INTRODUCTION
04
APPROACH
05
CONTEXT
06-09
CHALLENGES + OPPORTUNITIES
10-19
REVITALIZING THE CARENAGE
20-55
SUMMARY
56
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
57
INTRoDuCTIoN The Carenage is Grenada’s historic inner harbor
Caribbean. Tourism trends show that people are
and port-of-entry in the capital city of St. George’s.
seeking more and more adventurous and authentic
The horseshoe-shaped harbor is lined with shops,
cultural travel experiences, and Grenada has this
restaurants and government buildings, many of
to offer. From our perspective of looking from
which are examples of historic Georgian style
the outside in, we see the Carenage as a unique,
architecture, reflecting the island’s colonial past.
historic gem that deserves preservation and that will
For more than two centuries the Carenage was the
draw foreign visitors. Investing in its revitalization,
vibrant heart of commerce in St. George’s; a busy
including taking measures to adapt to rising seas, will
port, a grand setting for the annual Carnival, and a
benefit the Grenadian people for years to come by
charming, walkable destination for tourists. In more
strengthening the local economy and protecting the
recent years, however, The Carenage has faced severe
City’s heritage. Many local businesses in Grenada, as
economic and physical decline, largely due to the
well as resort destination properties would benefit
severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Ivan in 2004,
from a revitalized Carenage because it is exactly the
and because of its relative inaccessibility by tourists
sort of authentic cultural experience that tourists seek.
and environmental threats from climate change, including increasingly severe storm surges and rising
The Carenage Revitalization Project envisions a
sea levels.
series of practical, implementable improvements to restore this unique historic district; so that it is more
In the foreword to Norris Mitchell’s excellent book
accessible and hospitable to locals and tourists,
’Dynamics of Urban St. George’, Beverly A. Steele
supports local businesses and is more resilient in
writes ”It is one of life’s unexplained mysteries why
the face of increasing environmental threat of storm
a city so beautiful, so historic and so richly endowed
surges and rising sea levels.
with so many pleasing buildings of architectural merit has not been preserved lovingly and meticulously, and recognized for the treasure that it is.” The decline of the Carenage is in contrast to Grenada as a whole, which is poised for growth. The island is frequently described in publications as one of the next hotspots for tourism development in the
04
APPRoACH In 2016, DHM Design hosted a select group of landscape architecture students from five different
Our overall design goal was to propose design ideas
U.S. universities to study the Carenage in-depth and
that would be practical, implementable and that
develop a series of design interventions to revitalize
would provide value to both visitors and
the inner harbor. The students quickly came to
the Grenadian people.
appreciate the rich history and cultural importance of this unique urban landscape, and recognized its
Knowing where to start and how to prioritize efforts
broader value to Grenada’s
is always difficult with complex urban renewal
economy, culture, and national heritage.
projects such as this. The perspective we offer in this case is that of outsiders looking in; which can be
A subset of our group visited Grenada in March to
limiting but also valuable because it allows us to see
photo-document the area, observe daily activity
with fresh eyes the incredible value and potential of
along the Carenage, and learn from locals how
The Carenage. We hope that our investigation and
the area is used and valued. We met with local
design ideas inspire locals to appreciate and value
government ministers to explain our interest and our
what already exists, and to dig-deeper into potential
internship project, and to hear from them what they
improvements that will yield long-term benefits for
consider to be the most important opportunities
the Grenadian people.
and threats to the Carenage. At every turn, we were impressed with the friendliness and generous spirit of the Grenadian people. Our studio work that followed started with an inventory and analysis phase. We gained an understanding of the existing conditions in order to identify and prioritize needs and design opportunities. Five distinct areas, including the waterfront edge itself, emerged as focus areas for the project. Individually, they each highlight a unique condition along the waterfront that would benefit from specific improvements, and collectively, they present a holistic vision for how the Carenage would benefit from a series of design interventions.
05
GRENADA 06
Cruise Ship Terminal & Esplanade
Fort George The Carenage Hospital Container Port
ST. GEoRGE'S
The CARENAGE
St. George’s is the capital city of the island nation Grenada. As the
This historic harbor has an undeniably unique character and serves as
southern most island of the West Indies, Grenada serves as a critical
the ‘front door’ to the island nation. Once a place for boat maintenance
stopping point for many sailers and cruise ships along travels
(Carenage derives from the french phrase “to careen” or turn a boat on it’s
throughout the Caribbean. Visitors to Grenada are fortunate to
side for cleaning), the Carenage has historically been the cultural center
encounter an authentic and friendly local culture and environment
of Grenada, although has in recent decades been overlooked,
that has, to date, avoided the over-developed condition of many
physically isolated from a majority of tourists arriving by
other Caribbean islands.
ship, and in economic decline.
context 07
A BRIEF HISToRY Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain relinquished governmental control, giving Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. In 1976, St. George’s University was founded as an independent school of medicine and has evolved into a top center of international education, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries to the island. The University now includes a top-ranked veterinary school, as well, and makes a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on October 19, 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.
08
Pre-Colombian 1498 Christopher Columbus
1649 French Settlement (Eastern side of Harbor
1600’s 1666 Fortifications on Western Side of Harbor - Fort Royale (Current Fort George)
1704 French Barracks (Current National Museum)
1720 Merchant Building (Current Public Library)
1834 Emancipation
1780 York House (Current Parliament Building) 1763 English Colony 1700’s 1775 Great Fire on Granby St.
1825 Anglican Church
1983 US Invasion
1854 Cholera Outbreak
1818 Roman Catholic Church
1800’s
1900’s 1889 Sendall Tunnel
1843 Nutmeg Introduced
1979 Grenada Revolution 2000’s
1974 Independence
2003 Cruise Terminal 2004 Hurricane Ivan
context 09
THE CARENAGE ToDAY
The Carenage is considered to be one of the most beautiful ports in the Caribbean... and has long been lined with shops, restaurants and government buildings, many of which are examples of historic Georgian architecture, reflecting the island’s colonial past. For more than a century, the Carenage was the vibrant heart of commerce in St. George’s, a lively port of arrival for both commercial vessels and tourists, a grand setting for the annual Carnival, and a charming destination for visitors and locals, alike. However, since the Cruise Ship Terminal was completed in 2005 on the Esplanade (on the other side of the hill), the Carenage has seen a decline in tourists and the shops and restaurants that visitors once supported. Contributing significantly to the historic waterfront’s decline was the severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Without the economic driver of tourist dollars, The Carenage has been slow to recover and rebuild.
10
The Carenage is one of the most beautiful ports in the Caribbean, deserving of preservation efforts and economic u development strategies to revitalize this beloved historic harbor.
THE CArenage 11
THE CARENAGE : A SPECIAL PLACE During our most recent visit to the Carenage, we observed the enduring vitality and charm of the Carenage that visitors have discovered for generations. We were inspired by the ‘bones’ of the urban fabric; the stately Georgian buildings, the eclectic mix of shops and housing that line the quay, and the nooks and crannies of alleyways and passages that lead up to the shops, churches and neighborhoods in the hills above.
12
The Carenage today is a place to encounter island history, and some remaining tourist attractions.
A quay for local fisherman and boaters going about daily activities.
Georgian architecture and historic buildings, such as the National Library, centered.
A grand setting for cultural events such as Carnival and the Pure Grenada Music Festival.
Appealing scale, with alleys and side streets to discover and explore in walkable distances.
Restaurants and gathering places
THE CArenage 13
CHALLENGES & opportunities The Carenage used to be the port-of-entry for most visitors arriving by sea. Since the cruise ship terminal was completed in 2005, tourists are separated by a large hillside and are faced with the choice of walking through a busy narrow tunnell or climbing a long flight of stairs to reach the Carenage, often in extreme heat. Steep topography is one of the physical barriers dissuading tourists from making their way to the Carenage from the Cruise Ship Terminal. Along the perimeter of the Carenage is a steep ridge about 70ft above sea level. The Sendall Tunnel currently provides vehicular circulation from the historic carenage in the east to the newer port area to the west. The tunnel is also used by Grenadians on foot, however, there are no sidewalks and there is
A steep ridge forms a barrier between the cruise ship terminal and the Carenage
very little room to walk safely through to the other side. Alternatively, there are a series of steps and terraces that provide a means of reaching the other side, and while optimal for experiencing scenic vistas, it is quite strenuous, especially for those who are in a holiday mindset or have any sort of mobility challenges.
The Sendall Tunnel
14
Stairs over the steep ridge
A deteriorating waterfront edge has become a dangerous walkway for locals and visitors to navigate
Ad-hoc parking becomes a barrier for pedestrians and obscures building entries
Shady spots like this one are few and far between along Wharf Road.
Hurricane Ivan damage. Some of these buildings have adaptive re-use potential, while others should be demolished to create infill opportunities
Historic buildings with Civic importance, such as the National Library, are abandoned and in a state of decay.
Pedestrians are squeezed along the narrow water’s edge path
The Carenage 15
Threat of Rising Seas and Storm Surge Coastal communities the world over, including St. George’s, will be facing increasing threats from global warming. There will be significant impacts on both natural and human systems, including sea level rise and increasing storm surge and extreme weather events, including hurricanes. This is relevant to the Carenage, of course, because it is an urban area within St. George’s defined by its sea wall and relationship to the water. Currently, the high-tide sea level is within 30cm, approximately, with varying conditions observed along the length of the quay. Global mean sea level rise will continue during the 21st century, very
Water level very near the top of sea wall, Christ of the Deep statue.
likely at an increasingly faster rate, as shown on the graph produced by The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), widely regarded as the leading scientific authority on the subject of climate change. The change in sea level is an evolving prediction, and scientists consider more than one climate change model. The models show that during the period 2081–2100, the rise will likely be in a range from 0.4m to 0.8m. By 2050, just about thirty years from now, conservative models predict a sea level rise of between .15m and .25m. By the end of the 21st century, it is very likely that sea level will
A nearly brimful condition along the Carenage at high tide
rise in more than about 95% of the ocean area, however the change will not be uniform across regions. About 70% of the coastlines worldwide are projected to experience a sea level change within ±20% of the global mean.
16
Damage from Hurricane Ivan
GLOBAL MEAN SEA LEVEL RISE (relative to 1986-2005)
The shaded colors in the graph, and corresponding colored vertical bars on the right represent different climate change models. The shaded areas represent the range of uncertainty in each model, wtih the bold colored lines representing the mean value for each climate model. Graph Source: IPCC 2014 Synthesis Report. More information on each climate change model here: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/syr/
THE CArenage 17
0.8m
Predicted sea level rise by year 2100
0.25m
Range of expected sea level rise by year 2050
0.15m 0.3m high tide
Quay along Wharf Road
Present Day Tidal Range, St. George’s
0.0m low tide
SEA LEVEL RISE PREDICTIONS The graphic illustrates that climate models predict a sea level rise of between 0.15m and 0.25m by 2050, which would likely crest the existing sea wall elevation in places and put the Carenage at increased risk of storm surge. When the time frame is extended out to 2100, the models predict a 0.8m rise, at which point, the coastal landscape as we know it today will be unrecognizable, demanding drastic changes to human development patterns and infrastructure in this region and beyond. Mitigation of such catastrophic changes in sea level will require very significant engineering solutions at a regional and national scale, beyond the scope of this study. For this study, we have focused on the mid-term of 30 years, and proposed improvements to The Carenage that aim to mitigate a sea level rise of up to .25m
18
50 YEAR PROJECTION :
Estimated 18� (.45M) Sea Level Rise Inundation Scenario
Revitalizing The Carenage
D
WHARF Road Promenade The promenade on Wharf Road will be a pivotal piece to revitalizing the Carenage of St. George’s. This elevated pedestrian way and improved boardwalk quay will provide access to different parks and plazas, maintain shade with introduced trees, and provide views both in and out of the harbor. Currently, the sea wall along the Carenage is only about 30cm above the high tide mark and in severe disrepair. It functions (barely) as a pedestrian walkway used by school kids and locals, and as a quay for fishing and tourist boats. As it exists today, it is extremely narrow, dangerous, and lacking basic amenities such as lighting, shade and seating.
CHALLENGES LACK OF SHADE NARROW PEDESTRIAN ZONE SEA WALL DAMAGE / DANGEROUS EDGE CONDITION
22
WHARF ROAD PROMENADE 23
EXISTING - WHARF ROAD PROMENADE
The Wharf Road Promenade envisions a vastly improved pedestrian zone that rings the Carenage, serving the dual purpose of providing a safe, shaded walkway and boat staging area, and a raised sea wall in an adaptive response to near-term sea level rise and as a buffer to storm surge. The Wharf Road Promenade will be embraced by locals and tourists as a grand, pleasant walkway that links the west gateway of the Carenage to the new National Arts Park, and multiple destinations in between.
24
Gumbo Limbo Tree
0.8m
0.25m
Predicted sea level rise by year 2100
Present Day Tidal Range, St. George’s
0.0m low tide
BOARDWALK QUAY & RAISED PLANTER SEAT-WALL
26
0.5m Raised Planter & Seat-wall Wharf Road
Range of expected sea level rise by year 2050
0.15m 0.3m high tide
New Raised Boardwalk
Existing Sea Wall
New pedestrian plaza in front of National Library
Harbor
Boardwalk
Raised Planter
1.5m
2.5m
Wharf Road 5m
New Library Plaza
Shade Trees along east side of Library
Refurbished National Libary
7m
The section above shows a proposed typical edge condition that introduces a continuous raised planter condition that will help buffer storm surge and moderate sea level rise. Gumbo limbo trees will provide shade for pedestrians, making a more inviting and pleasant walkable zone. A new boardwalk extends the pedestrian zone out into the harbor by 1.5m, while preserving the existing functionality of the quay.
WHARF ROAD PROMENADE 27
KEY PLANT SPECIES SELECTIONS
FLAMBOYANT TREE - Delonix regia
This trees canopy spreads widely and creates full shade conditions. The flowers appear in late spring through mid-summer and provide a vibrant red-orange color.
GINGER LILY- Alpinia nutans
Ginger Lilies serve as an excellent ground cover with their thick, lush foilage and ability to grow in shady areas. They would do well under larger plantings along the promenade.
28
GUMBO LIMBO TREE - Bursera simaruba
This fast growing tree is incredibly salt, drought, and wind tolerant, making it a perfect urban tree for the promenade.
CUP OF GOLD - Solandra nitida
This fast growing evergreen vine has glossy leaves and blooms in the winter dry season. It performs best near vertical elements as it has a tendancy to climb.
PURPLE CAIMITO - Chrysophyllum cainito
This carribbean native grows best in full sun and has large green oval shaped leaves with a golden underside. It is often grown for its beautiful foilage.
FRANGIPANI - Plumeria rubra
This flowering shrub is native to the Carribbean and grows well in seaside conditions. The flowers of the Frangipani range from white to rose-pink in color and are highly scented during nights.
CELEBRATING FOOD CULTURE
One of the most important aspects of urban design and landscape architecture is creating places for culture to thrive and settings for people to come together. Food brings people together and there are opportunities along the Carenage to create special venues that highlight and support local food producers, exposing tourists to authentic local dishes.
OIL DOWN
LOCAL CATCH
STUFFED BREADFRUIT
WHARF ROAD PROMENADE 29
Monkton street square The existing ‘leftover’ public spaces between the East entry of the Sendall Tunnel and the vacant National Library Building have an appealing human scale, reminiscent of numerous memorable European plazas. We recognize the inherent quality and character of these outdoor spaces and see the potential for a charming and romantic restaurant and cafe zone, embraced by tourists and locals alike.
OPPORTUNITIES NICELY SCALED SPACES TO CREATE CAFE ZONES PROVIDE CLEAR PEDESTRIAN ROUTE LINKING CARENAGE TO CRUISE TERMINAL INTRODUCE CABRIOLET (OPEN-AIR GONDOLA)
30
You n
g St
.
Boardwalk quay and raised planter Library Plaza
We envision a tree-lined route that connects pedestrians to the Carenage from the Esplanade and Cruise Ship Terminal. There are several opportunities in this area for small cafe zones. The National Library could be renovated to become a cultural museum and gateway to the Carenage.
M
on
kt
S on
t. Renovated National Library & Cultural Museum
This space will be further activated by a new pedestrian cabriolet (tram) that will lift people up and over the hill, connecting the Carenage to the
Tree-lined Pedestrian Route to the Carenage
Historic Fort and the Melville Street Cruise Terminal and Esplanade. The cabriolet will provide a fun and easy way for tourists arriving by ship to find
CafeZone / Plaza
and reach the Carenage. An open-air suspended cab will provide a memorable ride, offering a unique perspective on St. George’s with spectacular views and photo opportunities. Along with safety enhancements to the existing tunnel and stairway, the new St. George’s Cabriolet (The SGC) will make Monkton Street Plaza the improved western gateway to the Carenage.
32
Cabriolet to lift pedestrians over hill to the Esplanade
Cabriolet facilitates easy travel between the cruise ship terminal and the Carenage
MONKTON STREET SQUARE 33
Hubbard's Park The effects of Hurricane Ivan back in 2004 are still evident and several buildings remain vacant. Some buildings are located in part of Hubbard’s Park, ideal for future economic growth and opportunity. Potential uses for these spaces include restaurants and bars, and community theatre. Hubbards Park in the northwest corner of the Carenage will become a shady neighborhood park for tourists and locals; a cooling place to pause whether you’re a visitor exploring the area or a local passing through to work or school. The park will attract and cater-to all ages, with sports courts, a playground, gathering spots, and a pedestrian connection to H.A. Blaize street above.
OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITY FOR ADAPTIVE RE-USE OF HUBBARD’s BUILDING OPPORTUNITY FOR PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION UP TO NEIGHBORHOOD AND CHURCH WALL SEPARATES WHARF ROAD FROM PLAYGROUND AND UPPER ROADS AD-HOC PARKING BLOCKS / PEDESTRIAN ZONE IN FRONT OF BUILDINGS
34
The proposed Hubbard’s Park will be a shaded, multi-level plaza space with lots of family-friendly spaces. By removing the retaining wall and creating a large public stairway, tourists and locals alike will have visual awareness of the active courts and play areas above. The lower tier will include a pop-jet fountain that attracts youth, as well as open market space for vendors selling produce and other goods. As this area begins to transform into more of a pedestrian space, the Hubbard Building will become a focal point. Repurposing the garage to a restaurant and rum bar will provide people with food and refreshments as well as spectacular views looking out into the harbor.
EXISTING - HUBBARD BUILDING
36
PROPOSED - HUBBARD’S PARK
HUBBARD’S PARK 37
Our design introduces a wide set of public stairs that will open the park to Wharf Road and that will provide meeting spots for daily use and special events such as Carnival. A pop-jet fountain at the base of the stairs provides a playful respite from the heat, and a place for local and visiting kids to interact. The now underutilized Hubbards building is reimagined as a lively lunch spot and nightlife venue, making this corner of The Carenage a destination in and of itself. Parents linger over a meal while keeping an eye on their kids in the park. Parking in front of the park has been removed to open-up this corner to the street and water, and ensure good views from within the park.
38
PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN ACCESS & CIRCULATION
HUBBARD’S PARK 39
PHASE
1
40
Relocate parking and create shaded public plaza for both tourists and locals
PHASE
4
Incorporate play fountain for youth as well as play area in upper level
PHASE
3
PHASE
Repurpose the Hubbard’s and lottery buildings into restaurants and refreshment destinations
2
Remove retaining wall and create large public stairway to active court spaces
HUBBARD’S PARK - IMPLEMENTATION PHASING OF PROGRAM ELEMENTS 41
Phoenix Building market plaza The Phoenix Building is a gem of an art-deco building and example of the sort of iconic architecture that has fallen into disrepair and neglect, in part due to hurricane damage. Our design team was inspired by the building’s redevelopment potential. We envision it becoming a lively venue for authentic Grenadian food, music and hospitality. The vacant lot adjacent to the Phoenix Building could become a gathering place for locals and tourists to mingle and the energy of the place will extend across the street to the promenade boardwalk. We recognize the Phoenix Building as a prime investment for The Carenage’s revitalization.
REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY ICONIC ARCHITECTURE ADJACENT TO WATERFRONT & INFILL OPPORTUNITY RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
42
44
PHOENIX BUILDING MARKET PLAZA 45
National Arts Park (at existing container port )
By far the most ambitious and transformational component of this Carenage revitalization plan is the relocation of the container port to Grenville or elsewhere in favor of adding a National Arts Park to this highly visible and prominent location. The park and its iconic architecture will become an important
The National Arts Park will also become a central node in the
cultural beacon for St. George’s. By choosing to create a civic
wider public transport network. The Carenage Revitalization
use over a private tourist enterprise, such as a hotel and casino,
Project introduces the idea of a regional water taxi service, which
the people of Grenada will demonstrate their cultural pride and
will provide a fun and efficient hop-on/hop-off transportation
make St. George’s a more recognizable destination on a global
experience for tourists and locals. The water taxi will connect
stage. In the long run, this will be a more powerful and sustainable
visitors, via the St. George’s Cabriolet, to the Cruise Terminal, Fort
economic driver for the country than a single private use
George, The National Arts Park, Port Louis, Grande Anse Beach,
in this location.
St. George’s University, and points beyond.
The outdoor amphitheater will be a great venue for public events, whether it’s a movie or sports screening, cultural dances, music concerts or a community theatre performance. In support of Grenada’s arts and cultural heritage, the venue will be open to all community groups that want to share their artistic aspirations with the general public. Proceeds from events will fund, in part, a National Museum which will be added to the park in a future phase. At full build-out, the park will extend the full length of the existing quay and connect the Carenage to the Grenada Yacht Club and the Lagoon.
46
CHALLENGES The existing container port occupies too prominent a location within the harbor, and should be relocated in favor of a civic use that will become a more culturally significant introduction to the City of St. George’s.
The existing container port occupies too prominent a location within the harbor, and should be relocated in favor of a civic use that will become a more culturally significant introduction to the City of St. George’s.
50
Cruise Ship Terminal
The Carenage
Cabriolet Route Fort George
Water Taxi
Dinghy Docks
Parking
National Hospital
Concert Pavilion & Event Lawn
National Art & Culture Museum
National Botanic Gardens Mangrove Habitat & Boardwalk
Yacht Club
Port Louis
NATIONAL ARTS PARK AT ST. GEORGE’S QUAY 49
NATIONAL CULTURE PARK CHARACTER IMAGES
50
Water Taxi
Dinghy Docks
Parking
Concert Pavilion & Event Lawn
National Art & Culture Museum
National Botanic Gardens Mangrove Habitat & Boardwalk
Yacht Club NATIONAL ARTS PARK AT ST. GEORGE’S QUAY 51
VIEW LOOKING SOUTH ALONG BOARDWALK TO DINGHY DOCKS AND WATER TAXI
52
NATIONAL ARTS PARK AT ST. GEORGE’S QUAY 53
54
PHASE
I
PHASE
II
PHASE
III
Dock System to accommodate Water Taxi and connectivity with the Wharf Road Promenade
Parking for Carenage Amphitheatre Structure with open lawn and shade trees. Botanic Gardens National Gallery/Museum Pedestrian Connectivity to Port Louis
PHASE
NATIONAL ARTS PARK :
IMPLEMENTATION PHASING OF PROGRAM ELEMENTS
DINGHY DOCK WATER TAXI DOCK LEISURE BOAT DOCK GATEWAY LIGHT BEACON
I
PHASE
PHASE
II
III
CARENAGE PARKING (200+ SPACES)
URBAN BEACH NATIONAL GALLERY CENTRAL PLAZA OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE VENUE
(DUAL ORIENTATION, TOWARDS LAWN SEATING AND BOATS IN HARBOUR)
BOAT HOUSE
BOTANIC GARDEN
NATIONAL ARTS PARK AT ST. GEORGE’S QUAY 55
SuMMARY The Carenage Revitalization Project envisions a series of practical, implementable improvements to restore this unique historic district, so that it is more accessible and hospitable to locals and tourists, and more resilient in the face of increasing environmental threat of storm surges and rising sea levels. Our team was inspired by The Carenage’s distinct sense-of-place, it’s scale, architecture and history. Through this design study, we offer our perspective of looking from the outside in, and have endeavored to suggest design interventions that honor the character and culture of St. George’s. It is our hope that the people of Grenada will recognize the value and importance of The Carenage, and make its preservation and revitalization a priority among a wide range of economic development proposals for the country.
56
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We are grateful to the many people in Grenada that we met, who encouraged and supported our design study. In particular, we would like to thank Ms. Irina Kostka, architect, for her generous support. Irina very graciously shared with us her deep knowledge of St. George’s, as well as the base mapping and research she produced as part of her excellent design thesis on The Carenage. We especially thank Mr. John Hare and Ms. Maria Bonaparte for hosting us in Grenada and sharing their keen insight on The Carenage and ideas for Grenada’s sustainable development. And many thanks to the following for sharing their knowledge and encouraging our efforts: Grenada Minister of State, Simon Stiell Mr. Robin Swaisland, President of Marine and Yachting Association, Grenada Mr. Lyden Ramdhanny, Grenada Ms. Bonnie Rusk, Director, Senior Biologist, Island Biodiversity/Grenada Dove Conservation Programme Mr. Rolf Hoschtialek, Managing Director at Concepts Advertising Inc., Grenada Mr. Jeff Dickenson, Architect, Principal of Energy & Sustainable Design, Inc.
STuDENT INTERNS Georges Fischer, Rhode Island School of Design Griffin Foster, North Carolina State University Robert Massengale, North Carolina State University Margot Shafran, Washington University Josh Spinner, University of Colorado - Denver
pRoject LeadeRs Marc Diemer, DHM Design Jose Rodriguez, DHM Design
57
WWW.DHMDESIGN.COM