Redistribution of Vibrance.

Spring 2022, Fourth Year

Studio Project and Competition_ Fourth Year Integrative Studio_ Individual Professor_ Kevin Jones

Finalist Nominated

Location: Lynchburg, Virginia, US

Program: Adaptive-Reusing the existing parking deck into new civic space and multi-story residential apartment Art Gallery and Libraries for Civic Space

Requirements: Using existing parking deck as the base structure, 10 One bedrooms, 20 Two bedroom Units taking advantage the panoramic view towards James River

Project Overview

It is natural that buildings become redundant. The reasons may include changes in economic and industrial practices, the cost of maintenance, and people’s perceptions. Most of these buildings are no longer suited for their original function and are waiting to be reused. Adaptive reuse enables the conversion of existing, obsolete buildings, spaces, and sites into new, mixed-use developments that will play an essential role in enhancing local communities.

The existing parking deck located in Lynchburg’s Central Business District turned out to be a new art gallery and library, which offer visitors and residents an opportunity to continue their experience of Lynchburg’s unique history of street murals and public arts. Inspired by the vibrant art alley adjacent to Commerce Street, the civic space will be renovated as a welcoming and color-dynamic plaza where visitors can learn and practice mural art.

Unique Characteristics of Lynchburg

Lynchburg is known for the creative and talented artists and the art scene that they create. The downtown area, which includes the James River Arts & Cultural District, has been an inspiration for many because of its history and enduring beauty. Even today, the city frequently commissions artists and volunteers for new murals and or to maintain the existing ones on old dilapidated buildings.

Main Street is a bustling, thriving urban core where all the economic, social, and cultural hubs are situated. A diverse offering of retails, restaurants, and recreational activities set in downtown is rich with historic architecture, unique topography, and vibrant public spaces. Boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and other shops reside in unique, historic buildings framed with large front arches and brick masonry facades.

MATERIAL & SUSTAINABILITY

The dominant material of recycled bricks not only references the site’s historic brickworks but also provides a thermally efficient envelope while championing the use of recycled materials in large construction projects. Also, the reds in the brick colors give the building its ageless appearance.

The civic space on the second floor of the parking deck is primarily formed with recycled colored corrugated metal, which serves the purpose of matching the material quality of existing steel construction as well as creating a high contrast between the civic space and residential apartments, giving a sense of timelessness when people walk around the building.

Schematic Design Process

Over the last 20 years, downtown Lynchburg has received a lot of revitalization efforts through its affiliation with a Main Street community and through major renovations of historic buildings. Murals have always played a crucial role in the city, highlighting the continuous effort by the community in revitalizing the city. For that, the civic center will be a cultural learning hub that displays community murals and provides art practice opportunities. Images on the left side are examples of Lynchburg mural arts done by local artists, or local groups such as students, volunteers, etc.

The project site is an outdated, industrial-looking two-story parking garage. The first floor is preserved as a parking lot, and the second floor will be renovated into a civic space that includes a mural gallery, library, restaurants, and souvenir shop. Residential units are stacked on top of the deck, and stairs in the central atrium direct public circulation to the civic space. Taking advantage of the rich front river view, the new residential building is facing the lower buff walk area of Commerce street. To emphasize the architectural history of Lynchburg, arches that repeat throughout the city are replicated in the facade design of the whole.