OUR PALIMPSEST: MOVING FORWARD WHILE CELEBRATING WHAT CAME BEFORE GEORGETOWN, SC 2018 Urban Ideas Competition
OUR PALIMPSEST: MOVING FORWARD WHILE CELEBRATING WHAT CAME BEFORE pal imp sest / ˈpaləm(p)ˌsest / Noun: palimpsest; plural noun: palimpsests 1. A manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain. 2. Something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form. The downtown streetscape of Georgetown was impacted in many ways when buildings on the 700 block were destroyed by fire and later further impacted by both flood and hurricane. Legendary urbanist Jane Jacobs suggested that the lack of "natural guardianship" in the environment promoted crime. This has also been referred to as the broken window theory that neglect begets bad behavior. People don t respect what doesn t seem to be loved. Coupled with that is the missing tooth theory which speculates that gaps in active use along a street will discourage people from further use of the street. Former Mayor Joe Riley of Charleston has spoken to the importance of activated storefronts as a means to keep people moving down the street to keep them engaged and entertained. So, maintaining the rhythm and the repetition of the 25 bay is very important in keeping the streetscape active and energized. The gaps in the Georgetown streetscape can present challenges associated with both of these theories. Jacobs developed the concept that crime flourishes when people do not meaningfully interact with their neighbors. In Death and Life, Jacobs listed the three attributes needed to make a city street safe: a clear demarcation of private and public space; diversity of use; and a high level of pedestrian activity on the sidewalks. With our reuse of these eight lots we wanted to bring more diversity of use, and user, along with a clear demarcation of public realm versus private realm while generating more pedestrian activity. However, we wanted to do this in a way that respected and gave visual nods to what was there before the fire. This is our palimpsest, where we show visible traces of what was here before us. We don t forget it. But we don t replicate it. We remember it. We acknowledge it. Programmatically, our concept hinges on the idea of flexibility of use. We have a public realm that is energized by the private realm; a private realm made more robust by its interface with the public realm; and the unique experience of (within a matter of seconds!) being within an active downtown, a public plaza, over the water, or on a beautiful island. LAND: A central plaza is flanked by flexible space. These spaces, both open and enclosed, can be used in a variety of ways adding diversity to the site. CROSSING: A state of the art ferry for pedestrians and cyclists that is unmanned but on-demand provides access to the island. The ferry is solar powered. ISLAND: A tidally influenced island with marsh grasses, pluff mud, and diverse wildlife is accessible by foot, bicycle or boat. Paths, overlooks, kayak launches, and places to sit, congregate, and observe enrich the experience.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES: 1. Pay homage to the history of the site 2. Completely leverage the waterfront with flexibility in use 3. Provide public access to the island 4. Engage people with the water 5. Generate revenue for the city 6. Reconnect Front Street architecturally 7. Create spaces for cultural experiences
700 block: 1 st floor Office / retail Private space Revenue generator Raised flex space / performance stage Music / theatre Auctions Oration Public park / flex space Boat shows Farmers market Fish market Art exhibitions Food events Open air pavilion / event space Vendors / artisans Rentals / leasable Revenue generator Goat Island automated ferry Public access to island Experience the water Stacked kayak storage Kayak-share
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700 block: 2nd floor Office/ retail Synergistic partnership Eyes on the street Revenue generator Event venue Elevated views Space activator Revenue generator Mezzanine Public elevated views of water Expansion of event venue View of park/island Public seating opportunities
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street view 700 block Views from streetscape through to waterfront Palimpsest: Maintaining architectural rhythm of pre-existing walls Public & private spaces
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dock views 700 block Completely leveraging the waterfront Green roof Solar panels Elevated view of water View from street to water Public gathering node along waterfront Seating opportunities Unmanned, ondemand solar / electric ferry for pedestrians and bicyclists Kayak / canoe launch
Goat Island
trail view Goat Island Public access to island park Boat experience Unique design attractions Fishing platforms Gathering areas Maritime forest / marsh education Picnic area Iconic seat wall along path Kayak skills area
inspiration
OUR PALIMPSEST: MOVING FORWARD WHILE CELEBRATING WHAT CAME BEFORE LAND: A central plaza is flanked by flexible space. These spaces, both open and enclosed, can be used in a variety of ways adding diversity to the site. CROSSING: A state of the art ferry for pedestrians and cyclists that is unmanned but on-demand provides access to the island. The ferry is solar powered. ISLAND: A tidally influenced island with marsh grasses, pluff mud, and diverse wildlife is accessible by foot, bicycle or boat. Paths, overlooks, kayak launches, and places to sit, congregate, and observe enrich the experience.