Ravin School of Architecture
University of North Carolina CHARLOTTE
Master of Archtiecture Design Studio
Omar Awadallah
Rebecca Brown
Samantha Brennan
Juliana Card
Arianna Hawkins
Sydney Ly
Isaac Moretz
Grace Murray
Aisha Qatabi
Nick Shorter
Maddie Sisco
Ethan Taylor
Faculty
Marc Manack AIA
Associate Professor + Undergraduate Program Director
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock Village assembled a task force to develop a proactive strategy and new vision for their community. Led by Destination by Design, the Action Plan assists the community in engaging public funding and private development to bring the Village Back to Beautiful.
During summer 2025, 12 architecture students from the Ravin School of Architecture at UNC Charlotte developed scenario plans for specific development sites in response to the Raise the Rock Action Plan for post-Helene revitalization.
In collaboration with the task force and community stakeholders, student designers proposed site specific and ecologically resilient responses to imagine the architectural potential of Raise the Rock. The students’ proposals seek to address short term goals while speculating on long range opportunities for five Chimney Rock sites. Each site varies in use and density, but students considered them cohesively in order to add value and character to the village as a whole. Their designs embrace the history of Chimney Rock while offering new sustainable approaches to what it could become.
Chimney Rock Village
Peter O’ Leary, Mayor
Don Cason, Chimney Rock Task Force
Destination By Design
Eric Woolridge, Director of Planning
Ron Hancock, Senior Planner
Ravin School of Architecture at UNC Charlotte
Blaine Brownell, Director
Marc Manack, Faculty Lead
Emily Makas, Collaborator
Ming-Chun Lee, Collaborator
Initial Research - Project Manual
Destination by Design Masterplan
Street Engagement
Street Parking
Multi-Volumne
Retaining WallStabilizes slope and prevents erosion
Permanent ProgrammingElevate full time programming for better protection from flooding
Building Setback -
Place building outside of flood plane in lower risk zones
Water Collection -
Reduce runo and reuse water in building systems
Underground ParkingMaximizes retail space and low impact from flooding
Temporary Programming -
Part time occupancy spaces located in higher risk areas
West Village Site Photos
Massing Diagram
DbD’S INITIAL PROPOSAL
CONNECTION TO RIVER WALK & 2nd MAIN STREET
CUT BACK TOP FLOORS & CUT OUT PORCHES
DIVIDE UPPER MASS
FINAL FORM | RETAIL PORCH BASE STAGGERED HOTEL FORM PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
PUSH BACK ROWS
Referencing local materials, forms, and space making
View 1
Rendered View 2
