Nese Ersoy Genc Portfolio

NESE ERSOY GENC LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN PORTFOLIO

SITE CONTEXT & VISION

Botwood, situated in north-central Newfoundland, lies on the western shore of the Bay of Exploits, boasting a natural deep-water harbor with historical use by cargo ships and seaplanes. The town’s earliest settlers, the Beothuks, now believed to be extinct, hold profound historical importance. Notably, Botwood seeks to commemorate Demasduit, captured in 1819 near Botwood Lake, who tragically witnessed her child’s father’s murder.

To illuminate these pivotal historical events, Botwood envisions landscape design as a means of creating a prominent destination, thereby generating revenue. With amplified amenities and expanded marina capacity, the town aims to establish itself as a significant port in North America, even catering to sailors. This transformative vision extends to converting the flying boat into a state-of-the-art flight simulator.

This downtown revitalization initiative draws inspiration from Botwood’s rich history, natural beauty, and collective memory. The primary objective is to enhance the daily lives of its residents while fostering Botwood’s emergence as a vibrant tourist destination.

HISTORICAL SITE ANALYSIS

Legend

Landmark (Existing) / Heritage Building

Landmark (1961* - does not exist anymore)

Moorings 1944

RCAF : Royal Canadian Air Force

BOAC: British Overseas Airways Corporation

PAA: Pan American World Airways

Spur Line

Mural locations

Street Network (has not change since 1961.)

* locations based on:

Botwood, Newfoundland

Newfoundland Department of Municipal Affairs.

Hunting Survey Corporation.

St. John's, Nfld. : Dept. of Municipal Affairs, Provincial Planning Division 1967.

Date of photography: May 1961.

The Beothuk HISTORY IN PICTURES

Demasduit. Captured on March 5, 1819 at Red Indian Lake, Died at Botwood Harbour on Jan 8, 1820.

Shanawdithit. Beothucks Captured 1829.

It refers particularly to Buchan’s expedition up the lake in 1820 with the body of poor Demasduit.*

Half of Red Indian Lake, including the NE. arm, where the principal encampment of the Beothuks was situated.*

Winter and Summer wigwams (mamateeks).

Different kinds of animal food.*

*Sketches by Shanawdithit.

Shanawdithit. Last survivor of Beothucks so far as is known . Captured in 1823, died in St John’s,

The taking of Demasduit on the North side of the lake. *

Ash-mud-yim, the blackman, or Red Indian Devil, seen at the Great Lake. / Deer and Seal Spears Store house / Dancing woman / Birch bark vessels.*

The house in St John’s, in which Shanawdithit lived.

Emblems of Red Indian Mythology. *

HISTORY IN PICTURES

Rev. Edward Botwood

1860s

Botwood, NL, was incorporated as a town in 1960, with a population of 3,008 (2011 Exploits, a long arm of Notre Dame Bay on the north coast of Newfoundland. Historically, Exploits River, and it was on board John Buchan’s ship that Demasduwit tragically Lake. Originally named Ship Cove, it evolved into a sawmilling center during the 1870s and later shortened to Botwood, in honor of Reverend Edward Botwood (1828-1901).

Reverend Edward Botwood (1828-1901). Exploits River Lumber and

and Pulp Company, Botwoodville, circa 1880. (2011 census). The Town of Botwood is situated in the Bay of Historically, it served as an anchorage for explorers of the passed away in 1820 while awaiting a return to Red Indian 1870s and 1880s, subsequently being renamed Botwoodville, (1828-1901).

HISTORY IN PICTURES

Pulp & Paper Industry & Shipbuilding

In 1910, Botwood became a pivotal shipping port for paper transported by rail from Grand Falls (now Grand FallsWindsor) and Bishop’s Falls, and later, for ore from Buchans after 1928.

Loading paper at botwood c.1912

The Sordello, Built in Company, 1919.

Lumber and Pulp

botwood for the A.N.D.

Logging Camp Botwoodville 1906.

Pulp Company c.1900

Aviation HISTORY IN PICTURES

During the 1920s and 1930s, it functioned as a seaplane base for local aviation and served as a stopover point for numerous transatlantic flights until the opening of Gander airport. Presently, Botwood plays a significant role as a regional service center and a year-round transshipment base for various commodities.

Sydney Cotton's two planes in winter, Killick Island in the background, 1920-1923.

WWII HISTORY IN PICTURES

Killick Island, The War Comes to Town, 1939.

During World War II, the quiet port of Botwood was transformed into a crucial Canadian coastal defence base due to its strategic location in the North Atlantic. Serving as a hub for transatlantic flights, it hosted soldiers, dignitaries like Winston Churchill, and celebrities like Bob Hope. Remarkably, even before its military transformation, an enemy ship, the German freighter Christoph V. Doornum, was captured in its harbor after war was declared in 1939. The ship's crew was taken as prisoners, and the freighter was moved to Halifax, marking one of North America's first acts of war in World War II. As months passed, Botwood saw increased military activity, with Canadian soldiers building gun batteries, bunkers, and other essential facilities to defend the air base.

MARINAEXISTING CONDITIONS

Botwood Heritage Center

Botwood Flying Boat Museum

PBY Catalina Flying Boat

Existing Events Area

Events Expansion Area

Historic Air Base

Info Kiosk and Map for Art Walk

Public Parking

Art Walk

Historic Spur Line Walk

Historic Killick Island Walk

Existing Slipway

Art+ Interpretation Locations

Potential Marina Development Areas

CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

Landuse / Zoning

Legend

Residential (Medium Density)

Recreation / Open Space

Recreation

Rural

Industrial (General)

Industrial (Marine)

Comprehensive Development Area

Community / Social Services

Commercial (General)

WIND & SUN PATH

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Legend

Walking Trail (Spur Line + Killick Island)

Art Walk

Main Vehicular Circulation

Parking Boat Storage / Parking

Event Area Museum Restaurant Used Car Shop

Comfort Station (Accessible Washrooms + Laundry)

Information Centre

Memorial Gallery

Brew Pub

Lookout

DESIGN PROGRAM

HERITAGE MUSEUM

FLYING BOAT MUSEUM

Proposed connection with the new Multi-Functional Building

PROPOSED MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BUILDING

Community Centre

Office Space

Comfort Station (Accessible Washrooms / Showers / Laundry)

Canteen

Information Kiosk

BACK GARDEN OVERLOOKING THE EVENT SPACE

Can be fenced and converted to beer garden for small size events

PARKING AND BOAT STORAGE

PROPOSED STAGE & LOOKOUT

Located carefully to block prevailing winds.

The roof could function as a lookout.

OPEN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPACE

Can be converted to a beer garden for bigger events (with temporary fence).

Picnic / Play and Outdoor Art Space

BEOTHUK MEMORIAL GARDEN / OUTDOOR ART GALLERY

Demasduit died here in Botwood.

FUTURE MARINA BUILDING

FUELING DOCK

SLIPWAY

WOOD SEATING

FLIGHT SIMULATOR INSIDE THE PLANE

MARINA PLAZA

Asphalt surface with planting strips and line paintings. (Design influenced by the rich history)

Plants to be local low grasses/wild flowers not to interfere with the vista)

FUTURE BOAT STORAGE BUILDING

PARKING AND BOAT STORAGE

EXISTING RESTAURANT

GRAVEL PATH TO THE KILLICK ISLAND

(Service & emergency vehicular access only)

EXCALIBUR MEMORIAL SITE

Former Weather Station, current Viewfinder

Enhance site with lighting and landscape elements

BUNKER #1

Exhibits / installations / murals dedicated to Beothuk

BUNKER #2

Memory Room

BUNKER #3

Rotating Gallery

BUNKER #4

Extension and Lookout

Brew Pub / Marina Association Clubhouse

KILLICK ISLAND TRAIL

BREAKWATERS

FLOATING DOCKS (144 BERTHS IN TOTAL)

SHORT TERM TIE-UP PBY CANSO MEMORIAL

Topsoil and Sod

Wood Deck / Boardwalk Beach

PattisonAvenue

Naturalization Planting

DESIGN PROGRAM

LANDMARKS AND PUBLIC ART

Public art and landmarks play a crucial role in revealing the identity of the community and fostering a strong sense of place. Botwood is already adorned with numerous murals, celebrating important sites and historical events while creating new public spaces and attractions. The concept plan aims to showcase existing murals and provide opportunities for new ones. Many plan components, such as the event stage, lookout points, the Beothuk Memorial, and the Killick Island lookout, will naturally become community destinations. Competitions for new public art will invigorate a vibrant and evolving art scene.

CONNECTIONS AND LINKAGES

Thoughtful connections guide people through their experience of a place. This plan proposes a green connection between Killick Island and the marina, offering more green spaces for the town and establishing a strong visual link. Additionally, a dramatic painted art walk is suggested to direct visitors to the museums while adding vibrancy to the landscape. The idea of painted walks can be further explored and extended to highlight murals, historical sites, and other points of interest.

ACCESS TO WATER

The design prioritizes preserving, enhancing, and creating new access points and views to the water. Wood seating and a breakwater facilitate residents and visitors in enjoying leisure time by the water's edge. The event stage is strategically configured to block prevailing winds while framing scenic views of the ocean. The roof can be designed as a lookout, providing panoramic vistas. Concrete stepping stones lead people to the Beothuk Memorial garden, located along the ocean shore where Demasduit once lived. PARKING The proposed plan allows for a parking capacity of approximately 60 vehicles. However, this number can be easily adjusted during the detailed design stage to accommodate a need for more parking spots, if necessary.

SIGNAGE

Signage will consistently carry a clear and welcoming message, featuring the 'Botwood En Avant' brand, inviting all to experience the festive, historic, and vibrant community.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE ASSETS

The town's rich history significantly influenced the design of the concept plan. Drawing inspiration from the Beothuk history, the military layout of the site, and the network of streets, the plan pays homage to the town's cultural and historical heritage.

PEOPLE - FRIENDLY

In addition to creating a destination for visitors, Botwood Marina and Heritage Park will serve as a welcoming gathering spot for locals. The Flying Boat Plaza will have limited vehicle access (reserved for Marina use and emergencies), while other areas will be designated as pedestrian-only zones.

PUBLIC AMENITIES AND GATHERING PLACES

Botwood Marina and Heritage Park will foster a thriving environment for diverse activities, encouraging economic and cultural growth. The large plaza, thoughtfully integrated with landscape elements and street furniture, will serve as an ideal event space, featuring a stage, lookout points, ample seating, and picnic tables. The space can be utilized for various purposes, such as farmers' markets, art festivals, and exhibitions.

ADAPTIVE USE

The design proposes two possible sites (one small and the other larger) for temporary fencing when needed, instead of permanent fencing for the event space. This adaptive approach avoids unnecessary visual and physical barriers that would only be required on rare occasions. Furthermore, the Flying Boat Plaza preserves its flexibility by not having permanent vertical structures like trees or light poles, ensuring unobstructed views and providing versatile space.

PHASING

Museum Area

Event Space & Beothuk Memorial

Flying Boat Plaza

Killick Island

Marina

Heritage Museum

Future Boat Storage

MarineDrive

PattisonAvenue

SITE CONTEXT & VISION

Tract was commissioned by the Town of Carbonear to develop a Downtown Revitalization Strategy for Water Street. This involved a comprehensive assessment of current assets, consultations with local stakeholders and NGOs, and the crafting of visitor themes rooted in the area’s rich history. Innovative storytelling methods, including signage and visual aids, were proposed.

Tract’s planners also outlined strategies within the Municipal Plan and Development Regulations for effective development management, addressing absentee land ownership, and improving property aesthetics. Strong community, political, and funding support reflected their commitment to the revitalization vision.

Our vision aimed to establish an inviting and distinctive Heritage Waterfront District, fostering resident and business connections, providing appealing spaces for social interaction, and promoting economic, artistic, and cultural growth in Carbonear.

SITE ASSESSMENT - GATEWAYS

Gateway To Downtown Carbonear

From Highway

Hospital

Community Center (Town Hall/Theatre/Library/ Potential Expansion for Civic Center)

Recreation Facility

School or College

Highway (Route 70)

Main Road (Powell-Water St Connection)

Road into Downtown Streets

Connection)

Open/Recreational Space

Highway Commercial Area

T'railway Spur Line (Hiking/Biking/Atv)

SITE ASSESSMENT - LAND USE

ISOMETRIC VIEW - KEY DEVELOPMENT AREAS

Rorke Museum

Old Post Office Plaza

Farmers Market

Stone Jug

CARBONEARBAY

Future Waterfront Development

PROPOSED MASTER PLAN

OLD POST OFFICE AREA - SITE PLAN AND ELEVATION

ELEVATION

PROPOSED FARMERS MARKET & PLAZA - SITE

SITE PLAN AND ELEVATION

DETAILS

MATERIALS CATALOG

LABRADOR CITY GATEWAY SIGN PLANTING

LABRADOR CITY GATEWAY SIGN PLANTING

TYPICAL PLANTING DETAILS

Plaza and Memorial to commemorate the Royal St. John's Regatta Hall of Fame.

For this project, all landscape architects at the firm were assigned to create quick concept designs and generate 3D models, as the client requested three different concepts. Although my project was not ultimately selected due to its urban characteristics, certain elements, such as the wide boardwalk, were incorporated into the winning concept.

VISION

The Placentia Historical Society's vision for the park, which aims to commemorate Argentia's military history and honor the Americans who served here, is multi-faceted with several goals. The park's purpose is to enrich the lives of the local community, Newfoundlanders, and tourists alike, offering a diverse range of experiences and events. These experiences will span from reflective contemplation and relaxation to educational opportunities, invigorating nature activities, and thrilling play options.

The Park will serve as:

• A memorial and testimonial of respect for the Americans who occupied and served here.

• An attractive park and tourist site, enticing visitors with its appearance and various activities.

• An enhancement and highlight of a registered heritage site, preserving the history of the Argentia military base.

• Supported by a system of revenue generation to assist with operation and maintenance.

• Promoted through various promotional materials and an online presence.

• The site of a plaque honoring the Americans who served here.