Rehabilitating Lost Space

The intent of my 5th year comprehensive architectural project is to explore Roger Trancik's concept of lost space as detailed in his book Finding Lost Space: Theories in Urban Design. Lost space is described by Trancik as a void in the urban fabric; the unwanted or undeveloped spaces within the core and at the edges of our cities. Charlotte posses many of these types of spaces within its built environment and it is my belief these lost spaces can be filled with positive spaces which aid and support Charlotte's urban environment as a whole. With this concept in mind, I have chosen a site that fits Trancik's description well. The parcels of land bound by Seigle Avenue, East Tenth Street, and the US 74 / I-277 ramp are situated at the intended gateway of the neighborhood of Belmont, which is in the early stages of a revitalization as seen in the nearby neighborhoods of First Ward and Plaza-Midwood. As it is currently developed, the site is isolated and disconnected from Charlotte's uptown, First Ward, as well as its own community within Belmont. The program for this project includes the addition of a perimeter block and two mid-rise towers of residential housing on the site to anchor the gateway into the Belmont neighborhood and reestablish a connection to Charlotte's growing uptown environment. In addition to establishing a relationship to the buildings soon to replace Piedmont Courts, a derelict section 8 housing development across the street, this building will address the streets of Belmont and recognize the site's proximity to uptown Charlotte. The design of this project explores how a building, related to the street and considerate of its surroundings, can rehabilitate lost space and begin to remedy the blight currently found throughout our urban environment. Additionally, design emphasis will be focused on the facade's layering, which will allow residents to capture the views of the city while regulating the impact of the traffic noise from the US 74 / I-277 ramp. In doing so, I hope to justify the viability of this building typology and its marketability in this area of Charlotte.