site diagrams relaon to causeway primary axis paved and open space 26 2. current site aerial, google
7. Program Framework An essenal characterisc <strong>of</strong> good architecture is the integraon <strong>of</strong> mulple disparate program requirements into a unified composion. I will use the several meanings <strong>of</strong> resilience as a means <strong>of</strong> organizing the programming phase <strong>of</strong> this project. As defined at the beginning <strong>of</strong> this document, resilience – is the capacity <strong>of</strong> a given ecosystem to maintain its essenal characteriscs despite stressors including changing environmental condions. Addressing the definion given above, there are three components. First I will work with RSMAS to create a working list <strong>of</strong> “essenal characteriscs” which define two ecosystems; one, the Virginia Key/Bear Cut coastal margin, and two, the <strong>University</strong> community which I view as part <strong>of</strong> the Virginia Key system. Second, I will outline expected system-level stressors. Third, I will idenfy those which may be migated through architecture. program criteria A truly resilient campus will sasfy a broad range <strong>of</strong> program needs. In the largest sense, the goal is to create a place which supports a thriving intellectual community in a manner which is integrated into its urban and ecological context. Improvements to the RSMAS campus should be evaluated in the context <strong>of</strong> campus planning needs, but also for how they contribute to the enrichment <strong>of</strong> the larger Viginia Key/Bear Cut ecosystem. Campus planning for RSMAS should consider basic issues such as parking and transportaon in conjunc- on with adjacent facilies, development <strong>of</strong> pedestrian and bicycle networks, public waterfront access, visibility <strong>of</strong> RSMAS campus funcons to the public, and program diversificaon including addion <strong>of</strong> housing and compelling community spaces. Beyond this, campus improvements should be designed to enhance the interface with Bear Cut. Improvements should go beyond a generalized low-impact building approach, and target enhancement <strong>of</strong> specific ecological funcons. For example, green ro<strong>of</strong>s could be designed to provide habitat for shorebird species which would have found refuge in the nave coastal scrub forest. Buildings could be connected by elevated walkways which would allow for restoraon <strong>of</strong> seasonal flooding on parts <strong>of</strong> the campus and replanng <strong>of</strong> funconal pockets <strong>of</strong> mangrove. By idenfying quanfiable ecological goals, input from disciplines such as restoraon ecology is given greater weight in the design process. client Because <strong>of</strong> their centralized structure, informed decision making process, long planning horizons, and respect for innovaon, universies can play a unique role in seng the tone for future development <strong>of</strong> surrounding communies. The Rosensel campus <strong>of</strong>fers an opportunity to test the potenal for thoughtful, humane, and ecologically sensive coastal urban redevelopment. As with any instuonal client, various interests must be balanced in order to create a campus which opmizes benefit to the larger community while serving the specific programmac needs <strong>of</strong> its members. In this instance, there are three primary client interests: • The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Miami</strong> as a whole • Specific interests <strong>of</strong> the Rosensel <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> Marine and Atmospheric Sciences • The Virginia Key ecosystem A successful program will have to balance the somemes conflicng needs <strong>of</strong> the three communies above. A successful design will both reinforce the essenal characteriscs <strong>of</strong> the three, as well as improve their resilience to future stress. Preliminary quesons are as follows: university priories • How can RSMAS be beer integrated into the academic and social life <strong>of</strong> students on Main Campus? • How can RSMAS campus facilies be improved to provide opportuni- es for students from a variety <strong>of</strong> disciplines to study coastal issues in an integrated manner? • Could an improved RwSMAS campus serve as a recruing tool for the larger <strong>University</strong>? • Can the RSMAS campus reflect the President’s desire to incorporate housing into new <strong>University</strong> structures? rsmas priories • How can new construcon improve spaal definion <strong>of</strong> the campus, helping describe a hierarchical sequence <strong>of</strong> posive open spaces? • How can infrastructure, ulies and circulaon be streamlined? • What kinds <strong>of</strong> spaces are needed to improve the funcon <strong>of</strong> the research community? • How can obsolete structures best be replaced? • What combinaons <strong>of</strong> program would be most easily financed? • What kinds <strong>of</strong> non-academic program would improve campus life (ie. housing, community space?) • If housing were to be added, what type and how many units would create a crical mass <strong>of</strong> residents? • How can physical improvements impact the durability <strong>of</strong> RSMAS as a human community focused on top-level marine ecological research and conservaon? 27
Change language