Group 13

Proposal 13: THE GATEWAY  [ back to entries ]
The mid-city of Baton Rouge was once a thriving part of the city. The Lincoln Theater brought well known acts to the city of Baton Rouge.   People used to travel from all over to visit mid-city venues.  Now homelessness and shortage of food is a serious problem in this area. By create this Gateway from North Blvd., it welcomes the locals and visitors to the neighborhood.

When analyzing the site for the proper location of our monumental piece, we kept in mind the site sensory. The train track on the west side boundary creates noise and vibrations.  Vehicles also creates noise and vibrations from North Blvd.  The vista coming from the North Blvd. overpass is a ideal view for the The Gateway.

These are aerial photographs that were used to acquire a full image of the area, which we were able to notate the strengths and weakness that we are presented based off the location of the site. Weaknesses that were pointed out were an abundance of noise from the surrounding streets, overpass, and train trains running perpendicular to the overpass. The weaknesses were countered by the use of shrubbery and trees, which would act as a buffer for the incoming noise. The site location also produced strength of excellent views for our residents inside their apartments. The apartment complex right on the side of our lot; Mid City Gardens architectural design will complement our proposed design.

The designed a habitable structure that will pull in the community through astonishing views and a warm feel. It will become a major landmark for the community that illuminate the night sky. The geometry was composed from two symbolic concepts; heart and pelican. Long sleek movements were used through the building to create the sense of movement and to carry the eye through the building.

The structure will consist of a green roof that will help lower the temperature of the building and present nice gardening capabilities. The structure will serve as a monumental landmark that will revitalize the community.

  

   

Base on the U.S. Census of 2012, Mid-City has more family base homes then single family homes. We used this information to govern the amount of units, and the type of units, we have in our design program. The Gateway was design for mix-income residents, with 21 affordable housing rental apartments ranging from studio apartment to 3 bedroom 3 bathroom unit. The Gateway is design to regenerate Mid-City by bring in college students, newlywed, and also family to live together. It has all the amenities for the community as in a gym, computer/ study room, laundry, and also a business/reception space.

The chosen structure material was steel frame. The material is the reflection of the pelican bird skeleton, which has a strong but lightweight frame.

MASTER PLAN

Mid City is the heart and soul that empowers the outer areas of Baton Rouge. The overpass leading into North Blvd. represents the entrance into Mid City. Mid City is a historical area that hosted civil right movements, industrial facilities, and the cornerstone for birth of capitol city. Our design incorporates a “Gateway Proposal”, which makes a powerful statement to incomers that you now entering into the Mid City of the Future.