Environmental degradation within cities has become a worldwide phenomena where natural resources are relocated to satisfy the population’s infrastructure needs. Its recognition has become key to the de- velopment of sustainable design as a way to restore its surroundings and eliminate economic mediators through urban agriculture. The site will be a stepping stone between vegetation patterns found east and west of Pruitt-Igoe. The project intends to function as a real-life laboratory that provides education, recreation and relaxation to communities nearby.
The site works as a practice area for individuals to learn quick, efficient and energy-saving ways of food productions. Tomatoes, cabbage, beans and radishes are some of the many crops grown through intercropping where crop exchange nutrients. The roof is composed of triangular solar panels that provide energy to the entire site and its neighbors. The existing plant is used to create biomass energy converted from rotting garbage, and agricultural and human waste on site that also produces ethanol and biodiesel to the city of St. Louis and nearby counties. The community center is composed of a resource center with five classrooms, a market of on-site products, two organic cafes, an administration area and a roof gar- den with a terrace that overlooks the gardens, the plaza and cropfields. The plaza acts as a conector and activity space for visitors and locals. Visual gardens are home to Missouri’s endangered trees, shrubs, flowers and animals. Artificial ponds recollect rainwater and function as irrigation systems to maintain vegetation. Overall, the proyect integrates as an environmental assessment to attract people to northern St. Louis.
Submitted by: Valeria Rivera, Martinez School of Architecture, Universidad de Puerto Rico–Recinto de Rio Piedras
Collaborator: Professor Darwin Marrero-Carrer, AIT; Assistant Dean, School of Architecture; Universidad de Puerto Rico–Recinto de Rio Piedras