THE WATER PROJECT

La Escuela Teodoro Roosevelt sits on a plot of land that was once wetland. Allowing our site to once again become a wetland was a critical move for our project. This caused water to encompass many of the old CMU buildings on the site. Although the original 18 structures are still utilized, they retain a consistent architectural language as strategic elements are stripped from them leaving ruins throughout the wetland. Also, by having all new construction elevated to touch the site only lightly we are allowing natural processes to continue unobstructed. Circulation is also elevated off the wetland to reduce footprint. Experiences with water are celebrated throughout the project.

New structures are added to the site utilizing bamboo as a natural façade and roof material. Thus, as bamboo and concrete elements come together an obvious contrast between new and old is apparent. A boardwalk that brings eco-tourists from the east continues through the site and is pulled up to rest atop buildings. This boardwalk becomes a major link tying important elements to the wetland.

CATANO, PUERTO RICO

Facility is utilized as shelter during hurricanes and other emergencies. Includes temporary housing. Utilized as resort housing other times in the year SIte connects with boardwalk from catano ferry and pulls tourists to the site

Circulation is pulled through site and above buidings to connect surrounding infrastructure Flood plain is allowed to hold water to create a riparian habitat and experience with water. Water is also purified and re-charged on the site

New construction is pulled up above the site to allow natural processes to continue unobstructed