Post-Industrial Park, Hydroelectric Dam, and Research Hub
Professor: Lucia Phinney
Chesterfield, Virginia
Phasing Energy In and Out on the James River
Amid the global climate crisis, this project reimagines the decommissioned Dominion Energy Plant in Chesterfield, Virginia, once the state’s largest coal-fired station and top polluter, into a renewable energy research lab and educational visitor center. Guided by Virginia’s Clean Economy Act, which mandates closing all coal plants by 2024, the redesign integrates hydropower and solar infrastructure, addresses environmental remediation of coal ash ponds, and revitalizes the surrounding conservation areas along the James River. The proposal creates a hub of innovation, education, and socio-economic growth, showcasing the global potential of adaptive reuse for a more sustainable future.
DUTCHGAPCANAL
Section | Existing Coal Unit
Coal Power Plants in Virginia | EPA Hazard Rating and Energy Providers
CHESTERFIELD POWER SUBSTATION
JAMESRIVER
ENERGY RESEARCH AND VISTOR CENTER
DUTCH GAP CONSERVATION AREA
WETLAND REMEDIATION
DUTCHGAPCANAL
SOLAR FARM
AIKEN SWAMP
Post Industrial Park | Replanting the Coast and Inhabiting the Infrastructure
First Floor Plan | Hydropower Dam
Section Perspective | Hydropower Dam
Turbine Generator
Infill
LAKESHORE RENEWAL
Renewable Energy Plant and Research Facility
Professor: Erin Putalik
Porter, Indiana
Remediation and Conversion of Bailly Generating Station
This proposal repurposes and remediates the decommissioned Bailly Generating Station in Porter, Indiana, transforming it into a hub for sustainable energy and research along the Lake Michigan shore. Addressing threats from existing coal ash ponds near the Indiana Dunes National Park, the project responds to the urgency of mitigating environmental and human health risks. The revitalized Bailly Generating Station integrates substations and research centers positioned for optimal energy generation. Incorporated in a recreational and educational land-use plan, the facility goes beyond being an energy producer, offering an experience that fosters play, education, and habitat restoration.
Dunes
U.S. Steel
Interior Perspective | Visitor and Education Center
Model | Visitor and Education Center
Interior Perspective | Wind Substation +
Laboratories Viewing Deck
Generators Offices
Transformers
Model | Wind Substation and Research Facility
Facility
Recycled Steel Structure
Recycled Steel Roof
Clerestory Lighting
Helical Piers
Cafe and Display Space
CELESTIAL ARCHIVE
Public Archive
Professor: Lauren McQuistion
New York, New York
Bridging Manhattan’s Lost Night Sky with an Archive of Astronomy
Humans once relied on the night sky for agriculture and navigation, but urban light pollution has severed that connection. This project reintroduces celestial observation to Lower Manhattan through a public archive on Chamber Street, featuring historical navigation tools, a planetarium, library, private research spaces, and a café. Bogardus Plaza’s redesign includes a sundial and seating, while a copper dome with aluminum shading elements crowns the planetarium. Positioned at the corner of Broadway and Chamber Street, this celestial hub invites both public exploration and professional research.
Chamber Street Transect | Public Space along Chamber Street in New York City
Site Plan | First Floor and Plaza
Transverse Section | Connection to the Subway
South West Isometric View | Planetarium and Plaza Connection
Interior Perspective | Education Lab and Circulation
Interior Perspective | Reception and Cafe
Massing Diagram
Longitudinal Section | Core Interior Connections
04
FUNNELING EDUCATION
Environmental Learning Center
Professor: JT Bachman
Charlottesville, Virginia
An Immersive Learning Center for Fifth and Sixth Grade Students
The proposed environmental education center for fifth and sixth-grade students, located between Walker Upper Elementary and Greenleaf Park, fosters environmental awareness and community engagement for the Upper Elementary students and the greater Charlottesville community. The distinctive funnel shape directs visitors from the elementary parking lot through a central social space, over the creek, and toward the Rivanna River Trails. Its undulating walls offer a unique spatial experience, acting as a buffer against the nearby highway for a serene and safe learning environment. The education center is divided into two bars, housing classrooms and featuring open learning spaces.
Interior Perspective | Second Floor Exhibition
Longitundinal Section | Garden, Exhibition Space, and Library
Interior Perspective | First Floor Library
Model
Interior Perspective | First Floor Classroom
South West Isometric View | Exploded View of Interior Spaces and Structure
Model | Unit Fragment
| Urban Figure
Model
06 APPENDIX
Contrast Still Life | Oil on Canvas | 24 x 18 in.
Dual Canvas Still Life | Oil on Canvas | 24 x 48 in.