plan/design/rebuild

Proposals – see web site

eranbj — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:00:35 +0000

proposals are posted here

Green, Low-tech, Approaches

eranbj — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:22:52 +0000

Our design approach should not be about standardized solutions but about experimentation, innovation and above all, applicable and straightforward design details that address to the complexities of the site.
While we work on the ‘large’ scales of inventory, analysis and suitability, we should also expand our knowledge of ‘site scale’ details and techniques that are at the heart of a project’s success or failure.
Choose one aspect from the following list below and investigate one or two alternative design approaches or innovative solutions that address its negative impact.
Show design principles, design techniques (construction), Indicate cases (places) if available, Lessons to be learned

Water edges – (water fronts- buildings, industry) Waterfront 1 Waterfront 2 Waterfront 3 Waterfront 4 Waterfront 5

Road ecology (bridges, surfaces) Road Ecology

Urban streams (edges, flood zones, storm water management BMP),Waste water, Green infrastructure- Stormwater

Vacant lots and raised buildings Lots 1 Lots 2 Lots 3

Wetlands Destruction of East Biloxi

jahbiloxi — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:58:42 +0000

The destruction of East Biloxi’s wetlands began long before 1966, substantiated by an aerial photo recently obtained. The wetlands have been channelized and infilled as Biloxi expanded to lower ground. Wetlands on the Point, remained intact till about 1972, after Camile, with the construction of an industrial park and the “Warehouse.” This infill process has created permanently inundated wetlands inland because water is no longer allowed to drain naturally. The Auguste Bay by the Coordination Center was not disturbed until recently with the addition of Back Bay Boulevard and infill for a future condo or possibly a casino, based on a recent map discovered. The topography of Biloxi reveals the possible locations of previous wetlands. A wetland is identified by its uplands. A wetland must be inundated for a extensive enough period to encourage the growth of wetland specific vegetation and wildlife. The value of a wetland is that it mitigates flooding by slowing or retaining water. Wetlands also filter runoff and prevents contamination of local water sources.

Current Wetlands and Uplands

Oak Street Meeting

jahbiloxi — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:38:20 +0000

Last week on Wednesday, February 17, 2008, the citizens of East Biloxi gathered for a community discussion on the future fate of Biloxi. The meeting was sponsored by local organizations concerned about protecting the vision of local residents on the fate of Oak Street. Five different proposals were made and posted. The attendants were divided into five different groups to discuss the pros and cons of each proposals. Local residents believe a residential street would be easy to accomplish and a quiet solution. However, a more business, mixed use development would be in keeping with the historic use of the street. The residents do not favor the the addition of bars to the area but would greatly welcome a more comprehensive grocer. Although a dense, condo, casino development would increase property values, the local residents could no longer afford to reside within the area. Locals are also not in favor in Vietnamese district. Several community members reminded the audience that Mississippi should not regress and divide the community into districts but instead should encourage a mixing of local residents that has always occurred in East Biloxi.

Overall the meeting was very refreshing. Local residents support diversity within the community and can rally together to protect the community in which they live, East Biloxi.

MIT Stellar Website

eranbj — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:04:35 +0000

The class’ topics/ links / notes /readings/ are also posted on the following website

Please note that access is limited to those enrolled in the class

http://stellar.mit.edu/S/course/11/sp08/11.304/index.html

“There will be floods…”

gccdsstudio — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:50:21 +0000

Op-ed in the New York Times about levees and flood protection.

City of Biloxi Market Analysis

gccdsstudio — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:08:16 +0000

The City of Biloxi has posted its General Market Analysis to its web site. The report includes a host of economic and demographic information, showing pre- and post-Katrina figures.

Historic Biloxi

gccdsstudio — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:47:25 +0000

Some links to old postcards of Biloxi and the Gulf Coast on Flickr:

Seawall at Gulfport

Another one
Beach Blvd, Biloxi

Benachi Street, Biloxi

Seawall

Bridge to Ocean Springs

Downtown Biloxi

Beach Boulevard

Another one

Downtown Biloxi beachfront and light house.

CNN covers Mississippi recovery tonight

gccdsstudio — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:53:59 +0000

CNN is airing an episode tonight that is part of a series on Hurricane Katrina recovery in the Gulf Coast. Tonight at 10 Eastern/9 Central.

Update: it looks like the story will be aired tonight (Friday) instead of last night.

Toxic Trailers

gccdsstudio — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:50:46 +0000

The toxic FEMA trailers saga continues…