r e v e a l i n g c u lt u r e i n t h e fa b r i c o f o u r c i t i e s
urban planning
san diego ballpark master plan international competition
c u lt u r e the patterns of h u m a n a c t i v i t y and the
s y m b o l i c s t r u c t u r e s that give such activities significance and importance
Today, planners and developers are challenging the traditional role of the architect as solely an “object-maker.” The sustainability of current practices is in question, so new urban designs and buildings themselves must respond to an expanding agenda, including
e n v i r o n m e n ta l , s o c i a l a n d a r t i s t i c c o n s i d e r at i o n s . Carrier Johnson + Culture espouses design priorities that always put people first. This design approach values the individuals who experience our places and the cultures they inform.
san diego city college master plan
Grounded in this principle is the firm’s philosophy of urban design – an expressive, and ultimately tangible means of revealing culture in the fabric of our cities. However, this belief continues beyond just design for cities and into place-making for individual projects. All of our designs are inspired by urban concepts – walkability, sustainability, adaptability – for a more
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livable and enjoyable future. Carrier Johnson’s urban design services involve visionary planning concepts from small districts to entire cities, including: — urb a n d e s i g n s t u d i e s — ca mp u s mas t e r p l a n s — d esi g n a n d d e v e l o p me n t g u i de lin e s — re d e v e l o p me n t p l a n s — s p e c i fi c pl a n s — p ub l i c / pr i v a t e d e v e l o p me n t maste r plan s — co m mu n i t y pl a n s
city-making the evolution of successful
Cities don’t just evolve on their own. They are the result of strategy, planning, architecture and landscape initiatives that are based on the following core values:
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shap e a n insp iring vision To mold a shared vision that evolves from a creative notion grounded in the making of community and informed by a deep understanding of aspirations and key issues for a community and its culture.
chula vista bayside village
urban focus
e n v i r o n m e n ta l t r a n s i t i o n
grand canal recreational greenbelt
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village gateway
tower courts
garden courts
m a i ntai n c o n n e c t i o n s To preserve and enhance the character of a community, recognizing that
artist alley
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eco-bungalows
nature preserve
san diego bay
c re a te a u thentic exp eriences To create memorable places that have a distinctive identity and sense of place –
culture and context are the source of creative inspiration, and connection at all
the resulting experiences are authentic because they grow from the collective
levels integrates the community to its surroundings.
interests of the people who use the places.
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s u s t a i n e n v i ron m e n tal re sourc e s To seek innovations in environmental thinking, the application of new technologies, and the enhancement of enlightened social/cultural structures that lead to a creative and sustainable future. To conserve and protect environmental resources. To create sustainable smart-growth communities with vitality through a responsible design philosophy that is sensitive to the eco-system.
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pr o mo t e c a t aly tic an d tran sform ation al de v e lopm e n t To support catalytic redevelopment by revitalizing and enlivening an existing community and its culture, recognizing that the neighborhood is the building block of a community. To anticipate the organic evolution of communities, acknowledging that the design of memorable places will be influenced and shaped by its interaction with physical and intellectual changes over time.
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c r e a t e c i v i c ar t To shape the city and community with art that integrates beauty, meaning and function. To foster a sense of identify and belonging by unifying the public realm and private development.
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When combined with our holistic design approach, these principles enliven our cities with memorable places and experiences.
hard rock hotel san diego
s a n d i e g o b a l l pa r k d i s t r i c t san die g o, c aliforn ia
The planning of downtown San Diego’s East Village district - home of the Padres’ Petco Park - was the first effort in which a ballpark was viewed as the catalytic center of a large-scale redevelopment.
a n e w l i f e s t y l e d e s t i n at i o n Before the ballpark opened in 2004, the community was laden with futile parking lots, dormant warehouses, and a lot of potential. Recognizing this, as architects alongside San Diego’s redevelopment agency and the Padres - we began to envision plans for a high-density, mixed-use neighborhood that would PRESERVE THE INDUSTRIAL PAST of the nationally recognized historic warehouse district. Starting with the incorporation of the Western Metals Building into Petco Park, historic warehouses were renovated, and in many cases, incorporated directly into building forms. Like at DiamondView Tower, the building’s three- and four-story base is a traditional brick warehouse design; a modern tower rises above with lightweight, transparent glass panels and metalwork, responding to the modern city. Next to DiamondView and at the heart of this new urban village is the community park. An extension of Petco Park, this unique, public destination is commonly referred to as the “Park at the Park.” Within it, children can play ball in a miniature ballfield, and families can picnic on the grass. The result is a new lifestyle destination and 24/7 EXPERIENCE for residents and visitors - whether it’s game day or not.
san diego ballpark master plan international competition
urban room
warehouse style boxes
infill forms
Together with Bridgeworks and the adjacent Omni Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel completes the walls of the city, activating an urban room with arrival, outdoor dining, hotel retailing, fountains and outdoor entertainment. Lined by the Martin Luther King Promenade and anchored by the nearby convention center, ballpark, and transit station to the south, this place, as Gateway to the Gaslamp, forms an important hub of activity in downtown San Diego.
Although contemporary in attitude, the Hard Rock Hotel connects with the historic fabric of the Gaslamp Quarter in its multi-building approach. The complex is comprised of smaller integrated forms reflecting the scale and diversity of history’s module. Use of brick, steel and concrete reference the industrial history of south Gaslamp in a contemporary application. Incorporation of the Historic Depot Building into the Hard Rock design further embeds this dynamic new experience in the history of the area.
Squeezed between building forms, vertical steel and glass “towers” find their inspiration in the vertical sound towers evident in outdoor rock venues. Filled with light, they form a vertical showcase of activity with restaurants, lounges, nightclubs and the rock star suites.
s k y l i f e Further enlivening the hotel is a fourth-floor landscaped pool terrace overlooking the historic Quarter and a plush rooftop pool bar defined by a Fender Stratocaster-shaped overhang. Skylife also provides a 9,000-squarefoot outdoor concert space, marked with the brand’s signature tattoo.
streetlife / skylife The light tower on Fifth connects the street to a multifaceted urban rooftop scene. This expression of ‘skylife’ includes outdoor meeting and concert spaces, skybar/rooftop terrace and poolside entertainment.
horton plaza
s a n d i e g o, c a l i f o r n i a
Cities and places gain special character when they represent the thoughts, attitudes and ideas that describe their time – and can layer these representations like a tale of many chapters. Likewise, six distinct concepts are proposed for the Horton
l ay e r s o f t i m e Plaza Redevelopment Project, comprising a single compelling story – described as “Layers of Time.” Each concept captures a milestone in San Diego’s history: From the turn of the century when commerce created the city grid, to the whimsy and entertainment of Horton Plaza which was invented to draw people back downtown; from the Gaslamp and the residents’ return to the city streets to our current passion for sustainability as a guide for the development of the city.
l ay e r s o f t i m e a p p r o a c h is more than a juxtaposition of concepts – it is a system that, once established, can change and evolve without destroying what came before. In fact, the system is such that the addition of new layers is expected and encouraged, with each addition resulting in an enriched experience.
SPRECKELS BUILDING
HORTON PARK
BALBOA THEATRE
GOLDEN WEST HOTEL
R E PR E SE N TED TIME P ER IO D : A L L T I M E P ER IOD S
R EP R ES ENTED TIME P ER IOD : 1880s TO 1900s
p u b l i c s pa c e n e t w o r k
h i s t o r i c p o r ta l s
The public realm surrounding Horton Plaza transforms the urban grid into a network of streets and linear parks. We intend that the public realm flow from street to mall, and back. To accomplish this objective, we bridge the divide between Horton Plaza’s perimeter and the surrounding streets through unity of landscape and hardscape. By connecting perimeter green zones with the city’s neighboring streets, the public space experience becomes more compelling.
The continuation of the grid is marked with portals anchored by historic experience - a distinct layer of time is evoked each time a visitor enters through these portals. This is accomplished by drawing attention to the four significant turn-of-the-century buildings existing along the outer perimeter of Horton Plaza as formal entrances into Horton Plaza.
THE LIVIN REET
RIA
LLE E GA
ROO
RK
P PA
F TO
G ST
ORIGINAL CORE (1985)
G
BRID
REPRE SEN TE D TIME PE R IO D: 1985
R E PR E SE N T E D T I M E PE R I O D : P R E S E N T DAY
R E PR E SE N T E D TIME P ER IOD : FUTURE
R EP R ES ENTED TIME P ER IO D : F UTUR E
original mall core
the living street
bridge galleria
r o o f t o p pa r k a n d t o w e r s
Recognize the birth of Horton Plaza and celebrate its importance in San Diego history by preserving key artifacts, spaces, urban accessories, and entertainment themes of architect Jon Jerde’s 1985 design.
The architecture of the “Living Street” is inspired by the need to provide participants in surrounding neighborhoods with the necessities of life on a single street. We introduce the visual vernacular of the urban street into the fanciful world of Horton Plaza’s original core to synthesize urban-inspired, formbased architecture with a sense of fun. Emphasis is on the street level with buildings above forming creative abstractions of the urban buildings that line the city street.
The Bridge Galleria and its series of layered bridges look to the future while seeking design inspiration through San Diego’s own deep-rooted geologic nature. The organic flow of bridge structures is inspired by the natural geology of San Diego topographic forms, including canyons, mesas and coastline. The striking architecture of the bridges needs little adornment - simple storefronts align the bridges drawing visitors through the space effortlessly.
Three towers respond to the verticality of the surrounding buildings while acting as distinctive placemarkers in the city’s skyline. Each tower possesses its own function and character depending on symbolic and programmatic requirements. Like the Bridge Galleria, the Rooftop Park takes inspiration for its design from natural conditions of the San Diego environment, resulting in an organic geometry reflecting the region’s coastlines and canyons. This park moves skyward to serve the needs of residents, guests, and occupants of the three towers.
e a r ly b a l l p a r k d i s t r i c t s t u d i e s Several large-scale visioning studies of downtown San Diego’s East Village neighborhood led to the development of new commercial, residential and mixed-use opportunities in the historic community.
1 8 6 9 – Home to the Pacific Steamship Company, a wharf anchors Fifth Avenue – the Gaslamp Quarter’s main arterial. Warehouses of the day would later inspire much of the architectural vernacular of the area.
2000 – Once an active shipyard, the Gaslamp gateway lies dormant; the Quarter is lacking a dynamic arrival sequence.
2003 – The inception of Bridgeworks – a combination of hotel, infill retail buildings and public spaces – activates the gateway, filling the streets with tourists, shoppers and party-goers.
2008 – Erected across the street from Bridgeworks, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego completes the Gaslamp gateway – activating an urban room bound by the Convention Center and Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade, with direct access to Petco Park.
202 3 ONWARD. . . Carrier Johnson is still working with the City of San Diego to improve the Gaslamp and Ballpark District, most recently providing designs to convert the iconic destination to a pedestrian friendly space that is comfortable for people, not cars. The project will completely transform the culture of the Gaslamp District and bring San Diego into the future while respecting its historic past.
rhoadstone industries urban village
issaq u ah , wash in g t on
The Rhoadstone Industries Master Plan will develop an area of Issaquah, Washington where a working quarry operation once existed. As the site’s mined resources diminish, the master plan aims to repair the land and transform an underutilized stretch in the middle of an existing community.
making it whole Through a partnership with the City of Issaquah, Rhoadstone Industries and Carrier Johnson will create a mixed-use community that harmonizes with the existing Issaquah Highlands by extending the character of the adjacent residential areas. Pedestrians will be a priority as the site was designed to integrate with the proximity to public transit at the site’s east end. Carrier Johnson began by planning the shared space of the community, with landscaping and views a top priority. Existing silos from the quarry site are integrated into the design of the landscape as a nod to the historic elements of the site that is important to the community. The master plan, which is still in development, will begin a transformation that is greatly needed by the community and make liveable an area that once was missing from the fabric of Issaquah.
WELCOME TO TRAILHEAD CITY With more than 200 miles of trails, over 60 trailheads and 1,300 acres of open space, it’s easy to see why Issaquah is nicknamed Trailhead City. The first residents of this area were the Coast Salish Native Americans. White settlers began arriving in the 1860s. They named the area Squak, a corruption of the Native American place name, which meant “sound of waterfowl.” In 1892 the town was incorporated as Gilman, after Daniel Hunt Gilman, who brought the railroad to town. In 1899, residents petitioned to change the town’s name to Issaquah, a closer approximation of the Native American place name. Fertile farmland drew early settlers here, and the first major crop was hops, sold to Seattle breweries for use in beer. The settlement started to grow in the 1870s, when immigrants from many nations came into the area. By 1889 the town had its own railroad depot. The railroad helped make mining a profitable operation, providing a fast way to transport coal to Seattle. As the coal mines flourished, saloons, hardware stores, boarding houses and other shops sprang up. Logging also brought workers into the town, as more immigrants arrived to fell trees and establish sawmills. Trains carried passengers, mail, freight, food and livestock into Seattle. Passenger service through Issaquah was available until 1922. Nearly all freight service was discontinued after 1958, when Northern Pacific closed the Depot. Trains stopped coming to Issaquah in 1996 as the result of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe merger, which vacated the local branch line and service to Darigold. After World War II, the boom-and-bust cycle of the natural resource industry was replaced by slow community evolution. The town’s population hovered around 1,000 until 1940, when the first floating bridge over Lake Washington was opened. The bridge brought Issaquah within easy driving distance of Seattle and the town’s transformation from a rural community to a bedroom suburb began.
OVERVIEW In December 2012, the City Council approved a long-term development agreement with Lakeside Industries, Inc., for approximately 120 acres of the company’s mining property adjacent to the Issaquah Highlands. The property – which is located both east and west of Highlands Drive Northeast – was zoned for “Mineral Resources,” which allowed the owners to mine gravel and sand. This development agreement changes the zoning of a portion of Rhoadstone’s property to “Urban Village” and enables the City to ensure that the land: • • •
is developed in a manner that is mutually beneficial to the community and Lakeside. is compatible with the adjacent Issaquah Highlands. achieves an efficient use and investment of public and private resources.
The City’s Comprehensive Plan states that once “mineral resource” activities are done, Issaquah should ensure “adequate reclamation and enhancement of the site.” The area furthest from Issaquah Highlands, and closest to I-90, will continue to have industrial uses into the foreseeable future. The land has the potential to accommodate mixed use development, including new residences, commercial or both. The community would then receive developerfunded support for transportation, infrastructure, public spaces, environmental improvements and affordable housing.
SITE ANAYLSIS The team began analyzing the site by overlaying the footprint of other existing developments in the area onto the proposed Urban Village site. This gave our team an understanding of the scale and orientations to be considered.
The team also created a physical model to understand the grading of the site as it slopes into the pit of the quarry.
Dozens of site layouts and design options were considered with the client during workshops. Together we weighed their advantages and disadvantages.
Through an iterative process, massing and design is now beginning to take shape.
And finally the team arrived at a proposed design for maximum integration with the surrounding nature.
Still in the master planning process, our team continues to work with Rhoadstone to hone our design in an effort to make optimum use of a truly unique site.
q u a r r y fa l l s ( c i v i ta ) s a n d i eg o, c aliforn ia
Quarry Falls (now know as Civita) responds to the natural and man-made attributes of its site – an existing sand and gravel quarry – by placing primary focus on an interactive system of parks, streams and open space to connect with two distinctly different communities; the mesa to the north and the river valley to the south.
pedestrian experiences The social and health benefits of traditional neighborhood design that encourages safe, convenient, and pleasurable pedestrian experiences has been documented as a catalyst to improve the quality of life for residents. Civita is designed for the pedestrian first with well-lit, landscaped sidewalks set back from the street and numerous trails providing easy and timely access throughout the project. Taking cues from traditional urban neighborhoods, the project involves numerous amenities to reduce dependency on the car. The live-work-shop-play concert is a cornerstone driving the Civita vision. The organizing element of the plan is the first public park to be built in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood. The central park and feature waterfall are both a physical and symbolic connection between the mesa and river valley floor, serving as the main pedestrian corridor and linkage between site uses.
the site Civita will help meet its neighborhood’s the site planning needs for attainable homes, a Civita will help meet its neighborhood’s t hand e site new public park, public charter school planning needs for attainable homes, a Civita was designed to include a new urgently needed traffic improvements, whilepublic new public park, public charter school and park, public charter shool and urgently reducing commuter traffic by offering jobs urgently needed traffic improvements, while and recreation close towhile homes. needed traffic improvements, reducing reducing commuter traffic by offering jobs commuter trafficand by offering jobs and receation recreation close to homes. close to comes.
b y i n t e g r at i n g t r a n s i t , w a l k a b i l i t y , a n d h e a lt h y l i v i n g , q u a r r y fa l l s i s a m o d e l s u s ta i n a b l e c o m m u n i t y A registered LEED for Neighborhood Developments (LEED-ND) pilor project, it was one of the first three in San Diego County.
Existing Coastal Sage Scrub Drought Tolerant Landscape Overlook
Children’s Play Area
Existing Vegetation
Trails
Revegetated Slopes
wa l k a b l e e x p e r i e n c e s
Upper Springs Park
The Falls
Overlook Plaza
Gazebo
Arboretum
Community Garden Trails Dry Creek Bed / Bioswale
Lawn Play Area Native Plant Garden /Picnic Area/ BBQ Childrens Playground Sand/ Boulder Play Area Lawn Play Area
Basketball Court
Rose Garden Grand Steps Volleyball Court
Amphitheater Gazebo/ Stage
Civic Center Buildings Civic Center Entry Court and Parking Dry Creek Bed / Bioswale
Children’s Model Boat Basin Water Geyser Overlook Deck
ci vi c pl aza The Civic Center provides indoor and outdoor space for events and activities, including the Festival Plaza, amphitheater and park areas.
bo ta n ic a l vo ya g e The Upper Spring Arboretum is a recreational and educational garden that begins the botanical voyage to the river valley below.
v illage w alk At the southern edge, the park extends into the Village Walk, inviting visitors to explore on foot.
m i xed- use spaces The densest residential district combines residential with community-serving retail and boutique office space.
san diego’s hidden treasure
Civita park is now one of the most recognized new developments in Mission Valley. With cues taken from Carrier Johnson’s original master plan the park and surrounding areas offer a haven to residents and guests, and a quality of life unparalleled by other recent developments.
IMPERIAL COURTS MASTER PLAN
wat t s, c aliforn ia
The Imperial Courts is a public housing project home to many African American and Latinx communities who identified a need for updated safety, security, and amenities for their existing community center. Carrier Johnson partnered with the community and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to develop a master plan that addressed these needs.
c o m m u n i t y pa r t n e r s h i p Carrier Johnson + Culture teamed with HACLA to host stakeholders and residents to solicit feedback from the community. After the initial consultation, it was determined that additional community workshops should be conducted to benefit the project and to truly hear the needs of the community. During the workshops, the team met with residents of the Imperial Courts community, visitors to the recreation center, LAPD, Watts Empowerment Center staff, and members of the HACLA team. Through these workshops, meetings, and consultations, our team collected questions, suggestions, hopes and concerns to better inform the design concepts provided to the community.
UNDERUSED AND FORGOTTEN The existing Community Center supports the federally subsidized HACLA project of 490 units in its surrounding. Founded in May 1944 and operated it is one of the largest housing projects west of the Mississippi. A 2020 American Community Survey found that the total population of the area is 6,090 people with a median age of 26 years old. About half of the population lives in poverty. The current Community Center is dilapidated, abused, and jail-like.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Our team met with individuals from the community, HACLA, LAPD officers, and other stakeholders to hold a series of design workshops to truly understand the needs of the community. Carrier Johnson + Culture believes the design should reflect the actual needs of the community and not impose design or uses. The community responded enthusiastically and helped our team to understand exactly the shortfalls of the current community center and how to overcome them. There is a beautiful diversity in opinions and energy. Some look back at what once was, hoping to return to this central community collector. Others are engaged in the present by pinpointing current action. All are discussing how such a close family can become involved with the growth of this urban family for the future. Our team brought in a translator to facilitate conversation with the Latinx community so that all voices could be heard.
DISCUSSION TOPICS SPORTS What sports/physical activities are a priority for the community? Are there existing sports we would love to have more of? Has there been a community volunteer/interest in returning organized sports in this park? MUSIC STUDIO Where would a standalone Music Studio best fit in the park? If not a standalone building, would an expansion be best at the picnic area or the basketball court? What type programs would you like to see in the Empowerment Center expansion? SAFETY & ACCESS How can we ensure new improvements are safe and accessible? Should the park be locked at night? Have you or anyone you know have problems moving around the site? HEALTH & WELLNESS Would the community participate in a communal garden? Would the community seniors like to see outdoor exercise spaces? What kind of other health and wellness activities would you like to see?
ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS From an observational standpoint of the community interactions, a proportionate representation of the number of topic mentions is illustrated in the below chart diagram. As the discussion flowed organically, perceptions from verbal dialogue and notations on paper were organized into graphic estimations of occurrences. In comparison to the original proposal design, community priorities and wishes are represented.
FINAL SITE PLAN The final site plan successfully integrates community input and addresses areas of concern such as flexibility of use, access, and safety as part of a campus master plan. The final site plan is geared toward the final concept and includes aspects such as: • • • • •
Relocating the playground Utilizing areas adjacent to basketball court for outdoor Exercise / community activities. Maintaining existing basketball and futbol courts. Remove ball field and propose turf area at soccer field dimensions.
The final plan represents the desires of the community that will ultimately use the site and, when completed, will be a valueable asset for years to come.
city of lake forest community center
lake fore st , c aliforn ia
Inspired by the vision and feedback from the community and incorporating the surrounding natural beauty of Lake Forest, the master plan for the new Civic Center created a unique place for people to conduct business and enjoy community activities.
a home for generations to come Coined Lake Forest’s “100-Year” home, the master plan does more than establish a permanent residence for City Hall – it serves as the City’s civic heart. The vision for the Civic Center is a place for entertainment, social activity, recreation, and conducting official City business. During the design process, the public’s input was vital. The City of Lake Forest held a series of workshops to gather thoughts and opinions from residents regarding features and future amenities. The craftsmanstyle architecture complements Lake Forest’s pastoral landscape and natural topography. The design of the buildings includes exposed structural elements, and the use of natural materials is seen throughout the campus. Pine meadow, oak chaparral, and riparian landscaping are utilized throughout the campus to further complement the surrounding buildings.
The Civic Center Master Plan includes the following elements, designed to function in harmony together: Senior Center: The 23,000 s.f. facility includes a kitchen, game room, outdoor patio, and multipurpose rooms. The Senior Center offers leisure activities, programs, and a comfortable social atmosphere.
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Community & Conference Center: This flexible meeting space can accommodate more than 400 people to hold weddings, special events, meetings, and trainings.
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Council Chambers & Performing Arts Hall: Anchored by a 50-foot landmark clock tower, the Performing Arts Hall seats over 200 and provides state-of-the-art audiovisual and acoustic capabilities.
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City Hall & Policing Center: Prominently located at the entrance of the Civic Center, this is the main building that houses City administrative offices providing community services. Parking Deck: The Parking Deck accommodates more than 300 vehicles and is equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.
DESIGN EXCELLENCE , RECOGNIZED Now complete, the project has been recognized as a superb addition to the City of Lake Forest and has won the following awards: •
Public Works Project of the Year 2021 (over $75 million) by the American Public Works Association (APWA)
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American Society of Civil Engineers (Los Angeles Section) Architectural Engineering Project of the Year 2020
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Award of Merit, New Buildings - Medium (recognized for its Specialty Innovation Strategy for Water) Sustainable Innovation Awards, USGBC LA Chapter.
s t o n e c r e e k m a s t e r p l a n s an die g o, c aliforn ia
Stone Creek is a long term master plan vision that transforms a 293 acre active mining site in Mira Mesa into a series of vibrant neighborhoods and parks.
pa s t o r a l v i l l a g e s a n c t u a r y Incorporating a mix of land uses, Stone Creek features a variety of homes, shops, businesses, parks and public gathering spaces. As a walkable, Transited Oriented Development (TOD), Stone Creek’s compact, interconnected neighborhoods emphasize continuous pedestrian connections along the site’s nearly two mile length. When complete, Stone Creek will include 6,240 multi-family residential units; 149,000 square feet of retail space; 100,000 square feet of office space; 550,000 square feet of business park/industrial space; and 70 acres of public parks and open spaces.
existing site - the carroll canyon quarry Mining operations have been ongoing since the 1950s. As a result, the entire site has undergone considerable modification.
village center Anchoring the community is the Village Center, located in the central portion of the Master Plan area and containing retail opportunities, residential homes, office space, and a transit stop.
s t o n e c r e e k c e n t r a l pa r k To the south and east of the Village Center is Stone Creek Central Park, including the Carroll Canyon Creek Open Space (comprised of a neighborhood park and riparian creek corridor), which act as the primary open space and recreation areas for residents, employees, and visitors of Stone Creek.
westside + creekside neighborhoods Residential homes are provided west of the Village Center and south of Stone Creek Central Park in the Westside Neighborhood and the Creekside Neighborhood, respectively.
eastside district The Eastside District of the project site is the Employment Neighborhood, which offers business park and light industrial space.
experiential richness Inspired by the long-admired qualities of European villages, traditional American neighborhoods and the regional attributes of San Diego, we envisioned Stone Creek to be a unique community within a community, imbued with experiential richness and sense of place.
WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD
WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD
VILLAGE CENTER
VILLAGE CENTER
PARKSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD
EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD
CREEKSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD STONE CREEK CENTRAL PARK
string of pearls Running throughout Stone Creek will be a network of diverse parks and open spaces, including a “string-of-pearls” park and piazza system which links to the expansive Stone Creek Central Park.
NAVWAR MASTER PLAN
san die g o, c aliforn ia
SANDAG, in cooperation with the US Navy, employed Carrier Johnson + Culture to design a new regional transportation hub and mixed use community in support of a new state-of-the-art NAVWAR Facility.
m i d w ay ’ s h i s t o r y & f u t u r e The scope of the design effort was to prepare a visionary master plan as the basis for or against recommendation to decision makers on how to best develop this underutilitzed piece of land. The master plan along with yield analysis, budget estimates and market study was prepared to find the balance of value and cost to public and private development. The master plan looked at the industrial history of the site, the nexus of multiple lines of transportation, and the future of the midway district in order to best recommend potential uses that would maximize the use of the land.
Midway District, 1946
HISTORY The forces that shaped the development of the Midway District during the late 19th century and early 20th century were transportation, the military, and aviation. A real estate boom brought on by the opening of the California Southern Railroad spurred a flurry of transportational developments including lightrails and freeways, including what eventually became the San Diego trolley system and the Pacific Highway. Military and aviation developments dominated. The post-war community mainly consisted of small warehouses and commercial and industrial buildings with automobile-centric commercial uses.
Midway District, Present
SETTING
VISION
The current NAVWAR site is 70 acres comprised of two large parcels separated by the Pacific Highway. The community’s land use reflects its industrial orientation and impede vehicle and pedestrian travel, dominating valuable real estate along the I-5. The area has maintained its industrial character with underutilized land located in a central location in San Diego.
The vision of the project is the creation of a mixed use re transportation hub serving San Diego County residents a from around the world. This hub would link rail, airport, b auto modes of transportation under one roof. The hub wi an anchor for a new neighborhood while creating a high t facility for the 21st century. At the same time, the project a catalysis for redevelopment of the Midway District’s ou uses currently occupied by worn-out commercial strip ce obsolete industrial buildings.
egional and visitors bus and ill become tech naval t would be utdated land enters and
TRANSIT A major component of the plan is a podium deck elevated above Pacific Highway envisioned both as a cover for rail lines and parking as well as to accommodate a new elevated street network. The podium deck would also serve to separate inbound and outbound circulation, to facilitate the flow of vehicle traffic movement, where the podium deck level serves vehicle drop offs to, and the ground level serves as pick up from, the transportation hub. The elevated deck above Pacific Highway can then be easily accessed from the west via pedestrian bridge to link the naval facility and remaining development. A linear park bounding the western edge of the raised podium deck would delight visitors and residents alike with views of the harbor as well as Point Loma to the west.
pa r k s tat i o n m a s t e r p l a n san die g o, c aliforn ia
Encompassing 5.5 acres in the heart of downtown La Mesa, the Park Station Master Plan creates a transit oriented, mixed-use community. Proximity to a public transit station, active street fronts edged with ground floor commercial spaces, and strong pedestrian links contribute to the walkable environment.
jewel of la mesa In response to its downtown context, Park Station features buildings with a notable presence along city streets, as well as a 1.2 acre linear park designed as both a project centerpiece and a gateway to greater downtown La Mesa. A range of low-to-high rise buildings accommodates approximately 500 multi-family residential units, 12,500 square feet of office space, and 47,000 square feet of neighborhood serving retail space.
walkable quaint village The Park Station Master Plan is intended to be a walkable Mixed-Use Urban Community Village that will provide future residents with ample amenities and convenient commercial retail businesses in a safe and comfortable environment. The project, known as Park Station, is a mix of residential and commercial uses which are supported by ground floor retail shops that will serve the community and daily visitors. The project will have an assortment of living accommodations including street and courtyard-oriented flats, lofts and live/work spaces and mid-rise units, enhanced by the small neighborhood shops that could include a cafe, bakery, pet shop, restaurant, postal store, dry cleaners, beauty salon, flower shop or delicatessen.
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site opportunities A diagrammatic representation of site opportunities + solutions.
b a lt i m o r e d r i v e Located on the west side of the Park Station site, the
l i n e a r pa r k The 1.1-acre Linear Park will serve as the primary recreational
s h o p p i n g Along the tree-lined sidewa
proposed Baltimore Drive planning area will cover 2.24 acres running along Baltimore Drive between El Cajon Boulevard and University Avenue. This area will include mixeduse residential space comprised of 95-106 dwelling units.
and open space for community uses. The linear park will enhance the arrival experience into the city and extend the Spring Street promenade with a pedestrian path running adjacent to the trolley tracks. A children’s playground is also proposed as a part of the park’s recreational amenities.
together, some seated at umbrella-covered while others enter a shop to purchase a loa professional storefront business fronting th have a small gallery and have his crafts disp
alk people will stroll and converse d café tables chatting and sipping coffee af of bread. Some resident may have a he sidewalk while a resident artist may played in the shop window.
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C o u l d r e m o v e f o r LOWE b u t k e e p f o r M a s t e r Q u a l s
c e n t r a l a v e n u e c o r r i d o r s t u d y los an g e le s, c aliforn ia The Central Avenue Master Plan focuses on a mile-long 75 acre plan area in the Watts Corridors Redevelopment Project in South Central Los Angeles. The heart of the 1965 riots, the rich diversity today represents both the African American and Latino communities. The project is one of a handful of catalytic projects in South Los Angeles that are expected to dramatically TRANSFORM THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE.
memorable place The project positions the Watts community in a strategic relationship to Downtown Los Angeles, and the Central Avenue Corridor to the Watts Towers by leveraging development at key opportunity sites. The Master Plan embraces nature through the reintroduction of LANDSCAPE AND STREETSCAPE elements. In addition, the plan provides a framework for connecting that will enable a connection to the Los Angeles River System through the Compton Creek which runs parallel to the southern half of Central Avenue. The Vision for the Central Avenue District is that of a secure, vibrant and prosperous, pedestrian friendly, green, mixed-use destination that provides EXPRESSION TO THE RICH DIVERSITY of the Watts Community, by creating a MEMORABLE PLACE to live, work and recreate for the whole family.
connection and identity The Watts Central Avenue Master Plan focuses on a mile-long corridor in the Watts Community of South Central Los Angeles. The goal of the master plan is to revitalize the corridor through renewed investment by exploring development opportunities and enhancing public improvements. The plan identifies, evaluates and defines viable development at strategic locations that act as “markers” along the path from the virtual “gateway” to Watts from the Century Freeway, all the way to the Watts Towers, the iconic and symbolic heart of the Community. The plan leverages other projects that are currently being implemented by various agencies outside the plan area. Together, these five ”markers” lead visitors, and residents from the gateway to the Towers.
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PA R K G AT E WAY STREETSCAPE
Do you agree that public improvements that reconnect the district to natural greenscape, and support vital developmen is beneficial to the Watts community?
five distinct districts park gateway district The northern gateway at Ted Watkins Park extends the lush landscape of the Park to the northern section of Central Avenue reintroducing nature into the urban corridor.
M I X E D U S E B LV D H O U S I N G P U B L I C A R T PA R K
YES
bo ul e v a r d h o u s i n g d i s t r i c t The mixed use district consolidates the residential component of this section by recommending mixes-use with residential above retail. WIDE CENTRAL MEDIAN
center on central The heart of the corridor, the Center on Central is conceived as the cultural and social heart of Central Avenue providing a node of cultural expression to the whole community.
CENTER ON CENTRAL
NO
r e ta i l m i x e d - u s e d i s t r i c t E X T E N D E D PA R K WAY The district transforms the existing retail focus to a pedestrian friendly mixed-use district that reconnects Central Avenue to the community by reinforcing retail with cultural expression. imperial gateway district The Gateway District at Imperial is the gateway to the Watts community and the towers as a destination from other parts of Southern California.
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Do you support the creation of attractive development with active street frontage that will support jobs and revitalize the Central t Avenue corridor?
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The draw to the riverfront and the tradition of great parks and squares has long been the inspiration for making the public realm in downtown Portland. An unexpected desire to connect with the outdoors in this rain filled city has made urban living an art form.
u r b a n pa r k s e n l i v e n p l a c e As urban pioneers stretch the city north across the old rail yards, a string of urban parks will once again draw people to the riverfront. Life along this system of parks with be marked by the addresses of residents. A collaboration between locals and visitors will be formed as they enjoy the retail experience that lines the boardwalk along the parks’ edge. Architecture in this creative environment will be experienced as “Sculpture in the Park”; basic forms derived from the historic vernacular combine with sculptural forms that reflect functions within the building to create AN ARCHITECTURE THAT IS BOTH GROUNDED IN THE CITY AND EXPRESSIVE OF THE UNIQUE SETTING.
c o nne c t i o n s – boardwalk connection to river – parks as open spaces in city fabric
p a rk s resident gardens link city parks
fo rm s – buildings as sculptural elements in park setting – lobbies connect streets to resident gardens – retail experience along boardwalk
city to river Within Portland’s Pearl District, the Hoyt Street Yards multiple-block master plan is a replacement of the former train yards. The six-block sculptural plan links the city to the riverfront via a series of garden walks and urban corridors, neighborhood-oriented retail, art and intriguing dwellings.
building as sculpture Ideally sited within the Hoyt Street Yards and adjacent to an existing circular park, Jameson Square, is Park Place Condominiums – the visionary plan’s first built piece. Planned around a series of linear gardens and pedestrian walkways, the project is punctuated by sculptural structures containing luxury residential units and street-level retail.
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The name “Altair” derives from the Latin roots for “a high place” and “an altar”. The combined meaning is “a high place of significance or prominence”.
a r e s i d e n t i a l c o n s t e l l at i o n Altair is also the name of a star in the constellation Aquila. The name is appropriate to this site that sits above the heart of Temecula and is easily seen from many points in the City. The community of Altair will play a prominent role in the physical, social and economic evolution of Temecula. Altair is envisioned as the complementary residential component to the Old Town Specific Plan area of the City of Temecula. The two plan areas are integral to a successful urban mixed-use environment. Altair is located directly adjacent to Old Town Temecula and its added population base will support the commercial uses of Old Town. Altair’s attractive trails, vistas and parks and will add to and diversify the tourism market of the vicinity. The residences of Altair will be a pedestrian-oriented community within walking or cycling distance of Old Town.
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Altair consists of several neighborhood “villages,” each centered on a node or focal point and separated by landscaped terrain. The open space between the villages mimics the existing ravines extending from the hillside above and preserves the sculptural quality of the site.
The primary village occupies an existing promontory with views to and from Old Town. This neighborhood encompasses a large park and features a community center at the high point, directly on axis with Main Street and Temecula City Hall. A pedestrian path allows direct access to Main Street. This primary village is higher in density and scale with buildings potentially up to five stories in height.
Open space Civic / Community Residential
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The village nodes are linked by a main north-south road and by a network of pedestrian and bicycle paths, a “string of pearls.” This concept provides cohesion to a very linear site while conserving much of the existing land forms, allowing similar drainage patterns and maintaining views to the hillside above. There is a hierarchy to the scale and character of the neighborhoods reflecting their environment and location within the overall scheme.
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The Altair Specific Plan is a 270-acre community of primarily residential development with supporting civic uses and open space. It presents an urban lifestyle in its density, convenience of activities and close relationship to the shopping, dining and entertainment venues of Old Town Temecula. Altair is intended to house multiple demographics, spanning age groups and household types. A dominant pedestrian network linking active open spaces encourages interaction amongst these diverse residents.
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Le Bois des Moutiers - the most english corner of France | MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME
view opportunities
string of pearls The village centers are linked by a primary northsouth road and by a network of pedestrian and bicycle trails, forming a “string of pearls.” The experience when traveling along the string is a rhythm of intensity followed by release, just as a well-designed series of interior spaces will play upon volumetric compression and expansion between rooms. The enfilade arrangement of the villages, where one leads to the next, is critical to the spirit of Altair. By passing through each village, residents understand the community as a whole, the personalities of different neighborhoods, and what makes their own village unique.
hinged village nodes
Home
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Le Bois des Moutiers – the most english corner of France
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The principal roadway linking the villages is designed in straight segments that hinge at each village node. This brings focus to the Snodes at the same time as it creates CONTACT a sequence of unfolding events village to village. Important to this progression are the exterior spaces formed by the buildings framing the nodes. These spaces serve as outdoor “rooms” for community gathering and neighborhood identity.
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hangzhou jinsha lake metro mixed use project
h an g z h ou , c h in a
As we develop precious land resources into places suitable for habitation, commerce, and cultural development, we continually seek opportunities to connect back to nature. Indeed, the idea of nature deeply influences our design thinking on multiple levels - the natural world often acts as an inspirational muse during our form generation phase.
n at u r e + c u lt u r e As well, existing natural forms surrounding the site can be framed or put on a pedestal through the building’s overall siting - its organization, orientation and massing - to create multiple view corridors that enable occupants to appreciate the beauty around them. Nature can also be enhanced through the addition of gardens or open spaces that expand upon existing green belts or network of waterways. All of these principles were incorporated into our latest project in Hangzhou, one of China’s major provincial capitals. Our concept is a modern interpretation of the surrounding natural scenery for the multitower mixed-use development that sets out to energize the urban context, connect to the dynamic city grid, and become a new retail and commercial destination for this prosperous city. The 26- and 27-level towers, which include offices, high-end restaurants and exclusive retail venues, are thoughtfully integrated with
both the urban context and scenic Jinsha Lake. For us, it is proof that foward-thinking design
and harmonious coexistence with nature are not mutually exclusive concepts.
D E S I G N ST U D I E S : M A S S IN G Design studies show the evolution of a concept – from inspiration to the final form. During the design process, the mass loses its conformance to the literal and becomes a shape and form unique in its own right.
massing concept: tower ab
i n s p i r at i o n : m o u n ta i n s
m a s s i n g c o n c e p t : r e ta i l a b
i n s p i r at i o n : a g r i c u lt u r e
massing concept: tower c
i n s p i r at i o n : pa g o d a
inspired by hillsides Connected to each other via a sinuous tree-lined pedestrian path, the towers are distinctively different from each other in form yet are complementary to each other in finish and illumination. The sheared, angular mixed-use office tower is inspired by the local natural environment – the hills surrounding Hangzhou.
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s i t e s t u d i e s a n d d e s i g n a n a ly s e s Site Studies reveal the existing linkages that compose the City of Danyang’s network of functionality – the intertwined systems of transportation, including roadways, waterways, bridges, pedestrian walkways, parking structures and public transit infrastructure; destinations of social, cultural and economic importance; the city grid and zones; and the natural landmarks and preserved open spaces in between. Opportunities to reinforce existing connections or create new synergies are sought during the Design Analyses Process.
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connected by terraced gardens At the tower’s base, lies a multi-level retail complex that significantly extends the building footprint. Modeled after the naturally terraced hillsides found nearby, the retail complex’s form is realized through an intriguing arrangement of layered organic forms that both unify the shopping experience and add a unique viewpoint to each level. Connecting the retail complex and the mixed-use office tower is a terraced garden that extends from the street level to the office tower’s top level.
d i s t i n c t i v e r e ta i l e x p e r i e n c e A latticework of metal and glass sheathe the retail complex’s upper floors, adding to the building’s distinctive identity. At night, the retail complex lights up like a hundred bright constellations in the summer sky, with each of the building’s latticework joints studded with a single point of light. When seen from inside the retail complex, the horizontal latticework surface forms a dome over the center courtyard in a manner reminiscent of classic Old World gallerias – but with a modern twist.
s u s ta i n a b i l i t y i n u r b a n p l a n n i n g
S u s ta i n a b i l i t y i n s t e a d o f p r o j e c t i n c h i n a
When the power of iconic architecture is informed by the rich contextual influence of its city and interwoven with a vibrant mix of civic, restaurant and hospitality uses, the built spaces are transformed into places with emotional resonance. In the City of Danyang, on China’s east
planning for the future coast, these critical placemaking principles were embraced during the design and planning of its Exhibition Hall Center, which will be used to educate the viewing public – both Chinese and international audiences – on the economic, civic and cultural resources and opportunities available in Danyang. The building’s architectural prominence and highly progressive sustainable design systems are symbolic of its high civic relevance, indicating its ability represent Danyang’s mission, core values and prominent history. The three factors influencing the design of the building came from the city itself – designers were inspired by Danyang’s agrarian roots which shaped its history and the surrounding landscape; the city’s abundance of water resources including a network of 96 rivers and tens of thousands of ponds, lakes and reservoirs; and lastly, the local government’s progressive attitude toward green building. Together these factors form the basis of a design that can be described as AN AUTHENTIC PORTRAIT OF THIS GREAT CITY.
s p o t l i g h t o n k e y g r e e n f e at u r e s Re fle c tion pool – Below-grade level reflecting pools cool the building. L ight we lls – Light wells provide ventilation and natural light for all levels of the building, reducing use of artificial heating, cooling and lighting throughout the day. Gre e n roof – The green roof is home to millions of plants and a variety of birds and insect species and is essential to the building’s metabolism. S oil substrate – The green roof’s 20 cm soil substrate insulates the building and enables rainwater harvesting, reducing potable water use by 50%. Exterior facade – Exterior facades are clad in a high performance double-skin curtain glass system to provide a comfortable internal environment during Danyang’s freezing winters and sweltering summers. S hadin g syste m – An automatic motorized shading screen monitors light infiltration and adjusts itself to reduce glare.
AL REEM ISLAND MASTER PLAN abu dh abi, u n it e d arab e m irat e s
As we continue into the future, our belief that cities should be planned around the automobile is called into question. Urban plans often give little consideration of the need for people to experience life within the city free from traffic gridlock.
dynamism of city life The initial concepts of Al Reem Island pushed back on this belief. The plan envisioned an island filled with a dramatic collection of highrise buildings, interconnected by a series of ramps and elevated roadways. In this vision, traffic is removed from the base layer of the city and flows unimpaired by traffic signals, crosswalk, and other vestiges of conflicts between cars and people. Our challenge was to re-cast this vision in the form of a plan that was responsive to the full range of HUMAN EXPERIENCES NECESSARY TO CREATE A CITY.
i n a t w e n t y - m i n u t e wa l k
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1 c o n n e c tio n s A Civic Lawn and Summer Garden connect the business and governmental districts to the Promenade. 2 g a t he r in g sp a c e s At the center of the Promenade, the Cove is the central gathering space along the water. 3 m a rk e tp la c e The Promenade passes through a marketplace where the atmosphere is of a traditional Arab souk. 4 c o m m uni ty -o rie n te d Community-oriented retail and public gathering areas provide the center of the Garden City District to the south.
series of urban experiences unfold, each reflecting t h e n at u r e o f a d j a c e n t neighborhoods
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c u lt u r a l i n f l u e n c e s The symbol of the Arab Crescent is reflected in the dramatic urban form of buildings along the promenade. Inspired by flight, the form combines mid-rise buildings along the Crescent rise to the south and north, like the wings of a falcon.
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From the multiple buildings that combine to form the podium, to the multi-use nature of the adjacent districts,
the real character and sense of city will emerge as buildings and activities are introduced and change over time.
c h u l a v i s ta b ay f r o n t v i l l a g e c h u la v ist a, c aliforn ia
Nestled within the natural tidelands of the San Diego Bay is a revolutionary village of canals, bridges, seasonal marshes and eco-friendly residences. The Bayfront Village visionary master plan unites the density of smart growth with the ebb and flow of the natural habitat.
p e o p l e a n d n at u r e c o - e x i s t Along the outer edges of the plan, low-scale eco-bungalows emerge where individuals and small groups live within nature. Moving inward, paths are formed that draw elements of the natural environment through garden courts and increasingly urban experiences.
Anchoring the ends of the courts, multi-story buildings line a canal promenade where people gather and interact. From the promenade, bridges stretch across the waterway, connecting to the towers where people live, looking back across the village, the wetlands and the bay. The colors, materials, forms and details throughout this place reflect an attitude of connect ion between the city and the land, and their respective inhabitants.
the district experiences e c o v i l l a g e Nestled into the natural environment along the park buffer, this special neighborhood draws its identity from its unique natural setting. Here, “eco-bungalows” rise seamlessly from the sticks and mud as a soft reflection of their surroundings.
th e g ra n d c a n a l This urban corridor connects pedestrians, bicyclists and rowers to commercial and recreational activities to the south. All roads and walkways lead to the canal where the water experience provides a constant reminder of the bayfront setting.
t he v i l l a ge g r e e n Lined by mixed-use buildings with street-level retail, the south face of the park has an urban feel. Along the north edge, Marina Boulevard swings away from the city grid and becomes Shoreline Drive. A view shed is created, and a sense of coastline is unveiled.
s h o re l i n e p a rk This important nature park provides the setting for a unique environmentally-sensitive resort.
a r t i s t a l l e y This special “micro street” derives its character from a small-scale alley feel. The pedestrian orientation and high level of expression along its edges create an atmosphere designed to foster a live/ work environment.
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th e n o rth v i l l a g e Strong pedestrian connections and shared use of retail and recreational amenities bring hotel and residential uses together. th e p o n d A natural open space houses wildlife habitat and creates a nature setting for surrounding residential development.
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– o n e o f t h e n at i o n ’ s r i c h e s t
– wa s b o t h a n e c e s s i t y a n d a n a s s e t t o t h i s visionary plan.
the grand canal: close-up t h e w a te rw a y Kayaks and rowboats create recreational opportunities and an alternative to walking. t h e t o w e rs The two towers that flank the Village Green include midrise and highrise elements climbing to the highest point within the community. To the south, residential towers along the Grand Canal descend in height. the promenade A wide promenade along the west side of the waterway provides a pedestrian connection across the community and functions as an important community meeting place. the east edge Elevated ten feet above the waterway, the East Edge is a man-made bluff that provides the setting for residential towers with spectacular bay views. g a r d e n c o u rts Midrise housing features landscaped courts, balconies, porches and entry gardens along the Promenade. the bridges A series of individually-designed pedestrian bridges provide access across the Canal. m o t o r c o u rts Pedestrian-friendly motor courts provide access to bridges and function as ceremonial entries to adjacent residential towers.
urban focus e n v i ro n m e n ta l tra n s i ti o n grand canal recreational greenbelt
village gateway
the urban transition
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san diego bay
r e v e a l i n g c u lt u r e i n t h e fa b r i c o f o u r c i t i e s
urban planning