PLOT I

SPENCER JOVANOVSKI & VISHMITH KUMARASINGHE

Upon dividing the site into plots with the project team, our group decided that we wished to redesign plot 1. This plot is located at the northern most section of the project site and more specifically lies north of Oakman Blvd. and south of Fullerton Ave. When analyzing plot 1, our group found that it could be divided into three clear zones which include residential to the west, commercial to the east, and large-scale retail/wholesale business in this middle. The condition and vacancy in these three zones varied and we immediately saw the issues with this plot. First, there was an aging residential area, bad condition housing and a scattered occupancy. Our goal for this area was to create a complex feel, adding different types of housing rather than simple filling the empty lots with more single-family houses. Second, in the retail/business as well as the commercial zone, most of the buildings were vacant but needed renovations to be brought to the level of a functional purpose.Our two overall goals for the redesign of this plot were preservation and community. We wanted to preserve and renovate what was possible. while also adding a few new structures which we believe is the key to creating a positive environment throughout our plot. As a team, the occupied residential housing was kept and refurbished while the houses in poor condition were demolished. These were replaced with various types of new housing designs and small parks that connected the residential complex. In the middle of the plot is also where the path of the greenway ran through. This zone was repurposed to become a parks and recreation area which connected other adjacent project plots to become a greenbelt. This parks and recreation area gives the plot a sense of community and one large space rather than three separate ones, which was another one of our project goals; to unify the entirety of plot 1. The existing buildings were repurposed to fit the needs of the greenway and created a community sense with the neighboring zones. In the commercial area the buildings were preserved and new buildings were created which were surrounded by courtyards and public spaces. Lastly, our design focus was to improve the quality of life and create a space where anyone can enjoy their experience whether its live, work or play in our plot of the greenway. existing axon: mixed use area consisting of residential, business, and commercial areas site axon: developed mixed use area consisting of a semi-public housing complex, parks and recreational greenbelt, and revived commercial spaces

In the retail/business as well as the commercial zone, most of the buildings were vacant but needed renovations to be brought to the level of a functional purpose. Our two overall goals for the redesign of this plot were preservation and community. We wanted to preserve and renovate what was possible. While also adding a few new structures which we believe is the key to creating a positive environment throughout our plot. In the commercial area the buildings were preserved and new buildings were created which were surrounded by courtyards and public spaces.

Both green and public spaces were important to the plot’s concept. Pocket parks were placed between housing in residential areas allowing paths to run through them connecting the housing to the greenbelt and commercial areas.

Smaller areas of green space allow for people to come together as a community more often. Playgrounds and larger parks were considered as public space since many people can gather here for various types of activities.

The event space located on the greenbelt is a preserved paved area where pop up events can occur weekly or biweekly for the community to engage in local entertain or exchange of merchandise.

The pavilion also located on the greenbelt is a large public area which includes seating that provides shade and is a great place to rest. It is a prominent structure that the greenway runs through.

Parks & Recreation green way perspective section: the greenway can be used by all people whether they prefer to go at a slow or fast speed. it is divided into walking and biking lanes on either side with a median running in the middle.

The proposed housing that we developed in the residential area followed the goal to design a complex style block that featured single family houses, townhouse and an apartment building. These worked together to bring a community environment to a residential block that previously featured the common single-family subdivision feel The design of the ground floor of the townhouses contained a simple plan that included a kitchen, living, dining room combo with a half bath and office space as well. This design was repeated throughout all town homes in the complex to keep the layout consistent. perspective: showing recreation activities sketch quality of life and create a space where anyone can enjoy their experience whether its live, work or play in our plot of the greenway.