La Pequeña Habana, 'Little Havana' got its name from the Cuban influx between the late 1950's and early 1970's.
The neighborhood lies immediately west of Downtown Miami, originally being a lower-middle-class Southern and primarily Jewish community. Subsequent waves of immigration in the 80's expanded the Cuban cultural landscape of the area, now including immigrants from all over Latin American countries.
In recent years, the area has seen increased gentrification and neighborhood overhauls which are wiping away the rich culture that make up the identity of this place. The goal of this project was finding a way to update the neighborhood through a 'positive urbanism' that reconciles the addition of new development with existing residents and important cultural history.
The neighborhood lies immediately west of Downtown Miami, originally being a lower-middle-class Southern and primarily Jewish community. Subsequent waves of immigration in the 80's expanded the Cuban cultural landscape of the area, now including immigrants from all over Latin American countries.
In recent years, the area has seen increased gentrification and neighborhood overhauls which are wiping away the rich culture that make up the identity of this place. The goal of this project was finding a way to update the neighborhood through a 'positive urbanism' that reconciles the addition of new development with existing residents and important cultural history.
Phase 1: Research and Site Analysis
The project began with extensive research and analysis of the area's history, culture and site conditions.
The image below is an info-graphic representing some of the most pertinent demographic statistics and site studies.
The project began with extensive research and analysis of the area's history, culture and site conditions.
The image below is an info-graphic representing some of the most pertinent demographic statistics and site studies.
Diagrams exploring existing conditions of the neighborhood and potential areas of improvement. These show a proposed large-scale plan for the major intersections surrounding the site, with solutions based on the local need for parks, institutions and pedestrian/public transportation routes.
Phase 2: Planning of Areas
In order to begin designating specific programs and areas within the site my next step was to create a digital 3D model with proposed features and structures.
In order to begin designating specific programs and areas within the site my next step was to create a digital 3D model with proposed features and structures.
Large scale axonometric diagram exploring the building masses and structures, as well as environmental systems.
Phase 3: Detailing through sections
After the planning phase, the project continued into a detailing phase with small scale explorations. Below are section/elevations looking at building facades from cardinal NSWE directions which provide more of an understanding of distinct areas in comparison to the human scale.
After the planning phase, the project continued into a detailing phase with small scale explorations. Below are section/elevations looking at building facades from cardinal NSWE directions which provide more of an understanding of distinct areas in comparison to the human scale.
Final Phase: Vignettes
The last components of this project were 'vignettes' or illustrations that give a more informative view into the spaces within the proposal. They are intended to show how spaces may be occupied and how visitors interact with the site.
The last components of this project were 'vignettes' or illustrations that give a more informative view into the spaces within the proposal. They are intended to show how spaces may be occupied and how visitors interact with the site.
