Introduction to Student Designs

The Vision

The Restoration Institute was formed to consider problems and solutions associated with the reality of peak oil prices, climate changes, rapid decentralized growth, damaged ecosystems, and depressed economic conditions within local communities. The loss of historical fabric, the deterioration of structural materials, and a general loss of heritage affects both residents and visitors to the state. The North Charleston campus will one day be the nexus for a variety of collaborative projects and private/public partnerships to research these and related topics.

Making the Vision a Reality

In order to realize this vision, planners must first design it. What would a contemporary Restoration Institute research campus look like? A century ago, the primary way to design a campus was by using monumental architecture, giving a sense of security. Today, universities are more permeable, frequently encouraging participation by the surrounding community. The modern university campus is in communication with its environment, relates to the history of the area, and contributes to the socioeconomic life of the current and emerging milieu.

Learning Objectives

Students were tasked to develop innovative urban design proposals that could incorporate recreation, historic and natural preservation in addition to fostering the environmental, economic and social diversity of North Charleston. Their goals were to restore, integrate, humanize and diversify the built and natural environment. Within this framework, students also considered ecological and hydrological dynamics, pollution and contamination, abandonment of site and structure brownfields and greenfields. The students were then asked to think about introducing new iconic buildings, forming a collection of research facilities, and creating innovative public spaces.

Outcomes

Each of the designs is unique in its organization of buildings, the provision of plaza and park spaces, the ideas about entry and access, and the configuration of pedestrian and vehicular circulation. Collectively, the students offer various perspectives on restoration and sustainability, which often forms the theme that drives their designs.