Cypress creek waterway Taylor French
This book is the product of nine months of hard work in both architecture and landscape thesis studios. It would not be possible without the help of some amazing people: Rod Barnett and Magdalena Garmaz have pushed me to do the most thoughtful and compelling project in my six years at Auburn University. A dual-major - let alone a dual-thesis project - is difficult enough to manage, but their accommodation and encouragement has allowed me to explore twice as much in the same short amount of time. The fruit of this labor may not be as developed as others, but the seed has been planted for a lifetime of exploration and growth in these two design disciplines. The people of Montgomery have been nothing but kind and welcoming. I would especially like to thank Bill Campbell for helping me to understand the Cypress Nature Park and the needs of the area. And a special thanks to Annette Chesnutt at GROSouth for letting me explore and document their property for my design interventions. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for their continuing support throughout my long educational journey. They have taught me to never pass up an opportunity, to never settle for less, and honesty and hard work always pay off.
introduction
[07]
Case Studies / research
[13]
Strategy
[21]
Site Selection
[33]
Design Investigations
[43]
reflections
[81]
References + Credits
[83]
introduction
people + water
Water is a part of our everyday experience: we bathe in it, we drink it, we watch it rain. It is in the experience of rain that the focus of this project lies. We all see the water that falls from the sky, but once that rainfall hits the pavement, where it goes and what happens to it is as convoluted and misunderstood as the series of inlets, drains, and pipes that carry this water away from our presence. Because of this disconnect, urban waterways in most cities are suffering. Entire urban areas may be thought of as point-source generators of pollution. Yet conventional stormwater systems are designed with a focus on the quantity of water moving away from a site, rather than the quality of this water once it reaches a stream or other tributary. The result is a decrease in the ecological activity of these natural waterways, as multiple types of stormwater pollution lessen the ideal conditions for plant and animal life.
Such is the case in the city of Montgomery, Alabama. Cypress Creek Waterway has been degraded because of surrounding industrial development and poor stormwater management practices. Its location, north of the urban core and behind a large residential development, means the perilous conditions of Cypress Creek often go unnoticed. Yet, this same area has the potential to become a major corridor between urban and residential conditions.
This project aims to use a landscape and architectural intervention to re-connect people and water in Montgomery, so that they may see the value in clean stormwater and the ecological activity it supports.
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industrial area cypress nature park
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residential developments downtown montgomery
area of interest
overview map
cypress creek water way The area referred to as “Cypress Creek Waterway” is comprised of two distinct features: Cypress Nature Park and Cypress Creek. Cypress Nature Park is home to a large cypress and tupelo swamp, which filters rainwater and provides habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Unlike most of the land surrounding it, much of this area has remained intact because its wet conditions were considered undesirable for development in the past. Currently, the city of Montgomery owns this property and plans to use the area as an educational and recreational facility for the Montgomery Nature Conservancy. Cypress Creek flows through Cypress Nature Park and becomes a tributary of the Alabama River. The corridor through which the
tupelo + cypress wetland in cypress nature park
creek flows (west of the Nature Park) is primarily an abandoned industrial zone, and former industrial processes combined with poor stormwater management practices have degraded the creek’s aesthetic and ecological quality [pp. 24-25]. The city’s main focus has been placed on developing Cypress Nature Park as a singular attraction, and although there are plans for a future “greenway” along Cypress Creek [pp. 26-27], the ecological and social aspects of these plans have not been fully considered. This project investigates the future of the whole area as a corridor for alternative transportation between downtown and nearby residential areas, and as a point of connection between the community and the water that flows into their creek. 9
targeted users [by household]
cypress creek
highly vegitated areas
potential corridor
cypress nature park
site-scale intervention
industrial area r
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downtown montgomery
making connections Connections occur on many levels. This project focuses on two: the city-wide level, and the site-specific level. Developing a connection strategy at the city-wide level is critical for bringing people into Cypress Creek Waterway. Currently, access to the Nature Park is limited because the area is not yet open to the public. Additionally, Cypress Creek runs through many different properties and under several streets, making it difficult to follow its entire course on foot. The strategy developed [pp. 26-27] provides a way for access into the area along the majority of the corridor. 10
residential developments
As citizens begin to infiltrate the Waterway, they may be exposed to some of the issues of Cypress Creek. But design at a smaller, site-specific scale is needed to create a greater awareness of the quality of water in the area. Thus, a site was chosen as a testing ground for the development of an architecture and landscape intervention to provide a more engaging level of connection with water [p. 30]. Making connections may imply educating users on specific issues or topics; and although there may be an educational component (in cooperation with the city’s environmental groups), this is not a strictly pedagogical project. Gaining an understanding of the
issues of stormwater quality and possible solutions does not necessarily mean obtaining a complete knowledge of all the intricacies and processes involved; in this project, it is viewed as a basic awareness of where water goes and why there is a need for stormwater to be cleansed (what is at stake). It is within this framework that the project goal of making connections is pursued.
a revelator y landscape Connections are not made in a vacuum - they come about through many different types of revelations; some are immediate (surprise, shock, awe, disgust); others develop over time (appreciation, understanding, respect). Through the design of a landscape intervention, this project begins to explore the careful orchestration of different types of revelations that connect people to water. A series of spaces are investigated in terms of the types of reactions they elicit, and how collectively they might bring about an awareness of the importance of stormwater.
architecture + landscape Engaging both architecture and landscape provides an opportunity for new types of spaces where people can connect with water. Rather than separating the two disciplines, this project’s design investigations [pp. 43-79] explore how built structures can interact with stormwater processes in the landscape. New methods of treating water through constructed landscape systems have been developed to address many of the issues of stormwater quality, while also providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Although the processes involved in these methods may be difficult for the average person to understand, the results are clear: cleaned stormwater and abundant wildlife. Spaces that bring people in close contact with this cleansing process and new wildlife habitat help make a connection to clean stormwater. This connection is key toward
gaining support and approval from the community for new constructed landscape systems to be used within Cypress Creek Waterway. Interaction between architecture and landscape may occur in many different places, but the focus of this project is on points of intersection between the two. The design investigations explore a number of locations to determine the most appropriate places for intersections to occur and analyze the types of spaces these intersections begin to define.
industrial re-use The area north of downtown Montgomery, through which Cypress Creek runs, is peppered with numerous abandoned, former industrial facilities, as well as a handful that are currently in use (primarily as warehouses and other storage/distribution centers.) These sites cause of much of the pollution in Cypress Creek, but they also hold a great deal of potential to be reimagined as places for new uses and activities. As more factories and warehouses in Montgomery move towards the interstate, this project focuses on how one architectural intervention can set an example for the reimagining of industrial structures.
evaluation + project goals In evaluating the design work of this thesis project, three criteria were established as main project goals for connecting people with water:
Using landscape to reveal stormwater pollution, cleansing, and results Creating new social spaces for engagement with water Investigating the interaction between landscape + architecture through intersections with water systems 11
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case studies / Research Several case studies were explored to see how issues of water quality, industrial re-use, and social engagement were dealt with in other built works. Close attention was paid to the relationship between the case study and the goals set up in this project. Key to this analysis is how each case study develops a system to reveal issues and showcase solutions to the average user. The two case studies in this book operate at different levels: the first, FLOW (Can You See The River?) is a city-wide scale project; the second, The Steel Yard, operates on a more site-specific scale. Each project shows clarity in design concept and execution and both provided insight to the design investigations in this project.
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Key Elements: signage + visible marking of flood level [1] online material supplements built design [2] project covers several areas in the city [3] use of “push-pins” relates to all users [4] work engages built structures + users [5]
FLOW (can you see the river?) Designer: Mary Miss Location: White River, Indianapolis, Indiana This project was chosen because the work of artist Mary Miss often deals with the intersection of artistic, architectural, landscape, social, and environmental issues. Such is the case in her project FLOW (Can you see the River?), which seeks to “viscerally engage the citizens of Indianapolis, and make them aware that the watershed provides their drinking water and supports their lives.” Using very clear and recognizable elements, Mary Miss accomplishes this goal in several parts: First, a series of installations in sites along the White River [3] are used to reveal 14
the complexities of the river system, with simple but tangible markers and signs [1, 4]. Second, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is used to highlight water infrastructure within the realm of architecture and the larger built environment [5]. Lastly, a collection of online resources is developed to allow users to view their watershed via webcams, track the path a raindrop takes from their location within the watershed via GPS [2], and add to the city’s map of water infrastructure by recording green infrastructure improvements in their neighborhoods. This project is part of a larger initiative by the artist entitled City as Living Laboratory: Sustainability Made Tangible Through the Arts, with the goal of making issues of sustainability tangible and compelling to the public.
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Key Elements: industrial qualities reflected in design [1] bridges link existing + new elements [2] re-use of materials on site [3] open flexible social spaces [4]
The Steel Yard acts as a catalyst in the creative revitalization of the industrial valley district of Providence, Rhode Island. In fostering the industrial arts and incubating small business, the non-profit seeks to cultivate an environment of experimentation and a community strengthened by creative networks. — Steel Yard Mission Statement
the steel yard Designer: Klopfer Martin Design Group Location: Providence, Rhode Island The Steel Yard was chosen because of its creative re-imagining of a former industrial site into a place that engages the community on many levels. Once owned by Providence Steel & Iron, the project is now home to a community-based arts program, specializing in metalworking and sculpture. Artists’ studios, along with an outdoor foundry and shop spaces, support the arts program, utilizing existing structures and buildings. Key to the design is a large outdoor central space [1, 4], described by the designers as “a multi-color paved ‘carpet’”, that allows for individual and group work, but can 16
also accommodate large events with audiences of up to several hundred. This opens the project up to the greater community, with car rallies [4], movie nights, farmer’s markets, etc., whose character begins to defines a sense of place within this underserved neighborhood of Providence. Attention to detail is what sets this project apart: the re-use of metal bailing and sheet piling [3] within the landscape provides reference to the site’s past; a discrepancy in grade and floor elevation (due to brownfield soil capping requirements) is resolved using simple bridges across a constructed “moat” [2]; the different types of social events on the site are provided for by various sized outdoor spaces [5]; large steel beams are left to allow for the transport of heavy objects around the site [6].
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diagram showing use of the steel yard site during social events
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site plan of the steel yard 19
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strategy
pathway + intervention + action
As case studies were being explored, a base map was created [p. 22-23] to analyze the existing conditions of the Cypress Creek Waterway, as well as potential areas for a path system and intervention site. This map, combined with input from the Cypress Nature Park master plan, was used to develop a strategy for connecting the outlying neighborhoods to downtown Montgomery through Cypress Creek Waterway. A series of pathways is established to allow for alternative transport into downtown Montgomery through the Waterway. This new connective corridor gives users access to Cypress Creek, allowing for increased public exposure to issues of pollution in the area. A specific site is identified as the location for a landscape and architectural intervention, which is aimed at clearly demonstrating the value of a stormwater cleansing system, as well as hosting a community center. This “Cypress Creek Community Center” is envisioned as a place of action for all groups interested in the future of the Cypress Creek Waterway. These groups can come together, under one roof, for
educational seminars, planning sessions, and other meetings and activities, in order to raise awareness and funding for the restoration and remediation of the Waterway area. Using this cooperative approach towards development is crucial, as the city of Montgomery alone cannot support a project of this scale with its current budget (Campbell, 2012). Because the strategy outlined in this section incorporates city officials, community groups, schools, and other public/private interests as active participants in the process, it provides the opportunity to re-work the city’s current master plan [p. 26] with a greater richness and depth. This would allow for development targeted at the needs of different types of users within the community, creating a greater sense of place, where the citizens of Montgomery have direct ownership and involvement in the project. In this way, the Cypress Creek Waterway would become downtown Montgomery’s “backyard” – a vision echoed by Cypress Nature Park director Bill Campbell (Campbell, 2012).
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BASE Map Existing Structures City-Owned Properties Existing Rail Lines Open Creek Flow Piped Creek Flow Stormwater Direction New Bike/Ped. Paths Filter Zone 100-yr Flood Zone
potential sources of pollutants
open creek flow
highly vegetated areas
piped creek flow
overland stormwater flow
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documented areas 3
piped stormwater flow
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existing conditions: where does stormwater go? Even the City of Montgomery cannot fully answer the question of where stormwater goes, as they do not currently have an inventory of their own stormwater system. Empirical research shows, however, that much of this water flows into Cypress Creek, which has been greatly modified by traditional stormwater management practices over the past century. Piped stormwater enters the creek at various points, and the creek itself has been placed in pipes and culverts in several areas. This has altered the natural flow and path of the creek, causing severe stream bank erosion, which threatens the foundations of nearby buildings [2]. 24
Surrounding active and former industrial sites also contribute large amounts of pollutants during rainstorms. Industrial byproducts deposited in the soil are carried by overland flow into the creek, increasing its pollutant levels, which inhibit the creek’s capacity for aquatic life and reduce its overall ecological quality. Without proper attention, this area will continue to decline and negatively affect the character of the northern part of downtown Montgomery.
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proposed pathway 14
PROJECT BACKGROUND Just 1.25 miles from downtown Montgomery sits Cypress Nature Park, composed of the 260-acre Cypress Pond area, which fl ows through Cypress Creek into the Alabama River 1.
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at a point known as the Cypress Inlet. It encompasses: The Inlet on the Alabama River,
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The Creek , which flows approximately 1.5 miles from the
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The Nature Reserve, approximately 260 acres in size.
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The park site is unique not just in its ecological diversity but also in its urban setting. Once complete, Cypress Nature Park will provide Montgomery, Alabama with an outdoor environmental education facility and new outdoor recreational opportunities while
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promoting the conservation and preservation of natural resources.
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LEGEND 8
1. The Inlet
10. Historic Jail
2. Riverfront
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11. Nature Center
3. River Center 4. Redeveloped Waterworks 5. Redevelopment Opportunity
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6. Cypress Creek Gree Walking / Riding Paths 7. Rails-to-Trail
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CYPRESS NATURE PARK CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN
press Nature Park Master Plan Rendering
HOK master plan with proposed pathway
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8.
Multi-Use Trail
9.
City Lot
nway
12. Boardwalk Network 13. Nature Reserve 14. Main Trail 15. Connective Trail 16. Restorative Landscape 17. Connective Trail to Upper Wetumpka Road FALL 2011
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current master plan A conceptual master plan has already been developed by HOK for the City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Nature Conservancy, incorporating the Cypress Creek Waterway as part of a new greenway project. The master plan provides a basic outline for a staged development - a starting-point in a larger process of redeveloping and remediating the area. This thesis project expounds on the proposed phased approach, to provide a starting point for the City and a process to bring a deeper connection between the Waterway and the residents of Montgomery. The master plan documentation only provides two maps: a final master plan rendering [shown left] and a connectivity/node map. After a careful assessment of these maps, a specific pathway [shown in dashed-red] was chosen as the first connection between the Waterway, downtown, and the residential areas. While this pathway runs through a large amount of city-owned property, a variety of purchases and/or easements would need to be made for its construction. Because the value of this land is low (due to the low quality of the area), it is quite feasible for the city to work with landowners to make this pathway a reality. A bicycle and pedestrian route between downtown Montgomery and nearby residential developments is a much-needed alternative for this community. Automobiles remain the most pervasive form of transportation in Montgomery, and public transit is extremely limited, leaving many residents with few choices in alternative transport. Low-to-middle income families, who make up a majority of the residents in this area, may not always have access to efficient public transportation or be able to afford to use a car at their leisure. The proposed pathway through the Cypress Creek Waterway alleviates this issue for these residents, providing an alternative for everyday and/or weekend-use.
C Y P R E S S
N AT U R E P A R K CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN REPORT October 2011
FALL 2011
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potential sources of pollutants highly vegetated areas
proposed pathway 1
areas of interest
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pathway + pollution
pathways: a new experience The proposed pathway system brings people from outlying neighborhoods into Cypress Nature Park [1 - 4] and then follows Cypress Creek [5] until it meets downtown Montgomery at North Hull Street [6].
the pathway, compared to most of the tree-less streets leading into downtown. In winter, tupelo and cypress trees are ablaze with bright yellow and rust foliage, setting them apart from the surrounding pines as seen from the ridge [1]. These places are very different from the typical urban realm.
This pathway would be attractive to both pedestrians and bicyclists because of the variety of new experiences it provides [pictured right], with dramatic views, unique environments, and seasonal changes. In the summertime, heavily vegetated areas [shown in green] provide ample amounts of shade along
By drawing people into the area, the pathway system allows residents to be exposed to the poor quality of Cypress Creek. However, this is an unmediated experience, and it will not necessarily make people aware of the causes of stormwater pollution or the value of clean stormwater for the creek.
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potential sources of pollutants
proposed pathway
highly vegetated areas
new / remodeled community bldgs
area for intervention
site for landscape + architecture intervention pathway + site
engagement + action Although the pathway system provides a means of access into the area, awareness of the value of stormwater and the issues the area faces requires a more engaging development. Therefore, an area was identified as a potential site for a landscape and architectural intervention, which would provide a clear connection between clean stormwater and a healthy habitat. This area serves as both a gateway into the Waterway, as well as an educational center, and an attraction in-and-of itself. 30
Public awareness is key to the success of remediation and redevelopment of the area. As public attention is drawn to the Cypress Creek Waterway, this area also becomes a place to house groups interested in being active participants in the development of the Waterway project. At the “Cypress Creek Community Center,” public and private interests could come together for fundraising and development of plans for the reparation, remediation and redevelopment of the Waterway. In this way the needs of the community could be addressed, as well the requirements for an ecologically “healthy” Cypress Creek.
Who is Involved? City of Montgomery
current interests
A number of organizations exist which already support the Cypress Nature Park, and others have the opportunity to engage with the project on a greater level. Community groups, as well as public/ private schools and universities [see map below] are potential stakeholders in the process. Old Alabama Town already draws tourists and Chisholm High student groups to the area, and the proposed intervention site would provide another attraction to these nearby visitors.
potential interests
proposed site for intervention
Higland Gardens Elementary
Dalraida Elementary Morningview Elementary
Cornerstone Christian Academy
old alabama town Capitol Heights High
Lee High School Houston Hill Jr. High Macmillan International High
Troy University Montgomery Baldwin Jr. High Flowers Elementary
Emerald Mountain Christian School Thelma S Morris Elementary LAMP High School
Alabama State University
McIntyre Elementary
Lee High School
Sylvan Learning Center
Corona Institute Sydney Lanier High
Montgomery Academy Huntingdon College
Carver High Jefferson Davis Senior High
Bellingrath Elementary Davis Elementary
Floyd Middle School
Bear Exploration Center
Danelly Elementary
Green Gate School
schools within a 5 mi radius 31
proposed pathway rails to trails
pathways
overland flow piped stormwater flow
water flow
site selection + analysis The selection of a site for the landscape and architectural intervention is crucial, as it serves as the main gateway into the Waterway, as well as home to the Cypress Creek Community Center. A series of citywide mapping analysis [pictured left] led to the selection of the site with the best location as a threshold between the urban fabric and former industrial area, as well as an important location relative to stormwater and Cypress Creek. The site is located at the end of North Hull Street, which runs the entire North-South direction of the urban core. With its wide girth and mature street trees, Hull Street retains much of the original character of the city. This provides an ideal point of access for pedestrian and bicycle pathways. Nearby, Old Alabama Town and Kiwanis Park draw recreational and educational visitors who might also be interested in the Cypress Creek Waterway project.
been discussed for the line running North-South, and the other line is under consideration for a rails-to-trails program, turning it into a large bicycle and pedestrian thoroughfare. Both of these prospects would activate the area, bringing visitors and residents through (or near) the site. Topographic analysis [map left, bottom] reveals that a large portion of the stormwater that passes through the site flows to Cypress Creek. This provides an opportunity for a landscape intervention that could have a direct impact on the quality of the creek. A large portion of the site has a series of warehouse structures, which could provide space for different community activities. These industrial buildings have the ability to become an example of re-use, giving the community a glimpse at the potential future of the area.
Two abandoned rail lines intersect near the site [map left, top] providing the potential for new uses. Commuter or light-rail has 33
elevation (ft above sea level) 220 - 230 210 - 220 200 - 210 190 - 200 180 - 190 170 - 180 160 - 170 150 - 160 140 - 150 creek 140 - 150 creek 130 - 140 overland flow
topography + hydrology While most of the site is gently sloping, the topography in the southeastern corner of the site is quite dramatic, dropping off ten feet in a relatively short distance. Stormwater naturally flows to the site from the south and moves north toward Cypress Creek. This means any intervention on the southern portion of the site would have an affect on Cypress Creek. The creek itself has a small floodplain, marked in light blue [140-150 feet above sea level] on the northern portion of the site. 34
building typology large industrial retail / storefront residential - scale old alabama town
building typology + use The surrounding area has a varying mix of building types and uses. Large industrial buildings are nearest the site, along with some smaller-scale commercial buildings. Amidst these commercial buildings are residential-scale buildings, which are either part of Old Alabama Town or are used for small retail and commercial operations. Very few of these buildings are currently used as residences. 35
site boundary
cypress creek
groSouth warehouses
nor th hull street
site aerial
character analysis: nor th hull street Montgomery has retained much of its gridiron street framework, which has the potential to provide a walk-able (and bike-able) urban core if re-developed properly. Hull Street is a prime candidate for this redevelopment, with its wide right-of-way and large tree canopy. Hull Street is located along a major North-South axis, extending approximately 2.75 mi from East Edgemont Avenue to Pollard Street, and terminating at the southern edge of the proposed site. At one time it is believed to have extended through the site to Sadler Street, but the GroSouth company (which owns the building and land on the site) negotiated with the City for the removal of a portion of the road. The topographic change in street level is quite noticeable from Randolph Street to Pollard Street. This less-traveled portion of the street is of poor quality. Pollard and Sadler Streets also suffer from lack of maintenance.
eet Sadler Str
Pollard Street
Randolph Street
kiwanis park An attraction to the area, Kiwanis Park provides over 1.5 acres of greenspace, including a playground and shaded picnic areas. It is owned and managed by the City of Montgomery.
Columbus Street
E Jefferson Street 38
N Hull Street
The North Hull area has variety of attractions, most notably Old Alabama Town, a group of historic buildings, which have been restored and are used to educate visitors on the history of Montgomery.
large industrial GroSouth, which is located on part of the project site, is an example of a large industrial building. These large, steel-framed sheds take up the majority of their parcels and have few openings or windows.
north hull and pollard
retail / storefront Ranging from large to small, these retail buildings typically have some store-frontage with a large amount of glass on the ground level. They are wood and/or steel construction, depending on their size.
north hull and randolph
residential Originally built as single family residences in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many of these houses have been re-purposed as small scale commercial and retail buildings. They are mainly single story, wood framed construction. north hull and columbus
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building analysis: growSouth warehouse + of fices GrowSouth was founded in 1945 in downtown Montgomery, but moved to its current site in the mid-1950s. The owner undertook a long process of acquiring property, removing a portion of North Hull Street, and “stitching� together several buildings to form one large connected warehouse. The most historic building [1, 2] was built around the early 20th Century of solid brick masonry and heavy timber construction. Many of the openings have been blocked, but this building is still used for small-item storage. The other buildings are simple steelframed construction [5], with very low-sloping roofs. The newest additions [3, 4] use a prefabricated steel system with no central columns and pitched roof.
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1 linear filter
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2 pecan project
3 the hub
design investigations
exploring the intervention
After site selection and analysis, the architectural and landscape intervention was explored through a series of design investigations. These investigations were evaluated based on the project goals:
Using landscape to reveal stormwater pollution, cleansing, and results Creating new social spaces for engagement with water Investigating the interaction between landscape + architecture through intersections with water systems
Each of the three investigations tested a different concept for the design of the intervention. In this way, a multitude of ideas could be explored and evaluated to see exactly which types of interventions were successful and which types fell short. The final proposal, the “hub,” draws on the strengths of the previous two investigations, while addressing their weaknesses, in order to create the most compelling intervention. The first investigation, the “linear filter,” deals with revealing the flow of stormwater and the process of filtering it within a path system; the second investigation, the “pecan project,” uses a pecan orchard to create a socially engaging environment where clean stormwater is a productive element; the final investigation, the “hub,” focuses on creating active social uses for existing structures, while incorporating architecture into a constructed landscape system to reveal the connection between stormwater quality and habitat. 43
1 linear filter The initial design investigation pursues the path as a linear filter. Following the axis of North Hull Street, a raised central path system is developed, under which storm water is captured and filtered using a linear raingarden. This creates a visible “green line� from the street though the site, which floats above the existing buildings, terminating in a wetland plaza. Architectural programmatic elements are placed around this plaza, which also serves as a constructed wetlands to filter stormwater on site.
key elements: filter gallery
Cypress Creek
Pollard Street
wetlands plaza
site plan
proposed light rail station bridge over building filter pathway
Pollard Street
Proposed Light Rail
North Hull Street
Sadler Street
stormwater flow
infiltration section
section showing gabion filter wall
filter galler y
Cypress Creek
As an intersection between architecture and landscape, the gallery was developed to explore the idea of filter within a building. This gallery space is defined by a large gabion wall, which varies in porosity from top to bottom. A roof structure directs the flow of rainwater onto the wall, which literally acts as a filter for polluted rainwater before it infiltrates into the ground.
filter - path This design imagines a new street section [pictured right], in which stormwater is directed toward a central raingarden system. The raingarden serves as a buffer between vehicles and a bicycle and pedestrian pathway as well as a method of stormwater infiltration. In combining these two elements (path and raingarden), this design aimed at creating a new social and active space that also engaged in stormwater treatment. stormwater flow
outcomes + evaluation
section showing path system with below-grade stormwater filtration
The Linear Filter, as an initial investigation, began to achieve some of the project goals, but it was limited in its success. Upon reflection, this investigation lacks a truly revelatory landscape: stormwater is hidden behind a screen of plants, underneath the pathway, and stormwater pollution, cleansing, and outcomes of this process are not directly visible to the user. Additionally, nothing is directly at-stake for the community itself in the cleansing of the stormwater.
also begin to explore the intersection between architecture and landscape. The idea of a gabion wall as a filter was pursued in subsequent investigations.
Randolph Street
Pollard Street
Proposed Light Rail
Sadler Street
Proposed Light Rail
Sadler Street
While the filter-path and wetlands plaza begin to create spaces for social engagement with water, there is no real attraction programmed in this area. The wetlands plaza and filter gallery
Pollard Street
However, the greatest issue in this design is that the majority of the intervention is hidden behind the warehouse building and has minimal engagement with the existing structures. Making the project more visible from North Hull, as well as resolving the other issues mentioned became the focus of the second design investigation.
North Hull Street
North Hull Street
site section Site Section
Scale: 1/16� = 1’ - 0�
2 pecan project The second design investigation focuses on revealing a process in which the community has a stake in its result. A series of cisterns collects water from the city’s stormwater system, which is distributed to several constructed wetlands. These wetlands filter the water and remove pollutants. At the end of each wetland areas, a second cistern holds the cleansed water, which, in turn, is used to irrigate a cooperative pecan orchard [see diagram, right]. At stake are the pecans, which the community can harvest and eat. Many of the existing structures have been removed to make way for the orchard; however, the most historic building is retained and used for the Cypress Creek Community Center.
key elements: pecan orchard cleansed water cisterns
constructed wetlands community center collection cisterns
site plan
4 irrigation 3 cleansed water
2 wetlands
1 collection
stormwater cleansing system + pecan irrigation
from polluted to pie: a system of stormwater cleansing and production 49
5’ - 0” Wide Pathway
3’ D Metal Securing Ties Precast Reinforced Concrete Pavers
Concrete Water Basin Wall
Spiral Wire Binders to Connect Baskets
2’ H Gabion Baskets with Recycled Broken Conrete
Well Drained Backfill Water Level
Concrete Water Barrier
gabion wall [as filter] detail
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outcomes + evaluation The Pecan Project addresses many of the issues of the Linear Path, but falls short of some project goals. The idea of a pecan orchard does begin to create a successful social space for engagement with water. It provides a shady place of escape from the summer sun, and pathways along the gabion walls allow users to follow the stormwater cleansing process. Most importantly, something is at stake for the community in the creating of a cooperative, with the ability for community members to collect and use the pecan nuts. A visible constructed landscape system is used to showcase stormwater pollution, cleansing, and results; however, there is a
perspective of gabion wall and cleansed-water cistern
problem in this process: pecan trees will fruit whether or not it receives cleansed water, and therefore, the relationship between the quality of the water and that of the nut is not discernable. This investigation also has limited interaction between architecture and landscape, as the community center does not engage with the constructed landscape system and the landscape system, in return, does not respond to the building. Overcoming these issues became the main focus of the final design investigation.
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3 the hub The final design investigation, the Hub, focuses on the intersection of built structures with constructed landscape systems, to create new social spaces for interaction with water, while revealing a process of collecting and filtering city stormwater. A series of ponds, channels, and constructed wetlands engage with existing built structures, functioning both ecologically (as wetlands habitat and stormwater treatment) and spatially (as an organizing component for programmatic elements). This stormwater cleansing system becomes an intervention connected to Cypress Creek: a channel allows cleansed water to flow from the transparency pool down to the creek, creating a visible connection between the outcome of the cleansing process and its value to the quality of Cypress Creek.
overflow to cypress creek
the market
Many of the existing structures on the site are retained and reused to provide areas to support community activities, including a community center and a market. The market provides a place for affordable retail space for small local vendors, with the aim of becoming a daily attraction for residents to the site. The community center is housed in the most historic structure, and a series of bridges cross from the center to a small gallery space for environmentally focused art installations. A transit stop creates a totally integrated alternative transportation hub, allowing for pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit to be used interchangeable in the area.
key elements: community center gallery / exhibition space stormwater cleansing system public-transit stop site plan
the market
transparency pool
rainwater collection
cypress community center
event space / future greenhouse
stormwater cleansing system gallery / exhibition space site plan
stormwater cleansing system The stormwater cleansing system is designed to both reveal the condition of city’s stormwater discharge, as well as showcase methods for filtering and removing pollutants from this water. Rainwater from the city’s stormwater system is diverted into the collection pond, flows out through the spout, and into the filter bridges. high zone
The filter bridges use porous gabion walls to remove large debris and sediment from the water before it enters into the constructed wetlands. The wetlands use a combination of plants and topographic elements to remove a variety of pollutants from the water, which is distributed into the transparency pool and out into Cypress Creek.
moderate zone
low zone
filter bridges
stormwater outlet
the spout
collection pond
water system plan + section
perspective of the spout area 56
stormwater outlet
the spout
collection pond
constructed weir collection pond + spout
collection pond Water diverted from the city’s stormwater system is initially contained in the collection pond [pictured above]. The location of this pond was determined by topographic analysis to be best sited in the southeast corner of the property, which has the greatest change in elevation and most capacity for storm water. A large weir was added to allow for the creation of a pond, and calculations of the pond’s capacity were made to determine the appropriate size for the constructed wetlands.
the spout Bringing water through the historic warehouse structure, the spout provides a visible connection to the quality of the city’s stormwater. Users come in contact with this water in a small, confined space, where sight, sound, and smell are amplified; this is intentionally to create an intense and immediate reaction to
collection pond capacity + constructed stormwater wetlands area depth 2 ft 4 ft 6 ft 8 ft 10 ft 12 ft
total volume 5,920 ft3 16,360 ft3 28,754 ft3 42,020 ft3 58,098 ft3 76,054 ft3
csw area 0.14 ac 0.38 ac 0.67 ac 0.96 ac 1.34 ac 1.75 ac
wetlands size [appx.] 0.55 ac
the poor quality of the water. This interstitial space also serves as the entrance into the galleries, which house exhibits relating to the Cypress Creek Waterway project. 57
filter bridges The initial step in stormwater cleansing begins with the filter bridges. These gabion walls capture sediment and other debris as water percolates through them. The walls also function as bridges for pedestrian and bicycle pathways, creating an intersection between human activity and the water cleansing process.
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fill: 4 - 8 in ø stone maximum porosity: 30%
case study: ef fingham way Using gabion walls in a constructed landscape to filter sediment and other pollutants is an up-and-coming technology. French & Associates in Columbus, Georgia, applied this method to the Effingham Way subdivision, with promising results. The property had been abandoned before construction was complete, and exposed soils resulted in large amounts of sediment being deposited into Ginger Creek during storm events. After the installation of a large gabion weir, sediment levels downstream were eventually reduced to their natural level.
turbidity levels (NTUs) pre- and post- weir construction
normal level disturbance level post-wall construction
date
rainfall upstream down-stream (in) (NTUs) (NTUs)
10/19/07
0.80
70
220
2/22/08
2.75
210
1000+
2/26/08
1.19
250
740
3/07/08
1.30
246
834
8/25/08
1.57
310
250
adapted from Taylor, 2012
effingham way site plan
all channels lead to transparancy pool
pond 3
pond 2
gabion weirs
constructed wetlands plan
pond 1
constructed wetlands The constructed wetlands are at the core of the stormwater cleansing system. Wetlands act as “nature’s kidneys,” filtering out sediment and pollution at a very efficient rate [see table].
pollutant removal effectiveness of constructed stormwater wetlands
Three ponds are separated by a series of gabion weirs, which allow a permanent level of water to remain in all ponds, while allowing rising water to flow sequentially into each pond. Three separate channels connect the wetlands to the transparency pool and provide a route for cleansed water to take, based on the amount of rainfall the wetlands receives [pp. 64–72].
pollutant
median pollutant removal
total suspended sediment
78%
soluble phosphorus
40%
total phosphorus
51%
The weirs, along with a series of stepped gabion walls, become planters for wetlands species, as well as seating for people. With the rise and fall of water level, new areas are covered/ uncovered, creating a dialogue between people, plants, and animals through the varying spaces they occupy. This dialogue forms the connection between people and water, as a gradual revelation develops among users of the space that this new habitat changes not only seasonally, but also with the amount of rainfall it receives during each rain event.
ammonia (as NH4)
43%
nitrate-nitrogen
67%
organic nitrogen
1%
total khedjahl nitrogen (TKN)
14.5%
total nitrogen
21%
copper
39.5%
lead
63%
zinc
53.5%
Thus, the constructed wetlands serve as a point of reference for the community – as a measure of stormwater quality, rainfall amount, habitat creation/destruction, and as visible example of the dichotomy between Cypress Creek in its present lifeless state and a flourishing habitat in the decidedly man-made wetlands. The revelation: We hold the power to destroy life in Cypress Creek, but also the power to restore it to a better ecological state.
adapted from N.C. Coop. Ext., 2000
zone 3: periodic inundation
plant life
Asclepias incarnata Cephalanthus occidentalis Conoclinium coelestinum Eupatoriadelphus fistulosis Fothergilla gardenii Helianthus angustifolius Ilex decidua Lindera benzoin Muhlenbergia capillaris Panicum virgatum
A number of plant species have been chosen for the constructed wetlands, which can handle the dramatic change in conditions in this type of system. Specific species are planted on different levels, corresponding to the types of fluctuations in water level that occur naturally in wetlands.
swamp milkweed buttonbush mistflower Joe pye weed dwarf witch alder swamp sunflower possumhaw spicebush muhly grass switchgrass
zone 2: constant inundation Carex crinita Iris virginica Juncus effusus Pontederia cordata Sagittaria lancifolia Sagittaria latifolia Saururus cernuus Scirpus cyperinus Sparganium americanum
fringed sedge Southern blue flag iris Common Rush pickerelweed bulltongue arrowhead duck potato lizard tail woolgrass bur-reed
zone 1: likely submersion Nelumbo lutea Vallisneria americana
American Lotus American eelgrass
animal life The Cypress Nature Park master plan includes an inventory of local animal species that have been sighted in the area. This list was analyzed and used to best predict what type of wildlife would be attracted to the constructed wetlands. The species identified on this page are those whose life-cycle depends on the conditions of ephemeral wetlands. For example, the female marbled salamander lays its eggs in a depression, and waits until rain fills the depression and triggers the eggs to hatch. If the rain never comes, then the eggs have the ability to over winter until spring to hatch (Oguni). This naturally-occuring condition is mimicked in the constructed wetlands.
salamanders mole salamander spotted dusky salamander marbled salamander southern two-lined salamander slimy salamander
turtles eastern box turtle snapping turtle
dragonflies / damselflies blue dasher common whitetail eastern pondhawk fragile forktail damselfly widow skimmer yellow-sided skimmer
frogs chorus frog eastern spadefoot southern chorus frog southern leopard frog
wetlands: average rainfall With an average level of rainfall, all three pools are filled to a minimum level, while the first two pools allow cleansed water to flow through the channels into the transparency pool. Spaces are evenly distributed for human and wetland activities.
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wetlands: high rainfall During a large storm event, all three ponds are filled to capacity, and excess water flows through all three channels, into the transparency pool, and out to Cypress Creek. In this scenario, the majority of spaces are occupied by the wetlands, with the exception of the bridges and floor-level areas.
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wetlands: low rainfall With a low amount of rainfall, all three ponds are only filled to their minimum level. If necessary, a supplementary reserve is provided for by the rainwater collection system [p. 00] to maintain this level. Some wetland species may begin to disappear, leaving more space for human activities.
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wetlands: no rainfall In a period of extreme drought, it is possible that the wetlands may dry up completely. This scenario may see a large drop in the level of plant and animal life, and would serve as a clearly visible connection between lack of water and lack of habitat. Spaces once occupied by wetlands species may be used for entirely new human activities, such as performances or lectures [pictured right].
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transparency pool The final destination for the cleansed water, before it goes to Cypress Creek, is the transparency pool. As its name implies, this area showcases the transparency (cleanliness) of the water, and acts as a metaphor for the entire constructed landscape system, which aims to make “transparent� the process of stormwater cleansing. Depending on the efficiency of the constructed wetlands and the quality of the water, the transparency pool could be used for various purposes: fish habitat/for fishing, fishless habitat for salamander and frog reproduction, or a swimming hole for local residents. In any of these cases, the transparency pool becomes an important human and wildlife habitat.
wetlands + transparency pool
transparency pool
constructed wetlands
wetlands + transparency section
main storage for supplemental water
additional storage for future greenhouse
rainwater system plan
rainwater collection A system was designed for the collection and storage of rainwater from the roofs of the existing structures, as a supplement source for the constructed wetlands. This rainwater collection system uses overscaled gutters and troughs to direct water into a large set of cisterns in the center of the main plaza, creating a highly visible connection between the buildings and the stormwater cleansing system. Users going through the site pass by the cisterns, and can see water being collected with every rainstorm, providing an immediate revelation and connection between people and water.
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1
linear [path]
2
interior [space]
3
maze [path]
4
exterior [space]
building layout iterations
restrooms
storage
1300 sf building [4 - 325 sf units]
1050 sf building [3 - 350 sf units]
market plan
the market At the main intersection of landscape and architecture lies the market. This area is the nexus of activity and engagement with water. Market buildings are design to be very simple structures to allow for affordable low-rent spaces. This provides a place for community members to sell their goods and creates an attraction for users passing through the site. Several building layouts were considered [pictured left] based on pedestrian flow and spaces created; the layout chosen [4] has
the most outwardly facing spaces, emphasizing the connection between the market and the constructed landscape system. As users visit the market, they experience a new type of space: one that is neither completely indoors nor completely out. Channels bring wetlands plants and animals directly though the market, creating the potential for new experiences between people, water, and the life that it supports. 77
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outcomes + evaluation The Hub, as the final design investigation, addressed the majority of the issues with the previous investigations to create a series of spaces for connection between people and water. As a constructed landscape, the stormwater cleansing system provides a clear path from stormwater outlet through to Cypress Creek that one can follow to see the differing conditions of water quality from one area to another. Water pollution, cleansing, and its results are visible from nearly every point In the project. The market, as a social space provides an attraction to the site, and its interaction with the wetlands defines a place for new experiences between people and water. As a point of reference for the community, this space is successful, as daily and seasonal changes are clearly visible in the fluctuation of water level, which creates a menagerie of spaces for plant, animal, and human activities. Through the gabion walls, the rainwater collection system, and the channels in the stormwater cleansing system, visible intersections show how both landscape and architecture can contribute to the collection and cleansing of rainwater. These different elements allow users for multiple connections to be made between water and the built environment, providing a given user the ability to see, in at least one way the importance of rainwater in the project.
intersection of wetlands + market
Not all aspects of The Hub were successful. The community center plays an important role in the success of the larger Cypress Creek Waterway development; yet this area was not explored in much detail, as the market became the main focus of the investigation, due to its proximity to the wetlands as well as the everyday activities that occur within it. Additionally, an overall level of depth and detail was lacking in the investigation, due to a limited amount of time. If pursued further, this investigation has the potential to become much more compelling. 79
intervention site in context
reflections Large, watershed-scale remediation projects take a long time to develop and implement. Because all watersheds are connected to larger systems, they tend to have no fixed beginning or end. By limiting the initial landscape intervention to the bounds of a single site, this project provides a smaller-scale point of reference for showcasing a working solution to a greater problem (stormwater quality). This method gives the city of Montgomery a more definitive starting point than their current master plan – a small project as easy target for development and fundraising. This project then serves as a base for community involvement and a catalyst for the larger greenway project. Many cities with the same urban waterway issues can apply this method of a small beginning to a larger project. Providing for community involvement is key – as a combination of public and private efforts are needed today for most projects of this scale to be developed. Community involvement also insures that the
development of a plan accounts for the real needs of the people, rather than the perceived “needs” of one group of stakeholders. That being said, the limitation of a site-specific project is that it may not account for larger-scale connections to the city as a whole. While a large-scale “master plan” was the starting point for this project, each of the project’s interventions all succumbed to a myopic view, focusing inwardly, on a self-contained system, rather than outwardly, on its impact to the greater community and watershed. If pursued further, this project would need to be viewed at an intermediate scale [pictured left] to analyze its citywide and watershed-wide implications before the site-specific design is refined. Just as you cannot force a plant or animal to thrive in an area [pp. 70-71], you cannot force a person to understand an issue or concept. But you can provide the ideal conditions for this 81
awareness to occur. This understanding was revealed in the process of exploring a revelatory landscape through several design investigations. While all these investigations aimed at connection people and water, it was determined that an attraction, a place where something was at-stake, was needed to bring people to the area. In the final proposal, the market serves as this attraction, drawing people into the site daily. Using the market area, the interaction between architecture and landscape, social and ecological space, was explored to create a dialogue between people and water. In this way, a slow appreciation develops among users of the value of water to people, plants, and animals. Other areas, such as the spout, serve for more immediate responses to polluted stormwater. Moving forward, further analysis of the nature of these types revelations would be used to qualify its success and refine the intervention’s design. The market, the community center, and the gallery spaces are all potential spaces to showcase the reuse of former industrial buildings. While industrial reuse an ancillary goal of this project, it is a valuable one nonetheless, as many cities like Montgomery are faced with large abandoned industrial areas. The design investigations in this project did not examine industrial reuse in much detail; the architectural qualities of these structures would need to be studied further, in order to develop a plan for the layout and renovation of the warehouse buildings. The idea of re-connecting people and water is crucial for sustaining our future. Without an awareness and understanding of the current conditions of urban watersheds and what needs to be done to remediate the problems, there will be no action, no funding, and no support for urban waterway reparation. Large city-wide greenway masterplans have their place; this project, however, provides a definite starting point for the city of Montgomery and its citizens to engage with their waterways, 82
understand the issues of stormwater management, and to take action to fix the problems their creek faces. Reconnecting people and water gives us the chance to enhance the ecological quality of our urban waterways, and in turn improve our quality of life. Perhaps one day, when it rains every person will be able to answer the question: Where does water go?
references Much of this project has been influenced by the work the author has done on the Low Impact Development Manual for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. This document will be available in 2013 through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System website: http://www.aces.edu Campbell, W. (2012, February 17). Interview by T.F. French [Personal Interview]. N.C. Coop. Ext. 2000. Urban Waterways: Designing Stormwater Wetlands for Small Watersheds (AG-588-2). 24 Apr. 2012. <http:// www.neuse.ncsu.edu/SWwetlands.pdf> Oguni, J. (n.d.). Marbled salamander (ambystoma opacum). Herpetology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. Retrieved from <http://srelherp.uga.edu/salamanders/ambopa.htm> Taylor, A. S. (2012, February 25). Interview by T.F. French [Personal Interview]. Email correspondance.
Image Credits Unless otherwise noted, all images are credited to the author. [p. 09] image courtesy Bill Campbell, Cypress Nature Park: https://picasaweb.google.com/tupeloswamp [p. 15] images from Mary Miss: http://www.marymiss.com/ [p. 20] center image from Mary Miss: http://www.marymiss.com/ [pp. 17-19] images from 2011 ASLA Professional Awards: http://www.asla.org/2011awards/183.html [pp. 26-27] rendering and cover by HOK, Cypress Nature Park Masterplan (October 2011), courtesy Bill Campbell [p. 29] images #1 - 4 courtesy Bill Campbell, Cypress Nature Park: https://picasaweb.google.com/tupeloswamp [p. 38] image of Kiwanis Park from Montgomery Parks website: http://www.funontheriver.net/parks-items/kiwanis-park [p. 59] picture and site plan courtesty Ashley Taylor, French & Associates
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