around the refinery

Colorado Point if the road network was improved. A

may be in need of remediation in order to be safe for

greater variety of transit options between San Nicolas

new uses. Petroleum distillates, coke, sulfur, and other

and outlying neighborhoods is also needed. Access is also

refinery-based byproducts may be present in the soil,

limited between recreational and natural areas around

requiring a strategy for long-term remediation. The

San Nicolas. It is difficult to walk from Baby Beach, the

balancing between expensive short-term remediation

National Park, to any other habitat areas, forcing tourists

strategies and less expensive but time intensive

to rely on personal vehicles.

bioremediation strategies has the capacity to direct new growth on the site. The bioremediation fields could also be used as passive recreation or tree nurseries until they

A New Resort Development

are deemed safe for new programs.

The current plan for a golf course and resort

Access

volume of tourists to the southern side of the island.

development in Seroe Colorado will bring a greater The resort development will provide greater economic

The last constraint to further growth in the region is a

opportunity for the residents of San Nicolas, especially if

lack of access. There is only one major road to both Baby

it is designed to work synergistically with local assets in

Beach and Seroe Colorado. This road floods during the

the region, including Downtown and Baby Beach.

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REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN STRATEGY

Summary

As has already been mentioned, the regional structure

opportunities to build a more diverse economy for the

plan assumes the final closure of the refinery and the

San Nicolas Region. Once the 500 acres of the refinery

acquisition of the land by the central government.

have been freed up, there is opportunity to use the

This may happen in five years, or it may happen in fifty

lands for a new cruise terminal, new resorts and park

years; but in many ways, the exact timing of the refinery

opportunities, sites for research and educational

closure is unimportant. What is important is to have a

facilities, and productive landscapes that will help to

comprehensive vision for the region so that if and when

restore the land. Each of these, has been or will be

the refinery does close its gates for the last time, the

explored more fully and together with the following

people of San Nicolas and Aruba are prepared. In this

goals, will all work together to improve the economic

way, we do not view the eventual closure of the refinery

diversity and vitality of the region.

as a threat, but as a real opportunity to create a more diverse economy unique to the island of Aruba.

The eventual closure of the refinery will provide

As was mentioned previously, the circulation network in the San Nicolas Region is a real constraint for future

Goals / Intensions

growth and development of San Nicolas. The Regional

There are five main goals and principles for the regional

network, based on the existing street system that

structure plan of the San Nicolas Region. These five

will allow for both more north/south and east/west

goals will work together to create new opportunities for

connections. This will not only provide direct connections

the region. They are: to build a more diverse economy

between the neighborhoods and the downtown directly

unique to the island; to improve the access, circulation,

to the ocean but will allow more direct connections

and connectivity of the region; to restore and reclaim

between these areas and the new resorts and natural

valuable Aruban landscapes; to provide new recreational

amenities around Seroe Colorado. In addition to this

opportunities; and to achieve a more focused

street network, a new bicycle network is also proposed

development.

for the region. It will provide direct connections for

Structure plan proposes the creation of a new road

hikers and cyclists to the region’s many natural assets and Arikok National Park.

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Regional Bike Trail Network

Perspective of Regional Bike Trail looping through preserved Oil Refinery infrastructure

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The plan also addresses another aspect of connectivity

There currently exists many great recreational

and circulation: ecological networks. Currently, the

opportunities in the San Nicolas Region. In addition to

natural areas in the San Nicolas Region are separated one

the creation and connection of the regional park system

from another. The proposed regional bicycle network,

mentioned previously, there are several new resorts

which will allow walkers and cyclists to access the

planned for the Region. It is important that these resorts

different amenities of the region, will be a part of a

do not simply repeat the paradigm set in the north, but

larger ecological network that will allow plants and

are sensitive to the climate of the region and allow for

animals to move freely across the region. This is a major

public access to important sites. This plan also calls for

step in restoring the region to a functioning ecosystem.

the restoration of the recreational facilities at Baby and Rodgers Beaches and Commanders Bay as well as the

The San Nicolas region possesses some of the most

creation of a new Marina adjacent to the downtown.

diverse, dramatic, and unique landscapes on the Island.

Finally, all of these recreational opportunities should be

These include but are not limited to the mangroves

accompanied by an educational campaign designed to

at Commanders Bay, the beaches and dunes at Baby

teach both residents and guests how to experience and

Beach, Rodgers Beach and Boca Grande, the cliffs and

value these areas.

natural bridges at Colorado Point, and the caves of the southern portion of the Arikok National Park. Currently,

The final goal of the regional structure plan is to ensure

the Refinery occupies nearly 5 kilometers of the coastline

a more focused development in the region. Through the

immediately adjacent to San Nicolas. Furthermore, a

use of a greenbelt, the plan proposes that all future

proposed resort would limit public access to the areas

development be concentrated in already urbanized

surrounding Colorado Point. It is therefore important that

areas such as in the Downtown or at Seroe Colorado. The

these existing areas of importance are identified so that

idea is to build upon the already existing urban fabric

they can remain available to the public. Furthermore,

in order to create density rather than sprawl. This will

certain refinery lands should be set aside to create a new

not only help to ensure that areas remain and become

waterfront park adjacent to the city. Once these areas

more vital in the future but will help to protect that

have been identified, they must be ecologically restored

sensitive ecosystem of the region. The plan proposes

in order to begin to recreate a healthy and functioning

that all future growth will be concentrated between

ecosystem for the region.

the downtown and the water and in the productive landscapes as need the need arises.

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REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN

Tourism

Perspective of new resort development and tourism opportunities near Seroe Colorado

Though much of the Regional Structure Plan relies on the closing of the refinery, there are elements that can begin immediately in order to set the stage for the eventual realization of the whole plan. All future development in the region should be focused on lands adjacent to already urbanized areas. The proposed resorts may happen quite soon, so it is important to work with the developers to retain valuable land and ensure the ecological sensitivity of the development. Along with the resorts, the bicycle network and ecological buffer can be started on the southeastern portion of the Island. This then can be connected to Arikok. Finally, the improvements to existing parks and natural areas such as Baby Beach and Boca Grande can be begun immediately.

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Regional Structure Plan 300m

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REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN

REFINERY PARK + ADVENTURE CENTER

RESORT + GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

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RECREATION NETWORK STRATEGY

order to allow for the free movement of flora and fauna,

The creation of a new regional park system and

maintained.

ecological network will be valuable to the San Nicolas Region for a number of reasons: It will re-knit the ecological fabric of the region, create new recreational opportunities for residents and guests, and restore and reclaim valuable Aruban landscapes. In the following, each of these will be explored in more detail.

it is important that this buffer is both continuous and

New Recreational Opportunities for Residents and Guests The restoration and creation of new parks in the San Nicolas region will improve recreational opportunities for both residents and guests. This will aid in developing a

Re-knit the Ecological Fabric of the Region

new, ecologically based tourism for the region as well as

Currently, the natural areas of the San Nicolas region

Colorado Point for recreational purposes, and these new

isolated from one another. This not only limits the

parks will build off of that density. In this way, these

ability for residents and guests to move between these

new and restored recreational opportunities will be both

amenities but it these spaces from working together as

environmentally-savvy and economically feasible.

a functioning ecosystem. By linking the identified sites together and to the Arikok National Park in an ecological network, there is opportunity to begin to restore the San Nicolas Region.

helping to make the region a destination on the island.

Many people already visit areas around Baby Beach and

Restore and Reclaim Valuable Aruban Landscapes San Nicolas has been called a waterfront town without

The physical links between the sites and Arikok National

any water. It is a town cut off from its most valuable

Park will be a thirty meter wide linear buffer, the

environmental resource. New development in the region

minimum width for a corridor. Contained within this

threatens to further cut off the town and its people

corridor will be a walking and bike trail for people and

from other resources. For this reason, areas which are

a bioswale for stormwater management. To minimize

valuable both now and in the future for the people of

water and resource needs, this buffer will adopt the

San Nicolas need to be identified and preserved. This

character of each ecosystem through which it passes. In

plan has identified several of these key areas; others can certainly be added to the list.

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Commanders Bay REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN Boca Grande

Roois

Trail System

Recreation Network Plan Goals: Re-knit the Ecological Fabric of the San Nicolas Region

[Refinery Park]

Provide Unique Recreational Opportunities for Residents and Tourists Restore and Reclaim Valuable Aruban Landscapes

Baby Beach 1000m

Section A - Typical Section through Bioswale 5m

buffer

bioswale

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buffer

trail

buffer

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CHAPTER 5

Perspective Rendering of activities inside the Adventure Center

A NEW TOURISM + ADVENTURE CENTER

system. There are three major structuring devices for

The location for a new park in the San Nicolas region has

ecological restoration. The trail system and corridor

been identified. It was chosen due to its proximity to the

are linear elements that run through the park. Where

downtown as well as because of the interesting nature

practical, connections from this trail system are made to

of the existing infrastructure. It is imagined that this

elements within the park and to the surrounding areas.

new park will act as the center for the new regional park

In Refinery Park, the bioswales will be connected to the

system. As such, there will need to be certain amenities

restored mangroves. This will not only help to deal with

that this park will offer, such as camping facilities and a

stormwater management, but will seasonally flood the

visitor center. Refinery Park, as we are calling it, and its

mangroves with nutrients, mimicking a natural system.

accompanying adventure center, though quite specific to the site, also provide a type of overnight facility that can be repeated throughout the park system. This is a system that can be repeated, and from this, there are lessons to be learned; the reuse of infrastructure, taking advantage of the natural amenities on the site, and restoring the ecology of the site. The new Refinery Park is imagined as the primary tourist destination in the park system. Other sites in the system, such as Commanders Bay and Baby Beach should be designed to meet the needs of local residents and to ensure that this new park system remains public. In the following, a more through explanation of the refinery park will be offered, and the

Refinery Park: the trail system and corridor that run through it, existing infrastructure, and the need for

Within Refinery Park exists some of the most visually interesting infrastructure from the refinery will be preserved and adapted. Some of this infrastructure should be maintained in order to both provide for cultural history on the site as well as to provide for truly unique recreational opportunities. As an example, at Duisburg Nord in Germany, old tanks have been converted into dive pools and other infrastructure converted to climbing structures. At Refinery Park, there is opportunity to do this and more. On the plan have been identified key infrastructure elements that should be retained in order to create a new dive center with shop and

new adventure center will be explored.

dive pool, a new kayak center, fishing piers, a viewing

Refinery Park

adventure center.

tower with climbing structure, and a new tourism and

As has been stated, Refinery Park will provide an example of how to create other park sites within the

park

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king

REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN

A A

C C

B

B

1000m

Refinery Park Site Plan

Section B - Waterfront Trail and Fishing Pier 10m

trail URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

fishing pier

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CHAPTER 5

Adventure Center Elements: Play Mountain, JP

Aviator Sports, US

Chelsea Rocks, US

Climbing Wall

Duisburg Nord, DE

The natural landscape is the final structuring device of Refinery Park. Based largely on topography, the landscape should be restored to begin to recreate a functioning ecosystem for the region. Near the water, a mangrove

$30

FREE Hostel Sol, BR

I.S.H., UK

$35 Che Legarto, BR

$50 Centre Ecologic Llemena, ES

restoration project and canal system is proposed. From there, the landscape would likely move from dune ecology to arid ecology as topography increases. Before any of this can happen however, work will need to be

Hostel

done to mechanically and biologically remove toxins from the site and the soils. $8 Furnace Creek, US

$15 Overland Track, AU

$20 Palm Canyon, US

$150 Longitude 131, AU

Refinery Park Tourism and Adventure Center

Camp Ground

It is important that the new park system for the region has a clear destination that will attract tourists and provide a starting point for experiencing the natural $20

$160

Grand Tetons, US

Seneca Rocks, US

$200 El Yunque, PR

$2400 Arikok, AW

features of the park system and region. Due to the availability of large warehouse structures on the site, it

Welcome Center

is possible that this new center will be able to reuse one of these buildings. There are several key elements that this tourism and adventure center should include, such as a visitor center, hostel, and campground. Depending on availability of space, other elements such as a bicycle rental shop, indoor climbing wall, skate park, and cafes and restaurants could be included. With all of these elements, there is a choice for what type of tourist to attract, from the budget minded young traveler to the high-end eco-tourist.

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100m

Tourism and Adventure Center

Section C - Campgrounds and Adventure Center 10m

camping area

buffer

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

trail

buffer

camping area

buffer

trail

buffer

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Current Proposal

REIMAGINING A RESORT + GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT

each of the golf course holes. It also outlines the site

Colorado Point is a unique place in the Aruban landscape.

also provide the location of the three main entrances to

Currently, there is a plan in place for a golf course and

the site and the location of the golf club.

resort development on the site. This proposal has the possibility of preserving the extraordinary qualities of the place, without taking anything away from the Aruban people or prospective tourists. This project seeks to balance between touristic uses and local uses, to provide a unique Aruban experience for all visitors. The main elements of the proposal are: a golf course, resort development, ecological bike network, and public park at Colorado Point. The key principles directing the proposal are: to maintain access to Colorado Point, conserving water, protecting and restoring the existing landscape, and creating sustainable eco-tourist resorts.

1st Alternative Land Swap

boundaries of five resort parcels, three along the west side of the course, and two to the south. The schematic

Two Alternative Proposals This project provides two alternative proposals for maintaining public access to Colorado point. The first begins with the current scheme and makes a small number of adjustments. It provides a land swap between a few of the golf links and the public access lands at Colorado Point, allowing for greater public access to the cliffside and natural bridge.

The second proposal moves about half of the golf links inland to create a continuous public park along the coast.

Project Assumptions

The regional bike network would pass along the coastal

The project assumptions come from the current proposal

sensitive site. This proposal is a significant shift from the

for the golf course and resorts. First, there will be an 18-

current golf course scheme, but provides greater amenity

hole golf course with golf club and driving range. Second,

to the public. Both alternatives are compatible with the

there will be a mix of approximately 900-1100 hotel,

main principles of the project: maintaining public access

condo, and resort units. One of these resort parcels

to Colorado Point, preserving and restoring the Aruban

is planned as a “Rock Hotel”, set into the cliffside at

landscape, and creating a sustainable golf course in a

Colorado Point. The current plan also leaves three

semi-arid climate.

park. The “Rock Hotel” would also be shifted to a less

“Public Access” zones on the site. The schematic diagram designates the location of the tee and putting green for

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1st Alternative Land Swap

2nd Alternative Linear Waterfront Park

300m

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Circulation + Public Access The goal of the circulation system is to increase public use of the golf course and resort, without impeding golf course activities. One way to achieve this is through a combined golf cart and bicycle path. This shared cart, pedestrian, and bicycle path would link the two public parks on each end of the golf course, providing a safe through fare for viewing the habitat preserves within the golf course. The shared path would also take the place of the regional bike network as it passes through the golf course. It creates a secondary public link to Colorado point and the shoreline, without creating redundant circulation routes. There would be an additional bike path running along the western edge of the property and connecting the bicycle network at the northern and southern edge of the property. Connecting the two bicycle paths together is a network of walking trails. The resort would also host an interpretive center for tourists to understand the unique character of the San Nicolas bio-region.

Sustainable Golf Course Technologies Sustainable Golf Course Design

The use of native vegetation and landscapes, and the limitation of turf grass used on the course can significantly reduce the amount of water used for irrigation while preserving the unique beauty of the landscape

The most significant concern for golf courses in semiarid climates is water consumption. During the summer months, golf courses need up to 3,700 cubic meters of water per week and turf alone requires about 70 to 120 cm per year. The proposed planting plan limits turf grass, which has the highest water consumption of all plants

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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN Illustrative Plan of the First Golf Course Alternative 100m

on the golf course, to fairway, green, and first rough.

Environmentally sensitive water and planting strategies can improve water efficiency from 20 to 50 percent, making it well worth the higher initial investment. The second rough and other high traffic areas on the golf course will be covered with a fine gravel groundcover with stands of native vegetation and shade trees. Areas within the course that are not heavily trafficked, and are not part of golf course operations will be restored with native vegetation and groundcovers. These zones would leave the coral and volcanic rock exposed, highlighting the singularity of the landscape at Seroe Colorado for patrons. Preserving as much native habitat as possible saves money on fill and exotic vegetation. It also gives the golf course a different character than is experienced in most other resorts, creating a new kind of golf experience.

Resort Planning The siting of resort buildings balances density, building height, building footprint, and privacy. Vehicles would be restricted to a main road connecting the golf course and resort nodes, and parking would be structured to reduce impermeable surface parking. The goal is not to replicate hotel developments from the Northern side of the island, but to create a sustainable eco-tourism resort that still appeals to many different types of tourists. Sustainable resorts tend to be constructed with minimal intervention on the landscape, but are built at very low density. The URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

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Section A - Resort Amenities

10m

Resort Corridor

Section B - Resort Development

Hotel

110

Pool Deck

50m

Resort Corridor

Hotel/Parking

Street

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

Stre

eet

REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN

assumptions for the project require a minimum density that necessitates a higher percentage of multi-family units. The strategy then is to concentrate development into compact settlements, utilizing energy efficient and water conserving technologies.

There are two main building typologies: a four-unit duplex set into the landscape, and a condo/hotel complex. The four-unit duplexes are grouped in pairs, facing the golf course. They are sunken into the landscape to minimize visual impact. The majority of the buildings are oriented to catch prevailing winds, allowing for the possibility of passive ventilation. These are envisioned as high-end time shares or long-term rentals.

The second typology, a compact hotel cluster, is linked by a scenic pedestrian corridor. Each of the four clusters is centered on shared hotel amenities, including the pool, golf club, and interpretive nature center. Each of these nodes also provides structured parking for all of the vehicles at that complex. Golf carts and shuttle service would be provided to discourage the use of personal vehicles on site.

New development in Seroe Colorado would provide San Nicolas with a tourist market the city has never had.

The goal of the proposal is to spur sustainable economic development, while preserving Colorado point for the public. Seroe Colorado is unlike any other place in Aruba, and should be protected for generations to come.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

Site Plan of the eco-tourism resort and hotel

50m

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CREATING PRODUCTIVE LANDSCAPES

new nursery could fill a much needed economic void and

What is a productive landscape?

the region while the land is being remediated.

Much of the refinery site outside of the immediate

Many tree species however, will not be tolerant to the

vicinity of downtown could be repurposed for productive

level of hydrocarbons and other toxins likely present in

landscapes. Productive landscapes are landscapes that

the soil. For this reason it will be important to initially

perform active uses like agriculture, remediation, or

plant the site with species of vegetation that specialize

purification through biological processes. The refinery

in removing toxins from the soil. There are three species

site could provide two different types of productive

of legumes and three tropical grasses that are adapted

landscapes: a plant nursery/remediation project and a

to the climate of Aruba that have been shown to draw

water treatment plant/park. Both proposals combine

oil out of the soil. The legumes are Calopogonium

economic generators with restoration projects, creating

mucunoides, Centrosema brasilianum, and Stylosanthes

multi-functional, robust landscape systems.

capitata. The tropical grasses are Brachiaria brizantha,

Tree Nursery Over half of the refinery site is proposed to be converted to a plant nursery. The nursery would accomplish two goals: bio-remediating refinery lands and growing native and ornamental vegetation for the island. Bioremediation is a more cost effective means of cleaning up the refinery site than capping. The nursery would be planted with non-consumables to ensure that contamination within the soil is not taken up in fruits or vegetables. The nursery could specialize in street trees, palms, and native vegetation for the entire island. All of the vegetation used in new construction on the island is imported. This is very expensive, and unsustainable. The

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further support local industries on the island. In this way, a tree nursery on the refinery site could provide jobs in

Cyperus aggregatus, and Eleusine indica. Of these, the grasses Brachiaria brizantha and Cyperus aggregatus have been shown to be particularly effective. The exact duration and combination of species to be used will vary on the conditions of the soil.

Beyond early remediation of the most toxic soils, a street network will need to be constructed on the site in order to plant, maintain, and harvest the plants. This street network should connect with the existing street grid and connect San Nicolas and the surrounding neighborhoods to existing and proposed amenities. This is to say that is should be thoughtfully designed so that in the future, should the city need to grow, the productive landscapes

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | URBAN DESIGN STUDIO | FALL 2010

REGIONAL AMENITIES STRUCTURE PLAN

can transition from agricultural to more urban uses. A well designed street network will ensure that the cost of this infrastructure need only be spent once.

Water Treatment Plant One of the major problems facing the island of Aruba is access to fresh water. The second type of productive landscape on the refinery site is a water treatment and storage facility. There is a tremendous amount of infrastructure on the site of the refinery. In the event of the refinery closure, this infrastructure could be used to collect, store, and distribute fresh water to the region.

This would not only lessen pollution to the surrounding reefs, reduce energy consumption on the island and but also provide opportunity for job creation. This is to say that there are both economic and environmental motivations for this project.

On the northern end of the refinery site exists a tank farm which stores crude and refined oil. These tanks are situated on large cement pads and are connected together and to the refinery by large pipelines.

Preliminary research suggests that these tanks may be able to be cleaned to an extent that they can be used for grey water treatment. Initially, water could be collected from Zeewijk in order to avoid seasonal flooding there.

With the completion of the regional bioswale network, stormwater can eventually be collected from the roois and bioswales and incorporated into the system.

URBAN DESIGN VISION PLANS FOR ARUBA - SAN NICOLAS

Example of Palm Plantation Productive Landscape Cigudeg bei Bogor, Java - Indonesia.

Wikimedia Commons - In the public domain

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6

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS

REINFORCING THE VISION MOVING TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA STUDIO FACULTY + PARTICIPANTS

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS REINFORCING THE VISION San Nicolas is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures. In the future, the entire region will reinforce this diversity.

Locals and tourists from all over the world will mingle in its trendy local shops, shaded and inviting streets, unique parks, and beautiful beaches. Imagine a city that has developed into an international destination, but has not lost its edge. San Nicolas has an incredible opportunity to create a place that is like no other in the Caribbean, or even the world. To achieve any of these goals, a substantial planning effort and implementation strategy focused on the visions, principles, and proposals in this report is needed.

The Vision Plan for the San Nicolas region has investigated opportunities and new ideas for revitalizing the downtown, neighborhoods and environmental assets.

Site visits, stakeholder meetings, and charrettes helped determine a series of visions for the region. These visions were ultimately expressed in a series of frameworks and proposals. They seek to create a new identity for the city without losing the diversity of existing city. These visions are:

1 - SAN NICOLAS’ TOURIST ECONOMY WILL EMPHASIZE BOTH NATURAL RESOURCES AND CULTURAL ASSETS. 2 - THE PEOPLE OF SAN NICOLAS WILL BE CONNECTED TO VALUED PLACES AND COMMUNITIES. 3 - A PARK SYSTEM FOR THE SAN NICOLAS REGION WILL PROTECT EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCES AND RESTORE DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS. 4 - A PARK SYSTEM FOR THE SAN NICOLAS REGION WILL PROTECT EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCES AND RESTORE DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS. 5 - DOWNTOWN SAN NICOLAS WILL BE A REVITALIZED, IMAGEABLE, AND VIBRANT PLACE THAT ATTRACTS BOTH RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS. The Urban Design Vision Plan for San Nicolas suggests a series of structures and projects for the city. These projects are meant to be instructional; they are intended to give an idea of possibilities for a site or key issue.

These proposals do not represent a master plan, but a diagrammatic structure of different moves. Many of the projects show alternatives for achieving a desired goal through a variety of means. The structure plans are also meant to emphasize the range of possibilities for San Nicolas in different time scales.

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MOVING TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION

2. SOLIDIFY AND COMMUNICATE THE VISION REGULARLY

The ideas presented as part of the Urban Design Vision

for itself. The Valero lands will not be occupied by the

for San Nicolas are contingent upon a number of larger

refinery in perpetuity, and the government needs to be

implementation issues in the city. The ultimate goal is to

prepared for long-term shifts in the regional economy

establish as series of strategies robust enough to carry

and land use structures. The government and other key

through the visions for San Nicolas. These strategies

stakeholders need to continue to solidify their long-term

begin with the most critical issues and move on to more

goals for the region. After this vision has been structured,

detailed implementation strategies.

the community needs to be continually informed in order

San Nicolas is in the process of forming a new identity

to promote common ownership of these visions. These 1. UNDERSTAND SAN NICOLAS’ ROLE IN NATION

may happen through the use of community meetings or

BUILDING

charrettes. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the visions

San Nicolas has the opportunity to re-cast itself as a

are not forgotten, and promoting public interest is one of

new international destination. Many of the long-term

the most successful ways of achieving this.

structure plans and proposals are hinged upon nationally significant goals, including new educational institutions,

3. CREATE CAPACITY FOR PLANNING AND CITY

a cruise ship terminal, and new harbor front destination.

MANAGEMENT

New projects in San Nicolas could be a chance for Aruba

In order to ensure the continued success of any new

to brand itself with a new approach to international

projects, San Nicolas needs a local planning institution

development. This would also allow San Nicolas to

and staff. This will be essential to implementing and

develop its own unique Aruban character as destination

maintaining projects of any scale. Currently, are

separate from Oranjestad. San Nicolas needs to recognize

too few experienced planning professionals within

its potential as a world class Aruban city, and the effect

the governmental structure of Aruba, and none are

substantial development in the region would have on the

responsible for a specific city of region. The country is

nationwide scale.

in need of managing department that is accountable for continued maintenance and oversight of public realm, land use, and urban design goals. This will also help to ensure that projects are not shelved every time there is a change in governmental leadership. The entire island

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would benefit from having a department with a enough

5. DECIDE ON A POLICY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE

institutional memory to carry through long-term goals.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

Without a dedicated planning and management staff,

The design interventions for the short-term downtown

projects can often get lost in changes of leadership and

structure plan hinge on a number of different policy

goals.

changes in the city. The most significant of these policy changes would be the extension of retail hours to allow

4. INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY IN DECISION-MAKING

shopping opportunities for commuters returning from

PROCESSES

the north end of the island. This change is needed to

San Nicolas already has a strong ethic of community

support a diversity of retail development in the city.

involvement which should be encouraged and built from.

The laws set in place concerning retail hours have not

Many local residents participated in Renobacion Urbano

been adjusted to acknowledge contemporary eating,

II, and had a great deal of interest in visioning their

shopping, and working routines. The redevelopment

community. The government should continue to engage

of the red light district also relies on adjustments to

existing community groups, including the San Nicolas

the existing land use and zoning policies. Consolidating

Awareness Project, to further refine long-term visions

adult entertainment uses into a single corridor would

for the region. San Nicolans have a strong culture of

require a means of compelling businesses to move from

organizing, and this should be taken advantage of in the

their current locations and retrofit new buildings for

visioning process. A community that feels engaged in

adult uses. This may involve incentives, land swaps, or

the vision-making for their city will feel more inspired

compensatory settlements to encourage the moving of

to participate in the project. People know what they

businesses. A phasing strategy will also need to be put

want and desire to do whatever possible to revitalize

in place to govern the transition of uses around the

their city. An open dialogue between the community and

entertainment and red light district.

government also builds trust, which will help strengthen long-term relationships between the government and the

6. DETERMINE AN ECOLOGICAL AND LAND MANAGEMENT

residents.

STRATEGY TO PRESERVE VALUED RESOURCES Many goals of the long-term structure plan for the region hinge upon purchase, restoration, and management of large tracts of land. The enforcement of existing growth boundaries and development of a land banking strategy

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will also require a greater institutional capacity for land

need to be equipped with new or wider sidewalks to

management. There are many institutional measures for

encourage foot traffic, and the Ministry should work

land management, including land trusts, conservancies,

on assessing what roads in Aruba are wide enough to

and private-public partnerships with local developers,

accommodate bicycle lanes.

all of which may be applicable in the situation. The government could also partner with the Arikok National

8. WORK WITH THE REFINERY TO ACCOMPLISH SHORT-

Park Foundation, a non-governmental organization, to

TERM GOALS DURING OPERATION

expand their scope to oversee preservation around San

Although most of the visions for the Valero lands are

Nicolas. Aruba is relatively new to land conservation

long-term in scope, there are projects that could begin

initiatives, passing legislation to protect environmental

prior to the complete closure of the refinery. These

resources in the mid-nineties and only creating the

may include the creation of an access road through

National Park in 2000. Sites around San Nicolas could

the refinery lands to increase connectivity to the

greatly expand the reach of the current National Park

beaches and resorts. It may also involve the starting of

lands and create an international destination for eco-

bioremediation on fallow areas of the site. The “North

tourism.

40” is currently underutilized and could be strategically phased into phytoremediation or nursery uses in a

7. CLARIFY THE CITY’S CIRCULATION AND WAYFINDING

relatively short amount of time. Temporary uses, like

SYSTEMS

green industry or sustainable technologies could also

Circulation and wayfinding is a major element of every

be implemented on site temporarily, until long-term

structure plan. The entire region is in need of additional

projects are phased in. Local planning and management

road infrastructure between the downtown and various

agencies need to work with Valero to determine and

other sites within the city. Circulation goals will need

implement these short-term goals.

to be worked out with the Ministry of Infrastructure.

A comprehensive plan for the long-term circulation network should be discussed prior to establishing new roads since the road network will likely influence new patterns of development in areas that are poorly accessible. The region is also in need of increased means of pedestrian and bicycle circulation. Existing streets

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9. WORK WITH KEY EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS IN

Additionally, the government and Valero should meet

INSTITUTION PLANNING

with community stakeholders, the Port Authority, and

The Urban Design Vision for San Nicolas includes two

educational institutions interested in relocating to

new educational campuses in the city. Local government

the site, to prioritize land transfers and remediation

needs to actively work with these educational partners,

projects. The Government may want to consider a form

the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and Delft University of

of public-private partnership to implement long-range

Technology, to ensure new institutions are mutually

development goals on site.

beneficial for all parties. Many young Arubans go off-island for school due to the lack of educational

11. PRIORITIZE AND IMPLEMENT NON-PATH DEPENDENT

opportunities, so these institutions may act as strategies

PROJECTS

for combating brain drain. These institutions are also

Many of the larger goals for San Nicolas require complex

key catalysts for the long-term development of the

negotiations between many stakeholders. Much of the

region. University campuses bring in necessary retail

long-term structure plan for the region hinges upon the

activity and residential demand to spur the first waves of

closure of the refinery and the availability of its land

redevelopment in downtown San Nicolas.

for development. However, there are still projects of multiple scales that can be implemented in the short-

10. UNDERSTAND THE REFINERY’S LONG-TERM ACTION

term. These include projects in the existing core of

PLAN

San Nicolas, as well as restoration efforts at Baby and

The refinery conversion will be a long and complex

Rodgers Beach, resort development, and circulation

project. It is essential that local government and

improvements between the city and its periphery. Many

community groups develop and implement a long-term

of these goals, especially those involving restoration or

plan for the site as soon as possible. If this happens,

public realm improvements, can be implemented as time

planners can take steps to implement projects as they

and budget allow. These projects can build incrementally

areas go offline, without having to wait for the total

into a robust, long-term vision. All applicable projects

closure of the site in order to begin a visioning process.

should be compiled into a series of phasing calendars,

This process will require extensive mediation between

which are flexible enough to accommodate changes in

the Aruban government and Valero. The two parties

budget, timeline, capacity, and community interest.

should work together to ascertain whether or not parts of the refinery site can be phased immediately.

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12. ACCOMPLISH WHAT SEEMS EASIEST The scale of vision for San Nicolas may seem daunting, but there are many projects that can be started in the short-term. In order to stimulate interest in larger, more complex projects, government officials should start with simple, quick, and implementable projects.

Many of the public realm improvements in downtown San Nicolas, including tree planting, plaza creation, and the installation of shading structures can be completed within a short period of time, but will immediately begin the process of encourage public life in San Nicolas. The use of pilot projects can also foster interest in creating larger systems of urban design improvements. Public realm improvements and demonstration projects are highly visible, and can serve to bolster support for larger interventions. These projects allow residents to understand what form their visions are taking, furthering their potential ownership of the plans.

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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 Jordan 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.

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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 - SAN NICOLAS

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

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Department of City & Regional Planning