THE PASSAIC WATERSHED

An Urban Framework

During : Urban Design Studio | Fall 2022

Instructor : Georgeen Theodore

Team : Nairi Arslan, Brian Bueno, Simran Dbritto, Javier Lora, Manushi Patel

Duration : 4 months

Skills : QGIS, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, CNC, 3D Printing

In this studio, we analyzed current urban issues that persist in the Fassaic Watershed, which is comprised of almost a thousand square miles, such as flooding, wastewater treatment and so on. After researching such issues, the class focused on two municipalities Paterson and Newark, to analyze existing urban conditions and propose a framework for the future of these industrial cities. In acdition, we also created a physical model of the watershed that will be used to interact with the public to raise awareness as well as understand their concerns regarding access to water, clean air and so on.

Focus Area: North Newark

Reason: Dense Industrial population and lack of access to the water.

Exsisting Conditions:

1) Industrial waterfront and McCarter highway are the major barrier that prevent connection to the river.

2) Side walks with no green space or any run off space.

After looking at the exsisting conditions and the green goals, we came up with solution to this problems. Instead of creating a green belt near to the water, we proposed to make green industrial water front parks and green farming near to river. Also create boat launch for river access.

Proposed Conditions:

(1) Proposing a green industrial park, including vertical farming and packaging, providing both access towards the water and jobs to the people of the North.

(2) The proposed blue-green street section indicates the existing sidewalk changed to bio-swales that would help increasing water run-off time to strom water pipes during rainfall and flooding.

The table was launched at a public engagement event at the Newark Public Library where people and children interacted with the 3D printed topographical models, the vinyl maps underneath it and along with that we made laminated cards that explain information of several aspects of the watershed.