The Inclusive Park Revitalize the Coal Pier in Philadelphia

SITE: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

TYPE: Individual Work

DATE: 2020.8-2020. 12

As the article Urban Design & Social Justice mentioned that: A Foundation has written, “We believe that urban design can be used for the common good, and that good design should be an essential part of the toolkit for social justice.”

The site is near the Delaware River, Philadelphia. It was one of the earliest immigrant ports along the East Coast, but a vacant industrial heritage on the riverbank now. In the 1950s, the construction of the I-95 Highway broke the connection between communities and the Delaware River, accelerated the isolation of poor neighborhoods, such as ethnic enclaves and communities of color. After the shipyard firm and coal power plant closed, the site became a dead waterfront. Although it is only a 10-minute drive from downtown and has a rich history and culture, no one wants to come here anymore except for the popular Instagram site- Graffiti Pier.

My revitalization plan aims to take advantage of the site’s unique industrial heritage, reconnect the waterfront and communities, unify pieces into a holistic urban development, celebrate cultural diversity, and create a sense of identity and belonging for local communities.

Five thematic civic parks are placed along the main street and water bank to translate the immigration history. Different scales of narrative spaces tell the stories about how each race struggled, fought, collaborated, and succeeded over time. In addition to equal access and diverse community events, constructed wetland and rain gardens are sprinkled to remediate heavy metals’ pollution in existing soil and restore wildlife habitats near the water. Open spaces and green infrastructure are designed with the remaining industrial relics to preserve its history, creating opportunities for visitors and residents to enjoy the Delaware riverfront’s beauty.