MASTER SEMINAR // SWEETWATER COMMUNITY CENTRE

During this graduate seminar we looked at several points of interest regarding suburban development in south Florida including management of resources, walkability, density, energy usage, infrastructure and sub-tropical climate conditions. The final goal of the project was then to propose a hub which served as a collection of public amenities to reduce the need for driving in a suburban neighborhood and largely increase the opportunity to walk and access a variety of engaging communal spaces. Our proposal includes a large, lush and vibrant variety of tropical landscaping to engage the public to enjoy the outdoor spaces as well as a covered community garden. The project further includes co-working space, small local vendors, two restaurants, a multi use educational space, a library, multiple areas for community events, and gallery spaces. The hub also features a variety of environmental systems for energy production and conservation such as photovoltaic roofing to harness solar power, green roofs to reduce heat gain and absorb rain water, rain storage tanks, and wind turbines. The project consists of four separate buildings that are all connected by a series of bridges or catwalks. Each building is also elevated six feet in order to prevent flooding in the event of a storm or flash floods due to the rising sea level.