GREENville
Mostafavi’s Ecological Urbanism reminded me of Greenville’s latest public project, Unity Park. It will be a 22-acre park located next to West Greenville currently housing undeveloped landscape, part of the Reedy River, some abandoned buildings, and the city’s public works facility.
What’s cool about the proposal is how it relates to Andrea Branzi’s approach of the city; utilizing open areas to introduce and blend residences, workplaces, and places of leisure. The park it located next to a public school, some hipster stores that naturally gravitate to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and predominately minority working class neighborhoods.
This project is a great example of ecological urbanism as it combines sustainable approaches for the landscape, offers experiences at varying elevations for users, and addresses the social complexities of a growing city.
This is definitely a great example of ecological urbanism. My question is, how much will this new element of ecological urbanism actually help Greenville? It seems that downtown is already full of ecological spaces from Falls Park to small pocket parks located all throughout downtown. I would have to say that Greenville has already done a great job keeping downtown green, but it is also due to the fact the downtown is not a very large urban city. However, knowing how much it is growing and how many other cities are looking into Greenville to copy its techniques of growth, it is a great example and precedent for ecological urbanism.
ReplyDeleteGreenville continues to surprise me. I haven't spent a lot of time in the city at large, but I have been able to see most of it at least once. I continue to find more green space each time I go so I shouldn't be surprised to see this project...but I am! Greenville is a prime example of how landscape can continue to affect the built environment when successfully integrated into projects.
ReplyDeletePerhaps this is to counter future expansion of the city and urban growth because Harrison is right about Greenville currently maintaining their "green". I love the project and agree with your conclusion. Important to combine sustainable strategies while integrating work, home and play.
ReplyDeleteI think Harrison brings up a good point with Greenville already being known for their connection to the exterior with Falls Park but who says that more green is too much or won't be utilized?? To me the interesting part about this is that it takes advantage of an existing undeveloped landscape and retrofitting of abandoned buildings and provides something for the community! Doesn't seem to me like there's any harm there so I think this additional green space will be a welcomed addition to Greenville.
ReplyDeleteI think its great that Greenville continues to introduce more green space through out the area along with built projects. I think theres a good blend of built environment and green space. This allows for many opportunities to occur for the users and gives them a multitude of experiences throughout the city.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like an interesting idea and definitely more of a landscape change than a hardscape change. I wonder if Greenville actually needs this project though? Greenville is unique in its openness to change and adaptability. Furthermore, there is already an existing balance between buildings and greenspace in the city.
ReplyDeleteI think many cities are trying to pull ecology back into their design. It's definitely a good trend! However, it would be even better if we think with ecology in mind at the forefront of our design rather than retrospectively.
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