Urban Purification

Soomin Ko

Site analysis

Our site is located in the southeast part of Buenos Aires. There is a railroad passing through the site and the area mainly consists of underdeveloped industrial and residential zones.

Problem

The existence of dilapidated industrial buildings detracts from the overall character of the place and promotes the formation of shanty towns. There is no water supply system in the site. Factory waste and sewage pollutes the Riachello River which is a crucial water source of the city.

Design proposal

I developed this scheme by focusing on the infrastructure in and around the site and by incorporating a program that would revive the site socially and economically and make it more environmentally friendly.

First, I propose a water treatment system and channel to provide clean water to the La Boca. After being filtered, the clean water is delivered via the new waterway which connects the water filtration facility and the Rio de la Plata estuary. This clean water is distributed to the community creating a new water supply system following the urban grid of La Boca.

Second, I propose to incorporate an urban beach alongside the channel; this will provide the neighborhood with a space in which to enjoy their leisure time and appreciate the river in and unto itself. Green roofscapes will offer additional recreational areas and will provide views of the city and surrounding neighborhoods that are currently inaccessible.

Third, in terms of program, I replace the industrial sites and abandoned areas with a water sports facility that includes pools, an ice rink and an area for canoeing and other water sports. This new facility is situated so that it connects to the main stadium, located 0.8 miles north of the site. Together these facilities provide space for the full Olympic Program, thus improving Buenos Aires’ chances at securing the Olympic Games in the future. It is important that the new facilities serve the community and not just the Olympic Games. The recreational sports areas will be made public and the circulation bridges which connect each program will include an Air train and water transportation that link into the existing transportation infrastructure. By providing easily accessible recreational space and commercial space these programs will feed the local economy.

Conclusion

My ultimate goal is to revive the neighborhood by providing clean drinking water for La Boca by introducing a localized water filtration plant, by providing public recreational and leisure spaces that reestablish a linkage to the river, and by creating infrastructure for a future Buenos Aires Olympics. I believe that all of these elements will work together to make a healthy community.