4 LIVE, ART, ECOLOGY

Academic Project Group Work

Landscape Design

East Providence, Rhode Island, United States

The design concept focuses on revitalizing the polluted post-industrial site by transforming it into a vibrant “Live, Art, and Ecology” waterfront wetland art park. This innovative approach employs phytoremediation techniques through constructed wetlands to remediate contaminated soil and mitigate urban runoff and industrial wastewater pollution. By integrating the existing East Providence art scene, the park establishes itself as a hub for artistic and cultural recreation within the surrounding community.

Envisioned as a flexible space for future cultural and artistic endeavors, this dynamic landscape features a series of captivating nodes, each designed to engage visitors and encourage participation. This interactive approach fosters site activation and contributes to the overall revitalization of the area, promoting a sustainable and thriving future for the community.

Location Analysis

The site is located on the banks of the Ten Mile River and Omega Pond, East Providence, RI. Ten Mile River and Omega Pond are urbanized and highly impounded watershed located in southeastern Massachusetts and northeastern Rhode Island. Due to the early industrial development of the site, a large amount of pollution remained in the river and silt sediment.

Existing Problems

Industrial

Framework

Site Plan

Live+Art+Ecology=East Providence Landmark

From a macro planning perspective, the design strategically connects the surrounding abandoned buildings with the site, repurposing them to accommodate artistic and residential functions. This adaptive reuse approach caters to the needs of local artists and fosters a sustainable, regenerative cycle within the community. The site’s boundary is seamlessly integrated with the surrounding wetlands, enhancing ecological connectivity and promoting environmental benefits.

As a result, a comprehensive “Live, Art, Ecology” system is established, which not only revitalizes the area but also supports the community’s artistic endeavors and fosters a thriving, ecologically-balanced environment.

Art Farm is a unique urban ladder farm concept designed to engage the surrounding community. As fruits and vegetables ripen, they create a vibrant and colorful experience, in which community members become both spectators and active participants. The harvested produce will be transformed into organic pigments, providing a sustainable and environmentally-friendly resource for artists in the nearby creative spaces.

The vision for the Phillipsdale historical district is to transform it into an East Providence landmark by integrating living spaces, artistic applications, and ecological restoration. The Art Park’s design, characterized by circular forms and organic curves, symbolizes the inclusive nature of art, making it more accessible and inviting to all.

Attracting design studios and artists across diverse disciplines, the park also encourages public participation in the creative process. Wooden walkways are thoughtfully incorporated into the design, offering stunning views of the river landscape while minimizing human interference and potential damage to the wetland’s purification system. This careful approach ensures a suitable habitat for various wetland organisms and promotes a thriving, ecologically-balanced environment.

Water Level Change on Wetland

Low Tide Saltmarsh

High Tide Saltmarsh

The soil on the original site is barren because of oil pollution and heavy metals. At low tide, an entire area of ecological wetland is exposed. At high tide, the water level submerges parts of the wetland and form islands.