Projects      









Coastal Resilience Industrial Land Field’s Point In Transition

Advisor: Anne Tate & Laura Briggs
Location:  Rhode Island
RISD, Advance Studio


Introduction
This project explores the opportunities and challenges of a coastal area in an era of both intended and unpredictable transformations. The imperatives of global climate change and rising sea-levels, paired with the need to transition rapidly to a zero carbon economy, come together with great force on this landfilled post-industrial port site on the edge of downtown Providence.


The site at Field’s Point currently contains critical pieces of an outmoded energy system, a conventional water treatment plant, and stockpiles of noxious substances.Isolated from the city, this low-lying land is also subject to rising tides and storm surges along with other climate impacts. Because of its location and prominent industrial identity, it is emblematic for the city, state, and seaboard.


The design proposal addresses three major challenges of the site: rising sea-levels, an outdated energy model, and restricted access for the public. In response, it offers three strategies for the transition of the site. First, a continuous sea wall and levees are designed to protect infrastructure and wastewater treatment plants from flooding. The elevated driveway and salt marsh landscape create a protective ribbon around the coastal line. Second, the design proposes wind turbines and wave turbines to replace the traditional fossil fuel economy, supplying electricity directly to the national grid and nearby industries. Lastly, a new bike path along with a new driveway offer residents access to the waterfront and allows Field’s Point to gradually reconnect with thcity.
                




Site Analysis
Site | Industrial Watefront Vulnerable to Flood and Denies Acess





 Site Design Strategy
   Flooding Analysis

    Flooding Strategy



  Energy and Waste Analysis

 New Energy Strategy: Cement Waste Reuse + Wave Turbine
  Access and Transportation Analysis

    Access Strategy: Seashore Bike Path and Elevated Driveway



Design
Master Plan


       A Biking Journey  Through Field’s Point



Barrier Transitions | Overall Types:  Leeve, Sea Wall, Marsh






Levee | Visualization: Wind and Wave Energy Generation, Recreational Space





Sea Wall | Visualization: Flood Barrier, Critical Transportation



Salt Marsh Wet Land | Detail Drawing





At Campus | Detail Drawing


Biking Through Cement Factory  | Visualization of Industrial Process

 



Projection

Providence Green New Deal | Flood, Energy, Access