WHAT: Saving a neglected Steelyard to retain some of its original function
CHALLENGE: To help a visionary for-profit developer imagine different
scenarios of use and development on his property over time
STRATEGY: Phasing the development of landscaping, remediation
and landscaping in and around several buildings on the site.
LINK: The Steelyard
Public spaces and a cafe were imagined in different places, here with the main gateway to the site from Sims Avenue on the river.
“The Quad” layout:
Maximizing parking, this layout concentrated public spaces around a single center space while classrooms are located more privately near the rear.
“The Campus” layout:
Classrooms are showcased in the corner building, and parking minimized to allow for a free-flowing landscape with lots of un-programmed space for encounters and outdoor classes.
“The Piazza” layout:
The open space on Kinsley Avenue functions as a welcoming public plaza. The rest of the site is more utilitarian and densely built up.
A rendering of the corner view