AS4 LOCAL AS4
STUDY TOUR OCHO RIOS
LOCAL
STUDY TOUR OCHO RIOS
Team Members: Shaquille Bennett Jamal Chambers Sean Griffith Kino Johnson Aleena Olliveere Brian Ricketts Kyle Soares
TABLE OF CONTENTS PURPOSE INTRODUCTION CONTEXT MAP SETTELMENT & URBAN DEVELOPMENT NATURAL FEATURES LANDMARKS OBSERVATIONS & ANALYSIS PROPOSALS INTERVENTION CONCLUSION ACKNOWLEDGMENT
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PURPOSE Each year architectural students are given the opportunity to travel to a city/town locally or internationally in order to conduct an urban study. The fourth year learning objectives for the Urban Study Tour builds on pre-requisite learning methods of observing a city and drawing these observations in ways which communicate the spatiality of the urban form. The Local Study tour affords those who have already been on a regional study tour to study a town within Jamaica. The main objective of this study tour was to investigate the town, its urban development, elements and patterns in order to propose an intervention based on the conditions observed. The urban study presented took place in Ocho Rios, a popular tourist town, located in the parish of St Ann, on the north coast of Jamaica.
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INTRODUCTION Enclosed by a small, half-moon shaped bay, Ocho Rios is a tourist haven in Jamaica, located along the northern coast of the garden parish of St. Ann, in a deep bowl backed by vegetated hills to the south and bordered by a wide, white sand beach, Turtle Bay Beach and a reef-sheltered harbor to the north. The town was formerly called Las Chorreas or rapid rivers due to the nearby Dunn’s River Falls, however the name was changed in 1657 to Ocho Rios, an English adulteration of the previous Spanish name. Ocho Rios had humble beginnings as a fishing village but now has morphed into a tourist town and acts as a port for cruise ships and cargo ships loading sugar and limestone. In August 2011, the Jamaican Government announced a $21 million revitalization plan for the area. The town now consists of restaurants, nightclubs and other entertainment spots for both locals and tourists. As such Ocho Rios is known to be Jamaica’s fastest growing resort area, developing into a thriving tourist destination, a far cry from its fishing origins. General Information - Jamaica has a population of about 2.8 millions. 937, 000 persons reside in the Capital Kingston compared to 173,323 persons residing in the parish of St Ann with 9,451 of those persons residing in Ocho Rios. St Ann although larger parish than St. Andrew, is generally less dense.
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MAP OF OCHO RIOS
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Map of Ocho Rios Source - Surveys & Mapping Division, National Land Agency, 23 1/2 Charles Street, Kingston, Jamaica
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SETTELMENT & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
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OCHO RIOS: THE GREAT TRANFORMATION Tourism is one of the largest economic generators of St Ann. Ocho Rios has grown into one of the chief destinations in the island for both locals and tourists alike. The change began in the 1960’s with the advent of the St. Ann Development Company a subsidiary of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). It was the aim of the body to reclaim and develop up to 80 acres of beach land in the Ocho Rios Bay area as well as other portions of lands nearby. The harbour was dredged and the area zoned for the development of hotels and resort apartments. More hotels and apartment would have been built in later years, as it was observed that the overall investment in the area was a successful development.
17th Century Ocho Rios Battles 1972
In 1657 when the Spanish landed in Ocho Rios, stocks were moved to Dunns River falls which then led to a battle on October 23, 1657. It was during this time when the English plantation increased in Ocho Rios which was in close vicinity to the area of redevelopment. For 200 years Dunns River was owned by the Davis family, however it has now become one of the most common tourist areas in Jamaica. Ocho Rios functioned as defence force for Jamaica during the 17th and 18th century. The Ocho Rios fort built in the late 17th century was strengthened in1978 when the fear of French attack arose, however instead a small fort in Mammee Bay was attacked and was rebuilt by Reynolds Jamaica
20th Century Ocho Rios, the Founding of the Tourism Industry
1985
This century had awakened opportunity for sugar production in Jamaica. Ocho Rios was identified as the parish that can benefit in the sugar production because of the soil type and this cultivation resulted in the discovery of limestone deposits close to the surface. The UDC, which is the registered proprietors of the land on which the Fishing Village is located, was granted rights in 1975 as part of an agreement to locate them from lands elsewhere along the Ocho Rios shoreline. By the early 20th century, dozens of new villages were seen scattered among the estates of cattle rearing and plant growing. The coastal centre had rarely been used as only sugar factories on the coast were making a profit. .
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Map of Ocho Rios -1960
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Map of Ocho Rios -2016
Reclaimed Land - Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013
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Rise in Tourism
In 1962 John Pringles became the director of tourism in Jamaica, his initiative brought about the transformation of Ocho Rios main road in the mid-1950 .
Advent Urban Development Corporation
The UDC was instrumental in the transformation of Ocho Rios from a fishing village to one of Jamaica’s major resort destinations. By 1968 40 acres of beachfront property was reclaimed by the UDC and they have since then been responsible for the implementation of resorts, residential solutions, schools, hotels and commercial infrastructure throughout the town. This development was identified as the first set of formal urban development within Ocho Rios. The urban communicates are seen as being well planned, however, the rural areas and other areas outside of Ocho Rios including Mammee Bay and Greenwich has a more linear and scattered development pattern. The development and upgrading of other hotels in the surrounding areas of Ocho Rios quickly fell into place and facilitated the steady growth of the tourism industry in the parish. Over time, Turtle Beach provided an ideal location for a cruise ship pier which was later established and extended to accommodate two megaliners at once. Marinas were also constructed and cruise shipping as a result of this expansion, had added considerable activity to the tourism product in Jamaica. Thousands of passengers visit weekly and take great advantage of the craft industry which thrives on the north coast of Jamaica. In fact, between 1989 and 1992, Ocho Rios received approximately 73 percent of the island’s cruise ship passengers and it was estimated that cruise ship passengers contributed some US $77 million from stop over visitors. Among the development that took place was the reorganization of Ocho Rios, the construction of a shopping centre and a crafts market amongst others. Further development in the area of tourism took place with the establishment of an all-inclusive hotel. This would be the first of its kind in St. Ann but the second overall in the island. This was in 1978 with the conversion of the Tower Isle Hotel, to Couples All Inclusive Hotel. The importance of this hotel stretches far beyond the shores of Ocho Rios as it is said that modern Jamaican Tourism Industry began with the creation of this Hotel as it provided the initial thrust for Jamaican Tourism (Martin). This tourism sector of St. Ann has continued to bring thousands of new visitors to the island and St. Ann has blossomed into one of the leaders in tourism in Jamaica. Some of the island’s best hotels and beaches can be found in the parish and over the years, St. Ann has become globally recognized as one the best places to vacation when in the Caribbean.
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- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013
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NATURAL FEATURES
RIVERS & WATERFALLS WATERSHED MARINE PARK BEACHES BOTANICAL GARDENS
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RIVERS & WATERFALLS •The parish of St Ann compromises of several rivers and streams, the town Ocho Rios (eight rivers) actually has seven rivers. •Over the years Ocho Rios has been known for its relaxing and tranquil nature. Its beauty resonates throughout the city with its lush vegetation’s and its many waterfalls. •Some common waterfalls include Dunns river, White river and Roaring river, AAAII Falls, Mahoe Falls and Laughing water falls.
Dunns River Falls
WATERSHED The parish contains a common set of streams and rivers that all drain into a single larger body of water which is the Caribbean Sea. Ocho Rios can be said to be a large watershed, given that all the rivers flow through the landmass, meets at several different points then toward a larger body of water. The watershed is a protected area connected to the marine park, protected by NEPA and nongovernmental agencies such as “White River Watershed & Ocho Rios Marine Parks” (WHROMP)
White River 1
- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture : 2009
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MARINE PARK
Boundaries of Marine Park
In 1966, Prospect Reef a small area off the coast of Ocho Rios was declared a protected marine area. The study site of Dr. Thomas Goreau, founder of the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory. With active lobbying from agencies such as Friends of the Sea, the boundaries of this protected area was expanded in November 1999. The boundaries of the Marine park cover the shoreline boundary of Mammee Bay and Drax Hall in the west, to Frankfort Point in the east and north one thousand metres of the shore.
Snorkeling off Turtle Beach
BEACHES Ocho Rios boasts many wonderful beaches. One of the most common beaches in Ocho Rios is the turtle beach which is located on the eastern side of Ocho Rios bay. Other beaches in the area known to be small and intimate are, the Mahogany Beach located in the east end of the town and Island Village Beach located at the end of the boardwalk at the Island Village shopping center.
Turtle Beach
Mahogany Beach
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Island Village Beach
- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture :2009 - Jamaica Protected Area Trust, 2011
BOTANICAL GARDENS Shaw Park Gardens Located on the hills above Ocho Rios is Shaw Park Gardens. After being sold to the Pringles family, the garden was cultivated as a hotel garden and has since expanded to now 25 acres of flowers, ferns and shrubs.
Coyaba Gardens Located on the hills above Ocho Rios Coyaba Gardens offers a variety of attractions in one location, the Coyaba Botanical Gardens, Mahoe Falls and an Arawak Museum. The botanical gardens feature pools of koi carp, snapper and turtles. There is also a river running through the gardens.
Enchanted Gardens The Enchanted Garden is a beautiful botanical gardens set in the mountain-side overlooking Ocho Rios. A natural river cascades through the 20 acre property, creating 14 natural waterfalls on its path.
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- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture :2009
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LANDMARKS
1.Bauxite Pier 2. Fishing Village 3. Island Village 4. Turtle Towers 5. Turtle River Park 6. Craft Market 7. Wesleyan Church 8. Clock Tower 9. Ocho Rios Market 10. Ocho Rios Transport Centre
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BAUXITE PIER Bauxite in Jamaica was discovered by Sir Alfred Da Costa. Built by R J Reynolds. The construction of this deep water pier began in the late ‘40s with its first shipment of Jamaican bauxite exported in 1952. This pier is now owned by the government of Jamaica and is now used for tourists and limestone exports. By mid 1984 Reynolds discontinued their operations. Today the pier overhead conveyor belt and housing are only reminders of Reynolds Jamaica Mines which was once the economic base of Ocho Rios settlement
FISHING VILLAGE Columbus Foot Beach (also known as Fisherman’s Beach) is the most westerly beach in Ocho Rios. The Fishing Village is owned by the UDC who were granted rights of occupation in 1975 to relocate it elsewhere along the shoreline. The agreement signed transfers these lands to the PAJ which will undertake major re-development converting it to an upscale facility and right of access to a modern bay tourism environment.
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- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture :2009
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ISLAND VILLAGE This is a newly constructed themed shopping and entertainment attraction complex located on the north coast water edge, on the location where the original pier was. This project which was designed by Ann Hodges was completed in 2002, it is a complex site with multi-dimensional qualities. This space includes building constructed from local materials and Amerindian and European architectural influences.
TURTLE TOWERS This high rise apartment complex is sandwiched between Turtle Beach to the north, Island Village to the west and Main Street to the south. It was designed by Mc Morris Sibley Robinson and built in 1971. It is in close proximity of Taj Mahal Mall and Shaw Park Botanical Gardens and a variety of fine restaurants and entertainment spots.
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- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture :2009
TURTLE RIVER PARK The Turtle River Park which used to be a bus park until it was scheduled for redevelopment by the UDC is located in the Centre of Ocho Rios. It was opened on June 18th, 2004. The park features a large pond stocked with fish and turtles, gazeboes, a flower bed a pavilion and a concession selling snacks.
CRAFT MARKET The Ocho Rios Craft Market is a former fishing village that the Jamaica Tourist Board developed for tourism in the mid-1980s. It was there from UDC’s first development in 1971 and is one of the biggest craft markets in Ocho Rios. It houses over 100 vendors and craftsmen, who sell a range of goods from jewellry, t-shirts, bags, purses, hats and wooden figures.
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- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture :2009
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WESLEYAN CHURCH The church was built by Rev Isaac Whitehouse. This is the only building from this period still in use. It is not the original structure however, it is on the site when the original structure was. The church is approximately 165 years old.
CLOCK TOWER SQUARE The clock tower is located at the intersection of De Costa drive and main street and was donated by Donald Da Costa in August 1959. It is one of the most noticeable structures that the group recognized in the city and was also identified as a central node (meeting place).
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- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture :2009
FARMERS MARKET The Ocho Rios Farmers Market is located near to the towns square and is patronised by mostly locals seeking to purchase fresh produce. Vendors from around the parish flock to the market to sell their produce especially on Saturdays.
TRANSPORT CENTRE The Ocho Rios Transport Centre is located near to the eastern entrance of the town along the by-pass road. It is the main transportation hub for the parish of St.Ann and is the main entry into the town by public transportation.
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- Urban Development Corporation, Ocho Rios Re-Development Plan, Jan 2013 - Jamaica Travel and Culture :2009
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OBSERVATIONS & ANALYSIS
AREA OF STUDY METHODOLOGY ST. JAMES STREET DA COSTA DRIVE MARKET STREET MAIN STREET CORNER TREATMENT MATERIALITY ANALYTICAL DIAGRAMS 24 | Local Study Tour - Ocho Rios
AREA OF STUDY
The extents of the Study area were from Island village in the West to just beyond the Farmers market to the East and from the traffic lights in the south to the coastline .
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METHODOLOGY
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Four teams, each comprised of two students, set out to investigate the town of Ocho Rios St. Ann. We were given the task to analyze the elements and character of the urban landscape - its patterns, forms, profiles, private and public spaces. Each group was given one of four zones to explore with further detailed analysis.
STSETBACKS JAMESALONG AVENUE ST. JAMES AVE. •
•
•
THE BUILDINGS ALONG ST. JAMES AVE. ARE MAINLY COMMERCIAL WITH A FEW RESIDENTIAL HOLDOUTS
THE SETBACKS ALONG ST. JAMES AVE. ARE THEREFOR VERY ECLECTIC & VARY FROM ZERO TO 10 METERS FROM BOUNDARY LINES BUILDINGS ARE OFTEN ANGLED TO ALLOW FOR PARKING AND CIRCULATION
SETBACK ROAD
A SERVICE GATE ENTRANCE FOR THE MOON PALACE HOTEL
-A 3-METRE-TALL WALL BLOCKS ACCESS TO THE BEAUTIFUL WATER
BARRIER TO BEACH ACCESS ST. JAMES ST.
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THE ONLY BEACH ACCESS FROM ST. JAMES AVE. IS THROUGH HOTEL LOBBIES
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THE CANAL ACTS AS A BARRIER FROM ST. JAMES AVE. TO THE WATER
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THIS INACCESSIBILITY PROMPTED OUR PROPOSAL FOR BEACH ACCESS
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DACOSTA DRIVE The southern end of the street had mostly commercial activity, much like the town on a whole, the more one traverses north/ northeast the more local, rural and unplanned the road seems to become. Store types moved from a more global familiarity with Courts, popular fast foods and larger shopping plazas to corner stores and smaller scaled businesses. Architectural integrity, planning, parking and building setbacks were all taken into greater consideration in design on the north eastern side of the street. Because of this the less planned side of Dacosta drive seems to be more clustered with badly or unorganized parking, no sidewalks leading to pedestrians walking in the road and haphazard building arrangement. Vehicular activity is also lighter on this side as it is less of a destination for drivers.
Area of DaCosta Drive used as an informal taxi stand
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Area of DaCosta Drive close to town square
MARKET STREET
Market street in located in the center of the town and is the main connection between the town square and the bus park. This street is used as a service access to the market as well as buildings on Evelyn Street which are oriented with their backs to Market Street thus making it almost unimportant. Market Street was identified as one of the streets where no sidewalks were present and the building walls starting at the road edge.
Market Street South
Market Street North
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MAINSTREET
Main Street was observed as the town’s main artery. It was observed that most buildings had an average height of three stories which transitioned to an average of two stories as the group traversed easterly along the street. The buildings were mainly arranged into plazas on their respective lots, turned inwards into courtyard spaces. On seeing that this end of Main Street was in close proximity to the pier, the main entry point for tourists arriving via cruise ships, buildings were mainly commercial with specific attention to servicing the visitors. Eg. Island village, Tahj Mahal Plaza etc.
South Elevation of Mainstreet from Gully to Milford Road intersection
North Elevation of Mainstreet from Wesleyan Church to James Sereet intersection
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Cross-section of Mainstreet through Craft Market
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BLOCK ANALYSYS
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Four Blocks within the study area were chosen for furthur analysis
Mean Building Height: 2 stories Building Use: Commercial (Tourist), Mixed use Average Building Setback: 6.8m along Dacosta Drive , 2m along Main Street
Mean Building Height: 2 stories Building Use: Commercial (Local), Mixed use , Institutional Average Building Setback: 8.2m along Dacosta Drive , 2m along Main Street
Mean Building Height: 3 stories Building Use: Commercial (Local), Civic, Institutional Average Building Setback: 11 m along Dacosta Drive , zero lot line along Main Street
Mean Building Height: 2 stories Building Use: Commercial (Tourist), Residential, Mixed use Average Building Setback: 6.8m along St. James , 2m along Main Street
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CORNER TREATEMENT
The gracious corner area created By chamfer is mainly used for parking
Rounded sidewalk along Mainstreet Sidewalk is discontinued along Mainstreet and a planter replaces a sidewalk along St. James Avenue
South corner of Mainstreet & market street
North east & west corners of Mainstreet & market street intersection 34 | Local Study Tour - Ocho Rios
MATERIALITY
Zinc Roofing Clay Tiles Timber Fencing
Concrete Wall
James Street - Restaurant
Timber Fretwork
Metal Balusters Thatched Roofing Concrete Column
Main Street - Restaurant
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Zinc Sheeting
Wrought Iron
Cut Stone Wall
Metal Balusters
Main Street - Local Bar
Timber Balusters Zinc Sheeting Metal Balusters Brick Wall Concrete Pavement
Mainstreet - Burger King Restaurant
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Decorative Blockwork Aluminum Awning
Concrete Wall
Main Street - Post Office
Timber Finial Timber Shingles
Aluminum Awning Concrete Column
Main Street -
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Thresholds / Points of Entry
This map shows the four (4) main points of entry into the town of Ocho Rios
Major Roads
Major Roads vs Minor Roads
Map showing road networks in the town 38 | Local Study Tour - Ocho Rios
Minor Roads
Figure Ground / Density
Buildings and lot sizes are smaller and closely packed together to the eastern side of the town while to the western side of the town the buildings are spread apart and are on larger lots. One Storey Two Storey Three Storey and Above
Building Heights
This map shows the change in levels of buildings within the town. There is a building code restriction of two storey for all new constructions
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Disconnect
The morphing of the town’s edge from Da Costa Dr. to Main Street, has caused the town to turn its ‘back’ to its former coastline. As a result a dead zone has been created between Graham Street and the Clock Tower
Locals Tourists
Local v.s Tourists
High amounts of tourist activities were observed on the western side of the town closer to Island Village, while high amounts of local activities were observed to the eastern side of the town - closer to the Ocho Rios Market and Bus Park. As a result, an area of ‘void’ was experienced around the gully which separated the two zones.
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• • • •
Commercial Residential Recreational Mixed Use -
Building Typology
Pedestrian Circulation
Map shows areas with high pedestrian circulation within the town. The areas with the highest levels of congestion are located near island village the craft market and the clock tower. On port of call days the amounts of traffic increase significantly along Mainstreet in the areas of island village and the Craft Market due to the influx of tourists and vendors around these areas AS4 Design Studio | 41
Vehicular Circulation
This map shows areas of high vehicular congestion within the town. The areas with the highest levels of congestion are located near island village and the clock tower. On port of call days the amounts of traffic increase significantly along Mainstreet in the area of Island Village due to the high number of taxi and tour busses in the area. Designated Parking Areas Informal Parking
Parking
Map shows areas designated for parking spaces within the town vs. areas used as informal parking zones 42 | Local Study Tour - Ocho Rios
GENERAL FINDINGS • • • • •
Commercial Hub - Mainstreet was by far the busiest street within Ocho Rios and had high levels of activity throughout on both days we visited. Along the entire stretch there were mostly businesses such as bars shops restaurants plazas supermarkets and hotels. Most of these businesses had their main entrances (store frontage) opening directly onto main street or facing it. This was to maximize on the influx of potential customers along the street. Cruise Terminal – The Port of Ochi Rios cruise terminal is located to the western side of the town and boasts to be one of the top 10 cruise terminals in the world. It is an International port of call which can berth up to three vessels. These terminals berth ships between 3 to 5 days weekly with these ships bringing thousands of visitors into the town for the day transforming it into a hive of activity. - On these days the skyline of the town is significantly different as these 10 – 12 storey ships can be seen towering above the town from miles away. – Increased levels of commerce were noticed Local VS Tourists –. From the first day that we visited it was clear that Mainstreet possessed two separate and distinct characterizes with most of the commercial activates being geared towards either tourists (visitors) or locals. – High amounts of tourist activities were observed on the western side of the town closer to Island Village while high amounts of local activities were observed to the western side of the town closer to the Market and Bus park. An area of void / emptiness was observed around the gully which separated the two zones Sidewalks – The sidewalks along Mainstreet vary in width, height, texture and accessibility all along mainstreet. Wider and more accessible sidewalks were noticed to the western side of the town (Tourist Zone) while narrow sidewalks sometimes obstructed by garbage bins and utility poles were noticed to the eastern side of the town (Local Zone). In some instances there was no sidewalk present and pedestrians were forced to walk in the road. Pedestrian Congestion – The areas with the highest levels of congestion are located near island village the craft market and the clock tower. On port of call days the amounts of traffic increase significantly along Mainstreet in the areas of Island village and the Craft Market due to the influx of tourists and vendors around these areas
• Vehicular Congestion - The areas with the highest levels of congestion are located near island village and the clock tower. On port of call days the amounts of traffic increase significantly along Mainstreet in the area of Island Village due to the high number of taxi and tour buses in the area. • Beach Access –The bay has a beautiful beach front with magnificent views out the sea. However there are only a few points that offer direct beach access onto mainstreet.
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PROPOSALS
RECOMMENDATIONS AREA FOR INTERVENTION PROPOSAL
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RECOMMENDATIONS • Beach Access –Create a promenade with landscaping and seating areas along the beachfront linking it directly to mainstreet so it can be easily accessible. •
Wider Sidewalks –Provide wider more accessible sidewalks with landscaping
• Oneway Traffic – On port of calls part of mainstreet should be converted into a one was street with vehicles using half of the roadway and pedestrians being able to use the other half as an extension to the existing sidewalk. This would help to alleviate the both the pedestrian and vehicular congestion which currently exists. •
Textured Roadways
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Plaza
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Pocket Parks
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Beach Park and Access
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AREAS FOR INTERVENTION
Approaching the town of Ocho Rios from the western end of Main Street the group could sense that the area was definitely a tourist destination. Being populated by souvenir shops, retail stores, larger hotels and craft markets was clear evidence that this was in fact the case. The group however quickly noticed areas for improvement. Main Street itself was in need of improvement. The sidewalks were irregular in width and lacked adequate shading to make the walk comfortable for the tourists whom can quickly populate the streets when cruise ships dock. The Urban Development Cooperation has plans for such an intervention in the western end of the town from Island Village in the west to the gully towards the east of the town along Main Street. Travelling further east we found the town to be segregated. To the west entering the town was a very tourist like spot, very attractive with store fronts and green spaces in some areas. To the east were more commercial areas such as supermarkets, markets, churches and business places which indicated that this was the area frequented by locals. It was evident that some sort of intervention is needed to be done to bring life back to the east especially around the clock tower square area. The UDC also has an intervention proposed for this area which includes the re-designing of the local market and Taxi Park to make them more aesthetically appealing. It was also noticed that there was no beach access to the east of the town. This was an issue also identified in the study that helped us in the development of the proposal.
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PROPOSAL
For our proposed intervention it was observed, through urban analysis that the area around the clock tower needed to be made into more of a civic space in order to attract more tourists to that side of the town and also to make an access point from the town square to the shore line. The clock tower square itself was surrounded by large 2-3 story shopping plazas and buildings. This sense of enclosure made one feel isolated while on it as though the square itself wasn’t a part of the town. The area around the clock tower is highly traversed by both vehicular and pedestrian traffic further causing this congested feeling in the area as the clock tower square revives traffic from all directions. The island that the clock tower sits on lacks the physical connection to its urban environment that would make the area feel like the town square that it is and what it used to represent in the past when Ocho Rios was still developing. Through observation it was seen that there was a need for a visual or physical connection from the area of the square to the beach towards the north via St. James Street it being such as strong axis through to the town square. Currently the best access point for the shore line from the east is currently gated by the Moon Palace Hotel, and is now used as a parking lot. It was suggested that this area be reclaimed as a beach park for both locals and tourists to enjoy .There was a need for a visual release from within the square to alleviate from the congestion that can be created within the town square. It was observed that there was a need for the beatification of the clock tower square itself with more trees and benches to make it more of a pause spot and a gathering area instead of a median used to help cross the road, which it is currently used for, the gradation of green spaces in this area also a necessity. We consulted as a group and found that the gas station next to the market was not necessary as there was another one in close proximity. We would use this area to create a park and create other parks further south thus enhancing the irregular parking spaces that were created due to building setbacks. This would aid also in the connectivity of the square to its urban context. A connection from the transport centre to the town square was something that the group also saw as necessary. AS4 Design Studio | 47
CONCLUSION The aim of this study tour was to explore ways of critically representing the experience and characteristics of urban space, streets were analyzed along with connected civic spaces and surrounding areas, paying particular attention theories of morphology, typology and topology of architectural elements. The topography and transformation of the city throughout the years, caused irregular morphological patterns. There was little to no uniformity within our study area as it related to building types, setbacks and lot allocations. After observation and analysis Ocho Rios was identified as a town that catered to two sets of users, tourists and locals, with clear distinction and transition between both territories although closely bordering each other, creating interactions, rituals and activities unique to a Tourist destination.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Ocho Rios study tour group would like to take this opportunity to thank the following persons who assisted with procurement of information for this project. - Architect Kamau Kambui; Urban Development Corporation, Jamaica - Architect Leighton Whyte; Urban Development Corporation, Jamaica - Mr. Richard Picart - Kelly; The National Land Agency, Jamaica - Mr. Akindele Hickling, Lecturer - Architect Desmond Hayle, Lecturer - Architect Jacquiann Lawton, Senior Lecturer
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AS4 2015-2016
OCHO RIOS
LOCAL STUDYTOUR Team Members Shaquille Bennett Jamal Chambers Sean Griffith Kino Johnson Aleena Olliveere Kyle Soares Brian Ricketts
Lectures Desmond Hayle Akindele Hickling Jacquiann Lawton
Booklet prepared by: Shaquille Bennett Sean Griffith With assistance of: Aleena Olliveere
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