Jeffrey Durkin, founder of Breadtruck Films, has documented the ongoing efforts of the architect + developer movement to revitalize San Diego’s urban waterfront. In a city where a tree, let alone a patch of grass, is hard to come by, architect Lindsay Brown has proposed a public park along the edge of the city to break the monotonous hardscape of buildings and highways that dominate the area.
More about the design, including renderings from the architect.
The proposed site is a great transition zone from the high rise buildings to the water’s edge. It is the perfect place to create a balanced environment for relaxation, recreational activities to enjoy the water, and an escape from the hectic ambiance of the city.
“San Diego is known for it’s beaches and public water spaces. The idea was to provide some beach to the urban residents. Instead of going to Wind and Sea or Coronado beach the urban population can simply walk down to their local waterfront,” explained the architect.
The design incorporates not only a beach environment, but lots of grass with an elevated green roof system that provides open space for outdoor activities and shading for activities happening below. A boardwalk ties the composition together and leads people right to the edge of the water. The design even incorporates a historic marker to honor the service men and women leaving from the harbour.
As other cities reap the benefits of successful revitalization projects, such as Chicago’s waterfront, New York’s High Line, and Sydney’s Barangaroo Waterfront Development, Brown exclaims that the time to act is now as “future generations won’t have this chance to discuss what is possible.”
“We need that open space, we need that green environment. It is valuable to the environment and to the people,” added landscape architect Rich Risner. We wish Brown and all those involved in the efforts to restore the waterfront much luck. You have our support!
Be sure to catch Breadtruck Film’s other work on ArchDaily – a piece highlight designer/architect professor Miki Iwasaki.
Architecture : Lindsay Brown
Film: Jeffrey Durkin of Breadtruck Films
Site design: Sean Kelley
