Frank hammond RISD thesis - Miami River

TURBULENT WATERS

TURBULENT WATERS Building New Memory for an Urban River Populace

Master’s Thesis by Frank Hammond Department of Landscape Architecture Rhode Island School of Design

TURBULENT WATERS Building New Memory for an Urban River Populace

A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Landscape Architecture Degree in the Department of Landscape Architecture of the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island.

By: Frank G. Hammond III May 2013 Approved by Masters Examination Committee:

Michael Blier, Primary Thesis Advisor, Department of Landscape Architecture

Gina Ford, Secondary Thesis Advisor, Department of Landscape Architecture

Sara Cohen, Secondary Thesis Advisor, Department of Landscape Architecture

Scheri Fultineer, Department Head, Department of Landscape Architecture

copyright 2013 by Frank Hammond. All rights reserved.

The Miami River. Image by author.

Dedicated to My wife Kendra who was always loving, understanding, and supportive during my return back to school.

Also dedicated to the professors who guided me along during this 3 year journey.

Also, a big thanks to my classmates for their inspiration, support, and camaraderie.

Table of Contents 1. Thesis Statement + Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Urban Rivers 4 Experiment 5. Precedents 6. Site Analysis + Research 7. Design Proposal 8. Conclusion 9. Glossary of Terms 10. References

Thesis Statement Recognizing the inherent memory in an urban river can act to reconnect physically segregated communities, and provide a strong cultural connection to history which can help to establish a sense of place for local people.

Miami River early 1900’s. Source: the HistoryMiami Š Munroe Collection

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Abstract

both rural and urban environments. However, in modern times, particularly after the industrial revolution, urban rivers have been monopolized by industry. People have ultimately grown more detached from these vital resources. Pollution and lack of access are the main culprits that have segregated people from the rich cultural landscape that a river can provide. This detachment of people from the essential necessity of a river has acted to erase the memory of the rivers importance from our collective consciousness. But, this memory is vital in remembering that water is an essential component to life, and that a river is the life of a city. This thesis intends to revive the memory that water is vital to a city, and that water is essential to the health of a city and community.

This thesis also seeks to answer the question of how a city can capture and record the memory

often in urban environments there is minimal registration of this movement. The constant and

(through man-made channelization) from the city to the sea registers as a nearly static entity that can easily be overlooked. This channelization of urban waterways has

non-porous urban infrastructure increases the speed of the water, and decreases the chance of

and choreographed way will provide opportunities for people to interact with the water physically

interaction will weave people and the river, but also streets, walks, land, living space, vegetation, and the water into a more symbiotic and dependent relationship.

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Introduction “If there is magic on this planet it is contained in water.�

- Loran Eisely

Rivers have come to represent the culture of a people in a particular place. The power of a river is much stronger than its purely utilitarian value to carry cargo, or provide food and water. Since so much of daily life, and the growth of a culture, occurs along a river they inherently carry the memory of all that has happened along its banks. In this modern industrialized society, there is a disregard for the cultural strength these urbanized rivers represent, and a focus on the purely functional. Take a visit to a typical river in almost any American metropolitan area, and you will likely see primarily industrial and commercial franchises taking ownership of the river’s

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cultural sense, is still happening here, but often times in a more subversive way.

For the last 12,000 years or so humans have shaped and used the rivers for their own needs. People have built canals, roads, railroads, industry, and entire cities along river corridors. Traditionally, a river repeatedly shifted its course back and forth across the valley bottom,

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this physical form has been channelized to become more predictable and functional for the service of the city, thereby masking a rivers past, and ability to acquire new histories. The attempts of humans to channelize and tame rivers has only resulted in even more turbulent, violent, and secretive waterways. These urban waterways quickly wash away any new memories that might have otherwise developed in layers over time.

The site I’ve chosen to investigate my thesis is the Miami River in Miami, FL. This river is a highly channelized and controlled urban

and vibrant metropolis. This thesis will propose several strategies to reconnect diverse (and often highly transient) urban populations back

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directly with the water of the river.

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Flowing through a constructed channel, the Miami River appears to be almost static, due to a lack of a reference point, or a change in depth or width. This type of channelized river also leaves a minimal physical trace on the landscape, and becomes segregated from the urban fabric completely. It is my hope that by weaving the river,

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accumulate memories. Ultimately, this is to build a more intimate sense of place for the people who are attempting to establish a new history and culture along this vibrant river corridor. This new design will be a celebration of the river by weaving it into the city across a range of scales and functions. $

due to it’s low elevation and poor drainage. The Miami River area is one of the more low-lying regions of the city, and the river itself

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can be used to sustain and promote new types of habitat, or micro ecosystems, within the neighborhoods that have been historically cut-off from the river. This new urban engagement with the water and native habitat will also bring a new awareness to the nearby river.

The Miami River, however, is far from healthy. Urban runoff, sedimentation, and industrial waste are a few of the pollutants.

One option for improving the health of the river is to “soften� the channelized edge of the river and restore a new tidal wetland that will encourage the growth of native plant and animal species. This more natural river edge condition is vital to a successful and diverse river ecosystem. Also, much of the land bordering the river directly is private and inaccessible. Increasing the public accessibility at key moments, and along all edges of the waterway will bring a new sense of ownership back to the people (instead of a select few). Ultimately, all of this is about creating new community space that is centered

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physically interacting in a more positive way.

Collecting, directing, and channeling the flow of an urban river in a precise and choreographed way will provide opportunities for people to interact with the water physically and visually in new and inventive ways.

Wetlands and the city, digital collage by author.

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URBAN RIVERS

The Providence River digital collage by author.

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Urban rivers hold a central place in the physical landscape and collective memory of cities. Rivers connect us; they link our cities and towns, create healthy outdoor recreational activities, and shape a sense of place that ties people together. In many urban areas, however, people are often disconnected from rivers. People are disconnected physically by industry and businesses who have claimed the land around these rivers, but people are also disconnected on a more spiritual level. Urban Rivers were once the center of a city - a place for gathering, commerce, and recreation. The river represented life for a town. Clean rivers brought drinking water, food, and promise for a stable future. Eventually these rivers were overburdened as the population increased, and industry increased. The Industrial Revolution in America (and worldwide) harnessed these rivers for power, and to wash away their waste by-products. Urban rivers eventually became polluted, smelly, and left a negative scar on the minds of the urban inhabitants who engaged with their

towards the world around us, and unfortunately there is a huge lack of respect, and appreciation of the vital functions that rivers perform.

The condition of our rivers also reflect our attitude towards the world around us, and unfortunately there is a huge lack of respect, and appreciation of the vital functions that rivers perform.

A poorly maintained river deters people from its banks, and begins to segregate the populace from what was once the soul and birthplace of the city. Recently, however, there has been a new appreciation and understanding for the importance a river has for the overall health of a city.

Around the world cities have pursued renewal strategies that have transformed their decaying waterfronts into vibrant economic and social spaces. This renewal has

factories due to a shifting economic climate worldwide. #

waterways will hopefully bring people back to the water, and ultimately heal the scar that is our polluted and ignored rivers.

Dam on the Blackstone River in Rhode Island. Image by author.

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Poem by author. Image: Miami River, 1900. Source: commons.wikimedia.org

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Poem by author. Image: Miami Downtown. Source: Google Maps.

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Message In A Bottle An Urban River Experiment

Dawn, Providence River, Rhode Island by Philip J. Jameson (philipjameson.com)

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Concept What relationship does the general public have

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it’s river I can study one right in my backyard - The Providence River. I want to test this relationship of people and the river through small tests that engage people who are directly interacting with the waterfront. Or perhaps this project will encourage people to better understand the

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% I came with a simple and very ancient way to engage the “public�, whomever that may be, without the inevitable bias that would occur if I were to do interviews. Would

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of â&#x20AC;&#x153;a message in a bottleâ&#x20AC;? would be the perfect platform to engage people along the river, and allow them to leave behind a memory of their presence.

I left several jars along the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge with a small notebook and pen, then I waited. Everyday I would open the jars and record the response. There must have been nearly 100 responses over a month period (and eventually lots of broken jars) ranging from people leaving their names, drawing pictures, looking for love, and writing mini-novels. =

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how well it actually worked. Sure, all of the jars were eventually broken or stolen, but two of them stayed put for nearly a month. A glass jar in plain sight in the city

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hidden, but still in a frequented area remained the longest.

Then as more people participated, the more people respected them. This really, for me, means that people really want to have their voice heard. Once you write in the notebook, you want to protect it.

Test Site #1 Test Site #4

Test Site #2 Test Site #5

Test Site #6

Test Site #3

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please tell me something about yourselfâ&#x20AC;?.

Local skaters enjoy writing in a notebook along the Providence River. Image by author.

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Jar and notebook along the Providence River. Image by author.

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Jar, notebook, and other items added, along the Providence River. Image by author.

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Experiment Conclusion I feel "

questions I had about Providenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship to the < "

main questions: ? /

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directly address these questions. The results would require some

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I believe that all types of people choose to make the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge a place to be, based on the variety of life "

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degrees of honesty, education, humor, and creativity were evident. I also feel like people do care for the river, but mostly it is secondary to other issues. People probably

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public space, and the small respite from the city that the

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River is a place where people of all backgrounds can come together with respect for each other, then something must be working right. What positive data can be taken from the Providence River and applied to other urban %

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PRECEDENTS

Source: ourmaninkorea.wordpress.com

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SEONYUDO PARK Seo Ahn Total Landscape Seoul, South Korea

Originally this

but was recently transformed into a public park. The landscape architect focused on fully evoking memories of Seonyudo history by leaving much of the previous

project has the goal of showing the importance of preserving the environment for the future. The > "

concrete forms makes a powerful statement about how the natural and the man-made can share spaces previously

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pollutant settling basin is now a garden for aquatic plants.

previous process of the facility. The concrete waterways

basin, the Aquatic Botanical Garden and the Garden of Transition.

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This project is powerful to me because it references the past, while at the same time setting a precedent for a more positive use of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deteriorating industrial infrastructure. This use of natural systems is important to me as I am also dealing with a site that is polluted by industry and urban growth. Even more important to me is the way the Architect used water on the site as a demonstration of how water can be cleaned and then used for recreation. In a place where water was once seen as

way.

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On the Water: Palisade Bay Water Table Studies

This was a water study done for the Palisade Bay # ^

simply enough in a bathtub with plasticine islands and green dye. Simple studies of circular island formations and eddy forms produced by rapid currents yielded compelling sequential images. The series on the right are studies performed on a water table at the University of $ X "

of current creates a zone of projected still water between the bulkhead line and the pier head line. These water table tests demonstrate the effectiveness of island formations

wakes, and vortices that the islands create provide elements of friction within the body of water prior to its impact with the coastline.

These studies are helpful to me as a way to understand the potential to either mitigate or harness water energy through physical diversion. Islands can allow water through, but also decrease the destructiveness of their force. Islands, and other physical interventions can also

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locally faster currents. These are principles that will be critical for me to understand when designing my own project. Small scale water table tests may be required to fully understand any water diversion strategies I may employ.

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Source: “On The Water: Palisade Bay”

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HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION Becker Architects ller River in Germany

This new hydroelectric plant sits on an industrial river in Germany. The beautiful smooth concrete form is also

This plant replaced an older power-station from the ?_`x+

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with 10.5 million kilowatts. The design inspiration was the symbolic representation of the water dynamics, which change from a calm state to a turbulent state at the generators, and back to a calm state.

This project inspires me as it takes a traditional model of power generation and rethinks the form so it not only

with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful and graceful appearance.

Source: www.archdaily.com

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Source: www.archdaily.com

Source: www.archdaily.com

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LOS ANGELES RIVER REVITALIZATION Mia Lehrer + Associates

Before it

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relocate their communities according to the patterns of

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deaths and cost the city millions in damage. So, in 1938 the Army Corps of Engineers started construction on |&

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% My thesis looks at a river in Miami, but Los Angeles is similar to Miami in many ways; it is a newer city, fast growing, has a diverse and vibrant culture, and has a river that divides the city. However, the LA River is in a condition far more detached from itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban populous than the Miami River. Many proposals have been made to revitalize this waterway and once again make it an important part of the city.

Source: larivercorp.org

This revitalization master plan aims to transform 32 miles of concrete-lined river into urban green space that supports parks and riparian habitat. This new river plan has the potential to reconnect a divided city.

Source: lariver.org

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Source: www.losangeleswalks.org

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SEEDS OF CHANGE Gitta Gschwendtner & Maria Thereza Alves Bristol, UK

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Seeds of Changeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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a collaboration between the designer Gitta Gschwendtner and the artist Maria Thereza Alves. Between 1680 and the early 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ballast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; earth, stones and gravel from trade boats from all over the world used to weigh down the vessel as it docked- was off-loaded into the river at Bristol. This ballast contained the seeds of plants from wherever the ship had sailed. These ballast seeds can lie

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river bed, it is possible to germinate and grow these seeds

barge that people can occupy and witness a living history of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trade and maritime past. Registering memory is a strong concept here and relates directly to my thesis in that way. Also, the temporary, or transient aspect of the barge is important especially in relating to the dynamic system of a river.

Source: worldlandscapearchitect.com

Source: worldlandscapearchitect.com

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BUFFALO BAYOU PROMENADE SWA Group Houston, TX

The Buffalo Bayou Promenade connects Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown core to the river park via a near impossible mess of freeways and bridges, adding 23 acres of parkland to the inner city. The 1.2 mile long Buffalo Bayou Promenade was a critical missing link, tying the pastoral Buffalo Bayou Park to the west with the Theater District and Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown to the east. This project works well, because it turned a forgotten and disused river

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Kayak launch. Source: www.swagroup.com

Bike and walking path. Source: www.swagroup.com

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SITE

MIAMI, FL USA

Typical Miami River. Image by author.

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MIAMI Miami is an American city technically, but by all regards is largely Latin. The climate, the people, the commerce, and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;soulâ&#x20AC;? of the city place it squarely in the Latin American

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growing metropolis, and a place that is constantly looking to \

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village on the edge of a mosquito infested swamp, today it comprises the 5th largest metropolitan area in the country with a population over 5 million, and growing. Despite its short history in terms of time, Miami has had a very colorful and tumultuous past. Devastating hurricanes, crime, immigration issues, and real estate bubbles have worked hard to slow growth of this international powerhouse. At the same time, these very issues have also helped to push it forward and propel the growth of the city. This history, the people, the energy, and the constant change are what really interest me in this vibrant city. Miami, in a way, represents a microcosm of the world as it is thrust into the 21st century.

Miami, in a way, represents a microcosm of the world as it is thrust into the 21st century.

The Miami River, 1898. Source: State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

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Images Clockwise from top left

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THE MIAMI RIVER The city of Miami is quite literally a threshold between the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. The backbone of Miami is its river, which runs from Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami to The Everglades, connecting the city to over 72 ports of call throughout the world. The waterway is

Florida (Malo, 3).

The Miami River is the spinal cord and birthplace of the city, and has been a home to people for thousands of years.

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and ultimately build this international city over the course of

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build Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international commerce. Its black waters have

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teamed alternately with the dispossessed and the wealthy. In a city such as Miami, with a strong international connection, a unique local character, and tumultuous history, is it

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Sailboats on the Miami River in 1912. Source: Florida State Archives

The river was not always as diverse and eccentric as the contemporary waterway; in the beginning, the river was much more modest and pristine. Early records describe the Miami River as a crystalline stream with roaring rapids, swift currents, and steep limestone ridges (Bell, 9).

Alligators, crabs, turtles, manatees, and many species of

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terminus of the Miami Canal at Miami International Airport to Biscayne Bay. In its original natural state, the river started at rapids formed by water from the Everglades, and

the bay.

The Miami River in 1913. Source: Florida State Archives

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In 1909 The Miami Canal was constructed to connect the Everglades to the Miami River in order to transport surplus water rapidly and directly out to the ocean. The rapids were then removed when the Miami Canal was dredged in an attempt to drain the wetland. Large amounts of Everglades mud and silt, from the dredging process, washed down the river in 1912, causing the waters to become silty and murky. The river also became polluted,

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emptying directly into the river. By the 1950s, 29 sewers were dumping untreated sewage into the river.

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uses, including heavy and light marine industry, water dependent business operations, restaurants, shops, government facilities, residential, and commercial uses.

The water pollution levels are also improving, due to a new sewage treatment plant that was constructed in the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and when two grand jury reports in 1991 and 1998 issued scathing reports on the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neglect. A new comprehensive approach to improve the river began, which included dredging to remove pollutants in the sediment. Still, conditions are far from resolved, and the physical landscape is one that is not generally friendly to the public and local communities.

Miami Map 1919. Source: www.skyscrapercity.com

Miami River, 1884. Ralph Munroe Collection, HistoryMiami via www.historymiami.org

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OBSERVATIONS ALONG THE RIVER I traveled to Miami, Florida from February 10 - 15, 2013 to document and study the condition of the Miami River and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrounding neighborhoods. Growing up in the Miami area (and through research) I was aware of the huge cultural and economic diversity in the heart of the city. The Miami

the city. However, the river itself has now become largely segregated from the urban population due to pollution, lack of physical access, and a general lack of respect for this vital

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general statements were largely true, and to understand what current relationship the river has with the people.

During my stay I was able to see that there were actually very different sides of the river within a relatively short

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X neighborhood lie on the north and south banks where the river meets the Biscayne Bay. These neighborhoods

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towers and hotels line the river, and a continuous riverwalk

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this area, as were tourists and attractive young professionals. $

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the demographics of the river changed dramatically. Signs of wealth, and access to the river virtually disappeared (besides a couple public parks). The culture here also seemed more authentic, and the people were busy making a living directly on the river, or with complete disregard for it. These two sides of the river seemed to lie in completely different cities, but were less than a mile apart. Visiting a place reveals the sometimes subtle (and sometimes dramatic) intricacies that are not readily apparent through traditional research methods.

Image by author

The river itself has now become largely segregated from the city due to pollution, lack of physical access, and a general lack of respect for this vital resource.

Hotel Pool. Image by author.

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Miami River Drawbridge. Image by author.

Miami River armored seawall. Image by author.

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CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF WATER

KISSIMMEE VALLEY

KISSIMMEE VALLEY

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

BIG CYPRESS

BIG CYPRESS

MIAMI

MIAMI

THE EVERGLADES THE EVERGLADES

Maps by author

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SOUTH FLORIDA

SOUTH FLORIDA

HISTORICAL WATER FLOW DIAGRAM

CURRENT WATER FLOW DIAGRAM

The Miami Canal flows for 77 miles and connects the Miami River with Lake Okeechobee. This is only one of many canals that carve through the wetlands of South Florida.

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By 1911 the Miami Canal was 10 miles long. Today the Miami Canal is 77 miles long and flows from Lake Okechobee to the Miami River.

By 1910 the Miami River was 5.5 miles long.

The Miami River Original Length: 4 miles long from Biscayne Bay to the Eveglades.

The waterfall of the Miami River was dynamited in 1908.

MIAMI

1896 - Present

THE MIAMI RIVER HISTORY Map by author

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THE EVERGLADES

NORTH MIAMI

THE MIAMI CANAL 77 MILES

THE EVERGLADES

MIAMI

THE MIAMI RIVER 5.5 MILES

SOUTH FLORIDA

THE MIAMI RIVER + CANALS Map by author

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MIAMI HURRICANES More storms have hit Florida than any other U.S. state.

Tropical cyclones have affected Florida in every month of

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one-third of the cyclones affected the state in September, and nearly three-fourths of the storms affected the state between August and October, which coincides with the peak of the hurricane season. Statistics from #

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Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/).

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew, one of the costliest and strongest hurricanes in U.S. history struck Miami. Having personally survived Hurricane Andrew, this is a storm I will never forget (and I have been through many hurricanes). We had no power for 3 weeks, and many of our friends and neighbors had their homes destroyed beyond repair. Living in South Florida, Hurricanes are inevitable and need to be planned for.

High winds are only one aspect of the devastation. Flooding

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most destruction.

Number of Storms Affecting Florida

Hurricane Wilma over South Florida. Source: commons.wikimedia.org Graph Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Florida_hurricanes

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Historic Hurricane Paths over South Florida

MIAMI

Source: http://csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes/#

Tropical cyclones have affected Florida in every month of the year with the exceptions of January and March.

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MIAMI STORM SURGE MAPS

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Miami Flood Map under a Category 1 Hurricane

Miami Flood Map under a Category 2 Hurricane

Miami Flood Map under a Category 3 Hurricane

Miami Flood Map under a Category 4 Hurricane

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South Florida NOW

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South Florida with a sea level rise of 6 meters.

Source: robertgiordano/design215.com

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NEIGHBORHOODS For the past 25 years, Miami has had relatively more foreign immigrants than any other metropolitan area in the United Q '# > ?? * &

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within a generally condensed area. Below is a list of the major neighborhoods that border the Miami River, and a short description of what makes each distinct.

The Brickell

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and is home to the largest concentration of international banks in the United States. This area is also a dense, high-rise residential

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towers, and is home to many of Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top restaurants, shops and places of entertainment. Generally, this area is an upscale district, and even boasts its own private gated island (known as Brickell Key), and an area referred to by locals as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Millionairesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Row.

Overtown is primarily an African American residential district directly to the west of downtown, and north of the river. From a thriving community in the 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, with busy stores,

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Overtown went into a deep decline in the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The main culprit was the construction of highways I-95 and I-395 that ripped the

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Overtown is overrun by stretches of dead spaces under highway overpasses, abundant parking lots, poorly maintained apartment buildings, and a depressing human landscape of homelessness, illicit drug use, and street prostitution. Overtown has one of the highest poverty rates, and some of the worst housing in South Florida

The central business district, also known simply as Downtown by locals is the historic and physical center of Miami. Within this area is the majority of Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic buildings, museums, libraries,

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fastest-growing area in Miami, with construction of many high

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of which are wealthier, there is also an increase in new shops, restaurants, and art galleries. $

neighborhood aptly known as Little Havana bordering the south edge of the Miami River. This is the single most iconic residential area of current day Miami. The Cubans take pride in

and meaning: there is the Bay of Pigs Monument, Domino Park, the old headquarters of Alpha 66 (the anti-Castro paramilitary organization), the Elian Gonzalez Museum, avenues and streets named for Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan (who rolled back communism), cigar shops, Cuban cafeterias, and restaurants like Â&#x192; Y Â&#x2039; '# > ?`?* /

of belonging, place, and identity, it is hard to think of a more intriguing venue than Little Havana.

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Source: Miami Planning Dept. Bureau of Census

MIAMI HISPANIC POPULATION 2010

Source: Miami Planning Dept. Bureau of Census

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Source: Miami Planning Dept. Bureau of Census

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Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of Miami Broward

Broward

Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean Miami-Dade Miami-Dade

0% - 10%

0% - 10%

10.1% - 20%

10.1% - 20%

20.1% - 30%

20.1% - 30%

30.1% - 40%

30.1% - 40%

40.1% - 100%

40.1% - 100%

Percentage Non-Hispanic White

Percentage Non-Hispanic Black

Broward

Broward

Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean Miami-Dade Miami-Dade

0% - 10% 10.1% - 20% 20.1% - 30% 30.1% - 40% 40.1% - 100%

0% - 10% 10.1% - 30% 30.1% - 50% 50.1% - 70% 70.1% - 100%

Percentage Hispanic or Latino

Percentage Foreign Born Residents Source: Miami Planning Dept. Bureau of Census

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MIAMI RIVER IMMIGRANT STATISTICS Top 5 Countires of Origin: Cuba 30% Haiti 9% Colombia 7% Jamaica 7% Nicaragua 4%

MIAMI

CUBA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC + HAITI JAMAICA

NICARAGUA

COLOMBIA

MIAMI RIVER IMMIGRATION SOURCES Map by author

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U.S. EAST COAST + EUROPE

MIAMI RIVER SHIPPING STATISTICS 80% of total tonnage is outbound 505,000 tons shipped internationally Primary shipping destinations: Haiti, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Panama. 72 ports of call worldwide.

Shipping Products: Textiles + Food / Farm Products

MIAMI

BAHAMAS

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC + HAITI PUERTO RICO

CENTRAL AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

PANAMA

MIAMI RIVER SHIPPING DESTINATIONS Map by author

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[IN] ACCESSIBLE RIVER

CONTINUOUS RIVER WALK

Map by author

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Miami River Inaccessibility #

general public, but a good portion is. Right in the downtown area closest to Biscayne Bay is generally open to the public, but once you wander a little further west the access become very limited.

Access to the river is limited by:

Abandoned Property (Privately owned, City owned)

Bridges (which limit access underneath) Private Business '

and other marine industry) Private residences (some homes, but mostly Condo buildings)

Parking Lots (and parking garages)

Images by author

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LAND USE ALONG THE MIAMI RIVER

ALLAPATTAH

OVERTOWN

WEST FLAGLER DOWNTOWN

Residential Abandoned Lot LITTLE HAVANA Parks + Open Space Marine Facility BRICKELL Electrical sub station 0

Map by author

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1000’

RESIDENTIAL

ABANDONED LOT

PARKING LOT

BRIDGE PARK MARINE FACILITY

PAVED WALK

BUILDING

Map by author

SEAWALL

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PARKS of HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE along the MIAMI RIVER

FORT DALLAS PARK

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JOSE MARTI PARK

THE MIAMI CIRCLE

FORT DALLAS LAS PARK Lummus Park was created in 1909 as one of pen green spaces, and Miami's first open contains somee of the oldest structures in allas exists on the site and is Miami. Fort Dallas ning structure associated with the only remaining Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early military history. Fort Dallas once acted as a military base during the Seminole Wars. s.

JOSE MARTI PARK This park is dedicated to Jose Marti who is a cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol for Cuba's bid for independence century, and is against Spain in the 19th century referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence.

THE MIAMI CIRCLE This is an important archeological site with a perfect sized f 36â&#x20AC;&#x2122; circle i l that h hhas various i i d hholes l cut into limestone rock. It is believed to have been the location of a structure, built by the Tequesta Indians, in what was possibly their capital, and dates from somewhere between 1700 and 2000 years ago.

Map by author

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THE MIAMI RIVER IN SECTION

The Miami River ranges in width from 150 to 250 feet.

Navigational Depths range from 13 to 15 feet.

The mean Tidal Range is approximately 2 feet.

The Length is approximately 5.5 miles.

Theaverage discharge rate is 50 ft続/second.

Image by author

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F

E

D

A Map by author

C

B

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EXISTING RIVER SECTIONS

6’ STORM SURGE HIGH TIDE

A HOTEL

WALK

RIVER

WALK

HOTEL

6’ STORM SURGE HIGH TIDE

B PRIVATE PARK

RIVER

EMPTY LOT

ROAD

6’ STORM SURGE HIGH TIDE

C

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PUBLIC PARK

RIVER

RESTAURANT

ROAD

30’

4’ 0’ -15’

15’ 4’ 0’ -15’

BUSINESS

FLOOD W

ATERS

4’ 0’ -15’

Image by author

62

EXISTING RIVER SECTIONS

6’ STORM SURGE HIGH TIDE

D ROAD

VACANT LOT

RIVER

PARK

6’ STORM SURGE HIGH TIDE

E VACANT LOT

ROAD

VACANT LOT

RIVER

6’ STORM SURGE HIGH TIDE

F PARK

63

ROAD

PARK

RIVER

50’

4’ 0’ -15’

ROAD

4’ 0’ -15’

MARINE BUSINESS

ROAD

TERS FLOOD WA

4’ 0’ -15’

MARINE BUSINESS

ROAD

Image by author

64

DESIGN P

ROPOSAL

65

The Metrorail passes over the Miami River.

Image by author

MIAMI

The river and the city are both dynamic systems that should have a symbiotic relationship. The natural ebb and flow of the river is allowed to move beyond the manufactured edges and carve into the city. This new river â&#x20AC;&#x153;footprintâ&#x20AC;? will allow residents to be aware of the natural cycles of the river, and will begin to register more vividly into the individual and collective memory of the city.

BISCAYNE BAY

66

DESIGN STRATEGY The Miami River has been channelized to control the

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' may continue to do with more frequency in the future),

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" edge that captured and held the waters. Plants, soil, and porous rock can slow the water, and allow it to naturally

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the water as it makes it way back into the underground water table, or out to the bay. This current static edge condition pushes the water directly into the Biscayne Bay

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Â&#x201A; " collect urban debris, trash, and sewage and send them directly into the river. My project proposes restoring a more dynamic edge condition that allows the river water to engage the city in a way that is more similar to the historic river course.

With global sea level rise and the trend towards stronger

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even greater issue in the future. During these storms the river again enters the minds and memory of the people.

However, not in a positive way. How can I harness the power of these moments in a positive way, and in a way

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A study model looking at a new dynamic river edge condition.

67

CHOOSING THE SITE

HEAVY RAIN EVENT FLOOD ZONE

STORM SURGE FLOOD ZONE

FLOODING FROM STORM SURGE CAUSED BY TROPICAL STORMS

Map by author

Just to the west of downtown Miami, and right at the start of the Little Havana neighborhood, the Miami River makes a drastic bend to the northwest. During a tropical storm event water

location for me to propose a design intervention that would test a new approach to not only

68

MIAMI FLOODING

Water Flow sketch by author.

69

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70

STREET FLOODING Miami is

>

rain events and storm surge. The city is surrounded by major water bodies such as the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and many rivers, lakes and canals. Miami also lies close to sea level and its underground water supply is just below the ground surface. Therefore, major rain events sometimes

some areas of the city. \

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South Miami-Dade.

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Source: articles.sun-sentinel.com

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71

Even a one foot increase in Miami Beach could worsen high tide flooding there and inundate much of South Miami-Dade.

Life goes on despite the water. Source: www.scpr.org

72

CITY-SCALE DESIGN STRATEGY

OVERTOWN

CHANNELS/RAIN GARDENS BRING WATER INTO THE CITY AND FILTER WATER FROM CITY TO RIVER

DOWNTOWN MIAMI CHANNELS/RAIN GARDENS

LITTLE HAVANA

R

I RIVE

MIAM

CHANNELS/RAIN GARDENS BRING WATER INTO THE CITY AND FILTER WATER FROM CITY TO RIVER

Map by author

73

BRICKELL

NEW RIVER WALK

FORT DALLAS PARK

PUBLIC LIBRARY + MUSEUM

WATER COLLECTION

DOWNTOWN MIAMI

INTEGRATED SWALE

WATER COLLECTION

RIVERSIDE PARK

WATER COLLECTION

INTEGRATED SWALE

THE MIAMI RIVER

JOSE MARTI PARK

LITTLE HAVANA

Map by author

Much of Miami is physically disconnected from the river. However, the river is vital for draining water from city streets out to the bay. Using a series of swales that are integrated with

the ground for groundwater recharge, or held in natural pools for use by people and habitat.

74

Sketch by author

75

FLOODING = SALT MARSH

Collage by author

76

DESIGN STRATEGY

Sketch by author

77

STUDY MODEL

78

SWALE

SITE PLAN SKATEPARK HOUSEBOAT DOCKS

RIVER WALK RIVER WALK SWALE

MANGROVE WETLAND

RIVER WALK

SWALE

WATER CHANNEL PIER

OUTDOOR MARKET

SWALE

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ENTRANCE KAYAK + FISHING CHANNEL SWALE

CONSTRUCTED WETLAND

MI

IA

EM TH

NATURAL SWIMMING POOL AND OUTDOOR THEATRE

79 7 9

R

SWALE

VE

RI

HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION

Program Each component of the program is about harnessing the spiritual and physical power of water in order to bring the culture and people of Miami back to the river. This new connection will build new and positive memory, and ultimately weave the river back into the narrative of the city.

1. Outdoor Theatre Overlooks the river and pool. The water becomes the backdrop and stage for performances.

2. Natural Pool (collection) Historically public baths and pools have been places for community gathering, business negotiations, and physical and mental rejuvenation. This pool will also demonstrate how, through natural processes water can be cleaned enough for swimming.

3. Outdoor Market A place for commerce centered and ordered by the new canals that carve into the site.

4. Hydroelectric Power Makes water a spectacle. Powers the lights of the pool and theatre.

Helps people understand visually the power of water.

5. Skatepark /

basins, but under normal conditions these pools will be a perfect skatepark.

6. Kayak and Fishing Channel

' "

*

7. Swales / aqueducts These water channels work at the neighborhood/urban scale to

and water.

8. Houseboat Docks A new housing zone directly on the water.

80

81

CT AQU ED U

OUTDOOR MARKET

WA YO

VER

PAS S

PIER

W

NE

PAVILION

1-9

5H

IGH

PIER

OV

GR

AN

M E IS ND

LA

WA TE

RC

NA TU

RA L

LE

AN

ING

SW

WE

IR

EM

ING

TH

IMM

PO

IAM

OL

PAV ILI

R

IVE

IR

ON

AQUE

DUCT

82

83

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE A new bridge attached to the existing highway links the parks and paths on both sides of the Miami River.

MANGROVE BARRIER ISLAND A new island constructed from the fill of the natural swimming pool provides protection against storm surge, but also provides habitat for wildlife and a safe channel for recreation.

CONTINUOUS RIVER WALK AND FISHING PIER The river edge is connected by a new continuous river boardwalk that connects all the new program of my design, and provides opportunity to get close to wildlife habitat.

KAYAK CHANNEL A new channel provides a protected waterway from the shipping vessels that frequent the river.

VEGETATED WIER This constructed and stepped wetland fills with water during high tide.

The wetland plants and stepped design clean and filter out particulates and pollutants before the water fills the natural swimming pool.

NATURAL SWIMMING POOL A large swimming pool fills with rainwater and water from the adjacent river. Wetland plants clean the water before entering from the river. This pool is a place for recreation, and relaxation, but also demonstrates the natural cleaning ability of plants in a wetland environment.

84

SITE SECTION

FISHING PIER

MANGROVE WETLAND 85

KAYAK CHANNEL

CONSTRUCTED WETLAND

NATURAL POOL

OUTDOOR THEATRE

SWALE 86

SITE SECTION

FISHING PIER

KAYAK CHANNEL

OTHER LONG SECTION @ POOL AREA

HIGH TIDE LOW TIDE

EXISTING GROUND LINE

MANGROVE WETLAND 87

OUTDOOR MARKET

EXISTING GROUND LINE

WATER CHANNEL

SIDEWALK + SWALE 88

SITE SECTION

LONG SECTION

WATER RETENTION + WETLAND 89

SEMI-WET WETLAND

-95

1 AY HW HIG

MANGROVE WETLAND 90

SITE SECTION SKATEPARK

BOARDWALK

MANGROVE WETLAND 91

SHIPPING CHANNEL

EXISTING RIVER EDGE

HOUSEBOAT AREA 92

THE MIAMI RIVER

WAT

ER C

HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION

PLAN @ HYDROELECTRIC STATION 93

HANN

EL

WATER CHANNEL A new channel captures water from the river and steps down (drops in elevation) and narrows. The water, with an increased velocity, will eventually pass through a turbine to generate power for lights and other energy requirements (the natural pool and outdoor theatre).

Laminated plywood study model

94

DOWNTOWN MIAMI

95

STREET SECTION

TWO-WAY STREET

SWALE

NATIVE WETLAND PLANTINGS

SIDEWALK

MIAMI STREETS During heavy rain events and tropical storms the streets of Miami are particularly prone to flooding. A new elevated sidewalk system integrated with wetlands and swales will allow people to walk without being submerged in flood waters. The swales will also direct the water away from the streets and sidewalks, and back to the river, or into retention basins.

96

LITTLE HAVANA

97

STREET SECTION

SIDEWALK

NATIVE WETLAND PLANTING

STREET PARKING

TWO-WAY STREET

SWALE

98

99

CONCLUSION Extent of proposal

The area of the river I chose to study, and ultimately design a proposal for, would by no means completely solve all of the issues surrounding Miami and its river. The river, after all, is 5 ½ miles

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suburbs, industrial landscapes, farmland, and eventually swamp. My area of focus, roughly a mile, would make some local impact, but I

"

I chose the site for my design as a test site. With success, I could see

"

intervention could become citywide. By addressing the entire river (and even the bay), the river + community relationship could become

"

strengthened.

Beyond Miami Could this proposal address the issues that are happening on most

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particular to the Miami River, but many of the principles I proposed here would apply on other sites. Previously, I designed a project that would bring the Tijuana River back into a more healthy state, and tie the city back to this important river. Floods, physical disconnection, and pollution are also serious issues that keep most of the community from feeling a sense of appreciation for the river. In this case, I also brought people down to the water, and allowed the water to enter the

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water then they can begin to have a sense of pride for it.

Water is increasingly becoming an issue in the world: either we have too much of it, or not enough. Sea-Level rise and global warming

Â&#x201A; coastal regions. On the other hand, the availability of clean water for drinking is quickly diminishing, particularly in the drier regions.

Then, there is the issue of polluted waters impacting the wildlife that calls the river home. This thesis is only the beginning of a lifetime of study, for me, into the issues surrounding urban waterways.

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100

GLOSSARY OF TERMS Aqueduct An man-made channel that is constructed to convey water from one location to another.

Constructed Wetland &

Â&#x160;

Hydroelectric Power Is a renewable energy source that uses the force of water to spin the blades of a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator that produces electricity.

Mangrove \

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erosion and storm damage, and provide habitat for a large diversity of animals.

Retention Basin & Â&#x201A;

quality for downstream bodies of water, and can provide habitat for various animal and plant species.

Swale &

Weir &

' *

Wetland An area of land that is saturated with water permanently or seasonally, and are characterized by plants that are adapted to the wet soil conditions. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world.

101

Looking toward the bay. Image by author

102

REFERENCES

Bell, M. On the Banks of the Miami. Florida Magazine. July 31, 1994. 8-17. ! & Â?#

Â? /

]

Y !

Â&#x201E;

Â&#x2018; Y !

Â&#x2039; @Â # ?_Â&#x201A;`x \ @xx} | $ & $

$ # X # Z ] University Press. 2000. Print Linden, Katrinka V. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Miami River: Past, Present, and Future.â&#x20AC;? Thesis. University of Miami, 1996. Print.

Malo, A. The Miami River: A Working River. Miami, FL: Miami Architecture Research Center, 7pp. # > Z $ ] $ & Y

] Â?

Y

Press. 2011. Print. #

Â&#x201C; Q

& ^ = / ] Y

X

= ] ! > Â&#x201E; @x?x Y Q Q

& >

Y Â?$ ] & # Â&#x201C;

%Â&#x2018;

Q

@@ '@x?@*] Â&#x20AC;?Â&#x201A;Â&#x20AC;Â&#x20AC; Z / @x # @x?@ Selman, Paul H. Planning at the Landscape Scale. London: Routledge, 2006. Print.

Q / X &# Â&#x192; =#=$< &#&|^Q<Q =\ !Â&#x192; $<&$< <Â&#x2039;Â&#x192; $& <#Â&#x192; <#NÂ?Q ^ \

& Â? & @xx / @x \ @x?{ / Â&#x192; N Â? Q

& ] ^ Â? @xx Y

103

Web Sources “Miami-Dade County - Public Works and Waste Management - Flood Protection.” Miami-Dade County - Public Works and Waste Management - Flood Protection. Web. 10 May 2013.

“Tropical Cyclone Climatology.” Tropical Cyclone Climatology. Web. 10 April 2013.

“City of Miami - Planning Department.” City of Miami - Planning Department. Web. 20 March 2013.

“Storm Surge Simulator.” Storm Surge Simulator. Web. 10 May 2013 “History of Miami.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 May 2013. Web. 12 January 2013.

“Miami.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013. Web. 12 January 2013 “Online Images.” HistoryMiami. Web. 20 May 2013.

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105

Sunset on the river. Image by author

106