Puerto Rico Re_Start - Municipality of Toa Baja

International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 Š

Municipality of Toa Baja Cities and Housing Strategies

Rebuilding a Stronger Community through Housing Opportunities

Edited by Prof. Martha Kohen Workshop Director

Maria E. Barrios Workshop Coord.

Projects from: PRRS_2 Workshop - Design Lab 2......................................................................................................................... 05 Prof. Ruben Otero - Escola da Cidade, Brazil - Director

Workshop Directors:

Dr. Carlos Betancourt - Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Prof. Martha Kohen - University of Florida

Workshop Coordinators................................................................................................................................................ 23

Dr. Omayra Rivera - Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Maria E. Barrios - University of Florida Consultants: Dr. Omayra Rivera - Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Dr. Lucio Barbera - UNESCO Chair-holder Sustainable Urban Quality & Urban Culture

Fall Seminar 2018 & Spring Studio...................................................................................................................... 39 Prof. Martha Kohen - University of Florida Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark - University of Florida Students: Kyle Adams | Natasha Beach | Andrew Benavides | Guillermo Cochrane | Eliane Garbero | Jonathan Fitzgerald |

Natasha Lotch | Juan Medina | Meagahn Nguyen

The Proposal With the determination from PR Planning Board to promote investment in risk-free areas, the lab, following the initial research at the SOA UF courses, proposed, and exemplified with pertinent projects, a triple strategy for locating new housing and activities in the historic Pueblos. The localities for proposals in the Rio de la Plata area are Dorado, Toa Baja, Toa Alta, Vega Baja, Vega Alta and Comerio. For these localities the focus was to identify abandoned properties, (residential, commercial, industrial, public), vacant serviced lots centrally located, and larger close peripheral opportunities for larger interventions. The participants identified and quantified flooded residential areas and the replacement needs. Two important special cases were developed: for the Municipality of Toa Baja and the settlements of Campanilla, Ingenio and more, a new area for the localization of an Urban Civic node of denser living was proposed in the safe area of Candelaria, to coalesce and focus the dispersed neighborhoods. The proposals integrates economic development, housing and ecological conservation.

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International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 Š PRRS_2 Workshop: Design Lab 2 Cities and Housing Strategies

Rebuilding a Stronger Community through Housing Opportunities

Prof. Ruben Otero Workshop Director

Dr. Lucio Barbera Dr. Omayra Rivera Consultants

Students: Eliane Garbero | Jonathan Fitzgerald | Juan Medina

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1. Cities must be Plural Complex Compact 2. Developing Urbanity Streets Squares Parks Community 3. Housing is not an Isolated Issue It must relate with: Work Education Leisure Mobility 4. Social Housing

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Has to be participative Has to be inclusive Has to involve different scales Has to involve different strategies: Infill Reuse New buildings

Social Housing can be a Landmark

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Preliminary Analysis Demographics Statistics

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Source: https://www.populationpyramid.net/puerto-rico/candelaria/2017

Preliminary Analysis Housing Statistics

Toa Baja Pueblo, Toa Baja

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates

Ingenio, Toa Baja

Campanilla, Toa Baja

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Preliminary Analysis Flooding, Candelaria

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Source: https://www.fema.gov/risk-map-region-ii-puerto-rico

- Toa Baja Pueblo, Toa Baja - Candelaria, Toa Baja - Maguayo, Dorado

Toa Baja Pueblo, Toa Baja

Population: 1,344 Number of residencies: 640

Ingenio, Toa Baja

Population: 4,275 Number of residencies: 1,901

Campanilla, Toa Baja

Population: 5,953 Number of residencies: 2,569

= 5,110 residencies and 11,575 people affected Source: https://www.fema.gov/risk-map-region-ii-puerto-rico

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Preliminary Analysis Transportation

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Source: https://moovitapp.com/

Preliminary Analysis Site: Candelaria

Area: 8,730,084 ft²

Source: https://www.google.com/

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Proposal

Site: Candelaria

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1000 ft 15

Proposal

Site: Candelaria

Urban Farm Technological School

Park

Civic Square

Mixed Use Buildings Public Building

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Urban Farm

Agricultural School

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Proposal

Site: Candelaria

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Proposal

Site: Candelaria

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International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 Š

2018 Fall Seminar Toa Baja Combating Isolation A Grid of Constellations

Prof. Martha Kohen Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark University of Florida

Students: Kyle Adams | Andrew Benavides | Guillermo Cochrane

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Combating Isolation A Grid of Constellations

Puerto Rico had island-wide damages and tragedies occurring during and after Hurricane Maria. Of the major situations observed, we selected to further research the communications, power, water/food, material and transportation conditions. In talks with Municipalities Mayors and FEMA officials, we deduced that these situations are critical, they are in most need of help and caused the most damage.

In regards to communication, surprisingly, many of the cell towers and communication arrays had little to no integral structural damage; however many antennas and mounts were damaged, causing complete signal loss for most if not all of the 97 owned sites. A month after the storm, 88.3% of the island remained with little to no communication with other cities within the island, and with the outside nations. Many companies have opted not to invest much into the island’s communications due to its lack of infrastructure and ability to self-sustain. However, this is in regards to the standard cell tower. We propose a newer technology that would prove the cell towers to be obsolete and bring investors and companies back to Puerto Rico.1 Cellular Tower Map

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1. Wireless Estimator. “Lack of On-site Generators, COWs, Contributes to Puerto Rico’s Still Horrendous Cell Service.” Wireless Estimator. October 03, 2017. Accessed December 10, 2018. http://wirelessestimator.com/articles/2017/lack-of-on-site-generators-contributesto-puerto-ricos-still-horrendous-cell-service/.

Source: Wireless Estimator. “Lack of On-site Generators, COWs, Contributes to Puerto Rico’sStill Horrendous Cell Service.” Wireless Estimator. October 03, 2017. Accessed December 10, 2018. http://wirelessestimator.com/articles/2017/lack-of-on-site-generators-contributes-to-puertoricos-still-horrendous-cell-service/..

Puerto Rico’s power situation is a multi-disciplinary issue and quite possibly the most important to be addressed. With power and electricity comes the ability to do many things, including storing food, water and medicine.

Five months after Hurricane Maria, there were still approximately 900,000 residents without power disbursed throughout the island, and most if not all lost power during the storm. While the major cities were able to restore power in a week or two, the inland cities and the ones in the mountainous regions lost power for months. Due to its massive need for repair during storm time, Puerto Rico simply does not have the man-power and material needed to steadily and quickly solve the island’s power issue in the wake of the storm. According to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), the island needed about 53,000 poles, 17 million conductors and 184,750 insulators in order to restore power to the island. Needless to say that acquiring all of those materials, let alone distributing them, is a feat on its own. However, there are several operational sites using micro-grids that are successfully able to power emergency centers and vital structures for the Island. We plan on implementing these micro-grids more throughout our proposal.2 2. Acevedo, Nicole. “Why Does Restoring Full Power in Puerto Rico Seem like a Never-ending Task?” NBCNews.com. February 19, 2018. Accessed December 11, 2018. https://www. nbcnews.com/storyline/puerto-rico-crisis/why-does-restoring-full-power-puerto-ricoseem-never-ending-n847211.

3. “ResilientPowerPR.” ResilientPowerPR. Accessed December 11, 2018. https://resilientpowerpr.org/.

Power Distribution Map

Source: Behr, Peter, Rod Kuckro, David Ferris, Climatewire, and E&E News. “HURRICANE MARIA: Trump Admin Takes over Puerto Rico Grid Recovery.” POLITICS: How Do You Shift Republicans on Climate? Be Nice -- Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Accessed December 12, 2018. https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060062123.

SCALES OF IMPACT

Resilient Power Puerto Rico Grid

Source: “ResilientPowerPR.” ResilientPowerPR. Accessed December 11, 2018. https://resilientpowerpr.org/.

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Another recurring issue that goes hand in hand with the power situation is that of transportation and the infrastructure needed. Dozens of cities were cut off during and after the storm due to the destruction of the roads and debris blocking the roads leading up to their city. This left many cities isolated during the storm with no way to communicate with the relief help. They felt stranded, only able to help themselves. Even with the major roads having been the first to be repaired and cleared, some of the branches of said major roads leading to these cities would still be littered with debris, and at some point would become unnavigable. The ability to get to a certain city is vital in the relief effort for Puerto Rico. FEMA and the Puerto Rican government stated issues where they were unable to provide relief due to simply not being able to get vehicles over to the town or city, and the city or town coupled with difficult terrain, had no viable location to potentially land official helicopters.

FEMA Road Closure Map

Source: “Puerto Rico Road Status as of September 28, 2017.” Emergency Support Function Annexes | FEMA.gov. Accessed December 12, 2018. https://www.fema.gov/media-library/ assets/images/143781.

Major Road Map

Source: “Traveling to Puerto Rico.” Welcome to Puerto Rico! Accessed December 12, 2018. http://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml.

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Railway Map

Source: Long, W. Rodney. Railways of Central America and the West Indies. Washington: Govt. Print. Off., 1925.

Power Loss Map After Storm

Source: Elnuevodia. “La NASA Publica Asombrosas Imágenes De Puerto Rico Después Del Huracán María.”

El Nuevo Dia. December 11, 2018. Accessed December 12, 2018. https://www.elnuevodia.com/ciencia/ ciencia/nota/lanasapublicaasombrosasimagenesdepuertoricodespuesdelhuracanmaria-2464922/?fbclid=IwAR0NfS4MR387KHun_8j0wjC0sTkYZS6oxpeX9ItoX-EDUA_4lavQTzJMu3Y.

Power Loss Map

Source: Elnuevodia. “La NASA Publica Asombrosas Imágenes De Puerto Rico Después Del Huracán María.” El Nuevo Dia. December 11, 2018. Accessed December 12, 2018. https://www.elnuevodia. com/ciencia/ciencia/nota/lanasapublicaasombrosasimagenesdepuertoricodespuesdelhuracanmaria-2464922/?fbclid=IwAR0NfS4MR387KHun_8j0wjC0sTkYZS6oxpeX9ItoX-EDUA_4lavQTzJMu3Y.

Power Loss Map 6 Months After Storm

Source: Elnuevodia. “La NASA Publica Asombrosas Imágenes De Puerto Rico Después Del Huracán María.”

El Nuevo Dia. December 11, 2018. Accessed December 12, 2018. https://www.elnuevodia.com/ciencia/ ciencia/nota/lanasapublicaasombrosasimagenesdepuertoricodespuesdelhuracanmaria-2464922/?fbclid=IwAR0NfS4MR387KHun_8j0wjC0sTkYZS6oxpeX9ItoX-EDUA_4lavQTzJMu3Y.

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Array of Constellations Grouping of Relief Hubs

Puerto Rico has a beautiful culture and shares great pride island-wide. During inclement weather and other natural disasters, many public infrastructures are shut down or unable to continue functioning. These infrastructures include, but are not limited to: public roads that are also emergency routes, power which leads to loss of subsequential infrastructure, water and adequate shelter. Out of these situations that arise during natural disasters, we have researched and come to the conclusion that the situations that take priority over the others would include communications (power) and lack of transportation infrastructure. Without these vital public infrastructure, there is a devastating issue of isolation happening both island-wide and within the smaller scale of town to town. Isolation is both a physical and a mental problem in regards to morale. Many towns, neighborhoods and even municipalities were left to fend for themselves as they were isolated from each other. With the roads having either been destroyed or blocked by debris along with communications being down due to no power and poor infrastructure, these are the main situations we want to solve. We plan on reconnecting these sites through methodically thought out beacons and centers within the local sites and linked constellations providing a strong line to sew these sites together.

Puerto Rico Constellation Analysis

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Array of Constellations

Single Raised Shelter Occupant Load 1-20

Relief Hub Modules

Multiple Raised Shelters Approx. 7 Configuration

Toa Baja Pueblo

Large Infirmary (Can be added upon)

Campanilla

Large Helipad (Approx. 3000 sq-ft) Mucarabones

Puerto Rico Constellation Analysis Constellation Potential Sites

Large Food and Water Distribution Center

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Array of Constellations - Potential Site Study Toa Baja Pueblo

We grouped many of these potential sites into “constellations” through their potential connection in the use of relief transportation, communication, power, food and water infrastructure. The first potential site we will be looking into is Toa Baja Pueblo, located along La Plata River’s edge. The site has an interesting history of situations during natural disasters.

During Hurricane Maria, flooding was an obvious problem that plagued the town. However, the contents of the flooding created long term problems.

The water level rising brought with it clay run off from the mountain region inland of the island. At first this was no surprise as most flooding brings debris of some sort and the water is usually filled with dirt and ground contents. However, because of the concentrated levels of wet clay being brought in the town, the clay would catch on the ground and other hard non-permeable surfaces. As the water left the town, the clay stayed. With all the water gone and the clay remaining in the town, it did not take very long for the clay to harden and create another hurdle and obstacle for the people of Toa Baja Pueblo to overcome. Emergency relief efforts and vehicles could not enter or even get close to the town without first excavating their way through the solid clay after the storm. We considered this as a very localized problem that takes priority and that can be addressed. The solution to this problem can drive other potential adaptations to resolve the issue.

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Proposed Solutions

Single Raised Shelter Occupant Load 1-20

Toa Baja Pueblo

Multiple Raised Shelters Approx. 7 Configuration

Large Infirmary (Can be added upon)

Large Helipad (Approx. 3000 sq-ft)

CIT 21 Government-Owned Fiber Optic Conduits Design for the deployment of conduit for buried fiber optic cable and other utilities.

Large Food and Water Distribution Center

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Combating Isolation - Potential Site Study Mucarabones

Many municipalities, including the mayors of Toa Alta and Toa Baja, have congregated to discuss their road and isolation issue. Many of the towns within the municipalities are cut off from each other. The mayors are proposing a new road cutting across relatively safe landscapes to connect already disconnected cities which would give both cities access to emergency routes. The proposed new road would create a connection that will be utilized in this relief hub, which would sit on a major intersection allowing much of the relief force ease of access and deployment into a major network reaching many cities. The hub also sits in a major zone in need of relief during storms. It will play a pivotal role before, during and after storms, providing food, water, shelter, power and material for the nearby cities.

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Proposed Solutions

Single Raised Shelter Occupant Load 1-20

Toa Baja Pueblo

Multiple Raised Shelters Approx. 7 Configuration

Large Infirmary (Can be added upon)

Large Helipad (Approx. 3000 sq-ft)

CIT 7 Establish an Alternate Emergency Operations Center Establish an alternate EOC, an alternate PSAP, and a center for continuity of operations and continuity of government housed in the same building.

Large Food and Water Distribution Center

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Combating Isolation - Potential Site Study Campanilla

This site, just along the outskirts of Campanilla, framed by PR-22 and road 165, is a prime candidate to be a connecting hub. Being adjacent to the Metro Urbano Station, which has a large paved parking lot, creates a great ground work for an emergency relief hub. This large lot provides ample space, not only for multiple large trucks to access the area, but also for temporary helicopter landing structures. While being on the outskirts, it neighbors the outer-ring of residential housing, creating the opportunity to create public parks. Campanilla has one park, a single baseball field, which gives an opportunity for a larger park to become a community gathering location that provides a variety of utilizations. This relief hub has an opportunity to take on many different forms that could shape how the green areas are utilized. In some iterations it could be a wetland preserve which allows for a canal system that could help in times of flooding. This idea could begin to inform the other constellations on how they may react to the relief efforts.

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Proposed Solutions

Single Raised Shelter Occupant Load 1-20

Toa Baja Pueblo

Multiple Raised Shelters Approx. 7 Configuration

Large Infirmary (Can be added upon)

Large Helipad (Approx. 3000 sq-ft)

CIT 5 Implement Public Safety/Government Comms Backup Power

Large Food and Water Distribution Center

Increase the resilience and redundancy of Puerto Rico’s public safety and government communications networks by implementing standardized backup power.

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Railroad Park Architect: TLS Landscape Architects Location: Birmingham, Alabama Area: 19 Acres Date: 2010

Array of Constellations - Case Study Communal Gathering

Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the Railroad Park project seeks to bring together the local community. TLS does so by using major lines on transportation, such as the tracks and 17th street, highlighted above.

The park not only brings community members for movie showings (right), but for musical performances and other displays of art. This provides for the encouragement of local youth and aspiring artists within their own communities, fostering success for the future.

Railroad Park - Neighborhood Plan

The park also provides ample space for floodwater storage via excavated ponds of varying sizes, as shown in the plan (top) and in the far end of the overhead picture (left and bottom).

Railroad Park - Overhead Picture

Railroad Park - Grouping Map

Source: TLS Landscape Architects http://tlslandarch.com/portfolio_page/railroad-park/

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Railroad Park - Gathering

Keller Court Commons Community Architect: MAD Architecture Location: Petaluma, California Date: 2018

Array of Constellations - Case Study Communal Living

The Keller Court Commons is described by MAD Architects as a Pocket Neighborhood, which is a group of households that are specifically designed to fit around a common area. This promotes relationships with your neighbors and creates a warmer, more inviting sense of community. It is made up of de-constructed 2-story buildings, creating efficient spaces for multi-family use.

Looking at this project, it seems possible to implement similar “pocket neighborhoods� within Puerto Rico. It strengthens family and community gathering and allows resources to be drawn from each other.

Keller Court Commons - Plan Source: MAD Architects http://madarc.com/gallery/keller-court-commons/

Keller Court Commons

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International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 Š

2018 Spring Studio Toa Baja

Analysis and Proposals

Prof. Martha Kohen University of Florida

Students: Natasha Beach | Natasha Lotch | Meagahn Nguyen

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Barrios

Toa Baja, PR

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Development of the Town Toa Baja, PR

Source: U.S. Department of Interior: U.S.Geological Survey

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Toa Baja Pueblo

Dorado, Toa Baja and CataĂąo, PR

Economy

Median Household Income: $18,600 National: $55,322

52.2% of the working population is below the poverty level.

The residents of Toa Baja Pueblo can benefit from public and assisted living housing projects as well as affordable housing. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Consolidated Plan done in 1995, this has been a persistent problem for the Municipality.

Citizen Employment Characteristics

63% of the working population works outside of the Municipality

The mean travel time to get to work is 36 minutes

A large percent of the Municipality works in educational services, healthcare and social assistance.

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates Source: Toa Baja Consolidated Plan Executive Summary Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates

SWOT Analysis Toa Baja

Strengths: Historically Rich Toa Baja has many historically rich attractions and it is surrounded by the site of many manufacturing operations. “ A few local residents earn their livelihood through the production of sugar cane, various fruits and from dairy cattle.”

The industrial sector of Toa Baja manufactures items such as electronic machinery, plastics, textiles, concrete and electrical equipment. They even manufacture rum.”

Central Constancia “Historically rich buildings, such as the Central Constancia sugar mill, are very popular. This building was constructed in the year 1879 and continued its seed operations and cane grinding for centuries. It is also home to a steam locomotive that is in a surprisingly excellent condition.”

Hacienda Azucarera Santa Elena

Source: puertorico.com, Photo: Boricua Online Source: Library of Congress

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SWOT Analysis Toa Baja

Weakness: “The Underwater City” The Atlantic Ocean located to the North and the Rio de la Plata to the West provides the land with fertile soil, but limited sustainable settlement options.

“The lack of adequate land for development as result of flood prone area” was 1 of 2 significant barriers to affordable housing cited by in the Consolidated Municipality Plan.

A dam that redirects river water away from the town exists.

It was purposefully opened without warning residents in order to salvage the structural integrity of the dam. Citizens saw their homes flood up to 6 ft within 30 minutes.

In July 2010, $23,000,000 was provided to break ground on levees on either side of the river. The project has been underway as of June 2018.

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Source: Photo - NY Times Photo Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

SWOT Analysis Toa Baja

Threat: Flooding Prediction

Changing Global Climate With the looming threat of global warming, we must also think about rising water levels and the growing chance of more frequent and catastrophic natural disasters.

Source: FEMA (2006)

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SWOT Analysis Toa Baja

Opportunities: An Urban Center to Bring Together Toa Baja “Toa Baja has many historically rich attractions and it is surrounded by the site of many manufacturing operations.”

A new urban node that celebrates the identity of Toa Baja, while offering refuge from natural disaster.

Toa Baja Pueblo may remain and act as a historic town, rather than a centrality for Puerto Rico’s 8th most populated municipality.

If the residents were to retreat, the few who cultivate the land would be the hardest to relocate, while those who work in the industrial sector might be more willing to move.

Where?

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates

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SWOT Analysis Toa Baja

Opportunities: An Urban Center to Bring Together Toa Baja Toa Baja Pueblo Population: 2,041 (2010) 1,344 (2017) Housing Units - 640 High density housing is within the norm in Toa Baja.

How many people might relocate?

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates

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Predicted Displacement the Barrios Toa Baja

Toa Baja Pueblo, Toa Baja Number of houses: 640 Population: 1,344

Ingenio, Toa Baja Number of Houses: 1,901 Population: 4,278

Campanilla, Toa Baja Number of Houses: 2,569 Population: 5,953

= 5,110 homes and 11,575 people are in harm’s way

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates

Housing Demographic Toa Baja

Toa Baja Pueblo, Toa Baja

Ingenio, Toa Baja

Campanilla, Toa Baja

What kind of people might relocate?

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates

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Candelaria Toa Baja

Toa Baja Pueblo, Campanilla, and Ingenio in Toa Baja there are cities that, in extreme conditions, will be underwater due to flooding. When those cities flood, there is not really any option but to go south.

Why Candelaria? The city is the closest city out of the flood zone for easy and fast evacuation. It also has the necessary infrastructure in place in order to accommodate a larger population.

With numbers of 15,545 people you would be doubling the population, given all refugees come to the city.

Candelaria, however, is large and has many opportunities for growth. There are options to develop housing and accommodate such high numbers

Why Relocation of Toa Baja and why in Candelaria?

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Candelaria Profile Toa Baja

Population:

16,760 - 2010 Census

15,545 - Estimated by 2022 Median Household Income: $27,758 Median Home Value: $137,700 Affordable Housing: Candelaria currently does not provide adequate affordable housing. Relocating the residents in flood prone areas to Candelaria presents an opportunity to incorporate affordable housing in the community.

Source of table: Fact Finder, Census 2017 - homearea.com

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Candelaria Profile Toa Baja

Employment Characteristics Mean travel Time to work: 39 min 30.6% of people are below the poverty line

Housing in Candelaria

Households are typically 1, 2, and 4 people Majority live in detached and apartment style Total Housing Units: 7,851 4,807 homes do not have any children under the age of 18 living in the households 3,590 homes have children under the age of 18 living in the households

Candelaria Community

Candelaria Arenas

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Source of table: Fact Finder, Census 2017

Candelaria Growth Map Toa Baja, Historic Map

Source: historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/

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Candelaria Growth Map - 1941 Toa Baja, Historic Map

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Source: historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/

Candelaria Growth Map - 1950 Toa Baja, Historic Map

Source: historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/

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Candelaria Growth Map - 1963 Toa Baja, Historic Map

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Source: historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/

Candelaria Growth Map - Present Toa Baja, Historic Map

Source: historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/

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Candelaria and Candelaria Arenas Toa Baja

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Urban Structure Typologies Toa Baja

Source of information: Google Maps

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Housing Typologies Toa Baja

Majority of the housing are land parcels distributed among the city.

Shows a missing of apartment style living within Candelaria.

One of the gated communities, the large community at the bottom left, was a typical neighborhood feel with the design of the homes.

The helps us realize we have an opportunity to introduce social housing and apartment style living in the neighborhood.

This will allow for more affordable home pricing

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Source of information: Google Maps

School Locations in Candelaria Toa Baja

All of the schools are located along the eastern side of Candelaria.

Explains the way the neighborhood are arranged.

The two school that have closed, Antonia Saez Irizarry and Ernesto Juan Fonfrias, have moved their students to Martin Garcia Glusti.

Focus our site locations in proximity to the schools to allow for safer transportation for the students and build a community around the education.

Source of information: Education Week, Web page

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Development Opportunities Toa Baja

There are large under-developed lots that could be used to re-design Candelaria by adding a central cultural hub where the community can come together.

There smaller under-developed lots are accompanied by vacant buildings that can allow for more expansion and new developments.

The two abandoned schools are accompanied by small lots for land re-use.

Focused our search of lots and land around the areas where we want to bring community together for education or work.

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Proposal Strategies Toa Baja

- Preserve the historic downtown of Toa Baja - Create a centralized urban node within Candelaria that establishes cultural identity, relocate displaced flood prone communities - Three tier approach - Transform abandoned buildings - Infill lots that once housed buildings - New development

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Vacant Develop-able Land Proposal

Historic Downtown

Proposed Site

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Proposed Site Church Potential Jobs Park Source of information: Google Maps

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Vacant Develop-able Land Proposal

Poverty Rate: 69% Median Year Housing was built: 1979 - 1982 Homes abandoned: 8.3% Square Feet: 44,000 (200 ft. x 220 ft.)

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Source of information: Google Maps

Infill #1 - Abandon School #1 Proposal

Area of Lot: ~10,000 sq ft Building footprint: ~3,300 sq ft Building Dimensions : 75’x45’ Ability to relocate 5-6 homes Possibility of new construction on the NW corner of the lot

Source of information: Google Maps

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Infill #2 - Abandoned School #2 Proposal

Area of lot: Approx 17,000 sq ft Building footprint: ~ 7,100 sq ft Building Dimensions : 108’x45’

45’x75’ Ability to relocate 10-12 homes 2 level building Can be turned into apartment style living with use of outdoor space

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Source of information: Google Maps

Infill #3 - New Sustainable Development Lot #1 Proposal

Area of lot: ~610,000 sq ft Possibility of relocating ~500 homes when building single family style homes Ability to open to adjacent parking lot There is a retention pond on the northern tip of the lot that follows the tree line on the west side Telephone pole going through the south end trees

Source of information: Google Maps

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Infill #4 - New Sustainable Development Lot #2 Proposal

Area of lot: ~ 4,000,000 sq ft Currently being used as a bike trail on the southern end We could either respect or relocate to Ingenio Possibility of developing a central cultural hub to all the community to gather. This would design a city center.

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Source of information: Google Maps

Monte Carasso Case Study

Luigi Snozzi transformed Monte Carasso into a place of identification (Monte Carasso was considered to be a fragmented settlement). Has no intention to break with the past, instead he understands the history as an impulse for the new issues the town of Monte Carasso faced loss of traditional identity.

Rural exodus Uncontrolled interventions in the fabric of the settlement. This proposal is based primarily on the principle of a clear delimitation of the new monumental center, a delineation physically highlighted with the creation of voids, road or street alignments, and with the construction of significant and precise buildings designed to stabilize this new redeveloped center.

One of the most important elements of the village renewal, it forms the actual village square

Source:carasc.ch/Monte-Carasso-1979-2014-1e40a700 Source: Google Images, Pinterest

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