Temporal Adaptations

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS A Framework for Resilient Growth

Courtney Wolff Master of Resilient Urban Design Final Project Spring & Summer 2021 Clemson University

With increasing frequency every year, the City of Charleston finds itself under water. Stronger and more frequent rain events, higher seas pushing water further inland with extreme high tides, dangerous storm surges from hurricanes, and groundwater inundation from a rising water table all contribute to one of the most urgent threats of our time: flooding. In April 2020, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released a draft feasibility report and environmental assessment to address coastal storm risk for the Charleston Peninsula.

This study is the result of the federal planning process referred to as the 3x3x3 process consisting of a $3 million study completed within 3 years and including three concurrent levels of review. Following 18 months

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

of data collection, modeling, and analysis the USACE is proposing to construct a nearly eight-mile seawall around the perimeter of the peninsula.

While a wall may seem like a permanent solution, it is only a short-term fix to a very long-term problem. The life span of a sea wall is only 50 years. In this time, there is a 40 percent chance that a wall would fail. But conditions creating the need for a protection system, such as sea level rise and the increased severity and frequency of storms, are not disappearing at the end of that wall’s life span of 50 years. On the contrary, sea level rise will become only more of a risk. This project aims to alter our antiquated view of land and urban design as something that is set in stone. Instead, a life-cycle

2

approach is implemented which has the ability to adapt over time.

This project’s focus area is the upper east side of the Charleston Peninsula, an area that is largely undeveloped.

It is home to some heavy industry and resulting pollutants, but there are still large amounts of healthy marsh along the waters edge. This unique transitional period allows for the rejection of a wall in favor of a resilient growth framework.

This project explores how past and present can be respected and honored while also understanding the necessity of change. It pushes the community to consider how the past has influenced the present and therefore how the present can be molded to positively impact the future.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Case Studies................................................................................. 4 Existing Context........................................................................... 6 Conceptual Ideas......................................................................... 8 Project Proposal.........................................................................10

Zoning and Codes..........................................................14

Streetscapes....................................................................18

Ecological Considerations.............................................22

Landscape Strategies.....................................................24

Brownfields & Greenfields............................................26

Affordable Housing........................................................28

Presentation Boards.................................................................30 Endnotes......................................................................................34 Bibliography................................................................................35

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SPRING & SUMMER 2021

CASE STUDIES SOUTH BAY SPONGE

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

The South Bay Sponge1 is an integrative, nature-based vision for the South Bay of San Francisco. Sea level rise will soon overtake the single, shoreline levee along the South Bay, nearly doubling the total area of the bay. This new vision for the bay focuses on using natural systems for collecting, filtering, and dispensing floodwater as well as defending against sea level rise. Included in the scope of the project was intensive community involvement, regulation and funding paths, a new integrated permitting structure, and the framework for a resiliency district. These four strategies are estimated to protect 10 billion dollars a year in projected losses.

LAGOS, NIGERIA

EKO ATLANTIC and the Great Wall of Lagos

The Land-use Swap A strategy for densification and de-densification at the Bay’s edge

SOUTH BAY SPONGE

MULIT-BENEFIT PROJECT

The South Bay Sponge is an integrative vision for the South Bay of San Francisco. Sea level rise will soon overtake the single, shoreline levee along the South Bay and doubling the total area of the bay. This new vision for the bay focuses on using natural systems for collecting, filtering, and dispensing floodwater as well as defending against sea level rise. Included in the scope of the project was intensive community involvement, regulation and funding paths, a new integrated permitting structure, and the framework for a resiliency district.

The Creeks From channels to absorptive, green infrastructure Bay Conservation & Development Commission

Regional Water Quality Control Board

Located in Lagos, Nigeria, Eko Atlantic is a case study that provides some important reminders about the relationship between sea level rise and equity.

This is a fully “grey” solution, meaning that it is traditional infrastructure. The wall being built will create a new, fortified district on fabricated land, but little is being done to protect existing neighborhoods that experience regular flooding.

People previously living in slums at the edge of the project area were given a 72hour evacuation notice before their neighborhood was demolished. Remaining slums and nearby villages are now experiencing increased flooding and storm surges as water is simply pushed around the new, luxury waterfront district of Eko Atlantic. This climate change “solution” only benefits the wealthy few and is devastating to the poor.

2

South Bay Sponge Final Report

The Sponge Green infrastructure on a large scale: absorptive landscapes

US Environmental Protection Agency

US Army Corps of Engineers

CA Department of Fish & Wildlife

US Fish & Wildlife

8

meters

1912

Moles completed

Eko Atlantic Elevation Lagos City Elevation

100%

fully funded by private investors

8.5 km

length of new coastline

90 million

cubic meters of reclaimed sand

1990

500 displaced

2

1990

3000 displaced 5 dead

meters

Original moles

2001

Underlayer

Sand Fill

Base for Eko Atlantic

Prevents movement of core

Concrete Wall

Prevents spray in extreme conditions

San Francisco

Proposed reconstruction of moles

Accropodes

Primary armor layer of pieces fit together precisely

Quarry Run

Provides support for additional layers

Toe Berm

Helps keep accropodes in place

2003

2002

200 displaced 2 dead

Retaining wall built

2004

2004

Feasibility study conducted

1000 displaced

2008

3000 displaced 25 dead

80,000 residents evicted to make way for construction

South Bay Sponge Final Report

The Soil Swap Cohesive and complete protective shoreline parkland

Construction of moles (breakwaters)

First Phase

Progress up until 2013 shown

• Would there be such a heavy focus on this area right now without the presence of Googleplex, NASA, Facebook, etc?

• Are there any successful case studies of integrated permitting structures involving this number of entities?

National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)

Major Flooding Events

1905

Present Day Progress

South Bay Sponge Final Report

EKO ATLANTIC

Protective Infrastructure

Extents of Project

Projected completion pushed back to 2026 from 2018

2005

2009 Integrated Permitting for Multi-benefit Projects

South Bay Sponge Final Report

Environmental study required by law before construction starts

Current Flooding Threat Geotextile

Keeps sand in place while allowing water to pass through

INTEGRATED APPROVAL

Implementation of South Bay Sponge

Regulating Layer Smooths out core

Granular Layer

Provides base for geotextiles to be installed

2009

Construction begins

Quarry Run Core

Boulders ranging from fist-sized to 1 ton

Quarry Run

Provides support for additional layers

Prevents seabed from moving through structure

Climate Change Apartheid

90 species

threatened or endangered

EAST PALO ALTO

81/2 feet

average tidal range

10 billion

projected annual losses

85%

of tidal wetlands gone

People previously living in slums at the edge of the project area were given a 72-hour evacuation notice before their neighborhood was demolished. Remaining slums and nearby villages are now experiencing increased flooding and storm surges as water is simply pushed around the new, luxury waterfront district of Eko Atlantic. This climate change “solution” only benefits the wealthy few and is devastating to the poor.

Current population in Lagos slums

10,000 displaced 100 dead

2013

Thousands displaced >50 dead

100,000 people

Construction halfway completed

2012

2019

Many displaced 6 dead

2020

129,000 displaced 68 dead

2026

SAN JOSE

UNINCOPORATED

2011

2011

Environmental study finally submitted Future population of Eko Atlantic

2010

Thousands displaced 20 dead

Filter Layer

MENLO PARK

2009

Many displaced

Projected completion

PALO ALTO STANFORD

2050

Sea Level Rise by 2100

NASA

South Bay Sponge Proposal City Boundaries Existing Edge of Water

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

MOUNTAIN VIEW

http://www.ekopearltowers.com/blog/2016/09/22/eko-atlantic-free-zone-place-opportunity/

SUNNYVALE

4

SANTA CLARA

https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/projects/photographs/anthropocene

Lagos projected to be underwater

HAFENCITY

HAMBURG, GERMANY

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT

HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany

This case study is an example of a flood wall that incorporates other structures into the wall itself. Here, the flood wall and buildings blend together showing how development could improve the overall resiliency of a city. This is opposed to the usual typology where a separate structure is required to protect development. In addition to buildings being incorporated into the flood wall, public parks and a promenade are also included.

Support raising of buildings and assets, floodproofing, and other non-structural measures Elevate existing streets and utilities to connect low-lying areas to high ground

urbangreenbluegrids.com

“A flood barreling by the Elbe feels more like an event than a disaster.”

-Thorsten Godtel

The city of Bridgeport, Connecticut has many factors similar to Charleston that make it a great place to look to for guidance in this process. Bridgeport experiences heavy rainfall and hurricanes, is a peninsula city, and has a historic fabric that requires protection. The Rebuild By Design process3 resulted in a plan that partners nature-based solutions with improved infrastructure across the entire city for a more resilient future.

1989

Planned For HafenCity:

Master Plan approved.

Restore wetland habitats

2000

1990s

Policy Change, HafenCity GmbH

12,000 living

2030

Built out.

HafenCity, one of the largest urban renewal projects in Europe, is 314 acres of former port and industrial area located on the Elbe River. The 6 miles of HafenCity shoreline are outside of Hamburg’s dike system. A special development zone was designated to avoid the cost and time to extend the dikes. All structures must be elevated to a minimum of 7.5 meters above mean sea level.

40,000 working

Protect Cedar creek and adjoining neighborhoods from coastal storms

www.master-plan-hafencity.com

HafenCity Flood Control Measures Public Open Space

Elevated Structures

Expansion of Hamburg City Center by 40%.

Flood Control Promenade

Blue Open Space

flooddefences.org/hamburg.com

farchitecturalmoleskine. blogspot.com

farchitecturalmoleskine. blogspot.com

Living Quarters Level above historic flood waters.

Minimum 7.5 meter elevation Roads, Bridges & Buildings Flood control promenade up to 15 meters wide.

Base Elevation 4.5 - 5.5 meters above MSL Mean Sea Level (MSL)

green infrastructure

overtopping zone

urban tree canopy

Perimeter Levee

https://resilientbridgeport.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/170719_Atlas_sm.pdf

RESILIENT RESILIENT BRIDGEPORT BRIDGEPORT Surrounded by water and bounded by State Street, Fairfield Avenue, and downtown, Bridgeport’s low-lying South End, Black Rock Harbor, and Cedar Creek area host vibrant and diverse communities. Home to residential neighborhoods, multiple historic districts and landmarks, productive industrial facilities, educational institutions, regional transportation systems, and critical regional energy and wastewater infrastructure that face growing environmental challenges.

25%

chance of hurricane hitting Connecticut for any given year

upla nd

urban tree canopy

42 inches

5

upla nd

marsh creation

offshore reef + water attenuation

lowla nd

green infrastructure

Raised Roads

coas tline shoreline stabilization

- limits water intrusion - requires pump - requires comprehensive approach - high operation costs

lowla nd urban tree canopy

coas tline

-incremental approach is possible - new drainage patterns - water is able to flow into city

high denstiy buildings

of rain fall annually

abandoned structures

studied areas

South End South End-East Seaside Park Highway/Railway

HOW WILL DIFFERENT DESIGNS CHANGE THE LANDSCAPE? HOW WILL THEY IMPACT THE DAILY LIVES OF RESIDENTS?

Image:Kim Morganello; Adapted from flooddefences.org/hamburg

Poster by Kim Morganello

DESIGN STRATEGIES

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

by Rebuild Design Bridgeport, Connecticut

farchitecturalmoleskine. blogspot.com

Integrate structural measures with redevelopment sites and reconfigure existing power infrastructure

Strengthen and connect existing parkland as buffer and habitat

Cedar Creek

RESILIENT BRIDGEPORT

The Berlin Wall falls: Germany is unified

No Action

uplan d

lowla nd coast

line

- loss of structures - loss of livable + taxable land - requires upslope development

Information and images are sourced from Resilient Bridgeport’s Design Conditions Report

Poster by Amy Nguyen

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SPRING & SUMMER 2021

EXISTING CONTEXT PHYSICAL CONTEXT

ECOLOGICAL

CULTURAL

56’

56’

50’

50’

50’

56’ 50’

50’

50’

Sh ip

ya rd

Cre ek

The Charleston Neck was historically outside the limits of Charleston and has maintained a physicality unique character from the rest of the peninsula. This was an area that was used as a retreat from the big city with lush vegetation. As the city grew, so did it’s demand for industry. Factories and other undesirable programs, such as powder magazines and cemeteries were developed in the neck and away from everyday life. Charleston kept expanding, pushing to the edges of the industrial core. Today, much of this land is contaminated4 and still occupied by industrial buildings. Where currently possible, a large array of development projects have been completed or are planned.5

PHYSICAL

Storage

The Wonderer

Restaurant

Meeting St

King St

The Refinery

Co

Tradesman Brewing

1600 Meeting

op er

1567 Meeting

Magnolia Cemetery

r

Elevation and geology are two essential elements to understanding the ecological impacts of water on this site. When looking at sea level rise, a greater percentage of land in this area is at higher elevations than the rest of the peninsula.6 There are still areas where sea level rise and storm surge pose a risk within the next 50 years, but risk will be greater in the 50-100 year range.

UPper Meeting Place

ve

ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Ri

Life Storage

Chef’s Store Munkle Brewing

Pacific Box & Crate

49’

Effin B

49’

Fatty’s Beer Works

49’

49’

49’

49’

The Workshop

St Lawerence Cemetery

Baxter Music Hall

Bethany Cemetery

Bridgeview Village 1304 Meeting St

Transit Oriented Development

Restaurant Brigade Storage

Bird Hardware goat.sheep.cow

Brigade St Apts II

The geology of this area is mostly artificial fill with some areas of sand and clayey sand.7 Because of the high level of urban impact, all of this area is poorly drained and absorbs little to no water. Artificial fill and tidal-marsh deposits are also “soft soils”, meaning there is higher hazard risk in these areas during seismic activity.

Butcher and Bee

20 Brigade St

Edmund’s Oast

1074 Meeting

M or

Brigade St Apts I

Home Team BBQ

ris

on

Dr

160 acre mixed-use

Half Mile North

King St

Lewis BBQ

M ee

rsta

Growfood Carolina

te 26

Flagship 3

g St

Inte

55 Romney

695 Meeting St

tin

707 Meeting St

Revelry Brewing

Meeting St Academy II One Cool Blow

995 Morrison Dr

651 Meeting Street Meeting St Academy

930 NoMo

Trolly Barn

Pkwy Septima Clark

Innovation Center

Low Line

Office Building

Restaurant Hotel East Central Lofts II

E

229 Huger St

Ba

y

St

Huger Streetscape

56’

56’

The East Neck: Physical Context

CULTURAL CONTEXT

0’

500’

1000’

CARTA Route

Railroad

MHHW-12’

Cemetery

Planned BRT

Up to MHHW

Over 12’

UP Zoning

Planned Development

In Progress Development

Completed Development

Historically, the East Neck of the Charleston Peninsula was a place of refuge for slaves with lower rent and distance from their owners in the city.8 With the phosphate boom in the 1860’s-1890’s, the land became industrialized but was still overlooked as a residential area. Up until 1926, there was still only one road through the neck. The King Street Extension, and then Highway 26, allowed for greater mobility but also sealed the fate of the neck as somewhere to only pass through as opposed to a destination. As the City of Charleston grew, the neck shrank and was gradually incorporated into the city.9 By reducing the space available for low-income residents, pressure has been put on these at-risk communities. Gentrification of the neck continues today as this land continues to rise in value, constricting vulnerable populations.

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

56’

The East Neck: Ecological Context

6

0’

500’

1000’

Drainage Basin Boundary

Low Marsh

High Marsh

Dredging Channel

Monitored by EPA

Forested Marsh Edge

The East Neck: Cultural Context 0’

500’

1000’

Low Income Housing

High Density, over 24 people/acre

Assisted Living Facility

Medium Density, 5-23 people/acre

Church

School

Grocery Store

Mosque

DREDGING CONSIDERATIONS

UNDERSTANDING TIDAL DATUMS

Dredging is essential to the survival of the multiple ports in Charleston. In many areas, dredging paths border the land’s edge. In these areas it will be critical to consider the impacts of a wall or equivalent intervention. In the study area, both the Cooper River and Shipyard Creek are dredged to support industry in the area as well as Columbus Terminal to the South and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal to the North.10

The North American Vertical Datum of 1988, NAVD88, is the baseline vertical datum used to measure elevations on land.12 Tides and water depth generally use a different baseline, mean lowest low water (MLLW), but this datum changes based on location. In Charleston, MLLW is 3.14’ below NAVD88.13 This means that to convert a tide forecast to a land elevation, 3.14’ is subtracted from the tide measurement.

ENGINEERED WATERSHEDS

CRITTERS OF THE MARSH

The natural watersheds were redefined when pumps were implemented to drain water off of the peninsula.11 While this system was mildly successful for some time, it is now failing. Lessons about the differences between seeing water as something to control and hide versus something to be celebrated and harmonized with can be learned from past actions.

The Lowcountry salt marsh is one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world.14 The marsh provides a full-time residence to many species but the marsh is also a vital stop along bird migration paths. Long-term disregard for the importance of the marsh, paired with the threats of sea level rise and pollution, have put many of these species in danger. Many species are now endangered, threatened, or on the watchlist.15

9.38’ 1989 Hurricane Hugo

High Battery

7.09’ 1940 6.78’ 2017 Hurricane Irma Low Battery

6.15’ 2016 Hurricane Matthew 5.76’ 1987 Major Flooding

! ! !

Moderate Flooding Minor Flooding

Endangered or Threatened Watchlist - High Priority Watchlist - Low Priority

Action Stage tla

eA

Th !

Tricolored Bat

c nti

y

wa

Fly

!

Red Knot

2.62’ Mean Highest High Water !

!

Wood Stork

Great Egret

Marsh Wren Salt Marsh Grasshopper Resident Low & High Marsh

!

Mink

Transient Tidal Creeks, Low & High Marsh

River Otter

!

Transient Tidal Creeks, Low Marsh

!

Black Drum Transient Tidal Creeks

!

Blue Crab

Resident Tidal Creeks

Atlantic Croaker Transient Tidal Creeks

Thinstripe Hermit Crab Resident Tidal Creeks

0 NAVD88 -.22’ Mean Sea Level

Salt Marsh Moth Squareback Marsh Crab Resident High Marsh, Upland Border

Upland Border

High Marsh

!

Marsh Periwinkle Resident Low & High Marsh

!

Ribbed Mussel Resident Low Marsh

Low Marsh

! !

Diamondback Terrapin Resident Tidal Creeks

Fiddler Crab Resident Tidal Creeks

Striped Burrfish Transient Tidal Creeks

!

Atlantic Brief Squid Transient Tidal Creeks

Tidal Creek

-3.14’ Mean Lowest Low Water p

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

CONCEPTUAL IDEAS ADAPTIVE MEMORIALS This reinterpretation of a wall incorporates the historic narrative of Charleston in a way that pushes us to consider how the past influences the future. Adaptive Memorials explores how the past can be respected and honored while also understanding the necessity of change. Time is experienced visually as you pass through different series of spaces. Here, the impacts of climate change are reflected upon and opportunity is provided for adaptation.

A continuous boardwalk encompasses the peninsula, transforming the wall into a recreational amenity. Three experiential typologies are situated along the boardwalk; park, preserve, and exhibit.

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

8

PARK The “park” typology encourages physical interaction with the water and creates a new recreational amenity currently missing from the peninsula. It should be implemented where there is currently no marsh and long stretches of shallows Tiered parks introduced on exterior of flood walls with access to water

Typology introduced were extensive shallows exist but currently no marshes.

Exposed breakwaters slows water and reduces wave action

+12’ NAVD88 NAVD88

EXHIBIT Utilized in places such as the aquarium, “exhibit” encourages an educational experience and puts you below the surface of the water for a unique experience.

Flood wall inhabitable, submerging occupant

Typology keeps tight shipping channels clear without compromising sea floor depth

+12’ NAVD88 NAVD88

PRESERVE In places along the peninsula where there is still healthy marsh, the “preserve” typology highlights this natural resource with a passive park experience.

Protection provided by flood wall keeps area safe for recreation

Dredged material maintains marsh and reef habitat

+12’ NAVD88 NAVD88

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SPRING & SUMMER 2021

PROJECT PROPOSAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESILIENT GROWTH

SEGMENT AREA

In this vision for the upper peninsula, new development is implemented in tandem with nature-based systems and policy reform instead of building a wall.

Resiliency is built into the new urban fabric, adapting over time and mirroring the surrounding, changing landscape. The design goals for this proposal are to: • Address multiple flooding issues, not just storm surge • Leverage the unique transitional period in this area and plan for future development • Make time, change, and adaptation tangible and visible to the community • Tie together past, present, and future

NOT A WALL While a wall may seem like a permanent solution, it is only a short-term fix to a very long-term problem. The life span of a sea wall is only 50 years. In this time, there is a 40 percent chance that a wall would fail.16 But conditions creating the need for a protection system, such as sea level rise and the increased severity and frequency of storms, are not disappearing at the end of that wall’s life span of 50 years. On the contrary, sea level rise will become only more of a risk. This project aims to alter our antiquated view of land and urban design as something that is set in stone. Instead, a life-cycle approach is implemented which has the ability to adapt over time.

Study Area USACOE Wall Alignment Proposed Changes to USACOE Alignment

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

10

NATURE BASED SYSTEMS

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

enue rgh Av

Pittsbu

INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS

POLICY AND EVALUATION

a ro

il Ra

LOSS OF ASSETS

d

Meeting Street

RESILIENT GROWTH

King Street

ENVIRONMENTAL SPRAWL

tor nec on dC n a l l Is nie Da

oa dR

Street Discher

DESIGN STRATEGIES

Lowe r

This project explores how past and present can be respected and honored while also understanding the necessity of change. It pushes the community to consider how the past has influenced the present and therefore how the present can be molded to positively impact the future. Some of the primary strategies for achieving this include: • All new development is implemented in tandem with resiliency and landscape strategies • A full zoning restructuring that revolves around a new ecological-based code • Investing in two-way community outreach, both to receive feedback and to educate about best practices

Herbert

Pen insu la E xpr ess

Street

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t

RIVER

d Stree Milfor

ER

f Road

lea Green

OP

with to the e.

FOCUS AREA: FOUR MILE

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

C

O

ns

en nin Av

Hugue ue

Meeting Street

King Street

1” = 500’ 0

p

250’

500’

1000’

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

PEOPLE FIRST

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The upper peninsula has historically been a place of refuge; slaves were able to live here with lower rent and greater distance from their owners in the city.17 Pressure has been put on this refuge as the city has grown over the years.

As development occurs in this area, it is important to honor all stories of this place and the meaning it holds for different people. Below are just some of the different stories this project aims to honor.

Traditional methods of community engagement such as online surveys or public meetings are not always an option for everybody, especially for vulnerable communities. Car ownership, childcare, and access to internet can all be barriers to these commonly used methods of community outreach. To better support the community, this project embedded tangible moments of education, outreach, and support into the urban fabric.

Disaster Relief Community Center:

This space typically operates as a standard community center but with a focus on disaster resiliency. During a disaster, supplies are distributed from the center and it can also temporarily provide shelter to those in need.

Craftsman Hall:

Here, small business owners can rent stalls to sell their goods. Community members can also sign up for finance seminars, craft classes, and receive coaching on transitioning their business to a brick and mortar establishment.

Recreation Facility:

A central hub of physical activity. This facility partners with the neighboring high school to provide a greater range of amenities to the community.

Marine Industry Discovery Center: “All of the affordable housing and transit options has allowed me to move closer to my job on the peninsula”

“All of the classes from my community land trust has enabled me to start my own business right near home”

“We love having our own little community of friends right on the park - and our grandkids enjoy that too”

A cross between children’s museum, laboratory, and summer camp, the Marine Industry Discovery Center makes learning fun for the whole family. Hands-on exhibits educate about the working relationship between water and industry as well as how everybody can do their part in keeping our oceans healthy.

Ecological Research Hub:

The main goal of this resource is to monitor the progress and success of the surrounding marsh restoration. In this way, Charleston can be an example for best practices and work towards being a leader in coastal resiliency.

“We love visiting here, both of us have our perfect photo ops!”

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

“My daily commute is so much more enjoyable without sitting in traffic!”

“Our family loves to spend weekends adventuring in the wetlands park”

12

NORMALIZING OUTREACH

SALTMARSH DISCOVERY BOARDWALK

Community engagement is often utilized as a way to gain input and feedback about a specific topic, but creating tools for community-wide education is equally important. This project proposes that engagement, education, and feedback became a part of every day life through tools that have tangible benefits and uses. The creation of the app below normalizes two-way communication that is not only helpful to both the citizen and the city, but is also fun for the user.

Sea Level Rise

Got questions?

We have answers.

Discover your Charleston.

2020

2100 Storm Surge

King Tide

Historic Overlay

Your name

Wildlife Tracking

e St

edg

Rutl

Your email

Your message

TIDE eye oun

Calh

St

Recreation Near Me

Take me back home

TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

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SPRING & SUMMER 2021

ZONING AND CODES EXISTING ZONING ISSUES The City of Charleston currently uses euclidean base zoning districts with overlapping overlay zones.18 This segment area currently consists of large amounts of heavy industrial as well as Charleston’s new Upper Peninsula zoning district. This euclidean zoning system, created and established in the 1920s,19 is a template based on the upcoming land use. Simply put, what activities should happen there? To increase flexibility, ambiguous, complex zoning districts such as PUD have been introduced. However, these districts can have a domino effect of unintended consequences.

RETHINKING ZONING WITH AN ECOLOGICAL-BASED CODE By only focusing on the upcoming land use, it is impossible to fully consider the future impacts of development. This proposal aims to implement a life-cycle approach to zoning which has the ability to adapt over time. By understanding that Charleston is within a changing landscape, zoning can enable responsible stewardship of the land.

Instead of zones based solely on upcoming land use, sectors are proposed that relate to ground elevation, level of urbanization, future land use, and upcoming land use.

ATE AND ADA U L PT A EV

RENT SYSTEM R U C

UPCOMING LAND USE

ZONING

PRO TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

FUTURE LAND USE

RE

P O S E D SYS T E M 14

CHANGING LANDSCAPES

SP

ON

S I B L E S T E WA R D

I SH

P

EXISTING ZONING

PROPOSED ZONING C SR-1 SR-2 DR-1F DR-1 DR-2F DR-2 DR-3 DR-4 RO CT LB GB BP LI HI MU-1 MU-2 MU-1/WH MU-2/WH UP PUD Height District

Preserve open space Reserve open space Protected growth Intended growth Infill Retrofit

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SPRING & SUMMER 2021

THE SECTORS

DETERMINING THE SECTOR

Conservation Sectors

Preserve open space:

Existing parks, cemeteries, marsh, and undeveloped land will either stay as is or transfer to another open space use.

Reserve open space:

While not currently open space, this is land that will be returned back to natural uses. Much of the land in this sector is low-lying, marsh-adjacent, and currently zoned as Heavy Industrial. By reserving this land as open space within the zoning code, there is room for marsh migration as the sea level rises.

Protected growth:

This sector is intended to enable smart development at elevations that are not currently at the water’s edge but will be within 50 years. All development within the protected growth sector must have the structural ability to buffer storm surge with incentives for orienting buildings to provide even greater protection to the rest of the urban fabric.

Sector

Preserve Open Space

Reserve Open Space

Protected Growth

Level of

None

None

Medium

Ground Elevation

Intended growth:

All new development areas at elevations over 12’ NAVD88 fall within the intended growth sector. This sector is further divided into 4 categories: • General urban • Urban center • Urban core • Civic space These categories ensure public realm standards that put people and water at the forefront of design.

Goals

Priority of under 12’ Land that will return Preserve to its natural undeveloped state to serve land as as space undeveloped. for marsh May transfer migration, to a different urban relief, open space and additional use ecological benefits x

Retrofit:

Much of the existing urban fabric is at an at-risk elevation (below 12’ NAVD88), some of which already suffers from flooding. In this sector, incentives exist to bring all buildings and infrastructure to meet new resiliency standards. All new construction must meet the same standards as the protected growth sector.

Infill:

Land over 12’ NAVDD88 will have updated resiliency standards but without the same restrictions on new construction as the retrofit sector.

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

Urban Growth Sectors

16

6’-12’

Intended Growth General Urban

Urban Center

Urban Core

Civic

Medium

MediumHigh

High

x

12’ and over

Enables smart growth Promotes new development at elevations outside of high flood at elevations risk areas. Subdivisions ensure that are not currently high public realm standards that put flood risk but people and water at the forefront of design will be within 50 years

Retrofit

Infill

Existing

Existing

Below 12’

Over 12’

Bring all existing urban fabric up to new resiliency standards - no new construction here

Permitted new

GENERAL TO ALL DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Due to the time-based nature of this code, reevaluation will occur every 10 years. This will ensure appropriate elevation requirements to reflect sea level rise and enable the incorporation of the most up-to-date water management strategies.

Preserve Open Space

All new construction is required to use a Base Design Elevation of 12’ NAVD88 for first floor elevations.

Pedestrian comfort should be a primary consideration of Thoroughfare design and dimensions. Design conflict between vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian movement should be decided in favor of the pedestrian.

Street Typologies and special elements

A story is a maximum fourteen (14) feet in height from finished floor to finished floor. Basements are not considered stories for the purposes of determining building height. A ground level retail story may exceed this limit up to a total of twenty-five (25) feet.

The height of buildings, fences and walls shall be measured from the average sidewalk elevation in the Intended Growth and Infill sectors. In the Protected Growth and Retrofit sectors, the Base Design Elevation shall be used instead.

Building Typologies

Special ecological considerations

Boardwalks and multi-use paths with exception of cemeteries

Park amenities/ support

Extends past existing zoning boundaries outwards into water

Reserve Open Space

Boardwalks and multi-use paths only

Park amenities/ support, postindustrial remnants

Room for marsh migration Urban relief

Protection for cemeteries

p

Protected Growth

Boardwalks, docks, bridges All parking off-site

Residential on stilts, floating homes, commercial first floor with wetfloodprooding

Building orientation and structural ability for wave attenuation Time of construction to prevent loss of existing marsh

Intended Growth General Urban

Urban Center

Urban Core

Civic Space

Sharrows, residential alleyways, neighborhood residential, parkways with medians

Neighborhood main street, downtown mixeduse, downtown commercial, protected bike lanes, sharrows

Downtown commercial, downtown mixed-use, boulevard with medians, transit priority, protected bike lanes

Pedestrian mall, downtown civic

Minimum 6’ pedestrian right of way

Small footprint mixed-use, single family detached, single family attached 1-5 stories

Minimum 8’ pedestrian right of way Mixed-use first floor public use/retail space, grocery, community amenities 4-10 stories

Minimum 10’ pedestrian right of way

Mixed-use first floor public use/retail space, parking structures, hotel 6 stories and over

No on-street parking Minimum 10’ pedestrian right of way Fire and police, city municipality, schools, museums, learning centers, community amenities, additional mixeduse

Elevation of water table and soil conditions for decisions about ground infiltration and landscaping vs hardscaping water management strategies

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

STREETSCAPES COMPLETE STREETS

MULTI-USE PATH

This project aims to address the needs of the community and the environment through the use of a complete street network.20 Key existing roads will be retrofitted and all new streets give equal importance to person, water, and transportation. Today, Charleston is difficult to navigate without a car, creating barriers to opportunity. Links to the rest of the city have been created that prioritize cyclists, bus transit, and pedestrians.

SHARROW PROTECTED BIKE LANES BUS ROUTE RAPID TRANSIT *walk-sheds cover a 1/4 mile radius

STREETS FOR PEOPLE A network of multi-use paths weave through the focus area which encourages a walkable lifestyle. The new street network has a minimum sidewalk width of 8’ but expands on commercial streets for outdoor shopping and dining. The streets also carry on the Charleston tradition of maintaining view corridors to the water. Other features to enhance pedestrian safety and experience are: • Curb extensions at crosswalks • Pedestrian islands • Road tables at midblock crossings • Public plazas and parks

STREETS FOR TRANSIT Within the new street network there are both streets with protected bike lanes as well as sharrows (bike oriented streets). All of the major multi-use paths also have cyclist tracks, including the new pedestrian overpass connecting to the Lowcountry Rapid Transit stop at Milford Sreet. King Street, Meeting Street, and East Bay Street also include bike lanes in their retrofits. Roads with bus routes have stops and shelters located at expanded curb extensions for convenience and safety.

STREETS FOR WATER Every new street incorporates water storage and filtration through planted channels, stormwater medians, or biofiltration curb extensions. Safety and accessability during extreme water conditions have also been at the forefront of design; streets are at a minimum elevation of 12’ NAVD88. This has been achieved through raising elevations, elevating roads, and incorporating bridges and pedestrian dock systems.

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

18

Elevated walkways connect to the sidewalk over marsh that is integrated with the urban fabric, slowing and filtering water

Wider lanes with pavement markings create a bike-safe street within a larger, city-wide network

Street trees planted at distances to create a continuous canopy provide shade and refuge in the Charleston heat

8’

5’

8’

12’

12’

8’

5’

8’

Pedestrian

Landscape

Parking

Travel Lane

Travel Lane

Parking

Landscape

Pedestrian

21’ Right of Way

p

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

21’ Sidewalk

Parking

2’

5’

12’

12’

5’

Bike

Travel Lane

Travel Lane

Bike

20

2’

8’ Parking

4’

4’

8’

5’

Channel

8’

Step-out

Pedestrian

4’

Planted channels include a step-out area as well as raised curbs for safety

Buffer

Frontage

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

4’

4 modes of transit have equal priority on this street: pedestrian, bus, bike, and car

Buffer

8’

Channel

5’

Step-out

Wider sidewalks in commerical areas allow for outdoor dining and shopping

Pedestrian

Frontage

21’ Sidewalk

Townhomes with front stoops and small gardens activate the street

Stormwater medians collect and filter water that would otherwise build up in the streets as run-off

Street trees and a parking lane create a buffer between moving traffic and pedestrians

8’

5’

8’

10’

10’

10’

8’

5’

8’

Pedestrian

Landscape

Parking

Travel Lane

Stormwater Median

Travel Lane

Parking

Landscape

Pedestrian

46’ p Between Curb Faces

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS THE APPROACH In this project, natural systems are layered with projected development to create a long-term water management for the focus area. Three main approaches to water are being proposed: store, filter and slow. Each of these approaches are implemented through multiple design strategies at a variety of scales.

THE IMPORTANCE While all of the proposed design strategies play a significant role in water management, there are also numerous additional benefits of these strategies. In general, nature-based solutions such as the ones being implemented also: • Restore damaged ecosystems and create new habitat for at-risk species • Provide recreation opportunities such as hiking, paddling, and bird-watching • Capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to slow global warming • Filters out dangerous pollutants from both soil and water • Reduce the urban heat island effect which results in lower energy costs, air pollution levels, and heat-related illness

New development at the water’s edge is built to withstand storm surge and buffer the city behind

Living breakwaters reduce the effects of storm surge by absorbing wave energy while also restoring marine habitats

Dredge spoils are reused, reducing the drowning of marsh and lengthening the shallows

SLOW Both velocity and peak flood levels are reduced by using natural and artificial forms to buffer incoming water.

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

22

Biofiltration channels, medians, and curb extensions are integrated into the streetscape

Marsh is celebrated as a part of the urban fabric and room is provided for marsh migration

A new marine industry discovery center educates the public about best practices in water management

Hardscaped public spaces hold onto stormwater during extreme water events

FILTER

STORE

While fostering the marsh ecosystem is the most widespread strategy, smaller scale interventions such as biofiltration systems in the streetscape should be incorporated into design. Community education about proper use of our water systems is also critical.

Water is prevented from entering the stormwater system through detention, retention, and infiltration. To determine which strategy to employ, special consideration should be given to soil type and water table height.

p

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

LANDSCAPE STRATEGIES

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

LIVING BREAKWATERS

BUILDINGS AS BUFFERS

Living breakwaters reduce the velocity of storm surge and can help reduce peak flood levels as well as creating marine habitat

Buildings at the water’s edge protect the urban fabric behind them by being placed strategically and built to withstand storm surge

LAND SWAP

DREDGE SPOILS

Land is moved to create strategic low and high ground prior to new development

Dredge spoils are reused in areas where sea level rise has killed off the marsh to promote regrowth with appropriate elevations

ELEVATED BUILDINGS

WET FLOODPROOFING

Buildings may be built in areas susceptible to sea level rise if they are elevated to 12’ NADV88 and have the ability to be elevated higher in the future

Buildings that are wet floodproofed are designed to safely flood with minimal damage

24

FLOODABLE PLAZAS

PLANTED CHANNELS

Hardscaped floodable plazas are best utilized were soil conditions or low elevations restrict water infiltration

An alternative to traditional street tree pits, channels have greater capacity for stormwater with additional filtering capabilities

RAIN GARDENS

BIORETENTION CURB EXTENSIONS

Rain gardens can range in size from whole blocks to small plots but are best utilized where there is optimal water infiltration

Bioretention curb extensions are best utilized on streets where large curb extensions are appropriate and street trees are preferred along the sidewalk.

GREEN ROOFS

STORMWATER MEDIANS

Both green roofs and green walls help to slow and filter rainwater as well as reducing temperatures and increasing biodiversity

Stormwater medians can vary in size, but 10’ is optimal for converting to a turn lane at intersections and are best utilized on streets with longer blocks p

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

BROWNFIELDS & GREENFIELDS CURRENT CONDITIONS

TOXIC LAND

PLANTS REMOVE TOXINS

RECLAIMED LAND

MARSH MIGRATION

A majority of the study area is currently home to a variety of industrial uses.

Many of these sites are on the EPA watch list21 and monitored for wastewater discharge, hazardous waste, and/or air pollution as shown on the map below.

While some environmental remediation will be required before the land can be re-purposed, very few of the sites are designated brownfields, allowing for less intensive clean-up methods such as phytoremedaiation.

PHYTOREMEDIATION FOR MARSH MIGRATION As sea levels rise, marsh is drowning. As water reaches new land at higher elevations, toxins stored within the soil are released into the water. This pollutes the oceans even after the polluters are gone. Phytoremediation uses plants to clean the land, pulling the toxins out of the soil. This reclaimed land then provides space for marsh migration.

Wastewater Discharge Hazardous Waste Air Pollution Brownfield Vacant Lot Undevelopable

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

26

IMPLEMENTATION OVER TIME

EXISTING CONDITIONS

30 YEARS FROM NOW

60 YEARS FROM NOW

Large amounts of industrial land with only a few, scattered buildings. The road network in this area is sparse and disconnected.

Shown here is 2’ of sea level rise approximately 30 years from now. Proposed development assumes that only Kinder Morgan and Chevron move out of the study area.23 Laurel Island development24 is already planned and other development occurs on city-owned property.

Shown here is 4’ of sea level rise approximately 60 years from now. Proposed development assumes the remaining industry moves out of the

The proposed street grid has been developed to allow for a phased implementation. It has been assumed that parcels with the same owner would be sold as a group, informing development patterns. In doing this, time can be allowed for individual areas to undergo environmental remediation as needed.

GREENFIELDS, BROWNFIELDS, AND ZONING Within the zoning proposal are two conservation sectors: preserve open space and reserve open space. Preserve open space protects the few greenfields remaining in this area while reserve open space promotes the conversion of brownfields and greyfields back into greenfields.

PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS Funding environmental clean-up is often expensive and ambiguous; it can be unclear who the fiscal burden belongs to. Much of the land within the study area will require some level of remediation but without the larger governmental support that comes with designated brownfields. Public-private partnerships22 between the City of Charleston and private developers can help spur initial remediation and development within this area. One example is the Natural Corridor Park running through the center of new development. It is beneficial for developers on adjacent blocks to help fund clean-up, construction of new streets, and establishing the park blocks. These amenities will raise the market value of buildings that front on the park - making it fiscally beneficial for the developer.

p

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

DEMOGRAPHICS

The historic cultural context of the study area has significant impacts on the current demographics. The Peninsula Neck is home to a large percentage of Charleston’s most vulnerable communities: people of color, people experiencing poverty, and single mothers.25 This difference between the Neck and the rest of the peninsula can also be seen through some of societies standard measures of success. People who live in the study area are less likely to have graduated from college, own a car, or have access to the Internet. This impacts of this comparison is far-reaching; implications include the necessity of alternative transportation and diverse community outreach.

residents own the infrastructure, but the ground lease limits the resale amount to keep things affordable

85

.2% 8.4 %

COMPARING DEMOGRAPHICS

28.5%

.1% 39

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF CLT

LAND STEWARDS AND HOMEOWNERS

People Of Color

Single Female With Kids

COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS .2

%

Community land trusts (CLTs) are an equitable finance mechanism where a nonprofit ensures long-term ownership of land.26 The CLT purchases, or is granted, land and then sells the building to an eligible buyer. In this proposal, eligibility restrictions include: • Limits on income to no greater than 80% AMI • Preference given to families who work in the community • Preference given to first time homebuyers

51.7%

53.1%

13

21%

The implementation of CLTs prior to new development is crucial. By doing this, gentrification can be preemptively combated by reserving this space in perpetuity for affordable housing.

People In Poverty

Bachelors Degree

residents own a 99-year ground lease with CLT

.3%

1%

89

93.

Education and support is also incorporated into the structure of a CLT. This includes classes and resources for property maintenance, fiscal education, and responsible water management.27

65.2%

.9%

74

LAND IN COMMUNITY LAND TRUST owned and protected over long-term

Car Ownership

Access To Internet

Study Area City of Charleston

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

28

MIXED INCOME

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Promoting economic diversity is a key component of this proposal. By encouraging mixed-income development, social stigmas of low-income communities can be resisted and acceptance of affordable housing can increase. Residents of mixed-income developments also gain access to higher quality services and amenities, engage in a wider range of social interactions, and have a closer proximity to a wider range of job opportunities.

Community Land Trust Recreation Facility Marine Industry Discovery Center

HEIGHT BONUSES Height bonuses are an affordability incentive targeted towards developers. If a developer chooses to increase the percentage of units that are permanently affordable within a building, they will be permitted to add additional stories past what zoning allows.28

Bonus Height

Height Limit

12% Permanently Affordable

Four Mile High School

Craftsman Hall Community Land Trust

Rapid Transit Station Community Land Trust

Disaster Relief Community Center

Ecological Research Hub

Height Limit

30% Permanently Affordable

Space has been reserved for community land trusts at a variety of elevations with different water relationships at each. All CLTs are also located near transit lines with walkable access to community resources and support.

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SPRING & SUMMER 2021

PRESENTATION BOARDS STORE Water is prevented from entering the stormwater system through detention, retention, and infiltration.

To determine which strategy to employ, special consideration should be given to soil type and water table height.

dC

onn ector

K REE DC AR IPY SH

Study Area USACOE Wall Alignment Proposed Changes to USACOE Alignment

sl

an

Da

nie

lI

Low er P en ins

ula

E xp

Biofiltration channels, medians, and curb extensions are integrated into the streetscape

ress

rd Shipya Park

lk dwa Saltmarsh Discovery Boar

Hardscaped public spaces hold onto stormwater during extreme water events

FILTER While fostering the marsh ecosystem is the most widespread strategy, smaller scale interventions such as biofiltration systems in the streetscape should be incorporated into design.

Community education about proper use of our water systems is also critical.

Magnolia Cemetery

St. Lawrence Cemetery

Marsh is celebrated as a part of the urban fabric and room is provided for marsh migration

OP

ER

RIV ER

Bethany Cemetery

A new marine industry discovery center educates the public about best practices in water management

O

C

et ark wm rsh Ne Ma

PROPOSED WALL

SLOW

ALIGNMENT

By using both natural and artificial forms to buffer incoming water, both velocity and peak flood levels are reduced.

1” = 500’ 0

Temporal Adaptations A framework for resilient growth

In this vision for the upper peninsula, new development is implemented in tandem with nature-based systems and policy reform instead of building a wall. Resiliency is built into the new urban fabric, adapting over time mirroring the surrounding changing landscape.

DESIGN GOALS Address multiple flooding issues, not just storm surge Leverage the unique transitional period in this area and plan for future development Making time, change, and adaption tangible and visible to the community Tie together past, present, and future

250’

500’

1000’

New development at the water’s edge is built to withstand storm surge and buffer the city behind

URBAN DEVELOPMENT NATURE BASED SYSTEMS

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS

LOSS OF ASSETS

ENVIRONMENTAL SPRAWL

Living breakwaters reduce the effects of storm surge by absorbing wave energy while also restoring marine habitats

POLICY AND EVALUATION

Dredge spoils are reused, reducing the drowning of marsh and lengthening the shallows

RESILIENT GROWTH

p

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

Recreation Facility Marine Industry Discovery Center

Four Mile High School

Rapid Transit Station

Craftsman Hall

Disaster Relief Community Center

Ecological Research Hub

Catalogue Of Systems

BUILDINGS AS BUFFERS

Buildings at the waters edge are placed strategically, built to withstand storm surge, and protect the urban fabric behind them

LIVING BREAKWATERS

Living breakwaters reduce the velocity of storm surge and can help reduce peak flood levels as well as creating marine habitat

LAND SWAP

Land is moved to create strategic low and high ground prior to new development

DREDGE SPOILS

Dredge spoils are reused in areas where sea level rise has killed off the marsh to promote regrowth with appropriate elevations

ELEVATED BUILDINGS

Buildings may be built in areas susceptible to sea level rise if they are elevated to 12’ NAVD88

WET FLOOD-PROOFING

Buildings that are wet floodproofed are designed to safely flood with minimal damage

FLOODABLE PLAZAS

Hardscaped floodable plazas are best utilized were soil conditions or low elevations restrict water infiltration

RAIN GARDENS

Rain gardens can range in size from whole blocks to small plots but are best utilized where there is optimal water infiltration

GREEN ROOFS

Both green roofs and green walls help to slow and filter rainwater as well as reducing temperatures and increasing biodiversity

PLANTED CHANNELS

An alternative to traditional street tree pits, channels have greater capacity for stormwater with additional filtering capabilities

STORMWATER MEDIAN

A 10’ width is optimal for converting to a turn lane at intersections and are best utilized on streets with longer blocks

BIORETENTION CURB EXTENSIONS

Bioretention curb extensions are best utilized on streets where large curb extensions are appropriate

p

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

Rethinking Zoning

Preserve Open Space Reserve Open Space Protected Growth

Complete Streets

with an ecological-based code

Intended Growth Retrofit

Stormwater medians collect and filter water that would otherwise be run-off

designed for people, water, and transit

Street trees and a parking lane create a buffer between moving traffic and pedestrians

This project aims to address the needs of the community and the environment through the use of a complete street network. Key existing roads will be retrofitted and all new streets give equal importance to people, water, and transportation. Today, Charleston is difficult to navigate without a car, creating barriers to opportunity. Links to the rest of the city have been created that prioritize cyclists, bus transit, and pedestrians.

ATE AND ADA PT ALU EV

RENT SYSTEM CUR

Infill

Townhomes with front stoops and small gardens activate the street

Multi-Use Path

UPCOMING LAND USE

FUTURE LAND USE

Sharrow

CHANGING LANDSCAPES

Protected Bike Lane Bus Route Rapid Transit *walk-shed covers a 1/4 mile radius

RE

P O S E D SYS T E M

Goals

None

Priority of under 12’ Land that will Preserve return to its undeveloped natural state to land as serve as space undeveloped. for marsh migration, May transfer to a different urban relief, and additional open space use ecological benefits x

10’

10’

8’

5’

8’

Stormwater Median

Travel Lane

Parking

Landscape

Pedestrian

46’

IP

Between Curb Faces

Urban Growth Sectors Protected Growth Medium 6’-12’

Intended Growth General Urban

Urban Center

Medium

MediumHigh

Urban Civic Core Space High

12’ and over

x

Retrofit

Infill

Existing

Existing

Below 12’

Over 12’

Wider sidewalks in commerical areas allow for outdoor dining and shopping 4 modes of transit have equal priority on this street; pedestrian, bus, bike, and car Planted channels include a step-out area as well as raised curbs for safety

Enables smart Bring all growth at existing urban Permitted Promotes new development at fabric up to new elevations elevations outside of high flood risk that are not new resiliency development areas. Subdivisions ensure public within currently high standards realm standards that put people and - no new existing flood risk but water at the forefront of design will be within construction urban fabric here 50 years

5’

8’

Frontage

Pedestrian

4’

4’

8’ Parking

2’

5’

12’

12’

5’

Bike

Travel Lane

Travel Lane

Bike

2’

8’

4’

4’

Parking

Channel

Ground Elevation

None

SH

10’ Travel Lane

Step-out

Level of Urbanization

Preserve Open Reserve Open Space Space

S I B L E S T E WA R D

8’ Parking

Buffer

Sector

ON

5’ Landscape

Buffer

Conservation Sectors

SP

8’ Pedestrian

Channel

PRO

Section A 1”=10’

Step-out

ZONING

8’

5’

Pedestrian

Frontage

21’

21’

Sidewalk

Sidewalk

Section B 1”=10’ Roads are raised with elevated walkways connecting to the sidewalk Wider lanes with pavement markings create a bike-safe street Trees provide shade creating refuge in the Charleston heat

We love visiting here, both of us have our perfect photo ops!”

“All of the affordable housing and transit options has allowed me to move closer to my job on the peninsula”

“Our family loves to spend weekends adventuring in the wetlands park”

“My daily commute is so much more enjoyable without sitting in traffic!”

“We love having our own little community of friends right on the park - and our grandkids enjoy that too”

“All of the classes from my community land trust has enabled me to start my own business right near home”

Section C 1”=10’

8’

5’

8’

12’

Pedestrian

Landscape

Parking

Travel Lane

12’

8’

5’

8’

Travel Lane

Parking

Landscape

Pedestrian

21’ Right of Way

Community Engagement

it’s a two way street Community engagement is often utilized as a way to gain input and feedback about a specific topic but creating tools for community-wide education is equally important.

This project proposes that engagement, education, and feedback became a part of every day life through tools that have tangible benefits and uses.

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SPRING & SUMMER 2021

Four Mile Masterplan

1 Floodable Amphitheater 2 Lowcountry Rapid Transit Station 3 Pedestrian and Bike Overpass

balancing growth with resiliency

nue

Ave urgh Pittsb

4 Four Mile High School 5 Community Land Trust 6 Recreation Facility 7 Craftsman Hall 8 Existing Water Treatment Facility 9 Marine Industry Discovery Center 10 Water Taxi Terminal

5

11 Floodable Plaza 12 Hotel on the Marsh 13 Disaster Relief Community Center 14 Ecological Research Hub

oa i lr Ra

6

o ect nn Co d n la l Is nie Da

oa dR d

Discher

Street

r

Meeting Street

King Street

8

Lowe r

4

Pen insu la E xpr ess

10

9

7 Herbert

Street

13

on Secti C

oa dR

oa i lr Ra

3

d

et

d Stre Milfor

2

on Secti C

11

5

RIVER

12

13

5 1

ER

ad

A

C

O

on Secti

OP

leaf Ro

Green

15

ve nin A

Hugue nue

Meeting Street

King Street

1” = 500’ 0

p

250’

500’

1000’

SPRING & SUMMER 2021

ENDNOTES 1. “South Bay Sponge (Santa Clara + San Mateo County)”, Bay Area: Resilient By Design Challenge, http://www.resilientbayarea.org/south-bay-sponge.

12. “How High Is That Seawall?” ArcGIS StoryMaps, Esri, January 26, 2021, https:// storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b931809990d347ab83ab990bd7592ea9.

23. Bello Garris Architects, “Master Plan for Laurel Island,” Charleston, August 19, 2020.

2. Gemma Soles, “Walling in the One Percent: Protecting AN ‘Eco-City’ from Sea Level Rise,” Smart Cities Dive, 2014, https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/ sustainablecitiescollective/walling-one-percent-eko-atlantic/1001806/.

13. How High Is That Seawall?

24. PolicyMap, May 25, 2021, https://www.policymap.com/.

14. “Dynamics of the Salt Marsh,” Sea Science, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 2014, https://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/pub/seascience/ dynamic.html.

25. Local Housing Solutions, “Community Land Trusts,” Local Housing Solutions, June 16, 2021, https://www.localhousingsolutions.org/housing-policy-library/ community-land-trusts/.

15. “SC Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Inventory,” SCDNR - Wildlife Information - Rare, Threatened & Endangered Species Inventory, Accessed July 26, 2021, https://www.dnr.sc.gov/species/index.html.

26. Local Housing Solutions, “Community Land Trusts”

3. “Resources,” Resilient Bridgeport, July 15, 2021, https://resilientbridgeport. com/archive/.

4. Environmental Protection Agency, “EPA’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool,” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 2020, https:// ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/.

5. City of Charleston, “Upper Peninsula Development Tour,” Upper Peninsula Initiative, City of Charleston, https://charleston-sc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ MapTour/index.html?appid=2566f370c65040e6869a8001b6d6027f.

6. City of Charleston, “City of Charleston GIS,” City of Charleston Open Data, City of Charleston, 2018, https://data-charleston-sc.opendata.arcgis.com/.

7. City of Charleston, “City of Charleston GIS” 8. “Grasping the Neck: The Origins of Charleston’s Northern Neighbor,” Charleston Time Machine, Charleston County Public Library, February 11, 2020, https://www.ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine/grasping-neck-originscharlestons-northern-neighbor.

9. “Squeezing Charleston Neck, from 1783 to the Present,” Charleston Time Machine, Charleston County Public Library, February 17, 2020, https://www. ccpl.org/charleston-time-machine/squeezing-charleston-neck-1783-present.

10. “Harbor Deepening,” SC Ports Authority, June 21, 2021, http://scspa.com/ facilities/port-expansion/harbor-deepening/.

11. City of Charleston, “Storm Drainage Mapping,” Storm Drainage Mapping | Charleston, SC - Official Website, City of Charleston, https://www.charlestonsc.gov/1513/Storm-Drainage-Mapping.

TEMPORAL ADAPTATIONS

16. Collins, Emma, Philip Ellis, Rebecca Fanning, Christopher Grose, Joshua Robinson, Lucy Rummler, and Nolan Williams, “Charleston Peninsula Storm Surge Wall: A Critical Assessment ,” Charleston: Robinson Design Engineers, June 2020.

17. City of Charleston, “Interactive Zoning Map: City of Charleston,” Zoning Interactive Map - City of Charleston, 2012, https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/ interactive/zoning/.

18. “Zoning Background,” Zoning Background - DCP, New York City Department of City Planning, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/zoning/background. page.

19. Boston Complete STREETS: Design Guidelines, Boston, MA: Boston Transportation Dept., 2013.

20. EPA’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool 21. Will Kenton, “Public-Private Partnerships,” Investopedia, March 28, 2019, https://www.investopedia.com.cach3.com/terms/p/public-privatepartnerships.asp.html.

22. City of Charleston, “City of Charleston GIS”

34

27. Local Housing Solutions, “Density Bonuses,” Local Housing Solutions, June 15, 2021, https://www.localhousingsolutions.org/housing-policy-library/ density-bonuses/.

BIBLIOGRAPHY “A Vision for Charleston’s Future.” Dutch Dialogues Charleston, 2019. https:// www.historiccharleston.org/dutch-dialogues/.

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