derelict intervention

derelict interventionby moreo rivera

table of contents

placeexisting fabric social centerconnective tissuethesis abstract

derelict interventionurban spacebuilding useinfrastructure

volume II printmaking

place derelict intervention volume II

1

existing fabric | two parts

In order to identify the role of the individual in the fabric or tissue

of the town, we must acknowledge the existence of the fabric.

Comprised of two primary parts, the town and the university,

Blacksburg is woven together with strands of fiber. The presence of

the university is permanent and well established. The buildings and

facilities are the strongest fibers in this portion of the Blacksburg

fabric. A certain hierarchy exists in the individual strands made up

of faculty and students. Those studying and living in Blacksburg

for only a few years utilize and consume the local resources,

establishing a definitive presence in the fabric as series of loosely

woven fibers. In due time, students generally graduate and

leave town, weakening the university influence with the constant

necessity for re-tailoring and patching. The symbiotic relationship

between living and working makes the faculty’s presence stronger

and transitively more integrated into the town. The structure of the

16 squares and the presence of the local townspeople generate

the strongest fibers in town component. The year-round living

structure and consistent contribution to local commerce fortifies

the townspeople’s presence in the town portion of the fabric.

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3

main street blacksburg, late 19th century

main street blacksburg, early1900’s

4

Virginia Tech has been a staple in Blacksburg’s

development since the late 1800’s. Many of the

major developments in road infrastructure and town

planning were implemented in conjuntion with the

growth of the university. The major shift that occurs

at North main street can be attriubted to the gates

and university buildings that once stood at the edge

of Henderson lawn. In the early development of

the downtown, there was quite literally a boundry

between the university and the town.

5

social center | epicenter

In every well-planned urban construct there must be a social

center or a series of spaces that retain a potential for social

influence and governance. Without these spaces, the urban

fabric lacks the necessary means for assembly and gathering.

The elements that define well-planned social centers facilitate

the necessity for community interaction. The architect of the

city posses an understanding of vehicular infrastructure, local

ordinances and practical means of design in order to bolster the

presence of the social center in the built environment.

A variance of resources can be sited as the contributing

generators of town or city developments such as the church,

monarchal rule, natural resources, geographic accessibility,

education centers and many others. Though townscapes and

city-sprawls differ in their physical constructs and supply of

resources, they all promote the longevity of the resource of

social interaction.

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st. mark’s square, venice italy

piazza del campo, sienna Italy

8

Regardless of the generative source, urban areas demand the ordinance of a governing body. It is this

body that stands to dictate and protect any future development. No matter the format of the governing

body, be it democratic, monarchal or communist, its ability to serve the best interest of the public is

always paramount. The inhabitants of the city must ascertain the necessary resources in order to

monitor and question the intentions of those dictating the living conditions of their built environment.

The primary structure of the social center is its ability to provide a place of mass gathering in order to

support whatever social movement necessary to uphold the city’s promise to its dwellers.

9

connective tissue | interstice

The construct of the 16 square Blacksburg grid offers great

potential for sustainable urban density. However, the linear

development of main street has generated residue spaces

that reside at the interiors of the of the block structure. The

underdeveloped urban space has weakened the commercial

stability of the downtown. An early analysis diagram at right

targets the inner facing facades of the buildings adjacent to main

street. By cross hatching the area where the facades face, a

network of interstices was discovered. This network of interstitial

space signifies the connective tissue that needs to be addressed

to begin developing Blacksburg from the inside out. The area with

the largest number of crossings, top right, is an under utilized

parking lot on the center line of the 16 blocks and College avenue,

the most highly trafficked street by the university student body. An

alarming number commercial spaces in close proximity to this site

are derelict and have been for years.

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At right, is an early sketch of the primary avenues or arteries that access to the site depicted above. The areal photograph shows

the expanse of the parking lot and the inward facing facades. Four of the commercial spaces in the photograph have been out of

business anywhere from three to six years.

12

75 150 300 450 600 FT

N

scale of a town square

13

The scale of the site can be measured by a

number of factors. In the study at right, the

square footage of the proposed intervention

is compared to a block within the 16 squares,

Burchard plaza as well as the large quad in

front of Cassell coliseum. The location and

size of the site offer significant potential for

utilization by both the university and the town.

75 150 300 450 600 FT

N

scale of a town square

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thesis abstract | derelict intervention

The derelict conditions of downtown Blacksburg are the result of a social negligence

for the way we use and construct the built environment. With the oscillating nature of

a small town economy, commercial stability often reflects universal trends of service.

Our consumption of vehicular travel has dictated the linear development of main-street

and transitively the overall development of the downtown. Despite the establishment of

the 16-block square grid, the development of downtown Blacksburg does not retain the

density necessary for the town’s continual expansion. In order to maximize the potential

of what exists in the urban fabric we must re-program the way we use buildings and

urban space. Furthermore, the bicameral usage by the university and town of shared

space demands the establishment of an infrastructure that provides both congruity and

identity.

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place derelict intervention volume II

19

urban space | the downtown

Aside from the recent construction of the farmers market,

Blacksburg lacks the definitive civic center that empowers and

defines an urban place. Only a few hundred feet from the campus,

the site is situated between the downtown and the residential

development just east of main street. The design of a town

square for this site utilizes the spaces’ accessibility and potential

in order to unify the town and university in one civic venue. The

town square incorporates parking into the urban design in order to

capitalize on the demand rather than letting it become a hindrance.

“ A city without public edifices and squares is not worthy of its name.”

-Camillo Sitte, Art of Building Cities

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PARKING DECK

PLAZA

BUILDING RENOVATION

22

The previous parking capacity has been

consolidated to the northern sector of the site.

Integrating the new master plan for main street

development, the second level of the parking

deck will be accessed from Wilson avenue. With

minor excavation, the first level of parking will be

accessible from Progress street running parallel

to the longest edge of the sloped plaza (town

square) space. Generated by the relationship to

the Wilson avenue entrance, the parking deck

defines a new urban floor that slopes continuously

towards grade level at the rear of the buildings

adjacent to main street.

23

The model photograph at right provides an aerial view of

the parking deck and town square space.

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The elements that define a civic center are the

measures by which we can judge the character of

a city. The articulation of architectural elements in

conjunction with proper planning is what makes

such a space either successful or wasteful. The

three primary elements that are integrated into the

design of the town square are the parking deck,

bell tower and stepped seating. The parking deck

by way of its function and construction provides

necessary accessibility while generating a strong

bounding condition. The bell tower is a signifer

of civic place and function. Aligned with Stroubles

creek and Church street, the tower serves as the

axis of the square and Blacksburg. The south

facing step structure on the surface of the town

square is eighteen in inches in height and repeats

in sixteen foot increments in order to meet flush

with the ascending slope.

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WILSON AVE

JACKSON ST

5 15 35 75 FT

CO

LLE

GE

AV

E.

CHURCH ST.

PROGRESS ST. NE

JAC

KS

ON

ST.

WIL

SO

N A

VE.

HA

RD

ING

AVE

.

PENN ST.

N. MAIN ST.

N

This section cut runs from north to south and

highlights the relationship between the parking

deck, bell tower and town square surface.

Stroubles creek once ran through the site before

being paved over. The town square utilizes the

stream below the sloped surface in order to

provide run off collection and to restrict access of

pedestrians inhabiting the space below.

28

WILSON AVE

JACKSON ST

5 15 35 75 FT

29

MAIN STREET

DRAPER RD

PROGRESS ST

5 15 35 75 FT

30

MAIN STREET

DRAPER RD

PROGRESS ST

5 15 35 75 FT

COLLEGE AVE.

CH

UR

CH

ST.

PR

OG

RES

S S

T. N

E

JACKSON ST.

WILSON AVE.

HARDING AVE.

PE

NN

ST.

N. M

AIN

ST.

N

The section cut below runs from east to west

and defines the scale of the square space and

its proximity to the downtown. The slope of the

surface provides shelter below the square and

along Progress street. The drain at the base

of the sloped surface mitigates runoff. Pumps

and sensors would be used to provide proper

regulation of water levels.

31

The material of an urban floor defines the character of a place. Shown in the drainage plan

and section at right is the use of Hokie stone cut into 4”x5”x8” blocks. The smooth finish of

the stone when diamond cut is not unlike fine granite. Given the diagonals of the 16 blocks

of Blacksburg run north/south- east/west and not the streets, the stones would be oriented

with the diagonals to provide cardinal orientation. In the hypothetical implementation of a

new master plan, the stones would be used throughout the downtown to provide traffic

regulation and a proper urban floor.

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building use | densification

The commercial development of Blacksburg in the late 19th century

utilized heavy timber construction before making the transition

to steel framing in the industrial era. As a result, a number of

buildings downtown remain vacant as their structural systems

date back many decades and do not meet current code. Codes

and regulations for commercial zoning are intended to govern

and promote the growth of urban areas. With economic strains

constantly threatening the stability of small town commerce,

its imperative that new development incorporates efficient and

progressive design in order to maximize the potential within the

existing built environment. The derelict state of many buildings in

downtown Blacksburg can be attributed to conservative planning

and parcel stratification. Though economic strain and code issues

may appear to be the primary sources of restriction in renovation

or redevelopment, these factors should be utilized in order to

promote densification and more sustainable building types in the

downtown.

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The cluster of buildings adjacent to the town square site

stand on the corner of College avenue and Main street.

Remnants from the historic development of Blacksburg,

the majority of commercial space in these buildings are

vacant and have been for years. Structural instability

and ADA code regulations have prevented building use

and discouraged renovation. In order to facilitate the

necessary renovation work, progressive measures for

redevelopment are crucial. The single parcel development

of these commercial spaces would transitively demand

three separate actions in building restoration for code

compliance. By treating the buildings as one restoration

with three separate yet unified structural renovations, ADA

upgrades can be consolidated to reduce the economic

burden faced by individual owners. The sketches at

right display initial thoughts about adding building

program while unifying their physical relationships. A code

compliance such as handicap accessibility is more often

than not very costly. With the integration of three building

parcels into one building block, the use of one elevator for

instance is not only possible but more economical.

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The schematic floor plans and section show the

diversity of new program to be integrated into the

building block. With a conjoining staircase and

handicap ramp, the lobby of the central building

houses the elevator and circulation cores while

providing access to commercial space, gallery

space and apartments located on the top floors.

In conjunction with the proposal for the town

square space to be developed behind these

buildings, the block is designed for maximum

density while facilitating pedestrian filtration. The

main entrances of the commercial space within

the building far right have been turned towards

the center in order to bolster the avenue like

access of the central lobby.

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PLAN 0

1 LOBBY2 RETAIL

PLAN 0

1 LOBBY 2 RETAIL

1

22

2

PLAN 1

1 LOBBY 2 GALLERY

1

2

PLAN 2

1 HOUSING

PLAN 1

1 LOBBY2 GALLERY

PLAN 2

1 HOUSING

1

PLAN 3

1 HOUSING

PLAN 3

1 HOUSING

1

PLAN 2

1 HOUSING

PLAN 3

1 HOUSING

41

The section at right depicts the relationships of the programs

within the building block . The three court yards located on

the main apartment floor are designed to provide natural light

and fresh air for the apartments while acting as light wells for

the lobby and commercial space below. The material choice

and articulation of connections fortify the role of the courtyards

beyond their primary hygienic function. The intricacies of the

different floor levels generate an opportunity to integrate an

HVAC floor capable of servicing eighty percent of the entire

renovation. An internal skeleton of light-weight tube steel

construction provides structural stability while supporting

the existing shells of the historic buildings. The new shroud

component, far left, creates shelter for pedestrians walking

from main street to the town square while providing an

extension of the gallery space above.

43

The shroud adjacent to the north-west facade of the corner building deconstructs

the existing wall section by extruding the windows and removing the walls between

them. In doing so, the window elements become elongated apertures while the

sky lit rooms provide natural light on the north face of the building. Generated

by the function of the second floor gallery space, the shroud provides a covered

walkway below while discomposing the notion of boundary between inside and

outside.

45

The facades of the central building, addressing main street, are articulated with

two separate plates tilted away from the original building face. This act of tilting

allows light to enter from above and to penetrate further into the lobby space

while focusing the windows on the street level outside.

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In order to facilitate the development of the interior interstices, buildings oriented towards primary

points of access must take into account the design of all four facades. Because the renovated

building program has multiple orientations, there is no such thing as front and rear facade. With the

establishment of the town square, the inward facing facades of the renovated buildings address a new

public edifice and are equally as important as those facing main street.

49

infrastructure | lights

Blacksburg clings to an identity known for its affiliation

with the university and the local townspeople. With this

dichotomy of character, it is obvious that the town is

perceived in parts. Though regulations and guidelines

are in place for the development of roads, water

treatment and other municipalities, the town lacks an

infrastructure that addresses the identity of Blacksburg.

In order to provide unity, the introduction of a new

sector of infrastructure offers a promising opportunity

to read the town as one unified fabric. The design of a

secondary lighting infrastructure takes into account the

necessity for congruity and identity while establishing a

means for reading the intricate topography of the town.

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The intricate topographical changes that occur in the town of Blacksburg often go unnoticed by those traversing from point A to point

B. With the introduction of a lighting infrastructure, a datum can be established that measures both building height and elevation

change. In order for people to read the place of Blacksburg, a tool set must be provided that is legible and accessible. The datum

for the grid of lights is measured from the lowest point in the town square where the water from Stroubles creek is at grade. Standing

twenty-four feet in height, the stainless tube steel columns array from the town square to meet flush with increased elevation change.

While traversing through town or campus, the pedestrian is able to read the topography change relative to civic center of Blacksburg.

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The internal assembly of the light columns will

provide structural stability and a means for

engaging the space below the surface of the town

square. At right is a section through the square

highlighting the construction of the columns and

the new urban floor. Apertures are made in the

sloped plane with a glass assembly in order to

provide natural light to the underside of the town

square.

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The steel sleeve of the light columns conceals an internal housing of halogen

lighting to be utilized at night. Located at the top of the column, the downward

facing light source emits light at the base of the column. Held one and half inches

above grade, the base of the steel sleeve allows light to be emitted on the surface

of the ground. The intensity of light is changed as the topography moves towards

or away from the twenty-four foot datum. The enclosure at the top of the column is

pulled away one inch from the steel sleeve in order to allow the backlighting of the

light sources to create a night time glow of the datum line. The lighting infrastructure

is articulated in such a way that it provides a lens for reading Blacksburg while

establishing a unique identity.

The section at right depicts the columns in the town square at night. The glass

assembly in the surface of the sloped plane allows the columns to emit light to the

space below.

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Right: A model photograph highlighting the light columns in the

town square and downtown.

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With two definitive components, the fabric of Blacksburg is weakened by the

differentiation in motives of those living and dwelling in this relatively small town.

Implementing design that retains universal value will constitute the establishment

of a balanced unification. New design and infrastructure must generate identity

and congruity by addressing the derelict conditions we have created.

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place volume IIderelict intervention

volume II printmakingby moreo rivera

1

graphics | printmaking

Throughout the duration of the thesis development, graphic

printmaking provided a neutral medium for generative

exploration. The process of printing with oil based etching

presses and other painting mediums facilitated an

understanding of a variety of factors in the design process.

Physical and geometric limitations evoked numerous

studies that aided the overall development without

necessarily demanding direct translation into the downtown

renovation project.

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