Puerto Rico Re_Start 3 Executive Summary and Project Development Preview

International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 3 E Š Under Emergency

March 22nd to 28th 2020 University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Executive Summary & Project Development

Edited by

Prof. Martha Kohen Workshop Director

Maria E. Barrios

Workshop Assoc. Director

Cover Photo Credits: https://www.palmasdelmar.com/v2/cabo-rojo-puerto-rico/

International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 3 E Š Under Emergency

March 22nd to 28th 2020 University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Executive Summary & Project Development Edited by Prof. Martha Kohen Workshop Director

Maria E. Barrios

Workshop Assoc. Director

Program Preparatory Activity for:

UNESCO Endorsement & Conclusions

Sustainable Urban Quality and Urban Culture, notably in Africa

First of all, I would like to thank you all, starting with Martha Kohen and Carlos Betancourt, for allowing me to participate in an event that in my opinion, already constitutes a model of great value in which it is worth working on future occasions. One of the groups developed its work according to the motto: (New) Quality from Fragility, dear Francesco. Here: from the current, new fragility of the human, academic and institutional organization Puerto Rico Re_Start 3 E has taken the cue to elaborate, with new, but well-known tools, the quality of extraordinary collaboration. So thanks, many thanks to those who Maria Barrios, helped to make our happy collaboration possible day by day. In the program, I am entrusted with the task of concluding such an important, vast, complex work. A really difficult task. I try, but only to stimulate in you other different, and richer conclusions

Dr. Lucio Barbera

1) The first consideration is that we – you, I would better say - need and deserve to move forward. The ideas, research, and project directions developed by our groups constitute already a living heritage, they form an organism in evolution. It would be doing wrong to all of us, to our institutions, and Puerto Rico if everything stopped here, on this memorable day, anyway. I think that every participant, many of whom are not working for Puerto Rico for the first time, already sees, in what he/she has elaborated, only the first step of a path whose horizon has been sensed. gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg 2)The second consideration is that all works are works in progress. But this is a fundamental advantage.

This is why they attract and involve the observer. I, studying them carefully, many times I would have taken pen and paper to continue the project, sometimes just outlined, but full of functional innovation, social attention, feeling for nature, and rich of formal suggestions. dddddddddddddddddddddddddddd 3) The third observation concerns what makes the set of so many projects in so many different areas an organic unity. It seems to be an interesting indication for the future of the work, but also the development of an environmentally accurate design method, that all the projects presented, even if concerning small stable or mobile infrastructures, gardens or well-defined tiny new settlements, have always been conceived as the result of a comprehensive, territorial scale reflection, which included a wide range of the problems of the studied territories.

Thus the architectural project does not want to emerge as an abstract idea but as the most appropriate solution

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from a well-developed territorial, urban and social vision, if not “program�. This is one of the most important methodological indications that derives from our, from your work, together with the specific idea that on the island of Puerto Rico every project, even the most limited, is connected with every other part of the island, always understood as a complex context of areas of a different character, however unitary, as some group affirmed, dear Anna.

4) The fourth observation concerns the fact that the projects, I would say all of them, pose to the observer, therefore I also hope to the public administrations of Puerto Rico, some problems of great importance regarding the main themes of the island. Agriculture is certainly one of them. It seems to me that it is present almost in all your studies, in those that directly address the problem of agricultural areas and settlements, but also in those that deal with the reclamation of flood areas, in those that deal with the production of energy in sustainable forms and finally in those in which nature, protection, landscape and qualification of wide parts of the territory organically merge into a realistic and memorable vision of a better future, dear Pedro.

5) Agriculture, therefore, seems to me to be a point of attention in its own right. Maybe one of the most important. And I name it the Fifth. It concerns the well-being of citizens, the work of farmers, the economic balance of the entire island. I have seen that the analyses concerning the issue of agriculture, fluctuate between the development of production for export and incentives for a product that makes the island self-sufficient. The theme is among the most difficult. I am an old scholar: I cannot forget that the perfect agricultural self-sufficiency of cities or settlements was scientifically defined and sought by a famous German scientist Gottfried Feder, who is famous for two of his works: first of all for the definition of the perfect nutritional unit - which puts the soil around the settlements in close and rigid relationship with their food survival, secondly and consequently for being the extender of the agricultural program of the German Nazi party, published in 1939, when the war was just around the corner. Perfect and autonomous food self-sufficiency is what best suits a world of separate and warring state cells. I do not think this is what we must foresee and least of all pursue 6) On the other hand, and here is the sixth point, the agricultural specialization according to the climate and the botanical specialties of a territory is beneficial only if the export of the products is not totally in the hands of international actors indifferent to the conditions of the places and the populations serving the production. This is a problem that architects and planners must pose to politicians and administrators. In addition to being a utopia, perfect food autarchy is the antechamber of separation from the rest of the world. The export of agricultural products not controlled locally puts the whole society at the mercy of foreign actors insensitive to local problems. Here emerges, therefore, one of the tasks of architects and urban planners, as well as of all intellectuals and men of science: to call the institutions to politically solve some preliminary, important problems, no to make a useless utopia out of our projects.

7) The transportation system deserves a seventh point. The problem of public transportations is at the heart of many of the works presented, and I was convinced by those that take

into account innovative transport systems, such as air taxis and a network of ferries that link coastal cities together, dear Nancy. I would also add the cable transport system, such as cable cabins, already tested as urban transport in Singapore, for example, which could, with not high investments and great rapidity, link hillside settlements with coastal plains, not only to improve living conditions of the settlements already established in the hills and the internal valleys but also to make it possible to move coastal settlements and also coastal industrial areas to higher places, taking into account, of course, the nature of the soil and its stability.

8) Therefore, as an eighth point come the projects that are concerned with the shape of the settlements and the need for innovative typologies. They are perhaps the projects that most attract my experience as an architect; observing them I was tempted to put my pencil on the paper to participate to carry them forwards. Puerto Rico has the task of representing the fusion, the integration between two cultures. The North American and the Hispanic one. On one hand, we have the North American city, which is essentially based on two opposing typologies; the multi-story block and the isolated house. On the other hand, we deal with an urban culture that naturally would follow its path, in which high densities can be reached with a masterly aggregation of houses. Aggregations, I say, modeled as sculptural or tectonic material to create public spaces, collective paths, resting places within the settlement mass, and on its terraces open to the outside. And some projects fascinated me with their high-level command of the urban dimension of the quality we, architect shell pursue, dear Martha. But I think that also the extremely interesting series of projects based on prefabricated attachable modules would respond to this need, but sometimes they are privileging the spirit of the, let’s say, North American city or, on the contrary, are lingering in a too light vision of settlements poetically conceived according to a rarefied nature. At this point, our Workshop opens an exciting, stimulating path. A path that I hope you will be called to follow designing innovative settlements in Puerto Rico.

9) Finally, as a ninth point, I make a recommendation. I believe that apart from the use of natural or artificial barriers, apart from the creation of parks along the coasts, it would be necessary to suggest the need for a multi-year plan to move away from all the most exposed coastal settlements, slowly, year by year, as the innovative infrastructures are implemented. The hills of Puerto Rico should be considered beautiful terraces from which the new settlements will wonderfully face the sea from above, therefore protected from its waves, leaving the coastline to nature, the tourism, the collective and cultural activities, and to myriads of lonely observation and meditation moments, dear Sylvia.

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2018 Puerto Rico Re_Start 1

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The PR_RS International Project & Research Workshop 1 Held in March 2018, it gathered the support of the Chancellor of the University of Puerto Rico, the Dean of Architecture UPR, the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Urban Quality and Culture Rome, the UF Center for Latin American Studies, the UF International Center, the UF Office of Research, the College of DCP, the School of Architecture, the Shimberg Center, CityLab Orlando, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College, City University in New York, the University of Rome, La Sapienza, the University of Seville, Spain, the New York Institute of Technology, the PolitĂŠcnico di Torino, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and the University of Turabo.

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2019 Puerto Rico Re_Start 2

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Following the successful completion of PR_RS 1 in March 2018, responding to the aftermath of the Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the University of Florida and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico prepared the second edition held at the PUPR Campus in San Juan. The PR_RS 2 addressed the holistic ideas for inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary integrative proposals, and open new areas for innovative research and visionary projects under the ambitious goal of a Sustainable and Resilient Puerto Rico for 2045.

The Project of the Future

The workshop addressed the resiliency for the future of the Island, with expected consequences beyond Puerto Rico, to the Virgin Islands, Guadalupe, Dominica, Barbuda, Haiti, and more. Interdisciplinary participants, professionals, and academics gathered around subjects of investigation and project proposals. The international participants, the UNESCO for Sustainable Urban Quality and Urban Culture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, the Puerto Rico Planning Board, the Center for Latin American Studies, the Office of Research and the International Center at UF, together with Puerto Rico’ scholars, and stakeholders worked on the coordination of the comprehensive long-term research agenda, where topics related to a wide selection of issues were addressed, and long-term priorities established.

Three main sections guided the workshop: Research Round Tables Gathered data and prioritized research objectives; these scientific meetings will discuss its conclusions publicly by the end of the workshop (economics, population, migration, infrastructure, housing stock, legal environment, finance). The research table-clearing house would promote mixed teams to develop grants and further research.

Public Evening Lecture Series Showcased incoming contributors and successful initiatives and case studies.

Design Laboratories Professionals, faculty, and students from UF, Polytechnic, and international institutions from Europe and Latin America participated in the visioning process. The Labs convened interdisciplinary expertise into integrated proposals. Stakeholders and public officials were invited to actively participate. The Workshop results were presented publicly for discussion.

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Puerto Rico Re_Start 3 E Under Emergency

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2020 Puerto Rico Re_Start 3 E Under Emergency

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The Workshop had been originally formulated following the pattern established with PUPR for Puerto Rico Re Start 1 and 2. Given the continuing earthquakes, pandemic, and accompanying circumstances that affect the Island and us, an alternative plan was developed to host the Workshop through the University of Florida Conference Center as an on-line Workshop. The institutions involved have courses and research tracks in development for the subjects of the workshop, both at UF, PUPR, and our partner institutions that will continue on-line modalities. The PRRS_3 E was developed entirely on-line.

The subjects developed are of global importance and will be disseminated through UNESCO channels, towards addressing growing vulnerabilities in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa.

Results will be presented at the 27th Global Congress of Architects UIA2021RIO, for which this event has been declared a Preparatory Activity.

Modified conditions 1. Study area The original area of study comprising of the western Municipalities will be enlarged to include the earthquake-affected areas of Guánica, Guayanillas, and Yauco. The Municipalities addressed in this workshop were Aguadilla, Aguada, Añasco, Mayagüez, Cabo Rojo, Lajas, Guánica, and Guayanilla. A different team of students in UF was assigned to collect relevant data on the additional area, the one impacted by the current earthquakes period.

2. Subject The following subjects were taken into focused consideration throughout 6 thematic avenues, applied to examples in different zones of the West and South West of Puerto Rico:

● Earthquake, tsunami & flooding risks and response, with evacuation and shelter options.

● Environmental conservation & water management, food production and self-reliance, historical precedents.

● Affordable housing development in its 6 declinations: infill, reuse of properties, retrofit of existing stock, informal settlements,

new Eco-neighborhoods, and development of new housing typologies.

● Economic development, appropriate slow tourism modalities, and novel economic proposals.

● Connectivity, establishing efficient N-S and transversal alternative transportation systems.

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Workshop Directors

Prof. Martha Kohen University of Florida Dr. Carlos Betancourt Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Steering Committee Chair Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark Steering Committee Members Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig Prof. Edmundo Colon Dr. David Prevatt Assoc. Prof. Jeff Carney

Organizational Committee Maria Estefania Barrios - Assoc. Workshop Director + Coordinator Dr. Silvia Aloisio - Assoc. Workshop Director Rafael Lloveras-Fuentes - UF Workshop Coordinator Giselle Martins - UF Workshop Assistant Valentina Valderrama - UF Workshop Assistant

University of Florida Partners

Office of Research VP Dr. David Norton

Center for Latin American Studies Dr. Phillip Williams International Center Dr. Leonardo Villalon College of Design Construction and Planning Dean Chimay Anumba School of Architecture Acting Director Frank Bosworth Shimberg Center Director William O’Dell

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City Lab Orlando Director Frank Bosworth

Administrative Support Naznin Akther Lisa Haynes Mary Kramer

Workshop Directors Opening Welcome

Acting Director Prof. Frank Bosworth, Prof. Martha Kohen and Dr. Carlos Betancourt University of Florida + Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Acting Director SoA UF, Prof. Frank Bosworth

Workshop Director Prof. Martha Kohen

Dean SoA PUPR, Carlos Betancourt

Invitees and Professors

Arch. Francesco Tosetto

Dr. Harrison Fraker

Dr. Silvia Aloisio

Maria Estefania Barrios

Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark

Prof. Edmundo Colon

Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco

Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig

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Students, Professors, Invitees and Authorities on our daily Zoom meetings.

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Schedule & Program of PRRS_3 E Online Platform

Sunday March 22th, 2020 – via Zoom 05:00 – 05:30 pm Welcome Message from Workshop Directors Prof. Martha Kohen, Dr. Carlos Betancourt and

SoA Acting Director Frank Bosworth 05:30 – 06:30 pm Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lucio Barbera: Earthquake Response in Italy

Chair holder UNESCO in Sustainable Urban Quality and Urban Culture - La Sapienza, Rome Monday to Friday March 23rd to 27th - via Zoom 09:00 - 04:00 pm Project Development by Lab teams daily coordinated by Lab directors

04:00 - 06:00 pm Afternoon Lectures

Monday 4pm Harold Lathon - FEMA

Tuesday 4pm Dr. Harrison Fraker FAIA, Professor – Emeritus Dean of the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design

5pm Ruperto Chaparro, Director Sea Grant Program at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez

Wednesday 4pm Dr. Edwin Melendez, Director Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College, NY

5pm Antonio Gonzalez and Juan Santiago Rivera, FEMA CPCB (Community Planning and Capacity Building)

Thursday 4pm Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

5pm Aya Mohanna, Ph.D. Candidate, La Sapienza University of Rome Saturday March 28h 09:00 – 09:30 am

Closure Statement by Directors Prof. Martha Kohen and Dr. Carlos Betancourt

Saturday April 4h 09:30 – 06:00 pm Power-point Presentations by Design Lab Teams + Jury Comments 06:30 – 07:00 pm Final Comments from the Jury + Public Discussion, Kohen + Betancourt - Moderators

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Keynote Speaker

Dr. Lucio Barbera UNESCO Chair holder in Sustainable Urban Quality and Urban Culture

The chair-holder introduced the subjects of the Workshop: Video is available at www.puertoricorestart.org

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Evening Lectures Series Monday - Thursday

Harold Lathon FEMA

Dr. Harrison Fraker FAIA, Professor – Emeritus Dean of the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design

Prof. Ruperto Chaparro Director Sea Grant Program University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez

Dr. Edwin Melendez Director Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College

Antonio Gonzalez FEMA CPCB

Juan Santiago Rivera FEMA CPCB

Aya Mohanna Ph.D. Candidate La Sapienza University of Rome

Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig Professor Polytechnic University, PR

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Design Lab Directors

The Workshop invited eight professors to head the projects labs. They were in charge of coordinating interdisciplinary teams of students and faculty towards the proposal of synthetic strategies.

Assoc. Prof. Jeff Carney University of Florida, USA

Nancy Clark - CHU Director University of Florida, USA

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Prof. Martha Kohen University of Florida

Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco La Sapienza University / UNESCO Secretary General, Italy

Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Dr. Silvia Aloisio La Sapienza University, Italy

Dr. Harrison Fraker UC Berkeley, USA

Prof. Edmundo Colon Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Thematic Areas Associated with Municipalities (Labs) 1) Aguadilla and Aguada Reference: Nancy Clark + Harold Lathon Economic development pole. Re-use of industrial buildings stock for agricultural development. Explorations into export field in conjunction with Florida’s air-glades transportation advancements for the handling of refrigerated cargo.

2) Añasco Valley Reference: Martha Kohen The floodable neighborhood’s risk. Development of a high-grade non-floodable areas and centralities for new residential typologies development of a linear transportation system. Valley options for protection, natural restoration and self-sufficiency in agriculture.

3) Greater Mayagüez as Multiplicity Opportunity Reference: Harrison Fraker + Silvia Aloisio + Nancy Clark + Martha Kohen Consolidation of the historic city as metropolitan center through concurrent programs.

Main Subject:

• Relocation of 1100 public apartments with Eco-block concepts

• Complementary subjects

• Rio Yaguez study

• Bay front protection and port development

• Plaza Mercado infill and urban entertainment hub (+Student housing)

• Industrial Park Guanajibo reuse option’s development

• Caño Corazones and Guanajibo River Valley protected areas 4) Cabo Rojo Pueblo & Surrounding Natural Areas Reference: Francesco Tosetto + Nancy Clark + Edmundo Colon + Silvia Aloisio Salt flats, bird sanctuary, coastal protection, slow tourism modalities, resiliency. The lighthouse as a paradigmatic historical landmark. Lajas Valley agricultural assets.

5) North South Transportation System Reference: Jeff Carney + Rafael Lloveras-fuentes Aguadilla to Lajas. Integrated alternatives reinforcing the multi-polarity of the area, and the presence of established linear perpendicular systems.

6) Guanica, Yauco and Guayanilla Municipalities Reference: Pedro Cardona + Edmundo Colon + Nancy Clark + Harold Lathon + David Prevatt Factual, statistical and geographic data collection and analytical mappings. Evaluation of damages and potential. Alternative scenarios for the future.

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Photographic Record of Areas of Interest Photo Credits: Prof. Martha Kohen, Dr. Silvia Aloisio & Maria Estefania Barrios

Caño Corazones

Faro Los Morrillos 24

Columbus Landing

UPR Mayagüez

Mayagüez

Playa Sucia

Dulces Labios

El Combate

Surrounding Plaza del Mercado

Salt Flats

Bahia Sucia

Area around Salt Flats

Plaza Colon

MayagĂźez 25

Photographic Record of Areas of Interest Photo Credits: Prof. Martha Kohen, Dr. Silvia Aloisio & Maria Estefania Barrios

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El Combate

Guanica

El Coloso Sugar Cane Factory

Domes Beach

Guayanilla

Aguadilla

Rincón

Aguada

Steps Beach

Añasco 27

Jury Members

Assoc. Prof. John Maze - University of Florida

Lecturer Sarah Gamble - University of Florida Dr. Lucio Barbera - Chair holder UNESCO Sustainable Urban Quality and Urban Culture, notably in Africa Prof. Edmundo Colon - Polytechnic University Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig - University of Puerto Rico Rafael Lloveras-Fuentes - University of Florida

Final Conclusions

Dr. Carlos Betancourt

Prof. Martha Kohen Dr. Harrison Fraker Dr. David Prevatt

Each participant received a Diploma signed by all the Institutions involved.

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General Comments

by Workshop Director, Dean Carlos Betancourt

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[RE] Generate [RE] Make [RE] Build ([RE] Generar [RE] Hacer [RE] Componer) Human beings have evolved since we arrived in the world. The evolution that has promised of [RE] generative change to achieve a higher standard of living and a more promising future.

This 3rd meeting of [RE] Start 3 E has once again allowed us to take another deep look at our territorial surroundings, this time on the south-west area of ​​the Island of Puerto Rico.

Through a joint effort between the University of Florida and Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico of San Juan, resources from the professional, academic, and government spheres, and intellectual pedagogical immersion of proposals to complex problems that upset the lives of the inhabitants of the region were achieved.

Topics alluding to protection in [RE] generation in the recovery of natural resources of incalculable value, strengthening of agricultural production as a pivotal axis of the economy, strengthening of the creation of micro-businesses as the basis of a sustainable economy of its own and the design of sustainable communities among others, were several of the topics addressed and explored at the symposium.

The government must commit to open and interdisciplinary dialogue to strengthen existing public policies for the common good, a great responsibility for the government. The question to ask would be: Would the voice of Academia be heard as a rhetorical speech once again?

We urge community leaders, politicians, and top executives in the sphere of power to evaluate the opportunities documented in this publication.

It remains the hope that this study turns out to be a catalytic agent for the aspired [RE] generation.

We thank all the resources and agencies that came together to make the workshop possible even in the time of the Pandemic due to COVID-19.

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General Comments

by Workshop Director Martha Kohen

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We started rethinking the PRRS_3 E as an on-line format in 2020 on the wake of the unending earthquakes in the south of the island, and the unveiling pandemic scenario. This enabled us to carry on with the workshop under these emergency conditions with our international and local partners, scattered around the globe.

What we are presenting in this publication is a follow up of what was started in the previous iterations of PRRS 1 and 2, regarding virtuous strategies for economic advancement, urban development and preservation visualized through inspiring academic projects. Currently, we are still not taking into consideration all the dimensions of rethinking them in the times of a pandemic.

These architectural projects, quoting Dr. Lucio Barbera, “are a work in progress for the years to come, and should be adapting to the new overall conditions”. They open possibilities of future scenarios, graphically presented to facilitate its discussion with stakeholders, considering that under the current circumstances, participation has been limited. But we chose to venture, advance, and dare new proposals regardless. These projects were put forward by UF students from the D8 spring semester and a graduate seminar, international and PUPR students.

A new pair of lenses is necessary, to start even thinking about the shape of the future, from energy, production, consumption, solidarity, and human sustainability, rather than a straightforward return to the previous status quo. We knew this before, as we worked in the aftermath recovery plans for the impact of the hurricanes of 2017. In this pandemic crisis, what more can we observe?

• Exacerbation of existing inequalities evidenced in the response.

• Weakening of collective bodies with a focus on individualism & distancing favoring

vertical organizational structures.

• Unpreparedness for disasters, lack of redundancy as safety valves, in the extractive

economy.

• Fragility of the established social system and safety nets, with high human costs.

• Augmentation of problems for unprotected segments of the population.

• Evidence of lack of investment and maintenance in health, housing, public space, and

public transportation.

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• Prevalence but also vulnerability of digital media and communications technologies.

Through this synchronic global crisis, the environmental destruction machine has paused, allowing nature to retake some, and reinforcing our perspectives on the absolute need and feasibility for conservation and sustainability policies. It has also shown us the change of social and cultural conventions on life and death with the unexpected collapse of our usual way of life. It has shown us some of our limitations as individual humans, communities, and societies. We are all now trying to understand how to pick back the pieces in a new order.

We were, we are very scared indeed at multiple crucial levels. Yes, we paused, deactivated, yes‌. But how and towards what goals are we seeking the reactivation? Will must reactivate in another way to benefit the future generations?

The corona virus crisis will be over soon enough for most, especially the wealthy and formally structured. But it will not last nearly enough to put forward a chance for a deeper change.

That world worked well before for those with good condition, maybe with some few contained changes and adjustments. The installed political structure, the physical footprint of cities, factories, machinery, network systems, energy choices will be reinstalled at the cost of the weak link of the human component. I saw it with my own eyes in Puerto Rico in the wake of another disaster, the 2017 hurricanes. The power of the embedded energy provided in the built environment as the support for the restart. But we owe to ourselves a modest optimism on lessons learn, advanced protocols, codes, and policies. We need to add more generosity and equity with addressing poverty and the underprivileged, allowing their ladder to reach the soil to be climbed. That is why we continue to maintain our torch of a hopeful future, as we try to write the unwritten that we have the responsibility to help create. We start by small things in the measure of our modest possibilities, in this case, though our disciplinary savior faire in opening visions of possible futures while educating young minds and open their sensibilities in an empathic manner to the world around them.

The projects cover multiple scales of intervention and ride from north to south of the western coast of Puerto Rico. We counted with the invaluable contribution of participants from FEMA, the University of PR MayagĂźez, that together with the professors and students from the 34

The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico introduced and enlightened the dimensions of the western challenges. Also, we were able to count on the scholars from La Sapienza University, the UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Urban Quality and Urban Culture, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies in the City University of New York, and Dean Harrison Fraker from the University of Berkeley. The workshop is indebted to all of them.

Also, I would like to express my gratitude to all the students for their extraordinary dedication in these demanding times. And sincerely thank the participation of the reviewers that accompany us day after day, from many other institutions and time zones! We believe that we have enacted an operational model, also a byproduct of the circumstances, that is being proven to be more inclusive of our worldwide interests.

We are already planning next year’s workshop, PRRS 4, to address the issues of energy, historic cities, ports, large scale agricultural developments, ecological preservations, eastern beaches, and islands. The workshop will cover the areas from Guayanilla to Ponce, Guayama to Humacao, Luquillo to Loíza, including El Yunque, Vieques, and Culebra. We would like to invite all participants of the first three Workshops to return and contribute to the upcoming new edition! www.puertoricorestart.org

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Roster of Projects TRANSPORTATION 1. North -South Transportation System, From Aguada to Cabo Rojo - Rafael Lloveras-Fuentes ............................................. 59 2. Del Mar Ferry for Western Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, Mayagüez, Cabo Rojo & Ponce - Araia Irwin ....................................... 77 3. Aguadilla Air Cargo Expansion, Base Ramey, Aguadilla - Maria Elisa Guruceaga .............................................................. 99 4. Aguadilla Airport Site Redevelopment, Aguadilla - Atefeh Molaei + Yasaman Mehrabian Hasanlou ................................ 118 5. Emerging a New Urban Center by Recalling the Old Urban Fabric, Aguadilla - Majdi Mhadhbi ..................................... 124 6. Aguadilla Airport Site Redevelopment, Aguadilla - Niloofar Zangiband ............................................................................ 126 7. Aguadilla Airport Community Relocation & Redevelopment Master Plan, Aguadilla - Eric Oakley ............................... 128 8. Laguna National Park of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla - Adriana Furdi Vania .............................................................................. 132

9. New Housing Development, Aguadilla - Maria-Carina Cheregi ........................................................................................... 138 10. Aguadilla Airport Design Area, Aguadilla - Xin Feng ........................................................................................................ 140 11. Hangar Re-purpose, Aguadilla - Retri Atta .......................................................................................................................... 142 12. The Value of Hemp, Aguadilla - Position Statement by Jamal Saqib ................................................................................. 144 13. Multi-modal Hubs and Uber Elevated Proposal, Aguadilla Pueblo - Marjorie Tello Wong .............................................. 147 AGUADILLA 14. Coastal Infrastructure & the Ocean Economy, Aguadilla - Alexander Edward Levin ....................................................... 181 15. Food Infrastructure: Agriculture Food Security Economy, Aguadilla - Mason Wonka + Kerol Kaskaviqi ..................... 197 AGUADA 16. The Cultural Heritage Project, Coloso Valley, Aguada - Austin Hoaglin ............................................................................ 211 17. Aguada-Fortified & Eco-Adaptable Community 2045, Aguada Pueblo - Elena Vasilovska ............................................ 231 AÑASCO 18. Añasco, Revitalization & Cultivation, Añasco - Nicole Nigri + Jasmine Cornileus + Steffi Bandril .................................. 267

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MAYAGÜEZ

19. Mayagüez-Energy Evolve: Energy Infrastructure, Guanajibo, Mayagüez - Julia Moiseeva ........................................... 305 20. Urban Connectivity: Mayagüez Waterfront, Mayagüez - Nikolas Shamrell + Tananchanok Jantarachota ...................... 339 21. Mayagüez Housing Development, Mayagüez - Christyna Conway + Gabriela Villalobos ................................................ 357 22. Restructuring of Dulces Labios Neighborhood, Dulces Labios, Mayagüez - Camille Escobar + Sabrina Luengo ........ 389 23. Pueblo Infill: Community Living Strategies in PR, Carcel, Mayagüez - Courtney Hannah ............................................. 411 24. Reshaping Mayagüez: Student Housing & Activity Hub, Plaza del Mercado, Mayagüez - Valentina Valderrama ......... 443 25. Columbus Landing Housing Development, Columbus Landing, Mayagüez - Kaci Seitzinger + Blanchard Fagan +

Robert Butler ........................................................................................................................................................................ 455 26. Puerta del Sol Ecological Network, Candelaria, Mayagüez - Emily Mason ...................................................................... 513 CABO ROJO 27. Cabo Rojo: Center for Hydrology, Geology, and Meteorology, Plan Bonito, Mayagüez - Jordan Moumne + Haillie

Lahnum + Jirayut Puribhat ................................................................................................................................................... 547 28. Adapting Cabo Rojo: Green Infrastructure & Floating Communities, Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo Pueblo

Justin Bowdish ..................................................................................................................................................................... 579

29. Urban Infill Housing Prototype, Cabo Rojo Pueblo - Ryan Gorday .................................................................................. 589 30. Colinas Jardín, Boquerón, Cabo Rojo - Kuljon J. Pierre + Patrick Prieto ........................................................................... 601 31. Sustainable Housing Development & Natural Conservation, El Combate, Pole Ojea & Corozo, Cabo Rojo Hedra B. Rodriguez + Sindhu Parvataneni .......................................................................................................................... 633 32. The Cabo Rojo Retreat, Cabo Rojo - Edgar Alatorre ......................................................................................................... 679 33. Slow Tourism Eco Cabin Communities, Cabo Rojo to Guanica - Jordan Weinstein ....................................................... 687 34. The Quality of Fragility, Cabo Rojo - Lorenzo Guzzini Architecture + Studiospazio + Associates + SM_48 ..................... 711 GUANICA + GUAYANILLA

35. Environmental Detox, Guayanilla Wetland Park - Karen L. Rosario Martínez ................................................................... 807 36. Excel & Grow, Guayanilla Region - Niurka Núñez Rivera .................................................................................................. 821 37. Sustainable Communities, Barrio Macaná, Guayanilla - Efrain A. Tirado Colon ............................................................... 841 38. Wandering the Lighthouse, Guayanilla Lighthouse - Ixa Olivieri Rodríguez ..................................................................... 859

39. Social & Risk Management Center, Guayanilla - Kathiely Romero Cruz .......................................................................... 877 40. Relocating Communities, Guayanilla - Jan G. Rivera Lugo .............................................................................................. 891 41. Alternative Scenarios for the Future, Guayanilla Bay Region - Aya Mohanna + Shane Ah-Siong .................................. 911 37

Map of Projects

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INFRASTRUCTURE

WATERFRONT / GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION

RESEARCH/ CENTER HISTORICAL RETROFIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

TOURISM

HOLISTIC APPROACH

1. North-South Transportation System - From Aguada to Cabo Rojo 2. Del Mar Ferry for Western Puerto Rico - Aguadilla, Mayagüez, Cabo Rojo & Ponce 3. Aguadilla Air Cargo Proposals, Aguadilla 13. Multi-modal Hubs and Uber Elevated Proposal Sites 19. Mayagüez-Energy Evolve: Energy Infrastructure, Guanajibo, Mayagüez 20. Urban Connectivity: Mayagüez Waterfront, Mayagüez 28. Adapting Cabo Rojo: Green Infrastructure & Floating Communities, Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo Pueblo 35. Environmental Detox, Guayanilla Wetland Park 38. Wandering the Lighthouse, Guayanilla Lighthouse 11. Hangar Re-purpose, Aguadilla Airport 12. The Value of Hemp, Aguadilla 14. Coastal Infrastructure & the Ocean Economy, Aguadilla 15. Food Infrastructure: Agriculture Food Security Economy, Aguadilla 36. Excel & Grow, Guayanilla Region 40. Relocation of Communities in Guayanilla, Guayanilla 27. Cabo Rojo: Center for Hydrology, Geology, and Meteorology, Plan Bonito, Mayagüez 38. Social & Risk Management Center, Guayanilla 39. Social & Risk Management Center, Pueblo, Guayanilla 16. The Cultural Heritage Project, Coloso Valley, Aguada 7. Aguadilla Airport Community Relocation & Redevelopment Master Plan, Aguadilla Airport 9. New Housing Development, Aguadilla Airport 18. Añasco, Revitalization & Cultivation, Añasco 21. Mayagüez Housing Development, Mayagüez 22.Restructuring of Dulces Labios Neighborhood, Dulces Labios, Mayagüez 23. Pueblo Infill: Community Living Strategies in PR, Carcel, Mayagüez 24. Reshaping Mayagüez: Student Housing & Activity Hub, Plaza del Mercado, Mayagüez 25. Columbus Landing Housing Development, Columbus Landing, Mayagüez 29. Urban Infill Housing Prototype,Cabo Rojo Pueblo 30. Colinas Jardin, Boquerón, Cabo Rojo 31. Sustainable Housing Development & Natural Conservation, El Combate, Pole Ojea & Corozo, Cabo Rojo 37. Sustainable Communities, Barrio Macaná, Guayanilla 17. Aguada-Fortified & Eco-Adaptable Community 2045, Aguada Pueblo 34. The Quality of Fragility, Cabo Rojo 26. Puerta del Sol Ecological Network,Candelaria, Mayagüez 32. The Cabo Rojo Retreat, Cabo Rojo 33. Slow Tourism Eco Cabin Communities, Cabo Rojo to Guanica 4. Aguadilla Airport Site Redevelopment, Aguadilla Airport 5. Emerging a New Urban Center by Recalling the Old Urban Fabric, Aguadilla Airport 6. Aguadilla Airport Site Redevelopment, Aguadilla Airport 8. Laguna National Park of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Airport 10. Aguadilla Airport Design Area, Aguadilla Airport 41. Alternative Scenarios for the Future, Guayanilla Bay Region

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Design Proposals 40

This section documents the projects & proposal outcomes of the 6 Thematic Labs.

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Transpo

ortation

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1. North-South Transportation System From Aguada to Cabo Rojo Rafael Lloveras-Fuentes

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Jeff Carney As a continuation of the work performed during the Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 workshop, the proposal extended those ideas towards the west coast of the island. Route 2 is the main roadway of the area. However, it is not as vast and as fast as Highway 22 on the north. The project aims that Route 2 be expanded and widened to have more cars transit through it and to accommodate designated bus lanes or a light train system that can move people throughout without their dependency on personal vehicles.

Based on current municipal plans and future/prospective proposals from other Labs, we have identified areas within Municipalities with specific programmatic identities. The north, with Aguadilla and Aguada, would transform into an industrial program to take advantage of the airport. Mayagüez would also be industrial due to its accessible port and available infrastructure. The Aguada Valley, Moca, and San Sebastián would be developed to accommodate current and future residents of the area, as well as the relocation of those close to the coastline. With San Sebastián only being just ten miles from the Aguada Valley, a light shuttle system can be incorporated so citizens can move faster to Route 2. In Aguada, there is an abandoned sugar cane factory called “Central Azucarera Coloso”. This factory can be retrofitted as one of the new Transportation Hubs that would be built not only on the west coast but throughout the island, to provide the convergence and conveyance of people to move freely and quickly with a fully island-wide transportation system.

This same approach would be established between the municipalities of Mayagüez, Las Marías, and Maricao. As relocation of vulnerable coastal communities takes place towards the mountains, the transportation system would start to link the population concentration of Las Marías and Maricao with the industrial Mayagüez. A similar “loop sys44

tem” would also be created in the Lajas Valley between the municipalities of Cabo Rojo, San Germán, and Hormigueros. Cabo Rojo’s touristic appeal would be the base of expansion and development for PR-100, which connects Route 2 with the beaches and communities of the municipality. Again, communities and “Paradores” (bed and breakfast) would need to be relocated to safer grounds in the fate to sea-level rise.

This move would start flourishing PR-100 as a tourist destination, while San Germán becomes an urbanized community for families. Hormigueros would be incorporated into Mayagüez’s industrial expansion plans so new factories and plants can start locating themselves close to the port. Eco-touristic parks and activities would give a program to both the Lajas Valley and Aguada Valley, with bicycle lanes along the river basin, observation towers, zip-line courses, and other sorts of programs that can be flooded due to their location.

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The West Coast Region Primary and Secondary Municipalities

As part of the exercise, the West Region Municipalities were identified and characterized as Primary and Secondary to establish hierarchy. Primary cities would be prioritized as Industrial, Residential, or Touristic as to better understand the area and to plan accordingly.

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Aguada Valley Loop System Reconnecting the Valley

The Aguada Valley will provide primary, secondary, and tertiary transportation options for locals and visitors alike. After relocating communities prone to flooding and sea-level rise, the system will utilize the valley as a connector. Bicycle lanes, small electric buses, and personal vehicles will provide movement through the area. The main Transportation Hub will be built along Route 2 to provide fast public transportation to connect the valley with the rest of the West Region and the Island.

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2. Del Mar Ferry for Western Puerto Rico Aguadilla, MayagĂźez, Cabo Rojo, & Ponce Araia Irwin

Faculty Advisors: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark & Prof. Martha Kohen Puerto Rico is a stunning place with some of the most beautiful beaches and waters of any location on earth. The compelling features bring thousands to the island every year, yet there is too little accessibility to the water itself. Of course, anyone can find a beautiful beach to explore on the island, but by taking to the sea the island reveals itself as the jewel that it is.

Tourists and natives alike can make the mundane travels of the day become an experience to be revealed. The current ferries on the island are only on the east side. Most of the ferries are for isolated tourist destinations instead of creating a link that can connect the island. Through the creation of a ferry system, the west coast of Puerto Rico can become part of a network. This will provide several economic opportunities, potential disaster relief, public transit options, and civic centers.

To help find funding for a high-speed ferry the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) could aid in the procurement of the ship. The Tiger Grant can also be utilized to help pay for this new infrastructural system. Of the total budget that is required to maintain this program, 80% can be provided by the federal government, but 20% of the total cost would still be the responsibility of the local government. To relieve the burden of cost for a single municipality, several terminal locations have been included in the proposal. The ticketing fees will likely only cover a portion of what will be required for the continued longevity of this program. Operational fees are not expected to cover the usage of the ferries, but new tourism revenue should offset this loss.

Other ways of compensating for the cost of this system would be to integrate agriculture and commercial use of the system. Several of the terminal locations were purposefully chosen to be with half a mile of an airport. This proximity could allow for easy transporting of goods 48

throughout the west coast of the island. The proximity will also allow tourists to be dispersed more efficiently throughout the region. The ferry can help promote places that are generally only locally accessed, bringing new awareness to visitors and natives alike.

By increasing the accessibility of several parts of the island, newcomers will be more enticed to explore beyond their current sphere of comfort. The traffic and driving patterns of those used to the island life can be daunting to outsiders. This often prevents tourists from leaving the city they are staying in or exploring beyond a limited radius of travel. Providing a ferry service, however, that connects multiple regions can become a pivotal means of spreading the prosperity of tourism. When times are good on the island, there are many opportunities to prosper, but there must also be systems in place to help with future chaos.

Survival Beach

By Catamaran “Francisco’ - Wärtsilä waterjets, CC BY-SA , https:// www.wartsila.com/media/news/23-07-2013-the-world’s-fastest-highspeed-ferry-is-powered-by-wartsila-axial-waterjets

When disaster strikes the island of Puerto Rico large regions can become isolated from one another due to failing infrastructure. Bridges can collapse or become too unstable to travel on, roads crumble due to landslides, and seaports can become damaged. When so many things fall apart at the same time, a simple infrastructural plan can help relieve transportation stresses quickly. By creating a functional ferry system without being overtly precious, a system can be created to reconnect people in isolated regions by sea. The roads and bridges take much longer to rebuild and refortify but recreating a simple dock and port area for high-speed ferries can reconnect regions in a much faster way.

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1. Truck Access Way 2. Parking 3. Existing Parking 4. Punta Borinquen Conference Center 5. Restaurant & Resort 6. Cecadar Aguadilla

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Mayag端ez Ferry Terminal Mayag端ez Parcel #: 207-095-575-07 Mayag端ez is one of the largest cities in Puerto Rico, ranking eighth by population. As such, it is the largest city between Aguadilla and Ponce. With a larger population to service, they provide an opportunity for the success of the ferry line. The greater the number of people with access, the more likely the service will be utilized. The following are some of the reason this location was chosen for the Mayag端ez Del Mar Terminal:

Teatro Yaguez

By Indies1 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia. org/w/index.php?curid=64245336

1. Utilization of existing infrastructure 2. Create an opportunity for expansion 3. Proximity to tourist attractions The location of the proposed site seems to be drastically underutilized. There is very little on the site except for an abandoned building that only occupies a single corner of the sire. This location could be a prime place to bring new construction to the city. This parcel is on the northern edge of the main urban area, very close to several manufacturing facilities. Some of these facilities might be interested in alternative transport. It is also off one of the main highways running the length of the city and would provide an optimal place for continued travel to the highlights of the city.

With such a large underutilized area, the potential for the rest of the lot is there. Some of the neighboring buildings are restaurants, but this region could become a communal hub for those who are more isolated in the northern regions away from the main core of the city. If a public bus system were to be put in place this could be a possible stop for a mainline moving along PR-64.

This terminal could become a place for community information, where different modes of transportation interlock and provide a platform for exposure to the people of the community. A place for arrivals and departures to be enjoyed and anticipated. Those traveling to the casino in town or awaiting a cruise on a pirate ship could all find passage on the ferry.

Plaza Colon

By Joseacaraballo - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82701984

Mona Island

By Alopiasmag at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6762747

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3. Aguadilla Air Cargo Expansion Base Ramey, Aguadilla Maria Elisa Guruceaga

Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen The Aguadilla Air Cargo Expansion is a new facility proposal for the Rafael Hernandez International Airport of Aguadilla. Before a U.S. military airport, Rafael Hernandez airport sits by the north coast of Aguadilla waiting for its potential to be exploited. Its current facilities accommodate commercial passenger air transit from overseas mainly from the US with a total average of 47 regular passenger flights per week as well as some cargo flights mainly in service to FedEx and its local affiliates. In February 2012 the airport was designated a “free trade zone� (FTZ), as are many other airports in the U.S., a move that is believed will improve the development of the airport and surrounding areas. This proposed extension complements the initiative taken by other workshop participant proposals for integrated greenhouse farming facilities to expand the economic and agricultural growth of on the west and south of Puerto Rico, mainly Aguadilla, Aguada, and Ponce.

This new terminal facilities provide accommodation to air traffic dedicated to the cargo of perishable foods grown, produced and collected in the agricultural lands and greenhouses of Puerto Rico. These allocated means of transportation are an opportunity for another route of shipment connectivity inside and very importantly outside of the island of Puerto Rico.

This proposal will bring new economic opportunities for both export and import of perishable foods with long-lasting economic development opportunities, including much-needed job creation and local tax revenue generation. Making this airport the new hub for commercial cargo will allow the planes to offload at Aguadilla where trucks or even ferries would begin hauling the goodies through the island without ever having to get near other main Airports such as the ones in San Juan which could become a new way to avoid congestion.

Following the example of the Airglades Airport expansion in Clewiston, Florida, their own 52

inspection facility and overall airport expansion promises that they will be able to accept international cargo planes importing perishable goods “offering shorter flight times and reduced travel distances and road congestion” compared to the shipment times to the Miami International Airport that encounters more traffic. This new route streamlines the chain of customs locations for “timely import inspection and reduce delays of domestic shipments of refrigerated cargo, leading to less spoilage and increased shelf life for perishables such as seafood, produce and flowers to be sold throughout the U.S.” and ultimately begin bringing in cargo planes of any size with produce from South and Central America.

With other airports such as the Airglades already breaking ground, the new Air Cargo Expansion for Aguadilla already has promises of local and international business partners to come as well as an incentive for the enrichment of the farming culture in Puerto Rico. Other opportunities can also be found with current business partners like FedEx, who has already been in Talks to increase their operations at Rafael Hernández Airport and turn Aguadilla in a hub and distribution center for the Caribbean

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Rafael Hernandez International Airport Extension Proposal

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Relocate, Renaturalize, Reconnect Aguadilla Airport

Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio The contribution of La Sapienza University of Rome to the initiative Puerto Rico Re_Start 3 E is focused on the area of Aguadilla. The set of design proposals, elaborated during the workshop by students coming from Tunisia, Romania, Indonesia, China, and the Middle East, have the scope to suggest and indicate possible diverse approaches, through thematic tables, and to interpret some of the issues of Puerto Rico. The afternoon/evening lectures by Puerto Rico scholars, professionals, professors were fundamental to understand the place and the issues, together with the material provided. Moreover, this set of proposals is introduced by two introductory schemes which reorganize and merge the thoughts developed in Puerto Rico Re_Start 1 and Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 by La Sapienza team.

Renaturalize: To renaturalize some of the coastal areas, especially the one which were affected by flooding and storms opens the problem and relocates inhabitants in safer areas, is an unavoidable necessity.

Relocate: To start relocating the compromised coastal settlements from the so-called “Complementarios” settlements (see Mapas Diagnosticos – Memorial del Plan de Uso de Terrenos) Junta de Planificacion, 2015), especially the one settled at the bottom of the internal hills would be a possible option to relocate inhabitants and to reorganize the territory concentrating some tourist facilities in the coastal area, relocating citizens in safer territories and reorganizing the agricultural industry (included agro-tourism) both on the flatland and on the hills in a more efficient and updated way. New policies and incentives should be activated around the relocation actions.

Reconnect: To implement this program a new infrastructural railway network is expected.

Two major light metro railway systems (primary and secondary) and a cable-way network to reconnect the existing inner settlements (that can be expanded due to relocation). Instead of 56

proposing the reuse of the former sugar cane track running around the border of the island (an obsolete fashionable infrastructure), these two schemes propose the implementation of a major primary metro line connecting San Juan to Ponce and Ponce to Aguadilla (a “V� shape system) for a total length of almost 170 km. This primary line should be integrated by a secondary line and a network of cableways supported by the energy production of water basin inner system (which could be reopened and reactivated).

This integrated mobility system could attract different kinds of investors and could create a higher living quality standard potentially able to attract new/old people to live on the Puerto Rico island and start their business. The integrated mobility system could be useful for different kinds of tourism (excursion, two/three-night during cruises); a new form of tourism cold be proposed also in the inner areas linked to the rediscovery of local food, fruits, agricultural-based, etc).

The idea is to maximize the effect with minimum interventions realizing diversified infrastructures, changing the land value, increasing the living standards, create the conditions for new job opportunities.

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Island-wide Studies

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4. Aguadilla Airport Site Redevelopment Aguadilla Airport

Atefeh Molaei + Yasaman Mehrabian Hasanlou Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio The project proposes a redevelopment of the Aguadilla’s Area to create a safe neighborhood and give life to its tourist attractions. Due to natural disasters that took place in recent years, the design proposed to relocate living areas and built a multi-function forest between the residential zone and the coast. The forest park will be located in the north, near the shores, providing several benefits such as tourism potential, and a relaxing place with various activities for locals, shops, and places for the city’s economic incentive. On the south side of the residential zone the agricultural area, greenhouses, and some local business markets will be located to helps the region with the beautiful green view, but also help the economy and environment by producing fresh organic food which can be handpicked and used by residents.

Due to the location, the site is surrounded by ocean with multiple risks such as storms, sea-level rise, hurricanes, tsunami, etc. The proposal aims to be developed in various phases.

Phase one is relocating the residential area to the middle part of the airport to assure livelihood and its safety by separating them with a forest park in between providing good views for houses on both sides. The agricultural site will take place behind the residential area. This area will be divided into 2 sites that include apartments and villas. The villas will be located on the east side which is connected to the old city and the 5 level apartments will be located on the west side which will be surrounded by the green areas of the vast forest and the agricultural site. The site also has nearby communities and local businesses that provide economic and commercial opportunities.

Phase two will entail the development of Forest Park, which is characterized by various sectors that give multi-purpose green areas to create both, a touristic attraction and a natural barrier. The protection area will be made up of a tree barrier with strong roots that can be effective against the mentioned natural problems (tsunami, storm, sea-level rise, etc.) Some of the programs and 60

activities for this park include cycling and running paths, children’s playground, accompanied by local businesses that will help the economical aspect of the city. The local business could include a spa, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. The park will consist of autochthonous vegetation suitable for the climate to help restore the wildlife of the region and prevent future climate disasters.

Phase three is related to the Agricultural site which includes farms and stores that are linked to the local business area. The location will be on the south side of the site and will be connected to the near vast fields surrounding it. By constructing greenhouses in this area we can provide people with fresh and organic fruits. Community gardens will also provide fresh food to those residents who take pleasure in doing so.

In conclusion, many aspects were considered to be included in this project.

However, the main goal is to relocate the in-danger neighborhood in the north and protecting the residential area from the future possible risks of natural disasters.

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5. Emerging a New Urban Center by Recalling the Old Urban Fabric Aguadilla Airport

Majdi Mhadhbi Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio The conservation and restoration approach serves to recreate a life by adding cultural habits to Aguadilla. The research of the old maps of Aguadilla concludes the different urban fabrics that were used as a connection with the current organization of Aguadilla. The liberation of the coastal part allows us to relocate the houses in the new center where new attractions are proposed, a new trace of a reproduction of a historical center. The new center offers a big Plaza, where the airport becomes part of it as a shopping district with bars and restaurants, which is pedestrian access only. The southern part as a new pole of attractions is also newly connected with new roads inspired by the old ones from the map of the ‘50s. To respect the approach, some new multi-housing is proposed in a compound style allowing the creation of nodes and giving more importance to the new urban system.

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Retrace 50’s Urban Fabric Recalling the compact urban form of the colonial era into collective compounds

Houses to be relocated into the urban fabric

Location for parks and open air concert hall

Utilize the idea of the plaza to allow pedestrian circulation

Integrate the revise old urban fabric to create a new city center

Transform the airport into a shopping mall

BAYSIDE PARK

OPEN AIR AMPHITHEATER

RELOCATION OF COASTAL HOMES

NEW ROADS PASO FINO AREA AGRICULTURE HOUSING

SHOPPING DISTRICT

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6. Aguadilla Airport Site Redevelopment Aguadilla Airport

Niloofar Zangiband Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio The project aimed to optimize the use of the Aguadilla Airport by the idea to reuse environmental features and the capacity of the island to improve the quality of living (conceived in a very modern and advanced way), through the potential of generating renewable energy systems, tourism, smart entrepreneurship, and agricultural developments by modern irrigation techniques and the use of electricity in agricultural machinery.

Energy generation will use the implementation of the sea (tides). The design proposes a series of walls with turbines that can produce energy and even prevent flooding from rising waters in the area. Also, ideas of landscape design could work as tourist attractions, due to the natural beauties of the island. For the relocation of the houses close to the beach, considering that some of the local houses were damaged from the storms or have the risk of being damaged in the future hurricanes, two spots were chosen for the residential houses.

One for farmers close to the farms and hangars to collect and store their harvest, close to the agricultural lands, and another one for artists whom their handcrafts could be sold to tourists.

Furthermore, water treatment and circulation will be incorporated into the landscape design.

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Tourism attraction activities & Landscape design Dance and music are the main features of the Puerto Ricans’ culture. The wide space of the airport can be an attractive place to hold festivals even for local people.

Tidal Power: Tidal Energy Converts the energy obtained from tides into electricity with closing and opening doors in high and low tides.

Relocating artists homes

Using planes for educational and functional purposes (restaurant inside of the airplane)

Relocating farmers homes close to farms & hangars

Guiding extra water to irrigate and create beautiful scenery.

The extra water is directed through the channels to the sea due to the slope of the earth.

Using water along this path for entertainment.

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7. Aguadilla Airport Community Relocation & Redevelopment Master Plan Aguadilla Airport Community

Eric Oakley Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio This master plan proposal recommends moving the endangered community inland and using the land occupied by the current airport as the location for the resettlement. This plan can be implemented slowly, in phases over time to allow for acceptance and adoption by the community. Ideally, the new settlement would maintain the same laid back vibe with surf shops, and the island’s best sunsets for which the community is known. Community agriculture, slow tourism, and social entrepreneurship are the keystone of this plan. Other ideas are outlined below.

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A. NATURE • Preserve natural coastline • Address rising sea level • Beaches and minimally developed coastline create a natural buffer • Golf courses and sports fields are nominally impacted by flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes

C. AGRICULTURE • Modern ‘LAB’ • Community Garden • Organic / Bio • Vertical farms • Aquaculture

B. NEIGHBORHOOD & DOWNTOWN BUSINESS VILLAGE • Affordable housing • Hurricane resistant housing design(s) • Community input and buy-in • Island Artists • Color direction and visual style is San Juan Viejo meets eco-chic • Focus on ‘green’ economy • Relocate existing small businesses

D. TOURISM • Airplane Park/Flight Museum • Surf Schools / World Surfing Reserve • ”Glamping” - temp. structures - easy to relocate • Construction/Deconstruction park - “sells” demolition for tourism and waste can be reused as building material • Flight-school? (part of runway could remain active) • Luxury hotel, farm to table restaurants, spa & conference

Phase 1

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8. Laguna National Park of Puerto Rico Aguadilla Airport

Adriana Furdi Vania Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio The proposal tries to create environments suitable for residential development, agriculture, cultural functions, and energy production by converting the airport field into a natural park. The strategy of conversion depends on the fact that the airport is a site with ample and flat land that can accommodate a wide array of uses and forms. The airfield serves now, as a platform or a canvas that can accept the modification. The transformation of the airport landscape creates new environmental, touristic, cultural, and recreational dynamics on the site, it provides opportunities to strengthen local identity and increase appeal as an international destination by becoming more attractive to residents, tourists, and businesses alike. Such a landscape might combine new public uses with the protection of natural systems and the conservation and introduction of wildlife.

If we want to create environments with good rules, we can’t just tear down. We have to find ways to build-up, as well. The proposal conceives something called the charter city. It starts with a charter that specifies all the rules required to attract the people who will need to build the city. First, investors who will build out the infrastructure will be needed -- the power system, the roads, the port, the airport, the buildings. Attract firms, who will come and employ the residents. Later on, attract families, the residents who will come and live there permanently, raise their children, get an education for their children, and get their first job.

With that charter, people will move and the city can be built. It is a model that can be replicated.

The autocratic desire to manifest power resembled in: the desire to educate towards a modern society in an organized and functional environment, the desire to create a new social organization, intended to protect public interest and health, the desire to create a unitary identity, artistic manifestation 68

City facilities: water supply, sewer system, fire and police departments, electricity for all buildings, coherent organization of buildings as a whole, uniform color of the facades, the uniform height of the buildings - going down towards the shore.

Life scape is an ecological process of environmental reclamation and renewal on a vast scale, recovering not only the health and biodiversity of ecosystems across the site but also the spirit and imagination of people who will use the new park. Life scape is about the dynamic cultivation of new ecologies. Once the site is open for park use, continual monitoring of the water and air will continue for the duration of the required post-closure maintenance period to ensure that allowing public access does not impact public health.

The Laguna site plan: • Create a world-class, large-scale park that capitalizes upon the unique characteristics of its metropolitan location, vast scale, openness and ecology • Restore ecological systems across the site and cultivate a diverse, sustainable landscape, potentially incorporating the use of state-of-the-art land reclamation techniques, alternative energy resources, and ecological demonstration projects • Create extraordinary large-scale settings for a range of activities, and programs that are unique in the city, allowing for extensive active and passive recreation, educational amenities, and cultural enrichment • Create a distinctive programmatic identity for the park that is contemporary, productive, active and green, incorporating nature, art, leisure, recreation, education, and park commerce • Create neighborhood-scaled recreational facilities for local communities • Design a durable landscape framework that is flexible enough to accommodate change; • Organize and stage park programming around existing natural resources and site features, including ongoing landfill closure, maintenance and monitoring operations • Concentrate active programs and structures in the center of the site, responding to both central connectivity and the preservation of large open landscape areas • Identify opportunities for commercial programs that will help generate revenue, and sustain the park 69

9. New Housing Development Aguadilla Airport

Maria-Carina Cheregi Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio The idea behind the proposal is to find a sustainable way to divide function and to create a safe living area for the people. Due to all the disasters that happened in the last few years, it is challenging to live in that environment, one solution is to relocate the inhabitants in a new area, and to create a barrier between the shore and the residential area. As for the households, it was necessary a leisure-time activity area and on for the community with shops and buildings that helps with development. Surrounding these areas, the natural energy would be a good way for the community to sustain itself, a wind turbine and photo-voltaic areas will generate energy enough to sustain the new living settlement. The site consists of a vast area that could also house an agriculture area for residents to grow their food, which will help the economic development of the region. Since it is an Island, the touristic potential has to be considered. An area where tourism can be developed will be dedicated.

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10. Aguadilla Airport Design Area Aguadilla Airport

Xin Feng Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio Key Elements for the Design to be considered: 1. Keep the majority part of the track to maintain the function of flight 2. Shorter the distance of the track to provide a good environment to the housing and commercial areas 3. Reform the east side hangars of the airport to a vertical agriculture building 4. Reform the track in front of this hangar area to commercial space 5. Build apartments in the east of the parking area to relocate some residents in new houses 6. The public space around the hangar can be a perfect place where people can ride bikes, skate, fly kites, and do sports.

7. Build wooden bridges and lakes in the middle of the vertical agriculture and commercial areas as leisure places for people.

8. Plant water crops on the lake to combine agriculture with the landscape.

Sustainable Aspects: Vertical agriculture and water crops will aid to develop the agriculture of these areas. The hangars can be used as a greenhouse, retrofitting the hangar into a vertical garden is a good way to make good use of resources and money.

Social Impacts: Combining agriculture, landscape, commercial areas, and housing, people can satisfy their needs without going too far away. Residents living near agriculture and gardens can have a healthier way of life. Public space throughout the site allows residents to do sports and dance. In summary, these redesigned functions can develop the economy and industry of this area.

Programmatic Definitions: Planning and design the waste areas of the airport and make better use of the advantages of the coastline, including agriculture, housing, and parks and commerce will help the transformation of the airport.

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Aguadilla airport, air field perimeter

Site Development

Hangar Site Maps

Proposed Hangar Areas

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11. Hangar Re-purpose Aguadilla Airport

Retri Atta Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio The project proposes social, sustainable, and ecological space with an idea to re-use one of the former hangars in Aguadilla Airport into a smart agricultural greenhouse. Inside the place, there are gathering and learning spaces in the form of a market and observation deck that allows us to see the process of farming and harvesting.

The focus of the agricultural strategy included the seed germination, propagation, soil-based farming for seasonal plant and ornamental plant (flower), and hydroponic farming. With post farming distribution for the market (inside greenhouse + outside) and restaurant inside the building.

The former hangar will be structured in different functional zones with the addition of a mezzanine level with a steel frame structure.

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Existing Building

Site Plan of Aguadilla Airport

Architectural Diagram

Perspective of Soil Base Plant Area Inside Greenhouse

Spatial Programming

Perspective of Hydroponics Area Inside Greenhouse

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan 75

12. The Value of Hemp Position Statement

Jamal Saqib Faculty Advisors: Dr. Anna Irene del Monaco & Matteo D’Emilio Thank you for this latest iteration of the Re_Start conference. It was a pleasure to attend, learn, and aggregate important knowledge about focusing our collective efforts on the sustainable development del Pueblo de Puerto Rico.

Firstly, I am not an architect, designer, or planner. I am an entomology graduate candidate at the University of Florida. Specifically, I study the viability of agriculture under pressure from insects. You may ask why, then, am I submitting this letter for your review? Simply put: I have an idea, and this idea starts with small hemp seed. I will attempt to make the following the argument as simple as possible: Hemp as a crop.

Hemp (Cannabis Sativa), sometimes referred to as Industrial Hemp, or cáñamo is the same plant as Marijuana. The tall stalks of the male plant have been used for fiber and construction for over 1,000 years. It grows well in tropical climates, is drought tolerant, and can tolerate excessive rain if the soil can drain well. The planting, harvesting, and processing of cáñamo was made illegal after the United States prohibited it. This era is now over, and the full scale of hemp production was made legal in December of 2018.

Hemp as an economic tool.

The over-financialization of Wall Street has dazzled the political class of Puerto Rico for far too long (See: Chatarra. Una poética de la crisis by Ricardo Cobián Figeroux) to the disrespect of the spirit of the people of Puerto Rico. The economic supply chain associated with the planting, harvesting, and most importantly the harvesting of hemp for paper, hempcrete, farm bedding, mushroom substrate, pharmaceutical-grade medicinal oils, and more does not yet exist. The emergence of a new agricultural crop (in this case, because of the removal of 76

prohibition) is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Hemp as a sustainable resource.

Hemp is a carbon-neutral agricultural commodity which has up to 3 growing cycles per year if managed correctly. Its products include hempcrete, a mixture of the hemp stalk, lime, and water. Hempcrete duals as construction concrete and insulation material. It can act as a moisture regulator in humid environments. Its low density resists cracking and makes it a first-rate candidate for earthquake-resilient construction. As stated in Aya Mohanna’s presentation, resilience to natural disaster pressure under informal construction environments must be understood for what it is. Hempcrete allows the informal construction market of Puerto Rico to better reflect its resiliency potential.

Hemp for Puerto Rico As Prof. Pedro Cardona discussed the nature of comprehensive planning, opportunity zones, and policy - Puerto Rico stands ready to take advantage of this opportunity. As stated, a massive hole in the supply chain of the processing of hemp currently exists, with an excess of hemp supply currently being produced in the United States and Canada. Put simply, Puerto Rico must leverage its tax incentive tools to invite the Hemp Processing Industry to the island to process Puerto Rican and Import Hemp for the betterment of Puerto Rico. This can lead to an economic infusion similar to the one experienced with the Pharmaceutical industry.

Final thoughts.

Hemp is a product of the soil that can boost Puerto Rican GDP. Increasing productivity, in the truest economic sense, of the Island can help support an economic revolution that will benefit everyone, not just the select few. Additionally, the products of hemp can sustainably support the construction of housing while being adaptable to the pressures of natural disasters and the needs of the informal economy.

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13. Multi-modal Hubs & Uber Elevated Proposal Aguadilla Pueblo, Aguadilla Marjorie Tello Wong

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark The Multi-modal Transportation Hub system will be used to further develop Puerto Rico’s transportation infrastructure. As of now, Puerto Rico does not have a strong transportation system that connects throughout the entire west coast. The hubs will enhance the current system by interconnecting with existing transportation systems such as trolley stops, seaports, and airports. The multi-modal hubs will be located in areas of high population density, such as pueblos and near airports and seaports – allowing for easy transportation connectivity amongst districts. This new development will enhance the connectivity between regions, the connectivity of modes of transportation, and the availability of travel choices – which satisfy the objectives of the 2045 Long-Range Multi-modal Transportation Plan. Each hub will have a waiting area, vendor area, electric bikes, bike racks, and charging station; allowing the occupant to have a variety of options. The assembly will consist of solar panels attached to the roof, which will fully power the hub for its daily functions. The Multi-modal Transportation Hub system will create easier access to public transportation to both visitors and the residents of Puerto Rico.

In the future, Uber Air can eventually be a possible strategy to develop the transportation infrastructure in Puerto Rico. Uber Air hubs will be located at distinct locations and will provide high-speed air taxi transportation, emergency supply storage distribution, and emergency rescue. Integrating Uber Air in Puerto Rico’s transportation infrastructure has many advantages.

1. It is time saving. The Uber Aircraft, known as the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing), can take a much more direct route from point A to point B. This means less fuel is required and the journey times are much quicker as a result when compared to a journey on land by car, truck, train, or bus.

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2. It will cost just as much as a regular uber car ride, making it affordable to individuals who already use the current uber service.

3. It will minimize air pollution. The Uber eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) does not release carbon dioxide as road vehicles do.

4. It will decrease inland vehicle traffic congestion. Some of the biggest problems with Puerto Rico’s current transportation infrastructure is traffic caused by road vehicles and the roads damaged by Hurricane Irma and Maria. The roads cannot cope with the huge number of cars, trucks, and other vehicles that compete for space currently.

5. It can be used as an emergency rescue and delivery due to the fast transportation.

These hubs will be located in mountainous areas for rescue purposes, in pueblos, and near airports and seaports which will enhance the connectivity between modes of transportation.

Furthermore, there will be the main headquarters located in Aguadilla Pueblo, Aguadilla within the proximity of the Aeronautical and Aerospace Institute of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico, and the Rafael and Hernandez Airport. The headquarters will consist of an Uber Air hub, research labs, classrooms, manufacturing and repair facilities, and lobby/meeting spaces. It will be an extension of the Aeronautical and Aerospace Institute of Puerto Rico where students and faculty can further research and experiment with aerospace technology.

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Uber Headquarters

The HQ will be an extension to the Aerospace & Aeronautical Institute of Puerto Rico. It will be completely powered by a solar panel field.

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Dual Functions Daily: air taxi, drone testing, research & manufacturing

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Aguadilla

& Aguada

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14. Coastal Infrastructure & the Ocean Economy Aguadilla

Alexander Edward Levin

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark When focusing on the western region of Puerto Rico we found an emphasis on the need for a reinvigorated economy and tourism industry. While surveying municipalities of Puerto Rico, results showed that the hurricanes led to declines in economic activity, mainly the agricultural, tourism, and retail industries. When closing in on the municipality of Aguadilla, we found that the foundations for those region’s industries are strong and promising. Due to the airport location in Aguadilla, trade and tourism have a great future in this region. It opens paths to a greater effort to emphasize the region’s great environmental features, such as its beautiful beaches and prime land for agriculture. The most direct path to enhancing the economy of western Puerto Rico is to focus on its ocean economic sectors. Aguadilla as the rest of western Puerto Rico should focus on an Ocean Economy that includes traditional industries such as fisheries, tourism, marine biotechnology, and offshore renewable energy. Municipalities should reinvest in the natural capital of their land to protect communities and businesses from disasters while also creating new forms of recreational and tourism opportunities. Development of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems must coexist sustainably with tourism to promote the economic development of Puerto Rico. This would help serve as a natural infrastructure to protect against storm damage, manage waste, and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Puerto Ricans.

This project proposed examples of such developments in various municipalities. Starting with Aguadilla Pueblo, which offers a beautiful city that can create a flourishing Ocean Economy due to its abundant opportunities to develop its marine and terrestrial ecosystems creating a stable tourism industry and retail space. We must highlight its beautiful coastline by reinvigorating its waterfront, and by creating a publicly accessible waterfront promenade connecting the city’s north and south regions. The pueblo would be reinvigorated with new urban outdoor spaces, transforming the city’s retail concept activating a greater sense of commercialism, 84

and introducing new business spaces. This would include the construction of a premium waterfront real estate, resilient new mixed-use buildings, with protection from flooding, erosion, hurricanes, and tsunamis. There are plans for Aguadilla to have a working waterfront with ferries and boats that would connect the municipalities while having a true sense of a coastal city.

The previously mentioned waterfront promenade would be a connecting factor of the environmental economy of Aguadilla. At the southern end of the pueblo, another proposal looks into the development of a new Living Levee Park that would help create new natural protections to the flooding, erosion, hurricanes, and tsunamis of the area. This would also promote the economic development of Aguadilla by creating new environmental features that will draw tourists to this beautiful area. This waterfront promenade will stretch north, through the pueblo up to the beautiful fishing village called Villa del Ojo, also known as Crash Boat Beach. Since 1960, there has been a fishing village at Villa del Ojo. It is a tradition that has shaped the culture and environment of Aguadilla and the west coast of Puerto Rico in general and it is worth it to revisit.

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Site Plan

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15. Food Infrastructure: Agriculture Food Security Economy Aguadilla

Mason Wonka + Kerol Kaskaviqi

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark The excessive importation of food resources as well as the continuous fear for food safety has become a big problem for the territory of Puerto Rico, especially affecting the West side of the island. With farming being such a rich part of Puerto Rican history, it is important to preserve what is important and advance wherever possible. With this in mind, the focus of this project is to establish an agricultural infrastructure that is sustainable, well-connected, and able to produce enough resources for food safety. While doing this the purpose is to reduce the footprint of land used through agriculture in total square footage as well as increase the number of agricultural resources provided on and by the island. To achieve this, it was needed to decide where is a good location to place these greenhouse horticultural production facilities concerning local food hubs/markets as well as shipping ports. In trying to minimize the amount of up-front resources spent on the establishment of this critical infrastructure, the project proposes to retrofit existing PRIDCO sites as well as showing the potential for growth in the future.

There is an immense amount of potential for development further beyond the constraints of traditional farming. With the use of growing through a hydroponic method greenhouse horticulture will provide a much-needed advancement in farming techniques and practices. This will update and revolutionize the way Puerto Rico produces, sends/receives, and manages its food supply. The benefits of being able to produce food in a greenhouse year-round, without the disruption and loss of product due to environmental occurrences, gives farmers a chance to potentially triple the yield of crops harvested per year. The implementation of this production, storage, and distribution facilities also aims to teach successful sustainable practices in terms of greenhouse horticulture and its resources. A unique way is through the establishment of walking paths in between greenhouses that are open to the community and allow the public to wander through and observe this new way of farming. With this infrastruc88

ture in place, it should reduce the amount of food being imported to provide for the citizens of Puerto Rico and focus more on boosting the exportation of their agricultural resources.

Which will in turn bring a boost to the agricultural economy of the West side of Puerto Rico.

The project shows how the establishment of potential greenhouses and the retrofitting of existing PRIDCO buildings in Aguadilla’s Parque Industrial de Montaùa, uses an area that is relatively close to the Aguadilla airport for exportation as well as market/hubs in Aguadilla Pueblo for distribution to the community. Then, on the South end of the island, there is a lot of potential for greenhouse horticulture expansion throughout the Lajas Valley. This will have a direct connection to the municipality of Ponce for distribution and exportation. These two large scale production ideas are designed to disperse food resources up and down the entire West coast through the connection of multiple markets and hubs. Thus creating a network that can move the territory towards being more sustainable and self-reliant.

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Initiatives

• Reduce the footprint of agriculture in total square footage.

• Create agricultural infrastructure that is sustainable and able to produce enough resources for food safety.

• Teach successful sustainable practices in terms of agriculture and its resources.

• Reduce the amount of food being imported and focus on the export of food resources.

• Brings a boost to the economy of these areas of development Reduce the footprint of agriculture in total square footage.

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• Create an agricultural infrastructure that is sustainable and able to produce enough resources for food safety.

• Teach successful sustainable practices in terms of agriculture and its resources.

• Reduce the amount of food being imported and focus on the export of food resources.

• Brings a boost to the economy of these areas of development Reduce the footprint of agriculture in total square footage.

• Create an agricultural infrastructure that is sustainable and able to produce enough resources for food safety.

• Teach successful sustainable practices in terms of agriculture and its resources.

• Reduce the amount of food being imported and focus on the export of food resources.

• Brings a boost to the economy of these areas of development

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16. The Cultural Heritage Project Coloso Valley, Aguada Austin Hoaglin

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark The Project develops out of the Instituto de Cultura PuertorriqueĂąa's Built Historical Heritage Program. The Program seeks to "identify, protect, preserve and regulate the historical sites and zones that represent or reflect the social, economic, cultural, political or architectural history of Puerto Rico, for cultural, economic and tourism development, enjoyment and the general welfare of the community, and for research and education."

The site, located in Coloso Valley, is the Historic Sugar Mill and refinery, founded in the late 1820s. The refinery was the longest-running sugar mill on the island. The site became a listed historic monument in 1999 and ceased operations in 2000. Currently, the site has remained untouched and is in a state of decay while the land around the site remains an agricultural conservation. The designation of agricultural conservation requires that the area remain and continue to be used for agricultural purposes. With this in mind, the site stands at a unique cross section - one part protected as a monument while the other used actively for agriculture.

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Envisioning a future for the site to preserve and protect the legacy while realizing the current modern moment, a master plan was envisioned. This plan is meant to be delicate in its intervention and is comprised of bike/walking paths around the site, and the track is intended to connect with the existing bike route from Aguada. Three observation towers located in the landscape are intended to allow bikers and walkers to stop, rest, and enjoy the view. These observation towers are designed to help protect and observe the landscape, both built and natural. Parts of the site are left to decay - a reclaiming of nature, the process is one of poetics and beauty, as documented by the many drone footage shot by locals and visitors of the site.

Other aspects of the landscape remain active with agricultural fields used to grow crops such as sugar cane. While two observation towers are located in Coloso Valley, the third is located nearby past the town's pueblo in Parque Paraiso. The tower there offers a view of the ocean and nature reserve there, and the two sites are connected through the bike route.

Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture

The Built Historical Heritage Program “The Built Historical Heritage Program identifies, protects, preserves and regulates the historical sites and zones that represent or reflect the social, economic, cultural, political or architectural history of Puerto Rico, for cultural, economic and tourism development, enjoyment and the general welfare of the community, and for research and education. In addition, it ensures that land uses promote the conservation of the historical-cultural context. Similarly, it guides, advises and educates on the importance of the built historical heritage and the restoration of buildings of historical value, governments, students and the general public.”

"Our traditions are not rigid museum objects, but living activities in constant renewal & re appropriation, as new traditions also develop."

- MISIÓN DEL ICP Prof. Carlos R. Ruiz Cortés Director Ejecutivo Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña

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Site Plan

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17. Aguada-Fortified & Eco-Adaptable Community 2045 Aguada Pueblo, Aguada PRIDCO’s sites & Comunidad Palmer de Noroa Elena Vasilovska

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark Living in the present and projecting the future is probably one of the most challenging tasks that a society can face. To mitigate the potential hazards and favor the positive outcomes of every situation we must imply a stricter approach to the current issues. Aguada is located in the western part of Puerto Rico, it is a municipality east of Rincón, west of Aguadilla and Moca; and north of Añasco and Mayagüez. Moreover, it is part of the Aguadilla - Isabela - San Sebastián Metropolitan Statistical Area.

At this moment, Aguada is facing ecological, housing, and economic issues. The canals that run through the area are not well developed and face infrastructural issues as well. Moreover, the flood hazard is another threat to the prosperity of Aguada, limiting the people to fully benefit from the surrounding nature. Another very important subject is the economic stagnation of Aguada. After Hurricane Maria, the island is facing major problems that cause depopulation of the area. The housing catastrophe that was caused by Hurricane Maria and the effect of the 2006-2016 economic crisis left the area in a total collapse.

According to Jennifer Hinojosa and Edwin Melendez from the Center of Puerto Rican Studies in New York, “the clearest indicator of the housing crisis is that pre-Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico lost about 45,880 households while adding 115,197 net housing units from 2005 to 2016.

Because of this clear unbalance between the increase in the supply of housing and a sharp decline in demand for housing, Puerto Rico’s median home values have declined across the island by at least 10% since 2005. Furthermore, aggravating the potential demand for housing in the immediate future, median household income declined by 5%, from $21,458 in 2005 to $20,078” (The Housing Crisis in Puerto Rico and the Impact of Hurricane Maria).

Hence, the critical question that we should ask was how we can help Aguada, how we can revitalize the pueblo, by keeping the community together and boost the local economy at the same time? After the conducted analysis, the solution is to: for96

tify Aguada’s pueblo, and retreat the Rio Culebra river that runs through the pueblo on the north-facing side, so the it does not flood. Another key concept is restoring the canal that passes through the Comunidad Palmer Noroa and activating it by introducing a wetland park feature along the canal with a focal point next to the Eco-Adaptable Community. Besides, this canal not only has nature-based features along the water but also serves as a local pathway connection from Aguada pueblo to the beachside.

Furthermore, these two horizontal levees are mainly serving the site to prevent flooding with minimum investment, these areas will be treated with nature and nature-based featured to mitigate flooding. Moreover, the levee located along the Rio Culebra river, not only serves for flood protection but also it allows people to enjoy the local nature either by using the proposed boardwalk or recreationally exploring it by biking. Also, along this horizontal levee, locals, and tourists, not only can enjoy the site but also visit the open-air market that will promote Aguada’s agriculture.

The current situation of Comunidad Palmer Noroa is devastating; this community has a large number of vacant houses and destroyed properties suitable to locate the elevated eco-adaptable housing block that will cope with any possible flood risks in the future, in the area along the beachside. Giving people the chance to escape the flood and enjoy their life either along the beachside or in the pueblo of Aguada.

Finally, the Agro-Centro de Cacao de Aguada is a local cacao industry-oriented that houses the latest hydroponics technology as well as the greenhouse approach to agriculture. By retrofitting the existing PRIDCO sites in Aguada, keeping the structure as it is, repairing and re-painting the existing composition, inserting greenhouses and restoring the roofs by adding hydroponics, green areas, hydroponic bridge connection, and solar panel placement, this complex not only situates a factory for cacao and greenhouses but also will be the home of the Aguada’s agro-tourism. Inviting locals to learn about the benefits of investing in local products as well as offering a market place and public garden for the locals and tourist as well.

In conclusion, this entire proposal will not only protect the people of Aguada from future flooding but also create jobs for the local community and stimulate the tourism and export of products as well.

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Aguada - PRIDCO Sites Conceptual Retrofit Proposal

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• Eco-adaptable Housing • Barrio Guaniquilla • Comunidad Palmer Noroa

• Building retrofit measures include elevation of a structure or possibly dry flood proofing of a structure • Elevation of a structure is usually limited to smaller residential and commercial buildings • Whether a structure may be elevated depends on a number of factors, including the foundation type, wall type, size of structure, condition, etc

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Añasco

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18. Añasco, Revitalization & Cultivation Añasco

Nicole Nigri + Jasmine Cornileus + Steffi Bandril Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen

The proposed urban park is located just southeast outside of the Añasco Pueblo, by the Dagüey River. This river brings the opportunity of adding mangrove forests running alongside it, which is an effective natural protection against tropical storms. The park is meant to mitigate flooding around the area and bring resilience to the community, by providing an alternative safe space in case of a disaster; while also supplying food through the edible garden and energy through stationary bikes. Such bikes would provide exercising stations throughout the park while converting movement into usable energy for the center and surrounding neighborhoods. By the implementation of a green roof, a retention pond, detention lawns, and a rain garden, the park will minimize the impacts of flooding through the area. A spacer under the green roof will store water, reducing the overflow into the city and sewage infrastructure, while also improving climate and absorbing pollutants from the air. Similar to the retention pond, which would be catching, reducing, and filtering stormwater. Lastly, part of the park will be designated for the preservation of Añasco’s native habitat, where local species are maintained and protected.

Because a large portion of homes is located in Añasco’s floodplain, it proposes to give two adaptive alternatives to residents for possible relocation: to relocate to high-density apartments located at higher elevations on the mountains or to relocate to a flood-resistant typology bordering/within the floodplain. gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg The flood-resistant typologies provide housing on a lower-density level, while still providing more housing opportunities than single-family homes. Featuring raised apartments with 4 units and floating duplex town-homes, there are options for a variety of lifestyles. The raised apartments are constructed of concrete, corten steel roofing, with pitched roofs to collect and harness rainwater. Solar panels affixed to a raised portion of the roof acts as a renew102

able energy source. The floating homes are constructed of concrete, steel roofing, wood, and glass, and feature a rainwater harvesting system and solar panels as well. The collection of water and the use of alternative energy sources serve as a way to sustainably use resources, as well as provide energy and water sources in case of emergency and disconnect from the power grid. Finally, the first floor of the raised apartments starts at 7 ft. elevation, accessibility is a concern. To address this, ramps as well as a central stair lead to the doors of units, providing various journeys and moments of interaction and contemplation.

The raised unit also allows for a multi-function open space to exist on the bottom level, which can be used for parking, sitting, etc. - Whatever function best fits the lifestyle of the resident.

Due to the potential mass relocation of residents in AĂąasco to move away from the flood plain, a high-density typology becomes a necessity. These apartments are located in the mountains, using the contours and slope of the mountain to create the organization. Each building consists of a total of 12 two-story units and 4 one-story units on the ground floor for accessibility purposes, providing a balcony for each unit. The top floor of each building becomes a public gathering space that provides a panoramic view of the landscape. There are three layers of roofs for each building to thoroughly provide drainage and water collection: a primary roof that covers the building its entirety; secondary roofs for each balcony; and tertiary roofs around each floor. The primary and secondary roofs have solar panels for an alternative source of energy for the residents.

The entire complex is held through numerous stilt-like columns and beams that pile into the mountain to separate them from the mountain’s ground to reduce the risk of landslide damage.

Both communities feature community gardens with fruit, vegetable, and grain cultivation, as well as edible vegetation such as avocado and mango trees, to provide food on-site and decrease reliance on outside resources. Also, a public transportation route provides a connection between new and existing communities of AĂąasco, meeting at a central hub near the city center.

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Combining the Solutions To conclude the project, we combined each proposed solution - Protective Park, Flood-Resistant Housing, and Hillside Housing - into a single context to propose a potential community.

Located in Espino, AĂąasco, this site has a gentle slope to the left of the river and a flat area to the right, using the protective park in between to link the two communities

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Aerial Overview of Proposals Housing Plan

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M

MayagĂźez

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19. Mayagüez-Energy Evolve: Energy Infrastructure Guanajibo, Mayagüez Julia Moiseeva

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark The big idea of this project is to address Puerto Rico’s energy needs by transforming its electric power infrastructure into an affordable, reliable, and innovative system while reducing adverse impacts on human health and the environment. To renew the energy infrastructure of the Western region of Puerto Rico, calculations of how many megawatts are need to keep this area with resilient energy were developed. According to calculations, 86% of renewable energy is needed, since there are two existing solar farms in Isabela that covers 14% of solar energy of the Western region. To achieve the 100% goal of renewable energy the proposal looks to re-purpose PRIDCO’S property (roofs) transforming them into energy sectors, land along the rivers, and land along the roads. By covering PRIDCO’S property with solar panels and locate solar fields along the rivers and roads 100% can be achieved, creating a new resilient energy grid. This strategy can implement Island-wide energy efficiency and demand response strategy, detailing and prioritizing cost-effective initiatives to reduce and balance energy demand.

Using one of the PRIDCO’s properties in Mayagüez as an example of reforms and innovations in business and institutional models to establish, operate, and sustain a resilient energy system. Retrofitting and creating energy sector covering with big solar canopy and solar field next to it and supplemented with wind power The proposal covers a big percentage of energy needed to supply a population of Mayagüez with affordable and reliable energy.

Initiatives that drives this project are: drive the economy and customer well-being, educate about the renewable energy sector, train and engage the workforce with a strong safety culture, exact transparent regulatory framework, pioneer environmental leadership, rebuild, harden, and modernize the transmission and distribution system for a minimum of energy security and resiliency.

Mayagüez-Energy Evolve it is a public, community, and private sector that is used as the foundation for the energy sector transformation, and which includes an up108

dated analysis and forecast of the demand base, aggressive renewable generation targets. It creates consumer participatory and collaborative mechanisms and public education initiatives to strengthen informed public decision making and engagement on efficient energy usage and the development of resilient energy systems. To meet economical needs this sector will be producing solar panels, which will improve The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) financial, operational, and reliability challenges.

A public education and outreach program covers these primary objectives: developing a broader understanding of the types of electric power systems and their operations, train and engage the workforce with a strong safety culture, foster public understanding of efficient energy use, participate in a consumer advocacy system to ensure that the restructured and redesigned energy sector is responsive to consumer needs consumer advocacy system to ensure that the restructured and redesigned energy sector is responsive to consumer needs.

One of the other goals that were covered in this project is Establishing training and technical support partnerships between Puerto Rico municipalities and municipalities in the U.S. mainland, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. Energy Evolve will welcome researches from around the world.

Energy Evolve developing and supporting partnerships with agricultural cooperatives, academic and power cooperatives to co-design and execute an initiative focused on the provision of education, aggregated wholesale purchases, and finance for high-quality emergency backup energy systems for households and small businesses. Energy Evolve gives small businesses backup access to 2kW of power to cover basic energy requirements. Which is focused on emphasizing rooftop solar energy and storage.

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Energy Calculations

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Perspective Views

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20. Urban Connectivity: Mayagüez Waterfront Mayagüez

Nikolas Shamrell + Tananchanok Jantarachota Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark

This project addresses three current issues Mayagüez faces today which include water management, poor aqua-tourism, and transportation. The Rio Yaguez, which cuts through the city, is currently used as a canal to mitigate flooding and transport storm-runoff back out the bay.

As runoff from the city gathers street sediment and residue, it cumulates in the canal producing poor water quality. The canal is seemingly neglected by the city of Mayagüez, as parking lots and back lawns currently border it on either side. The opportunity the canal presents to the city is a means to connect the waterfront to the pueblo, while also leveraging water management as a means of public space and amenities. This is strategy is implemented in a wetland park and amphitheater, which is the primary node along the canal. By reconstructing the edge conditions of the canal to include slope and terraced landscapes, it increases the canal’s flooding capacity while also offering an opportunity to implement natural vegetation along its borders to help filter stormwater runoff. Along with vegetation along the canal itself, rain gardens are implemented throughout the city, specifically the pueblo, to help aid in stormwater filtration.

The current fishing village “El Seco” of Mayagüez lacks the necessary resources to accommodate the town’s fishing industry. The village is also missing the opportunity to engage in aqua-tourism. A new fishing market, which includes a marina and pier, is implemented to act as a catalyst for the aqua-tourism industry in Mayagüez, while also providing a robust setting for the village to celebrate its culture and heritage. The transportation network in Mayagüez is limited in both its expanse and means of traveling. An expansion of the city’s trolley network and bicycle path encourages a more sustainable means of travel. The proposed new trolley routes connect the city’s port and pueblo, while also passing through UPRM. An existing bicycle path runs along the coastline, however, this project looks to implement bicycle paths through the city, including along the Rio Yaguez.

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Proposal

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El Seco Fishing Market + Pier Redevelopment

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Transportation

Issues: • Insufficient routes • Lack of coastline to Pueblo connectivity • Lack of accessibility 115

21. Mayagüez Housing Development Mayagüez

Christyna Conway + Gabriela Villalobos Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark

The Housing Park of Mayagüez was crafted to fulfill the current housing shortage in Mayagüez while providing a unique interconnected living experience for UPRM students, tourists and visitors, Mayagüez residents, and incoming families. The purpose of the housing park is rooted in creating an environment that not only provides a thriving environment for anyone that visits, but that also provides a return on investment to the Puerto Rico economy. Not only is there a general housing shortage in Mayagüez, but there is a student housing shortage at the local university - University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez (UPRM). The main focus of The Housing Park is to address the general housing shortage while integrating student housing to benefit the local UPRM community in hopes of bringing in more students and ultimately benefiting the economy of Mayagüez.

Currently, the UPRM area has no connection to the rest of the municipality. Housing Park will draw in residents by providing retail and commercial spaces, restaurants, a market place, and additional amenities. It will act as a hub to encourage interconnectivity between various populations within Mayagüez. In hopes to inspire creativity and innovation, by taking a strong focus on education and research. The main student center will include dorm units for students, libraries, research labs and facilities, and classrooms. The idea of integrating housing with UPRM facilities is rooted in the concept of a “Live Learn Community”. To promote education across various studies and age groups, the Housing Park also will include early learning and development centers to allow for families to find connections to UPRM for the future of their children, while also providing convenient schools near the homes of these families.

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Sustainability acts as the foundation for this design proposal. While promoting green spaces and encouraging local community gardens and solar farms, the Housing Park will include each of these components. These areas and sustainable efforts will motivate the community to feel the responsibility necessary to take action and promote sustainable lifestyles.

Housing Context Focus Areas:

• University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez (UPRM)

• Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo (Mayagüez)

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Site Relationship to the University

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Proposed Site + City Center

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22. Restructuring of Dulces Labios Neighborhood

as a Precursor of Density in the Central Core Dulces Labios, Mayagüez

Camille Escobar + Sabrina Luengo Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen

Dulces Labios is centrally located in the coastal area of the Mayagüez municipality on the West side of Puerto Rico. This neighborhood provided numerous challenges and opportunities, tackled in our design and proposals. Being in a zone that is prone to flooding and tsunamis, safety was kept in mind by elevating the land closer to the inclined highway which goes from 30 ft to 10 ft This elevation will ensure safety to this area while providing comfort to the inhabitants by controlling flooding, and the sea-level rise throughout the years. A bridge was incorporated into the design proposal. This bridge highlights the coastal features of the island as well as the beautiful mountain scenery for the Dulces Labios neighborhood occupants and visitors to enjoy from different angles.

The state of the neighborhood is not in its best conditions. The development of informal housing additions and lack of resources have had a huge impact on this community, a lot of houses have been left abandoned and many residents are living in poor unsafe conditions. Bringing back to life not only to the neighborhood of Dulces Labios but to the whole city of Mayagüez, attracting and benefiting not only the Puerto Rican locals but the tourists.

Reshaping Mayagüez’s Dulces Labios by providing to students (student housing, apartments), residents (residential condominiums), and visitors (resort). In detail, these units were designed similar to the typical Puerto Rican housing which consists of: under roof garages and rooftop terraces. The under roof garages are used as a safety feature for flooding. Letting water pass through the ground floor of buildings reduces the wave loads on the structure and walls of buildings. It was kept in mind that relocation may have an impact on these locals and providing maximum comfort and adhering to their traditions was very important. The roof 120

terraces are used for leisure and gathering similar to their accustomed housing. A plaza will be provide for locals and visitors. It will bring growth to local and small businesses such as bars, cultural classes: (cooking and dancing), restaurants, and give many opportunities for social gatherings. (Similar to La Placita de Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico). This plaza will connect to a green space which will be occupied as an open sports park with several outdoor physical activities inhabiting it such as bike and walking trails, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and soccer courts, as well as a baseball field. Acknowledging the sports that are popular in the island of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, a retention basin is incorporated in the park. Used as a safety feature, the retention basin will collect flooding water from the existing river (which divides the neighborhood). We hope that these strategies will be taken into consideration for further development on the West side of La Isla Del Encanto.

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Site Views

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23. Pueblo Infill: Community Living Strategies in PR Carcel, Mayagüez Courtney Hannah

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, it left the island devastated as it wiped out basic resources like food, water, and electricity. It was even more devastating to the already fragile housing market. 18% of the 1.5 million housing units were vacated and over 300,000 homes were damaged, overall affecting 23% of the island’s total housing stock. Today, municipalities on the west coast of the island with large urban centers, or pueblos, such as Mayagüez, Aguadilla, and Cabo Rojo, have entire blocks left vacant due to housing damage or people migration Puerto Rico to the United States. The Puerto Rico Disaster Recovery Action Plan for the use of CDBG-DR funds outlines the essential need for the investment in new and innovative housing developments as a means of helping vulnerable communities and drawing families and young entrepreneurs back to the island. A Living Community is a project that aims to revive vacant blocks in Puerto Rico’s pueblos by focusing on the holistic needs of not only the housing structure but more importantly, the community and its people as well. The project will implement sustainable building techniques, hazard mitigation building techniques, and water and waste management systems. It will also focus on creating a social community with an interstitial network of shared spaces that integrate the individual household with its larger community. In this way, A Living Community establishes a housing typology that is about more than a building, but that is about the quality of life.

When researching Puerto Rico and its housing crisis and ways to solve it became apparent that there was a need for a new housing typology. However, the housing typologies that were being evaluated and considered for implementation focused mainly on sustainability and hazard mitigation. And while these are highly important aspects to consider and design for, it did seem that the idea of community and culture was being neglected. Puerto Ricans are known for their strong family values and love for one another; however, these ethics are often lost in most housing typologies which value the individual or the individual family. This is not to say that families should live together in one household, but rather 126

that there can be a housing typology that allows people to have their individual space, as well as live in the same building as or within walking proximity to community resources such as offices, recreational centers, daycare facilities, elderly care facilities, parks and plazas, commercial and retail stores. The community living housing typology has been successful in countries like China, Japan, England, and Germany. Many, however, are designed at a block scale in which shared spaces and living units are held with one to two buildings, Puerto Rico has the opportunity to design community living at a larger neighborhood scale.

Located in Carcel, Mayagüez, the site for the Living Community is situated in an optimal urban location. The site is bound by Calle Pablo Casals and Highway 2R longitudinally, and Calle Ernesto Ramos Antonini and Calle Nenadich laterally. The area experiences significant activity due to its proximity to Plaza Colon and the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez’s Computer Science and Engineering campus. Due to the damage from Hurricane Maria and recent earthquakes, the majority of the homes left on the site were left vacant or damaged, thus making the site ideal for new development and renovation or retrofitting of existing structures when applicable. Of the 986 housing units located within the studied housing vacancy block, 530 units were reported as vacant and 35 were designated as having a roof and/or foundation damage. Retrofitting applicable structures on the site is essential to take into consideration to preserve the essence of the site’s scale and history, and allow the homes of current residences to be enhanced, not destroyed. The site also is home to the popular Mayagüez destination, Plaza Del Mercado. This farmer’s market is a place for local farmer’s to sell their produce, from fruits and vegetables to spices and condiments, while also being a place for the community to gather express local cultures and cuisines. Plaza Del Mercado has great potential for renovation.

The Living Community master plan would transform the market into a larger destination for Mayagüez residents and tourists by adding a complementary outdoor plaza with a canopy overhang and additional spaces for temporary vendors, a public park, or plaza for added green space, and commercial and event spaces. Ultimately the renovation of this large, celebrated local landmark starts to exemplify the value of community at the Living Community’s largest scale. The characteristics of the housing blocks and their range of shared spaces and unit types exemplify the value of the community at its smaller scale.

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Green Building Techniques & Hazard Mitigation

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Intergenerational Housing Block Prototype

The Living Community would bring new housing development to a currently (primarily) vacant site.

The values of the community as a whole would be a driver for the project Sustainable building techniques would be implemented at every scale.

The Living Community would serve as a prototype, including a “kit of parts� that could be implemented in other municipalities.

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24. Reshaping Mayagüez: Student Housing & Activity Hub Plaza del Mercado, Mayagüez Valentina Valderrama

Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen This project proposes the reconstruction and development of Mayagüez Plaza del Mercado Downtown District. This area is a fascinating scenario since many of the buildings are abandoned or for sale, reconstructing a new Downtown District in Mayagüez can be achieved by bringing back to life those abandoned buildings and re-used them in a more commercial approach.

By amplifying the commercial aspect of downtown Mayagüez, creating spaces for restaurants, bars, nightlife not only would attract the local community but also will attract other visitors to the area. Since Mayagüez houses many universities, there is also an abandoned school: Manuel A. Barreto that can be a potential asset for Student Housing. The school has three buildings, two of those buildings have four floors each and the other one is five floors. By arranging a new design, the new Student Housing can house over 120 students.

Mayagüez is the eighth largest municipality of Puerto Rico. Commercial growth in Mayagüez can boost not only local communities but can attract tourism and become one of the top three municipalities in the Island.

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Current Site Conditions

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2 Bedroom Floor Plan Proposal

3 Bedroom Floor Plan Proposal

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25. Columbus Landing Housing Development Columbus Landing, MayagĂźez

Kaci Seitzinger + Blanchard Fagan + Robert Butler Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen

This project focuses on revitalizing the public housing of Columbus Landing and surrounding neighborhoods between the MayagĂźez Pueblo and MayagĂźez Stadium. The area presents poor conditions and an outdated public housing, unsafe, not up to code, and is considered a hot spot for criminal activity. This community is lacking in successful architectural qualities and urban development. The housing, infrastructure, and urban realm need to be re-imagined while maintaining a strong sense of culture.

Since flooding is frequent in the area, this proposal re-establishes the ground plane, providing multi-leveled transportation. The project elevates the occupied ground plane 18 ft. vertically, which allows for flooding at ground level. The urban interventions and pedestrian walkways throughout the site will be elevated as well as the parking and green spaces. The parking garage is to be built in concrete, which is structurally impervious to water, while the elevated walkway will be out of wood, as it is a natural material easy to assemble at high elevations. We will also actively engage the edge of the water and marina by incorporating a drainage system through terracing to avert inland flooding.

Instead of retreating and going inland because of the flooding, we are designing and proposing how to occupy this site because the community and culture are prominent along the coast. We hope to protect history while revitalizing the area for locals and tourists. The design is for residents and tourist alike, with a variety of programs to engage both groups to revitalize the neighborhood. The proposed program includes residential apartments with outdoor spaces, a hotel, office buildings, retail, restaurants, a market, public spaces, and recreational areas. Waterfront development such as a marina, retail, restaurants, and the public park will take advantage of the view and add recreational space. To minimize displacement of current residents, the project is envision in three different phases of construction and development.

The first phase, to the north of the area and bordering the Dulces Labios neighborhood, will be developed first. It incorporates residential apartment units, an office complex, and retail by the 134

waterfront, as well as green space which has soccer fields, playgrounds, and shaded lawns. The residential component is modular, offering a variety of different floor plans based on people’s needs.

Floor plans range from one to five bedrooms. There are also small-scale courtyards which break up the larger-scale residential mass. These courtyards offer private green space to residents, conveniently placed. The residential block is tiered and terraced, providing views to everyone. On top of the terraces are plots of green space in which residents can grow their gardens. Located along the edges of the site are solar panels which make the site self-sustaining. Below the apartments, on the ground floor, is a parking garage for residents. The facade of the residential units is to be made of wood, glass, stucco, and operable angled wooden fins that keep the privacy of the residents while allowing ample light into space. These fins are operable from the inside of the apartment, allowing residents to determine if they want them shut or open. The office complex will be 20-story, will bring in businesses and jobs to the local economy, and will increase the density of the neighborhood.

The second phase, will be to the south of the area and closest to the sports stadiums. This phase is the main, public area for retail and public activity. It attempts to sustain multiple communities of people along a shared avenue, which is the elevated pedestrian walk. The interior atrium in this area are designed to define and create a variety of public spaces. The area also includes high-density residential apartments surrounding this main path. This phase focuses on creating levels of occupation to allow for a constantly dynamic environment. The design of the buildings includes a collection of facades aimed to facilitate individuality and the ability for customization. Finally, regarding the arrangement of this area, the hierarchy of streets will be as a typical urban morphology.

The third phase is located to the right of PR2. This area of the project focuses on additional high-density residential high-rise apartments to accommodate local and new residents.

There are plenty of green spaces and urban plazas throughout for recreation and various activities. The elevated walkways break up the massing of the residential towers, which also relates to an urban landscape while guiding pedestrians towards the community market. The residences are elevated above the ground plane and the pedestrian walk so that the public is private. The design of the high-rise apartment buildings refers to stacked and tiered terraces for privacy and alternating perspectives to view the waterfront from this distance. The buildings are staggered to allow for optimal views for residents in the apartments. To the right of this area are a large public park for multipurpose recreation and a revitalization of the natural landscape.

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In an effort to minimize the displacement of current residents, the design proposes to establish three different phases of construction and development. Dividing the site into phases will make the overall development more efficient and less disruptive to the community.

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Site Program

The proposed program includes residential apartments with outdoor spaces, a hotel, office buildings, retail, restaurants, a market, public spaces and recreational areas. Waterfront development such as a marina, retail, restaurants and public park will take advantage of the view and add recreational space.

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Plan of the Marina

The marina is a green spine that extends from the MayagĂźez Stadium and ties back into the neighborhood of Columbus Landing. It acts as an anchor for the city with a series of plazas, museums, theaters, restaurants, and social destinations that exemplify the vitality of MayagĂźez life and culture.

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Marina Views

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26. Puerta Del Sol Ecological Network:

Connective Multi-modal Network that Links the Ecosystem & Natural Assets with Waypoints for Local & Visitor Tourism Candelaria, Mayagüez Emily Mason

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark Tourism is a vital source of income for Puerto Rico and helps to employ over 63,500 people. According to the Transformation Innovation Plan, alternative tourism can help promote the economic development of Puerto Rico, emphasizing the West Coast.

“Puerto Rico must undertake comprehensive planning of its tourism potential with a particular emphasis on the future development of the west coast.” ~Puerto Rico One By providing “key hub areas and enhancing efforts to preserve unique natural, cultural, and historical assets,” tourists will feel compelled to extend the length of their visit and increase their desire to experience the Puerto Rican West Coast. Puerto Rico’s West Coast already has the natural features needed to boost the economy. This includes the picturesque beaches, unique land formations, and the Salt Flats which could be developed into Eco-tourism hubs.

These hubs look to boost “tourism activity that prioritizes aspects of nature conservation and improving the welfare of the community.” Specifically, when looking at the West Coast, several conservation priority areas hold critical wildlife. When developing a strategy to implement Eco-tourism hubs, these sites were essential to both improve the economy and environment.

By bringing tourists and locals into the hubs, public awareness of conservation is strengthened as each site promotes the beauty and unique qualities of the particular ecosystem.

Instead of having separate Eco-tourism hubs, a collective coastal network was creat140

ed to link the entire West Coast and promote nature-based tourism activities. These activities include kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, bird watching, and mountain biking that would encourage experience-based tourism and limit the effects on nature. The coastal network was created by connecting the hubs with a bike pathway along existing roadways. When deciding the route of the pathway, existing bike routes, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and Urban Centers were key to improving the entire West Coast.

By looking at the various road conditions along the West Coast, the pathway could be categorized into open roadways, closed off roadways that would limit the size of the path, natural areas along the path, housing that would limit the size of the path, urban areas near the path, and any destinations where the path should pause. These categories were then used to develop a pattern of how the pathway could function within the various circumstances.

Additionally, four prototypes were developed in response to the pathway’s conditions: the beach hub, lookout hub, nature-based hub on the left shoulder, nature-based hub on the right shoulder, and bird watching waypoint. While all the prototypes contain areas of rest, bathrooms, and kiosks that could be used for local businesses, each prototype looked at road conditions and the function of that hub. For instance, the beach prototype sought to connect the bike pathway and the beach without harming the landscape. This was accomplished by offsetting the hub from the pathway, which could have a dual purpose for beach visitors and bike riders in need of rest. The beach prototype could also include showers and beach activity rentals, along with an elevated constructed base that would help limit sand erosion.

Each hub can take the characteristics of the site and activities that would promote interest at the location to better fit within the natural landscape. Since it is unrealistic to have maintenance for the waypoints, the pavilions would be made out of concrete, with the natural landscape being the details of the project. The pavilions would also be well ventilated as air conditioning is not a necessity. Perforated concrete will let air circulate through the concrete pavilion and naturally cool the pavilion. A large shaded canopy will also prevent the pavilion from being overheated. Besides having bathrooms, areas for rest, and kiosks, additional components such as a WiFi hot spot, potable water station, bike or scooter rentals, charging stations, and parking.

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Eco-tourism Facility Prototypes

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Site View

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CaĂąo Corazones Wetland Park

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Cabo Rojo

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27. Cabo Rojo: Center for Hydrology, Geology, & Meteorology Plan Bonito, Cabo Rojo

Jordan Moumne + Haillie Lahnum + Jirayut Puribhat Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen

This project addresses the Cabo Rojo initiative for measurement stations to study and prevent future natural disasters. This involves a primary research center for hydrology, geology, and meteorology located south of MayagĂźez, northeast of Laguna Joyuda Natural Reserve, along with a typology of smaller stations to be located along the island for measurement gathering. Located near a floodplain, the location provides easy access to the plentiful natural resources of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the location provides easy access to MayagĂźez, where the school is located, allowing for research connections. Acting as a storm and flood shelter for many people. The research center has 6 main parts: the education hall, the laboratory spaces, housing, agriculture, animal husbandry, and hydrological power.

The education hall includes a large lecture room along with three smaller classrooms for the university students of MayagĂźez and for local school children to use during the year to learn about the natural wonders that Puerto Rico has to offer. It has a large flex-space for eating that also acts as a large safe space during storms. This building connects to the laboratory spaces. There are four laboratory spaces for study. These spaces follow the form of the topography, growing up the hill. The glass panels are pushed in and protected by folding porches during storms. What is important to note is that these folding porches, have porosity to them so that researchers can still observe the compound safely during a storm or hurricane while still protected by high-impact glass. Some roofs are green while others are equipped with solar panels to provide energy.

The entire site is located on a hill. The housing utilizes this slope to see beyond each other and to look down towards the Laguna Joyuda Natural Reserve. There are 8 multi-story houses on 148

the site, each of which are divided into 2 individual units, creating a duplex-style home. On the ground floor, these homes consist of a garage, living room, and kitchen area. The second floor contains a bedroom with a walk-in closet, bathroom, a stackable laundry unit and water heater.

The third level of the house is an enclosed rooftop area which overlooks a green roof and provides higher access for the residents of the homes to have a better view of the surrounding scenery.

These homes were designed to provide the students, teachers, and researchers who come to the Hydrology and Geology Center a comfortable, individual space to reside during extended stays.

Another important part of the program is agriculture and animal husbandry. To create a self-sustaining compound, agriculture and animal husbandry are included in the program to supply the compound with food. The agriculture is kept irrigated through the hydrological power system. The inspiration for designing this system coming from the water cycle and the concept of runoff. The system collects water from storms and runoff and utilizes a dam to generate electricity to help power the compound. After, the water is then controlled to run through the site, cooling the area and providing a source for irrigation of the agriculture. This constructed stream will then meet up with another, pre-existing creek and return to its natural pathway.

This center is only a base for the system of measurement the project establishes along the coast. This project proposes several locations along the western coast of Puerto Rico for smaller, inhabitable, research areas in the form of weather stations. While the weather stations themselves are located outside, there are proposed buildings that accompany them, providing these researchers with more accessible, sheltered space to aid in their studies. These buildings are comprised of an open lab space that is located directly after entering the building. This is a gathering area that can also be used as a multi-functional space. There are two private conference rooms, located on the backside of the building, which consists of floor to ceiling windows that overlook the water. Small personal living quarters are also included in the layout of the building, allowing for comfortable, overnight stays for researchers to utilize if needed. There is then an outdoor patio area which acts as a lookout and viewing area to use for their research, or simply just to decompress and enjoy the views. These weather stations were designed to be hurricane resistant to withstand the force of future hurricanes that may happen on the island. They also incorporate the folding porches that the laboratory spaces use to protect this glass during storms.

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External Space

The exterior courtyard acts as a place to gather and enjoy the environment. It features a shade system which extends from the building and has greenery hanging to provide a modern, tropical, experience. This space ties the building to the agricultural area and the constructed stream that flows through the site.

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Program Breakdown: • Research labs:

4 research labs ranging from 1000 sq. ft. to 4000 sq. ft • Eating Spaces:

Flex Café Space: 7,500 sq. ft

Exterior Farming: 42,000 sq. ft • Enclosed Animal pen: 1020 sq. ft.

Exercise yard: 1675 sq. ft.

Pasture: 2 acres • Teaching Spaces:

Three classrooms: 2000 sq. ft. each

Lecture-hall: 4000 sq. ft • Housing:

Researcher/Teacher/Student housing:

8 duplexes: 900 sq. ft. per unit

Education & Laboratories

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28. Adapting Cabo Rojo: Green Infrastructure & Floating Communities Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo Pueblo Justin Bowdish

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark Considering the recent natural disasters throughout the island of Puerto Rico, the Cabo Rojo municipality has adopted a new set of initiatives and goals to better plan for the future. Outlined restoration measures and opportunities are to be implemented such as green infrastructure/stormwater retrofit, stabilization of roads and bare soils, pollution prevention, and constructed treatment wetlands. This, in addition to the immediate need to improve the infrastructure of flood areas and areas of recognized tourist interest, has led to the development of this proposal throughout the Cabo Rojo pueblo and the Puerto Real bay area.

To address the immediate flooding hazard, the proposal enhanced the wetlands north of the pueblo by reinforcing and channelizing the river runs north to south through the town. This connects to the Mayagüez watershed to the NW, and potentially to Puerto Real. This will allow for increased water flow that will detract from the water level in the Pueblo, diverting any runoff to the wetlands which have been converted into a floodable nature park. As a result, many of the critical facilities such as hospitals and schools will be more impervious to a natural disaster. Also, this provides a great opportunity for local and tourist activities. A bike path will run along the river, allowing people to travel through the wetland park and the redesigned Puerto Real waterfront.

Furthermore, the Puerto Real waterfront that currently lies in a flood zone will be dug out and pushed back, allowing for the creation of a series of floating buildings. Puerto Real is one of the most fishing-reliant villages in all of Puerto Rico. By enhancing the area’s identity consisting of housing, commercial storefronts, a plaza, a fish market, and fisheries, the expansion will foster tourist interest but also reinforce Puerto Real’s significance in Puerto Rico’s world of aquaculture.

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In conclusion, by addressing the initiatives set forth by the municipality of Cabo Rojo the proposed plan will work to not only mitigate flood risks but to serve as a link between the pueblo and surrounding areas. Through the process of hazard mitigation, we can revitalize the area and create a tourist hub that stimulates the economy for generations to come.

Site View

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29. Urban Infill Housing Prototyping: Resilient Housing Solutions for Pueblo Contexts & Housing Typologies Cabo Rojo Pueblo Ryan Gorday

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark The design seeks to propose a modular vocabulary and prototype for urban infill housing solutions. Studies of the housing context and environment in Puerto Rico, as well as knowledge of current natural disaster and infrastructure-related problems, have been taken into account to develop an essential library of components that are to be included in some form or another in each infill development. These components seek to address the primary infrastructural needs when main utilities are fail. These components, seek to address issues of power generation and storage, food production, water reclamation and management, public and green space availability, housing, and commercial interests Each component is modular and is standardized regardless of the size, making them adaptable to meet the unique characteristics of each site. For example, a major space emphasized for utilization in each development is the rooftop. Programs that can be placed here include solar panel arrays, community gardens, and rainwater catchment systems. On smaller developments, these can be individually implemented to take maximum advantage of the space.

For example, those developments with ample sun exposure and southern orientation can host solar panel arrays, and others less suited to this can utilize this space for gardening or community space. Each component of the main prototype follows this modularity and flexibility. The ground floor stores the mechanical utility equipment (batteries, water purification, and storage, etc. The rooftop program, as mentioned is flexible. The intervening floors are residential. They each use the same footprint, so more or less of them can be added based on surrounding site conditions—such as zoning or height of surrounding buildings. This allows for greater flexibility of the module to meet local needs while still utilizing the same basic design, easing the process of permitting and learning any applicable construction/implementation techniques by 154

contractors. This main prototype is sized approximately 15’ x 50’. Each of the essential components for resilience can be resized and reordered to fit on additional lot sizes. The rooftop can accommodate multiple programs at larger scales, and more rooms can be allocated for residential and common spaces. The basic components and design techniques remain the same, allowing individual designs to be done while keeping compatibility with the larger system.

This “larger system” is the other essential part of the design keyed for urban resilience.

Taking inspiration from the principles of Dr. Fraker’s Eco-block concept, these individual structures are connected to form micro-grids of urban resilience. This is especially relevant to an urban context, with little space to form an entirely new development. Instead, the prototype takes advantage of various sizes of vacant infill lots so as not to displace current residents. Additionally, construction in this manner is especially suited to development in phases. Individual structures can be built as lots, funds, and developers become available. When completed, the power supply can be connected to contribute to the local micro-grid. Additionally, other systems that can exist at smaller scales (such as small water purification units and reclamation systems) can be connected to form multiple sources of utilities. As such projects are completed, a network of resilient nodes begins to form.

Additionally, even simple retrofitting of surrounding properties, such as owners installing a few solar cells, can connect to and contribute to this resilient network. In an environment where funding and construction resources may be intermittently available, the ability to form a network as a series of carefully interfaced parts, as opposed to a single large-scale development, is vital.

The prototypes are placed in the urban center of the Cabo Rojo pueblo for context. Taking advantage of vacant lots wherever they happen to occur, each prototype can be “plugged in” to the urban landscape and connected to the larger network. Over time, infill developments such as these can be connected to form a set of resilient, self-sufficient Eco-networks across an urban landscape.

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Components

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Design Phases

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30. Colinas Jardín Boquerón, Cabo Rojo

Kuljon J. Pierre + Patrick Prieto

Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen Colinas Jardín, or Garden in the Hills, offers astounding views and beauty. Located in Boquerón in Cabo Rojo, Las Colinas new affordable Eco-housing blocks designed are ready to welcome new residents, housing disaster victims, and families of the surrounding areas.

The tropically influence and socially conscious design places emphasis on views, vegetation, energy, and adaptability. The views highlighted are defined by the natural assets of the site. These include the ocean to the Southwest, the river that runs along the Northwest, and the horizon. As to not obscure surrounding neighborhoods and preserve their line of vision, the hills are pulled away from the site’s edges and partially embedded in the landscape.

The relatively flat site is peppered by hills as a way of honoring the surrounding mountainous landscape that covers much of Puerto Rico. These hills are also terraced, set back with every level ascended. The natural river gives the site a sense of direction. The river itself slopes towards the ocean as well as the site and constructed river. Locally familiar vegetation is strategically placed throughout the previously cleared site, returning vitality and abundance to the environment. Ground-based gardens are included to provide areas for residents to meditate and heal while also providing a place to grow food. Raised gardens, raised lawns and green roofs are integrated into building design. By pulling vegetative gestures up onto the structures, Las Colinas appear more embedded into the landscape. This allows for a visual experience predominantly populated with healthy green vegetation rather than a massive concrete jungle. These techniques provide an experience with minimized visual obstructions and allow for a balance between built landscape and vegetative abundance.

The two-building design solutions offer residents the choice of lifestyle and varied environments. The individuals inhabiting the residences can range from larger groups or families to individuals. The higher density housing is near the north end of the site and then the density 158

trickles down and into lower-density housing. The housing plans are modulated to allow for comfortable placement and a coalition of residences. The bigger residences are on ground level; as one moves up the levels of the building the sizes of homes and the number of occupants per home decrease. Ample sun means the Eco-blocks mainly rely on solar power for clean energy production. There is also a system of retention ponds and neighborhood creeks that collect runoff and redirect water to be used for irrigation among other purposes.

Lastly, the site is stitched to the fabric of the surrounding city with the internal community trail that crosses the site’s borders and spills into the city, taking participants on an adventure of local culture and life. The trail starts by following the path of the river and giving one a sense of the natural surroundings. Then, the trail moves into the downtown area and across the harbor and onto the beach. From there, one can complete the loop and come back up to Colinas Jardín by walking through a different part of the downtown area while also enjoying small, revitalized green spaces along the way.

This trail brings together the natural world, the town of Boquerón, and Colinas Jardín. Colinas Jardín is meant to bring beauty and sustainability to affordable housing while sheltering the people and cherishing the community and environment.

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Master Plan

1. Natural Conservation Area 2. City Beautification 3. Nature Trail along River to Beach 160

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31. Sustainable Housing Development & Natural Conservation El Combate, Pole Ojea & Corozo

Hedra B. Rodriguez + Sindhu Parvataneni

Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen As we all know, in late September 2017 Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, causing devastating damage. The island’s electrical grid was largely destroyed, provoking the largest power outage in American history. Most of the island ended up without electricity, communication, and clean drinking water for months. Puerto Rico is not only in the path of tropical storms, but it also sits between two massive tectonic plates under the ocean, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. In January 2020, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake and weeks of aftershocks hit the island. Upwards of 15,000 Puerto Ricans were displaced, camping in tents or driveways. The good news is that Puerto Rico has all the natural resources that it would need to become energy independent, a tremendous solar irradiation along with wind and water resources, both land-based and offshore, but many obstacles remain.

The proposal is focused on a small town called Pole Ojea located in Cabo Rojo on the southwest coast of the island where help to restructure the town is still needed. Pole Ojea, like most of the surrounding area, is a community that lives at or below the poverty level and consists of a large elderly population over the age of 55 (many retirees move to this area). This town has a population of 1,684. It has a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.

Why Pole Ojea? Because of its location, it possesses the qualities to become a model town with the design ideas to achieve it. The creates the atmosphere to mix communities, increase the number of families, boost the economy, and improve the quality of living and enjoyment of the natural resources. But before we meet our goal, the present issues must addressed. Currently, there are no hospitals nearby, neither a functional school nor parks and houses do not meet the codes hurricane/earthquake proof yet.

The proposal includes two locations of interventions. Located at the Northwest side of the 162

town, the first intervention is a major construction idea that includes living and commercial aspects. This phase includes a modular Eco-block housing, a care center (reused building), a community park and garden, a commercial area to boost the economy, and a remodeling of an abandoned school. Located in the southeast part of the town, the second intervention is an observatory. This place is dedicated to the appreciation of wildlife, and natural resources. To make every place accessible to the people within the town and adjacent communities (such as Corozo and El Combate),it also proposes the creation of a Trolley Public Transportation Line.

Here are the characteristics of each area: • Improvement of living conditions includes an Eco-block modular housing proposal. With a passive strategy, this modular house takes good use of the natural sunlight and the north eastern wind. Two types of housing are proposed: a single and a double family house with accessibility to a community garden, a piazza, a hospital, and a park. Each type of housing has rooftop solar paneling, rainwater harvesting, and is eco-friendly driven throughout.

• The creation of a care center has been proposed for this elderly populated town. In a case of an emergency, residents will have access to a health care center at a convenient distance. This facility could include an urgent care area, a doctor’s office, an ambulatory surgery room, a pharmacy, and a drug store.

• As a recreational or health and fitness site for all ages, we are designating an area for a community park that includes a play area for kids, walking and bike paths, etc.

• The commercial area to include an open piazza, a pharmacy, a mini-market, and an ice cream shop.

• For an educational facility, it proposes the remodeling of a deteriorated Escuela Sebastian Pabon Alves located in the adjacent town of El Corozo (northeast of Pole Ojea).

• The observatory is a threshold where humans, the wildlife refuge, and the salt flats all meet to create an experience that can only be found at this exact location. Since it focuses on the appreciation of more than two conditions, it will have a different set of platforms and with that, a variety of levels of appreciation of the site.

The design philosophy is to improve, conserve, and protect the quality of life of all living species located in Pole Ojea and beyond.

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Site in Existing Conditions Seek to link the tourism from El Combate, nature/wildlife from Pole Ojea, rural agriculture from Corozo

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Platform & Ramps

CHARACTERISTICS: • Open structure • 360-degrees views • Different levels of observation • Accessible for young and adults

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32. The Cabo Rojo Retreat Cabo Rojo

Edgar Alatorre

Faculty Advisor: Prof. Martha Kohen The municipality of Cabo Rojo located Southwest of Puerto Rico, is delightful and known for many natural landmark areas that will help to bring forth more tourism and increase the economy. The issue that keeps occurring in Puerto Rico is that every time the island stunned by a natural disaster, time takes its toll and the rebuilding aspect is not always immediate. Therefore, this proposal for Cabo Rojo will consist of how to rethink and innovate sustainable/structural retreat pods that will be able to withstand natural disasters such as category five hurricanes winds, unpredictable seismic wave activity, and tsunamis.

As for the leisure aspect of this retreat, it will have the amenities of hiking tours, kayaking, and biking to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge Bird Sanctuary and Salinas de Cabo Rojo (salt flats), and will end in the iconic Faro Los Morrillos (lighthouse). The Pods will be dimensioned at 60 feet by 34 feet totaling 2,00 sq. ft. and almost 15,000 in total area. Each pod will be divided into four rooms that will be able to occupy 16 people per pod. There will be eight pods on this site, with the potential to grow if needed. What separates this place from other retreats is that in case of an emergency, the pods will be transformed to host up to eight people per room. Expanding the potential to help locals.

The structure will not use traditional concrete or brick walls. And although these forms of construction have been proven to withstand hurricane winds, they are a liability when encountering unpredicted seismic waves activity. Instead, it will use metal framing with aluminum panels on the exterior’s walls and facade, like a shipping container, but with less weight and easier to construct. The roof will host solar panels to provide natural electricity. The pods will also be lifted to 7 ft. in case of potential water surges after hurricane or earthquake activity. These Retreat Pods will also be self-sustained, producing its water and hopefully its bathroom system. It will serve as an exceptional place where locals and visitors will be able to congregate.

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In conclusion, The Cabo Rojo Retreat will innovate how construction can protect us for natural disasters, regardless of what it is.

Site Location

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33. Slow Tourism Eco Cabin Communities

Cabo Rojo to Guanica Jordan Weinstein

Faculty Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark This project encourages slow tourism through the use of Eco Cabins that are completely sustainable and off the grid, with minimal impact on the surrounding habitat and environment.

When researching the western regions of Puerto Rico, the main interest was the significant habitats, ecosystems, and tourist attractions that exist throughout these municipalities. This is because most of these western municipalities have economies that thrive off of tourism.

Some examples of these ecosystems and attractions include Gozalandia Falls, the Guajataca State Forest, the Rio Abajo State Forest, the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Camuy Caverns National Park, the Maricao State Forest, Punta Guaniquilla Nature Preserve, the Salt Flats of Cabo Rojo, the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, La Parguera Nature Preserve, and the Guanica Dry Forest. When looking more closely at what each municipality has to offer, the main driver was the abundance of nature and ecosystems throughout the Cabo Rojo, Lajas, and Guanica municipalities because they have the most coral reef life throughout the entire country and have diverse habitats including salt flats, mangroves, beaches, and mountains. Also, these municipalities have struggling industries that are based on tourism and fishing and are also extremely prone to flooding, tsunamis, and earthquakes.

Because each of these municipalities already has existing hotel areas, the main goal is to encourage people to take the path less traveled and to experience the local habitats more intimately. To do so, the Eco Cabins are small enough to be transported by truck to sites that are within the ecosystems and out of the way of the main tourist areas. The goal of these cabins and slow tourism, in general, is to be more experiential, place-based, local-based, and itinerary-based than typical tourism. By placing these cabins in sites throughout the Cabo Rojo, Lajas, and Guanica municipalities, including the Salt Flats of Cabo Rojo, Parguera Mountains, Punta Jorobado, and the Guanica Dry Forest, people are encouraged to travel from site to site through168

out these regions, making pit stops at these cabins along the way that are embedded in nature.

The main dimensions of the cabin are 14’ wide by 22’ long to fit on the bed of a truck for easy transport to the isolated ecosystems. There are three main floor plans for these Eco Cabins: one large prototype that has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchenette and an outdoor space add-on that is 14’ wide by 17’ long. One small prototype is 14’ by 22’ that includes one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchenette, and outdoor space, and the other small prototype is also 14’ by 22’ with one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchenette, but does not include outdoor space. Also, all of these prototypes are designed to be completely off the grid through the use of solar panels and storage, a composting toilet, and water harvesting and filtration systems. Furthermore, the cabins have the option to be raised off of the ground to prevent flooding and to have 4 cores in each corner of the floor plan, which is useful for structure against tsunamis. There is also the option of a houseboat, which takes the cabin and places it on a floating deck so that it can exist while floating on the surface of the ocean.

The cabins also have the option of either sliding decks or foldable decks. The sliding decks slide open for ventilation, but also close to cover the glass in a storm. The foldable decks open to become outdoor patios, but also close to cover the glass in case of a strong storm.

Each of the four sites, the Salt Flats of Cabo Rojo, the Parguera Mountains, Punta Jorobado, and the Guanica Dry Forest uses different prototypes of the cabin that best fits the site. For example, the Salt Flats site mainly has a large prototype cabin that is raised off of the ground and has a tsunami structure because the site is prone to flooding and tsunamis. Besides, there is the option for the houseboat on this site because it is on the water. The Parguera Mountains and Guanica Dry Forest sites have a small prototype, either with or without outdoor space.

These cabins do not need to be raised off of the ground nor have tsunami structure because they are high in elevation. Finally, the Punta Jorobado site consists of the large prototype that is stacked on top of each other in threes, as well as some cabins that exist in the site by itself.

The idea of this site is to be more community based, with the cabins existing on the edges of the site and a large space in the middle of them which is meant for community gatherings.

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Proposed Sites

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Special Collaboration

34. The Quality of Fragility Coordinators: Dr. Silvia Aloisio & Francesco Tosetto Participant Firms: Lorenzo Guzzini Architecture Associates Studiospazio SM_48

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34. The Quality of Fragility

Cabo Rojo

Coordinators: Dr. Silvia Aloisio & Francesco Tosetto Lorenzo Guzzini Architecture + Associates + Studiospazio + SM_48 PRRS_3 E’s invitation to work on the island of Puerto Rico from the directors of the event coincided with the global emergency situation caused by the pandemic, which was particularly affecting Italy at the moment. The idea promoted by the collective SM_48, originally invited to participate in the Workshop (as a Lab director), was to involve three other emerging architectural firms, with offices in the Lombard Red area, the territory of the peninsula most affected by the virus, in working on a common and above all effective response for the island of Puerto Rico.

The three professional firms involved are: Associates led by Nicolò Galeazzi and Martina Salvaneschi, based in Brescia; Lorenzo Guzzini Architecture, based in Milan and Studiospazio, led by Samuele Squassabia, Tao Baerlocher, and Eugenio Squassabia, based in Mantua.

The workshop has therefore turned into a real opportunity to create a link between these two emergency situations, the current pandemic and the challenges existing in Puerto Rico, bringing the issue of The Quality of Fragility to the center of the investigation.

Once integrated, the working group attempted to outline a new approach in thinking about space (and consequently urban systems), in which fragility, of which awareness has now increased, can become a foundational value in the design action.

The working methodology had to programmatically force to overcome the physical impediments, through a close and close collaboration between the various interpreters, made possible also by the various multimedia platforms, in some cases so demonized in the design field, which have become essential tools for develop, share and communicate projects at a fast pace and in a synergistic way. The reflections, the ideas, the drawings have excitedly taken shape on so many screens, that nothing, if not the same screen, was shared. A young work group, at the first experience in common, wanted to use the suspended time of the quarantine 174

to produce a useful vision for a delicate and fragile area.

Through a synergistic reflection, in all its parts, the group has identified the title The Quality of Fragility, which well frames the peculiarity of the area, frequently affected by extreme natural events; and which, however, also effectively describes the situation of uncertainty and fear that characterizes the world at the moment.

The intervention site is the municipality of Cabo Rojo, characterized by the presence of a protected area, where a nineteenth-century lighthouse guards the ancient salt pans, for which the architects have imagined a light intervention where small emergencies raise the quality of the use of the experience of an already extraordinary place. The intention is to reformulate the mode of tourism on the island, responding to the specificity and criticality of the area and using them for the creation of a proposal attentive to the climate, environmental resources and economic and social impact.

The project aims to promote a recreational and cultural experience of natural areas by introducing “minimal� structures and infrastructures that establish a harmonious relationship with the environment. The new interventions refer to local vernacular architecture, also investigating some of the architectural archetypes: a monumental staircase leading to a Semperian hut (Tribe by Associates), a straw-covered salt tolos that acts as a heart (The Heart by Lorenzo Guzzini Architecture ) and three slender stems that bend in the wind become a totem from which to observe the landscape (Totem by Studiospazio).

Using the fragility of this territory as a quality for buildings and spaces, the model proposes an image that can change over time, programmatically accepting the risks and the possibility of being destroyed, and subsequently rebuilt, starting from some permanences, but leaving a wide degree of formal freedom. The proposed project is poetically flexible, designed to cope with the specificity of this specific historical moment, where uncertainty pervades the collective imagination, and reflecting on fragility can become an opportunity for critical redefinition of the fundamental components of architecture.

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Guanica &G

Guayanilla

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Basis of the Studio

by Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon

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¿Qué hacer ante la presencia sumada de retos económicos, degradación ambiental, cambio climático, subida del nivel del mar, atmosféricos, huracanes, terremotos, hundimiento de sectores, contaminación de fuentes subterráneas de abasto de agua, abandono de terrenos industriales contaminados, desarrollos construidos en áreas de riesgo a inundación, falta de respuesta gubernamental y la declaración de un cierre total por la pandemia del COVID-19? Esto marca el contexto del taller de Re_Start 3 E con sede en el Municipio de Guayanilla, ubicado en la región sur central de la isla de Puerto Rico.

What to do in the face of the added presence of economic challenges, environmental degradation, climate change, rising sea levels, atmospheric conditions, hurricanes, earthquakes, subsidence of sectors, contamination of underground sources of water supply, abandonment of contaminated industrial land, built developments in areas at risk of flooding, lack of government response and the declaration of a complete closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic? This marks the context of the Re_Start 3 E workshop based in the Municipality of Guayanilla, located in the south-central region of the island of Puerto Rico.

Fundado en 1833, el municipio de Guayanilla, con una extensión territorial de 109.7 kilometros cuadrados / 42.2 millas cuadradas, contaba con una población menguante de 19,604 habitantes según datos de la Encuesta de la Comunidad de 2015. Este es un municipio frecuentemente afectado por las inundaciones que provocan el desborde de los ríos Guayanilla y Yauco, así como por marejadas, además de tener la presencia de varias fallas sísmicas que en enero de 2020 volvieron a activarse luego de haber estado prácticamente inactivas por más de 50 años.

Founded in 1833, the municipality of Guayanilla, with a territorial extension of 109.7 square kilometers / 42.2 square miles, had a dwindling population of 19,604 inhabitants according to data from the 2015 Community Survey.

This is a municipality frequently affected by floods, that causes the overflow of the Guayanilla and Yauco rivers, as well as by tidal waves, in addition to having the presence of several seismic faults that in January 2020 were activated again after having been practically inactive for more than 50 years.

El taller de cuarto año en arquitectura y tercero en arquitectura paisajista de la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad Politécnica explora posibilidades de futuro para este territorio tan castigado. Los seis proyectos abordan el reto desde perspectivas distintas, pero todos con el objetivo común de búsqueda de mayores autonomías, estabilidad y mejor capacidad de respuesta ante futuros retos. Las operaciones van desde la recuperación de sistemas de humedales y restauración de barrera costanera, la creación de nuevas comunidades con mayor autonomía, la introducción de nuevas tipologías edilicias y servicios comunitarios que permitan lograr mayor seguridad alimentaria, el reuso de terrenos industriales contaminados, la creación de una red de centros asistenciales y de respuesta a emergencias que puedan ser replicados, y la creación de un parque, área de captación y decantado de aguas del río Guayanilla, con el objetivo de mitigar el riesgo de inundación a la vez que se crea un sistema de parques para dotar al territorio de una infraestructura verde y de ocio de la que hoy adolece.

The fourth-year workshop in architecture and the third year in landscape architecture at the Polytechnic University School of Architecture explores future possibilities for this highly penalized territory. The six projects approach the challenge from different perspectives, but all with the common objective of seeking greater autonomy, stability, and better capacity to respond to future challenges. The operations range from the recovery of wetland systems and restoration of the coastal barrier, the creation of new communities with greater autonomy, the introduction of new building typologies and community services that allow achieving greater food security, the reuse of contaminated industrial land, the creation of a network of assistance and emergency response centers that can be replicated, and the creation of a park, catchment area and settling of waters of the Guayanilla river, to mitigate the risk of flooding while creating a parks system to provide the territory with a green and leisure infrastructure that today lacks.

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35. Environmental Detox

Guayanilla River & Guayanilla Bay Estuary Karen L. Rosario Martínez

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon The project combines flood control and environmental remedy strategies by relocating the channel of the Guayanilla River as it passes through the Urban Center of Guayanilla.

According to the investigation carried out on the contamination of natural resources in the town of Guayanilla and as part of the “Detox” Environmental Master Plan, the creation of a Wetland Park is proposed, aimed at cleaning the contaminated waters that flow through the Guayanilla River. The creation of artificial wetlands, afforestation, and planting of vegetation aimed at purifying the waters is proposed in an area that occupies about 27 hectares of land in the town of Guayanilla, next to the Guayanilla River and on the site that the Julio Children’s Park occupies Rojas Reyes.

The elements that make up the park are, a visitor center, 9 artificial wetlands, a path for pedestrians and cyclists, 5 observation platforms with rest areas for outdoor activities, and a viewpoint. The park has two vehicular access points. It can be accessed through Calle Luis Muñoz Rivera where there is a first parking lot for 56 vehicles right next to the Visitor Center. The second vehicular access has double the parking capacity and is accessed through a two-way highway created to solve an existing vehicular connection problem. As part of the project, it is proposed to extend Highway 335, allowing vehicular traffic in both directions along the side of the mountain to the west side of the project, passing just in front of the Asunción Rodríguez de Sala School and culminating in the highway 127.

The pedestrian route of the project can be carried out from any point of the project since it is intended to be an open, public, and accessible space for all. However, the tour may begin or end at the Visitor Center where you will find information related to the new wetlands, their importance in cleaning the waters, information on the biodiversity generated by these new wetlands, information on the plants used for the water purification and information on the 186

importance of not polluting our natural resources. Once the visit to the Visitor Center has been made and the project center is accessed through 5 bridges that cross a 100’ wide plant buffer on both sides of the Guayanilla River, which are part of the project’s backbone which It is made up of these 5 bridges that culminate in observation platforms that allow observing the different wetlands that make up the central area of ​​the park. The route through the perimeter of the central area of ​​the project is made up of areas of passive activity and dense vegetation.

The 7 wetlands in the central area of ​​the project are arranged with the topography in such a way that the first wetland collects the water that runs through the Guayanilla River and the topography in the form of terraces allows the water to be transported through each wetland beginning with the A towards the north side of the project and culminating towards the south side where the water will rejoin the Guayanilla River. This allows the water to go through a purification process where the selected plants will allow this process to be carried out naturally. Similarly, the topography allows the central area of ​​the park to be completely flooded in the event of a heavy rain event, and in turn, the project helps mitigate flooding in the town of Guayanilla. Also, the design of “bioswales” in the town of Guayanilla is recommended to allow runoff water to go through a purification process before being incorporated into river water that has already undergone a natural purification process.

To the north of the project is the Julio Rojas Reyes Children’s Park Wetland, which will collect runoff waters from the north side of the town of Guayanilla. This project area is intended for recreational activities that connect to the existing playground. Towards the west side of the Guayanilla Wetlands Park, a “buffer” made up of vegetation and rocks allows one to descend to the lowest level of the project, as long as the water levels allow it, and thus have the experience of getting closer to wetlands, touch the plants and observe the water. On the other hand, the spiral lookout to the southwest side of the project will provide an opportunity to rise to a level of an additional 50 ’and enjoy the project in its entirety.

In conclusion, the Parque de Humedales del Pueblo de Guayanilla as part of the “Detox” Environmental master plan is a public and environmental health project. Which aims to generate biodiversity, help mitigate flooding problems in the town of Guayanilla, create a space for physical activity, education, creation of social awareness, and above all deliver to the Guayanilla Bay Estuary and the inhabitants of Guayanilla cleaner waters for the well-being of all.

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Site Analysis

El predio se elige por su cercanía al Río Guayanilla y al Centro del pueblo. En adición, de acuerdo a la investigación inicial, en esta zona se habían encontrado depósitos de materiales nocivos relacionado a vertederos clandestinos. De modo que urge aprovechar este gran espacio para la construcción del proyecto de humedales que además de mitigar la contaminación, mitiga las inundaciones en el centro del pueblo, educa y acercar a la población a sus cuerpos de agua mediante el uso recreativo del proyecto.

ANÁLISIS DEL PREDIO

CONTEXTO

PARQUE INFANTIL JULIO ROJAS

ESCUELA DALIA TORRES

ESTADIO MUNICIPAL

PROGRAMA CENTRO DE VISITANTES donde se encontrará información relacionada a los nuevos humedales, su importancia en la limpieza de las aguas, información de la biodiversidad generada por estos nuevos humedales, información sobre las plantas utilizadas para la purificación de las aguas e información sobre la importancia de no contaminar nuestro recursos naturales.

HUMEDALES ARTIFICIALES en la zona central del proyecto dispuestos con la topografía de modo tal que el primer humedal recoja el agua que discurre por el Río Guayanilla y la topografía en forma de terrazas permita transportar el agua a través de cada humedal comenzando por el A hacia el lado norte del proyecto y culminando en el G hacia el lado sur donde el agua volverá a incorporarse a el Río Guayanilla.

REFORESTACIÓN importante para la construcción de “buffers” de vegetación densa, la cual filtrará el agua proveniente de las escorrentías en el pueblo y del lado oeste del predio. Sobre todo la siembra de vegetación de humedales la cual permita filtrar y purificar el el agua del río.

PLATAFORMAS DE OBSERVACIÓN que permiten observar los diferentes humedales que componen la zona central del parque.

ZONAS DE ACTIVIDAD PASIVA a través del perimetro del proyecto.

ZONAS DE ACTIVIDAD RECREATIVA en el solar donde ubica el parque infantil existente.

TERRAZAS DE “BIOSWALES”, zanjas lineales con vegetación que permiten la recolección, transporte, filtración e infiltración de aguas pluviales.

27 HA

16 HA

Dos zonas destinadas a inundarse durante eventos de lluvia copiasa serán también las dos zonas donde se construyan los humedales artificiales que moveran las aguas lentamente para su purificación.

MIRADOR que permite observar el proyecto desde 50’ de altura por encima del nivel de terreno y contribuir a la experiencia de conocer el recorrido del agua por los humedales.

300’ 200’ 100’ 0’

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ANÁLISIS DE PREDIO

PERIMETRO PROYECTO ESCORRENTIAS URBANAS COMUNIDAD A SER RE-UBICADA

“BUFFER DE VEGETACIÓN DENSA ZONA INUNDABLE CONEXIÓN VEHICULAR NUEVA

“HUMEDALES ARTIFICIALES AREAS VERDES, SIEMBRA VEGETACIÓN PARA PURIFICACIÓN DEL AGUA

“HUMEDALES ARTIFICIALES AREAS VERDES CAMINOS TERRAZAS DE ”BIOSWALES”

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36. Excel & Grow Guayanilla Region Niurka Núñez Rivera

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon The project presents a strategy for the reuse of contaminated industrial land in the Guayanilla port area, to dedicate it to purposes related to the collection, sale (wholesale and retail), distribution and add value to agricultural products from Guayanilla and the region.

This project proposes a series of interventions that would help boost the value of the agricultural sector in Guayanilla. Through expansion into unused agricultural land, the gross product can be augmented. This would culminate in an industrial intervention that would take advantage of abandoned and unused industrial areas for use as processing plants for the different produce. The addition of an agricultural cooperative would help bridge the gap between the growers and the industry and promote the implementation of a farmer’s market. As a whole, these interventions would help raise the value and marketability of locally produced coffee, mangoes, flowers, and later, plantains and goats milk products.

Executed in stages, the main intervention combines the processing, distribution, farmer’s market, and a cooperative. Structured as a complex comprised of three buildings it attends to steps, while also attending the needs of the site. The remaining area of ​​the site is to be converted into a park, with the soil will be decontaminated. This will also happen in stages, beginning with the construction of the complex. The park will be developed slowly while the complex is already in function.

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Operations

Processing Plants

The processing operations will be concentrated in the main building, with an additional small building to accommodate further processing of raw coffee beans. Each installation will have the capacity to process and package the fresh agricultural produce.

The products will be auctioned and sold in bulk in their raw form for further processing elsewhere or packaging for retail. The site also holds the potential for the expansion and diversification of the processing of the produce.

Cooperative & Farmer’s Market:

As the main landmarks in the complex, the cooperative and farmer’s markets are the focal point for the general public, as well as the business center. With a diverse program, the installations will house a restaurant, exhibit areas, coffee shop, and a large market area, as well as auction rooms and tasting areas. The office areas will accommodate the marketing and coordination and will serve as overall management for the complex.

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Soil Restoration:

The soil in the area has been contaminated and later abandoned for over fifty years, and the soil has yet to be cleaned.

Any chemical processes to eliminate the contamination would be unlikely.

However, through a natural process called phytoremediation, the terrain can be restored by using trees and plants to actively remove the harmful elements.

The pollutants can be sucked up into the part of the plants that grow above the ground to then be harvested and disposed off-site.

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37. Sustainable Communities Barrio Macanรก, Guayanilla Efrain A. Tirado Colon

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon As a result of recent events (hurricanes Irma and Maria and earthquakes 2020), the creation of new community models in the sector of the Macanรก neighborhood of Guayanilla is proposed.

At the beginning of the design, the objective was to determine what type of risks are present in the Guayanilla region. The most important risks are landslides, liquefaction, and floods.

Since this area has been constantly impacted by earthquakes and the island is susceptible to tropical storms and Hurricanes. After establishing the risks in the area, several communities were identified at risk and established possible areas in other neighborhoods of the same municipality in which these people could be relocated as sustainable communities.

These communities think about the problems that have developed since Hurricane Maria, where the entire island was without electricity for about a year and there was a shortage of food. These communities would develop in safe areas. They will have a micro-grid solar energy system or an individual solar panel system per dwelling to provide electrical energy, giving total or partial independence to petroleum-based energy systems. Creating a community garden in which food for community consumption is grown and which can be used as a vocational training or as a training program this, in turn, could create an agricultural economy in the community.

Homes of about 1,200 to 1,500 square feet would be developed on a 500-square-meter site that includes a rain harvesting system for domestic use. And in the back, a 1,500 square meter plot for shared cultivation would work as a cooperative between the owners of these properties, where a quarter of the plant consumption per family would be harvested. Both the community garden and the cooperative garden, as well as the residences, will have a system of permeable soils that will allow them to harvest rainwater and later use it to irrigate crops.

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Regional Studies

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Strategies for Sustainable Communities • Implement a system of solar panels or micro grid in the community • Take advantage of sunlight and wind direction inside the structures • Promote the recycling of garbage with the responsible production and consumption • Develop sustainable programs and strategies to empower them • Educate people on how they can create home gardens • To be able to develop an agro-industrial economy

Economic - Improvement of long-term foreseeable energy costs and efficiency.

Resilience - Improved proven ability over network only interconnects electric.

Environmental - Reduction of polluting emissions resulting from use optimal renewable energy resources and energy science programs.

Importance of Migrogrids for the World • They improve the efficiency of larger power grids.

• They offer energy resilience against natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and storms • They can operate disaster relief centers during regional crises and nationals.

• They are protected against physical and cyber attacks.

• They are excellent for the environment because they use renewable resources.

• They create jobs and educational opportunities.

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38. Wandering the Lighthouse Guayanilla Lighthouse Ixa Olivieri Rodríguez

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon It proposes a strategy to intervene in a sector of old wetlands and coastal barriers that was occupied and urbanized and that today is greatly affected by the tide and settlements that arise after the 2020 earthquakes. The intervention focuses on the Del Faro sector in Guayanilla.

This proposal takes effect once the “Del Faro” and “De los de la Mar” communities have been relocated. It consists of redefining these properties already released, giving it a diverse, natural character, structured through access areas, sequences, trails, marine spatial planning and elevated walkways that invite you to enjoy the wonderful views that exist towards the sea, the river, the agricultural and gardens in their most natural state. It is intended to develop a landscaping project creating an opportunity for the visitor to interact with the ecosystems and the surrounding biodiversity.

The tour begins from the secondary road that takes us directly to the El Faro area. You are greeted by a roundabout, flanked by two pioneer structures of what we will find on our tour of the grounds. This space piece made up of a planter and a pond, separated by a congregation space. The planter and reflective pond, with a border to promote stay and contemplation, is a sample of the typical flora and fauna that you can find along the way during the exploration.

As we go through the roundabout we discover the pavilion. This structure receives visitors. The program of this pavilion includes an information center on the El Faro Project, a warehouse, and a space to promote local products.

The intention is for the pavilion to be perceived as a place of living and transition.

The design is thought under the premise of the special conditions of this area (earth tremors and sea-level rise). The strategy to protect and minimize future damage was to raise the level of the roundabout and the Pavilion is designed on stilts that allow it to oscillate if there is telluric movement and protects it from possible floods.

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An illusion of a large door as a keyhole (to look at the past or meet the future) waits for you to cross to meet nature. Trillos of coconut or yuca make a rug. Trails protected by organic natural barriers allow to circulate the perimeter and at the same time protect the mangrove from leachate from nearby agricultural land. You are unexpectedly surprised by an observation tower. The visual delicacy of the ocean, the birds, the flora, the fauna, the breeze, the nuanced silence of the birds’ song is a unique experience.

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Site Plan

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Entrance to the Site

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39. Social & Risk Management Center

Pueblo, Guayanilla Kathiely Romero Cruz

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon The project proposes the development of a social and risk management center, reusing the structure of an old school in the Urban Center of Guayanilla, which is outside the risk area. The strategy aims to develop a prototype for centers that can be replicated throughout the island to serve as a point of social exchange and attention in case of emergencies and natural disasters.

The Social and Risk Management Center is a recovery project for schools out of service in the country that can be used as strategic points of support for the community. It is a reproducible program that has the necessary elements for social care and response in cases of risk situations in the area. It is intended that the existing spaces of the structure be exploited and adapted to the needs to promote common well-being. The Center must have a common industrial kitchen and dining room, where daily food is supplied. It must also have storage space for food, equipment, stretchers, medicines, and what is necessary for the specific needs of the community to be served. A collection and distribution center, court, gymnasium, and space for health in operation throughout the year. The rooms will be used for educational spaces, workshops, talks, spaces with Internet access, and conferences. It must also have a theater space or amphitheater, which will be available throughout the year as a cultural space and will be transformed into a refuge space in the event of a disaster or risk.

Regional Studies 202

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Ground Level

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Site Views

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40. Relocation of Communities in Guayanilla Quebrada, Jaguas, Macanรก, Pueblo & Magas Abajo, Guayanilla Jan G. Rivera Lugo

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon It proposes a strategy for the development of strategies to work with existing communities to contribute autonomy and the development of wealth, savings, and assets that serve to make communities less vulnerable in future environmental events. It works on the issue of reuse of wastewater and rain, renewable energy, production of compost, and community cultivation areas.

Guayanilla is located in the south-west of Puerto Rico. Within the municipality, several characteristics stand out both at the topographic level and in its infrastructures. For example, its flat topography concentrates on agricultural land, urban areas, ports, and heavy industrial areas.

While on its highest lands are concentrated coffee crops and farms where coffee is processed.

In the mountains they lack infrastructure for sewerage due to their slopes that are more than 45 degrees, this creates difficulty to develop a system or infrastructure of pipes and treatment plants for these waters. Which leads to the construction of wells on the land of each house.

The wells are excavations to the ground, made to collect all the sediments and with time they filter. This leakage occurs through the soil, reaching underground aquifers that in turn transport these wastes to nearby rivers. The rivers then continue their path to empty into the bay. This causes an impact on the wetland system and the communities near the coasts.

The flat land is to the south. These lots are vulnerable to flooding due to the fusion of two different bodies of water. One of the reasons is the rivers that Guayanilla has: the Guayanilla river, the Macanรก river, and the Yauco river. The one with the greatest impact for these areas is the Guayanilla river that runs through the town since when it leaves the channel it creates great floods in the urban area reaching the Guayanilla bay. The second body of water present in these floods is the swells that come from the bay. As part of this study, these natural systems are 206

found in bays such as wetlands and agricultural fields. Also, the infrastructure that exists in the communities that have developed around these agricultural fields and coastal areas. Within the infrastructures that was studied and analyzed in more detail were the electrical infrastructures, drinking water, and sewerage systems. Which leads to conclude, after several analyzes, that all these systems and the coastal population, is exposed to flood risks. This developed a plan for the relocation of communities at risk and the rehabilitation of wetlands for better storm surge retention, water filtration, and mitigation of these risks. To restore wetland systems, you would be removing parts of the agricultural land (which were wetlands in the past). Vulnerable communities due to flooding will be removed in this area, allowing this land to be allocated for cultivation.

The neighborhoods: Jaguas, Macanรก, Quebrada, and Cedro were located as a strategy center for new urban development. Developing a model housing plan. This model responds to the topographic situation of the land in Guayanilla. Analyze possible sectors for intervention where the terrain allows a logical distribution without having to intervene much. Without such intervention, it is avoided to have to remove land, since when removing the land, it weakens and makes it susceptible to earthquakes.

This analysis was carried out due to the high seismic activity in the Guayanilla area.

On January 7th, 2020, there was an earthquake of 6.4 according to the Richter scale, with an epicenter in the Indio neighborhood. This earthquake caused the structures of 800 houses to be affected. Which help create an initial plan of 1,000 homes. These structures will be designed in compliance with all standards to withstand earthquakes.

The community model will have as its main theme, unity, and sustainability. It managed to compose a lot of systems where the infrastructure, squares, and green areas are located around his entire scheme. These squares have a radius of one mile between each one, creating a safe meeting point in case of an earthquake emergency.

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Water Collection & Recycling Network

How an industry and economy is created based on an effluent processing system.

1. The sanitary water collection network is created in order to eliminate disease problems in the populations of the Cossack, due to the lack of a sanitary system.

2. In the same way that the health of the community is watched over, it is also evaluated how an industry can be created as a result of the system.

3. A sludge collection network was developed, to be treated and produce compost.

4. The compost would be selling as much to the farmers, as to any citizen who goes through the facilities.

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Plant Components

Recreational Park with Gardens

Running Track

Green Park

Recreational Park with Gardens

Compost Facilities

Components for the Compost Facility • Offices • Entry/Exist of Trucks • Demonstration Garden • Parking • Loading Zone • Ditches • Lake to Control Run Offs • Compost Storage • Trails • Lot to dry & transport compost • Store • Educational Area • Processing Plant • Restrooms

Bird Park

Recreational Park with Activity Center

Key & Common Components for Phase 1 of Treatment • Sanitary Tank • Mud Tank • Loading Area • Offices • Parking • Vehicular Access • Pedestrian Access • Restrooms 209

Special Participation

41. Guayanilla, Alternative Scenarios for the Future Guayanilla Bay Region

Participants: Aya Mohanna - Ph.D. Candidate, La Sapienza University of Rome Shane Ah-Siong - University of Florida Alum

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41. Alternative Scenarios for the Future Guayanilla Bay Region

Aya Mohanna + Shane Ah-Siong

Faculty Advisors: Prof. Pedro M. Cardona Roig & Prof. Edmundo Colon As foreigner contributors, the authors of this project attempted to reorganize a set of interventions and ideas presented by several students who underwent a quantitative study and have created an accurate database for the region. The documents suggest a story-line; a strategic series of interventions that would potentially lift the situation of the studied region into a more positive stance, through the implementation of some multi-disciplinary programs.

The creation of the documents was possible following several discussions and sessions on-line with the professors and the students, where insights and remarks were shared.

As a scope, the design lab gathers many students from several fields and experience backgrounds to come up with a wholesome plan for the region, including fields of architecture, agriculture, landscape design, and others. The mission is to establish a strong database that would be helpful for the design process and would serve future planners and local governments in their preliminary work.

The Guanica/Guayanilla lab targets the area and studies thoroughly its infrastructure and history, and assesses the risks that hinder the urban life in it. The Guayanilla Bay has been prominent historically due to its proximity to exportation lanes and its agricultural produce.

However, the region has been witnessing a regression in the past 50 years due to the recurrence of climatic crises and to the progressive expatriation of its inhabitants. This is naturally due to the economic and environmental factors that weaken opportunities in the area.

The area also is heavily contaminated; some aquatic bodies cannot be accessed for recreational purposes. This situation called for a study of the pollution sources, notably poor or inexistent septic systems, industrial discharge, and agricultural pollutants.

The quantitative project attempts to tackle these issues; it presents plans, 212

later thoroughly and individually described by their respective planners, targeting issues of water contamination, wetland restoration, agricultural, industrial and economic regeneration, community preservation, and other proposals targeting an increased sense of resilience such as community relocation and emergency centers.

Key features in the project: solar panels, communal housing, public spaces, commercial markets, and bazaars encouraging local trade, reuse of abandoned industrial sites, and the expansion and revitalization of the agricultural aspect of the area.

Through all this, community involvement is vital and crucial. Through local activism and learning from the history of the people, the design outcome would have a higher success rate. Learning the priorities of the local societies, their demands, wishes, emotional attachments, career and commute patterns, and their general preferences, would help the designer to get familiarized with the area and would provide him with significant tools to tackle issues of urban life and resilience. Vulnerable communities are to be implicated in the process, and their fragmented and now-established social bonds and neighborhoods are to be preserved and replicated in their potential new areas.

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Strategic Plan & Risk Assessment

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Intervention Graphic

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March 21st - 27th 2021

Puerto Rico Re_Start 4 217

Special Thanks to the following Municipalities:

Additional Photo Credits

Page 34-35 Guanica - https://islandsofpuertorico.com/guanica-puerto-rico/ Guayanilla - https://www.theepochtimes.com/significant-earthquake-hits-destroys-popular-natural-wonder_3196324.html Aguadilla - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aguadilla,_Puerto_Rico Aguada - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aguada,_Puerto_Rico AĂąasco - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gone_pixin/43167532250

Photo Credit: Prof. Martha Kohen 219

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