Taking their inspiration from great waterfront sites throughout the world, students in the Design Studio class at the University of Miami School of Architecture are re-imagining the previously proposed Virginia Key Master Plan.
Out are the massive parking garages - replaced by “green parking rooms." In are piazzas, reflecting pools, sculpture gardens and even a small amphitheater, along with picnic areas and a waterfront promenade that runs the length of the Marine Stadium basin. And a restored Miami Marine Stadium.
So as not to appear impractical or too idealistic, the student designs intersperse these public amenities among revenue-producing commercial and marine industry buildings, including a 150,000-square-foot Marine Center of the Americas exhibition hall, dry dock storage facilities, a new marina and room for retail and restaurants.
“We want the students to maintain credibility,” said Jorge Hernandez, a UM professor of architecture who is leading the semester design studio.
City of Miami planners have become a fixture at the design studio, too - perhaps in case things get too fanciful. Or too public. (There was talk of an “Aquatic Urban Theater.” And one presentation showed a “mesh-covered” dry dock storage facility - quite beautiful in its green and blue translucence).
But that may change.
A few weeks ago members of civic and environmental groups spoke to the students about Virginia Key’s fragile environment and deed restrictions on the land intended to protect public uses. As a result, Hernandez said the students would consider developing yet another alternate plan - one that would be more in line with a state or national park vision - a Visitor’s Center, public boat house for canoe and kayak rentals, open space and public gardens in the marine stadium basin..
The final student designs will be displayed at a public charrette co-sponsored by the University of Miami and the Urban Environment League to be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 27 at the Rusty Pelican restaurant on Virginia Key. The charrette is part of Dade Heritage Days. Details on the charrette at www.dadeheritagetrust.org or call (305) 358-9572.
Resources:
http://www.miami.edu/index.php/news/releases/a_lifeline_for_miami_marine_stadium/
No comments:
Post a Comment