Masterplanning

Planning has always been an intrinsic part of our architectural practice incorporating a wide venue of projects both nationally and internationally. Our methodology clarifies long-range strategic and economic concepts, which informs the development process from single to multiple design extension.

 

BLULAND

Floating Architecture and Urbanism


We are at the transformative stages of massive changes in our world. Rapidly expanding populations, climate change, and every linkage associated with these issues are steadily moving upon us. At the forefront of change, are the world’s coastal communities. Here the seemingly contradictory circumstances of growth and retreat demand our attention. To cope with these developments, we must fundamentally recast and reassess our traditional methodology of that change within these coastal areas.  

Within this matrix of planning tools there is no singular solution, but rather a range of both traditional and evolving necessities for invention. As larger coastal extensions go, the general rule of practice has always been land reclamation. This disruptive practice continues to demonstrate persistent and direct harm regarding local ecologies, geopolitics, general resource allocations and more. It is a static solution in a newly mobilized world.  

Taking all these issues into account, the next logical step is to expand our civilization onto the water. Let us embrace the world’s largest resource by making new land, artificial floating land, or BLULAND. BLULAND is the missing link to straddle the new complexity of coastal growth, rising seas, and ecological challenges. BLULAND exhibits all the characteristics of flexibility, sustainability, coherent development and ecological sensitivity. It is a clean and mobile development.  

The next chapter of world events is swiftly unfolding.  We are running out of places to put coastal populations already in harms way. BLULAND will be a key ingredient in allowing our ever-increasing need for stabilized and informed growth.

Note: BLULAND is a category phrase coined by Kevin Schopfer.

Projects associated with BLULAND in the SA portfolio are Noah, Boa, Harvest City, Sinan City, Bostonia Island, Pine Island, SS United States, Stingray, CFT (Core Flotation Technology), Pingtan, China, and Olympiad Hotel, Rio.

 

NOAH

New Orleans, LA

Client

Self initiated

Type

Masterplan

Budget

Withheld

Status

Complete

New Orleans arcology habitat or “NOAH” is a proposed urban arcology. In its built capacity the design will house 40,000 persons with a triangulated floating platform that includes: residential units, three hotels, three casinos, retail space, parking for 8,000 cars, cultural facilities, public works, a district school system and health care facility.

NOAH is a proposed urban arcology (architecture and ecology) whose philosophical underpinnings rest in combining large scale sustainability concentrated urban structures, and in this case, a floating city. NOAH is an ideal demonstration project for all the right reasons. New Orleans is a city of both rich traditions and strategic importance. It is also a city with particular needs, both immediate and long term which must be addressed. These needs have been dramatized by the very nature of its location which has placed it in direct conflict with natural forces resulting in obvious impact. If global climate predictions are even remotely correct, New Orleans is already that future scenario today. Accordingly, New Orleans has an unprecedented opportunity to set new creative standards which address both current issues and also offer distinct prototypical guidance to the future needs of coastal cities.

Conclusion: This is an exploration proposal which suggests a new urban design formula for New Orleans. The scale, economic program, and structural formation of NOAH are all viable in today’s growth projection and technologies. There are obvious political and economic considerations which would adjust the current bounds of this proposal. This is a project of tremendous potential which pushes beyond current expectations for New Orleans and places it in the forefront of the new age of urban growth possibilities.

Renderings Tangram 3DS

 

BOA / Boston Arcology

Boston, MA

Client

Self initiated

Type

Masterplan

Budget

Withheld

Status

Complete

Get ready Boston, someday you might just have this incredible floating city within a city located in your harbor. The BoA, short for Boston Arcology, is a sustainable mega structure designed by Kevin Schopfer, who also designed the amazing New Orleans Arcology Habitat (NOAH). The BoA will house 15,000 people in hotels, offices, retail spaces, museums, condominiums, and even a new city hall. Built to LEED standards with golden proportions, this amazing building would serve as an expansion of the city without impacting what is already currently built.

To be located on a buoyant platform of concrete cells right in the Boston Harbor next to downtown, BoA would sit perpendicular to the waterfront, thus minimizing the view sheds of existing buildings onshore. The massing of the structure was designed using the principles of the golden triangle. Angles and towers crisscross inside of a fixed border, giving structure to the projections inside. Elevators and moving walkways aid the transportation of the residents, employees and visitors in order to create an all-pedestrian environment.

Sky gardens will be located every 30 floors and act as public squares for gathering spaces. BoA will also include a bevy of sustainable elements in order to achieve a LEED building certification. Energy will be generated via wind turbines, solar panels and harbor-based water turbines. Natural daylight will flood the building with the help of a passive glazing system. BoA will also include a fresh water recovery system, greywater recycling, and sky garden heating and cooling vents. And while the design seems pretty incredible and maybe even impossible (especially considering the economy and lack of funding), it truly is a spectacular mix of architecture and ecology.

Text from Inhabit Magazine.

Rendering by Tangram 3DS

 

Bostonia Island
Boston Blue Initiative 2018/2050

Boston, MA

Client

Self initiated

Status

Complete

In 2018 the City of Boston began to explore the feasibility of a barrier wall to protect Boston proper / Logan Airport and several surrounding communities. The initial study focused on two locations close in and towards the edge of the Harbor. There was a general consensus that any type of barrier system would require a large capital expenditure.

The Bostonia Island proposal took on the challenge of a third option which could solve both budget and protective measures. Our proposal demonstrated a methodology for organic growth, and a long term shared expense/payment for the barrier wall system. Two entities are part of this plan, and would link directly to and be part of the barrier.

The second entity would be a floating cargo port which could easily double existing port capabilities and secure an ongoing future commercial necessity.

Many such projects are now under consideration worldwide.

Ultimately the barrier wall study concluded not to move forward with such protective measure. For our efforts, we have forwarded a concept perhaps better for a future time.

 

Casino and Hotel
(Client Withheld)

Atlantic City, NJ

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Boca Raton Resort and Club

BOCA RATON, Florida

Client

Boca Resorts, Huizenga Partnership, and Callaghan Partners

Type

Masterplan / Hospitality Architecture and Interiors

Budget

Withheld

Status

Complete

Boca Raton Resort and Club is one of the world’s greatest resorts with a rich history and reputation. Originally built by Addison Mizner in the 1920’s, its immediate character conveyed his signature Mediterranean Revival Style which he introduced to Southern Florida.

It was determined early on to continue this “Signature Style” in the spirit of construction. Further all public spaces would reflect this palette while leaving gestural opportunities to occur. Guidelines were established to properly align with these conditions.

The resort has been conveyed through the years to several owners, each adding to the basic program and needs of the compound.

Work began and would encompass almost 7 years of effort, with a complete review of the complex with particular attention to the “Cloister” side on Lake Boca Raton. In concert with the owner, an eight phase program was established which included renovation and new construction of the Convention Center (Mizner Center) around which multiple activities emanate. The second key element was to restore, realign, and activate the waters edge. This arrangement transformed and enhanced new movement patterns, courtyards, restaurants and introduces a new luxury hotel tower, The Yacht Club. All phases were built and complete except for Phase 8 / Entry Hotel - Condominium Tower.

 

The Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club

St. Petersburg, FL

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Client

Boca Resorts, Huizenga Partnership, and Callaghan Partners

Type

Masterplan / Hospitality Architecture and Interiors

Budget

Withheld

Status

Complete

As part of an ongoing property assignment, SA was commissioned to masterplan the Resort’s expansion capabilities. The primary goal of the study focused on a new Spa and ancillary Guest Room Facilities. The process of their design included re-envisioning public space connectivity, all outdoor pool deck amenities and re-establishment of food and beverage outlets.

In addition, special attention was paid to the arrival and distribution of guests throughout the resort. This study also took into account the Resort’s relationship with the city’s adjacent waterfront plans.

 

Bahia Mar Hotel / Resort

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Client

Boca Resorts, Huizenga Holdings, and Callaghan Partners

Type

Hotel 300 Room / Mixed Use / 210 Condominium / Marina Complex

Cost

Withheld

Status

Complete

Bahia Mar is an existing hotel and marina in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In addition it is a host to the annual International Boat Show. SA was tasked to master plan a new 300 room 4-star hotel which would expand its meeting facilities and restaurant capabilities. A second complimentary residential tower would be built and serviced by the same base plinth. Special accommodations would also be added to better hose the expanding Boat Show attendance. Two additional mid-rise structures would be exclusively dedicated to sheltered yacht slips. These terraced floors, consisting of 80 luxury condominiums, would have open landscaped decks with dramatic and sweeping views of the Atlantic and Ft. Lauderdale.

 

Indigo Point Resort, Casino, and Convention Centre

St. Thomas, USVI

Client

Equiventure Hospitality Leisure Group, LLC.

Type

Masterplan / Hospitality / Casino / Residences / Convention Centre

Size

150 Rooms / 5-Star Hotel, 80 Luxury Condominium Units / 54,000 SF. Convention Facility

Status

Ongoing

Indigo Point is a Design Development / Master Plan study for a new 150 room, 5-star hotel and 80 luxury condominium unit complex. The site was initially approved for all residential use and needed to be extensively redeveloped and re-planned to accomodate a new program. The design formed on a more traditional part with distance usage separation in a linear, multi building composition. The assignment also included a preliminary design for a new island wide convention center which was located adjacent to the hotel.

 

Eretria Village

Evia, Greece

Client

FEC Realty Development Consulting

Type

Hospitality / Spa / Residential

Coverage

52 Acres / 21.6 Hectares

Status

Complete

Eretria Village is an existing luxury resort on the isle of Evia, Greece. The current owner and consulting developer sought to develop a master plan which would enhance the existing property and plan for the doubling of its size through the acquisition of adjacent properties.


The expansion plan will advance three key components:

  1. New multi-campus village green on axis with existing pool and cabana.

  2. Addition of new Spa / Clubhouse with dedicated residential rental units.

  3. Reinforce all existing village neighborhoods with new residential villas of increased size and amenities.

 

Reebok International Corporate Headquarters

Canton, MA

 

Ocean Place

Long Branch, NJ

Client

GEM Holding Co.

Type

Hotel / Convention Center / Residential / Mixed Use

Size

10 Acres

Status

Phase One / Built

Ocean Place is a mixed use development in the seasonal coastal city of Long Branch, NJ. The developmental parcel was set within a recently created Urban Enterprise Zone and was originally purchased for a 200 room hotel and evolving program.

A three phase development plan was initiated with Phase One Hotel / Convention Center to be built first. Phase Two called for an additional 150 room hotel and retail courtyard / boardwalk, in direct connection to an expansive and popular beach. Phase Three was designed for three condominium mid-rise towers, structured parking, additional retail expansion and two speculative office facilities within the base of the condominium towers.

 
 

Pine Island

Mljet, Croatia on the Adriatic Sea

Client

Aquantix International

Size

57 Acres / 23.6 Hectares

Status

Complete

Pine Island is a planned floating city intended for permanent settlement of 10,000 citizens. Because of its unique setting of Mljet Island and its regulations and difficult terrain, the client chose an alternate method of city building, floating architecture. The overall program kept a clear vision of advancing tourism to the island, while setting a path for heightened commercial/business activities. Because of its relative location to Dubrovnik, there was a connective incentive to blend the two cities in a complimentary fashion. Mljet is 23 miles long and many sites were reviewed. This study excluded the National Park on the northern portion of the island. The southern tip of Mljet was selected with existing inlet capabilities. The city design would rotate around an existing outcropping allowing 360 access to both land and water. A system of zones were established to facilitate phasing and expansion. General massing was capped at 4 stories with city blocks being both joined and separated by navigable canal systems.

 

Convention Center
City of Syracuse, Onondaga County

Syracuse, NY

Client

Web/St James Realty

Type

Masterplan / Convention Center / Hotel / Park / Renovation

Status

Complete

At the time of this proposal, city and county officials were actively seeking developers to advance and build a new convention center and its ancillary components. A location was selected adjacent to the existing War Memorial in downtown Syracuse. Our plan would consolidate a three block area which would include a street closing. Further, the plan reinforced through expansion, a cultural hub contiguous to the Everson Museum and it’s yet undesignated expansive plaza. This expansion would introduce a newly formed Children’s Museum. The street closing would create a direct covered attachment to the Convention Center facility and 300 room Convention Center Hotel. This alignment would enhance broadened programming venues, taking advantage of multiple sized events. The War Memorial as a county owned facility, has its separate renovation program.

Further, the development proposal looked to expand a new cultural hub contiguous to the Everson Museum and its yet undesignated extensive plaza area. This expansion would feature a new addition to the Everson and introduce a new Discovery Museum which had recently been organized.

Note: Since their development plan, a new Convention Center and garage has been completed.

 

Sinan City

Turkey

Client

FEC Development, Republic of Turkey

Cost

Withheld

Type

Masterplan / Mixed Use / Free Trade Zone / Floating Architecture

Status

Ongoing

Sinan was to be a new city located in a government dedicated free zone on the Southern Coast of Turkey. Established primarily as a trade and exposition center, the town plan called for a 15 year build out.

The masterplan pays referential homage to the chief Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan. A sweeping circular plan and multiple abstracted cylinders, is balanced with a more uniform rectilinear grid. Half the complex is conceived to be floating architecture on the Mediterranean.

Situated between Adona and Iskenderun, the site was chosen for its land, water, and industrial adjacencies. Full time residential community of 15,000 is intended for the first two phases, to be advanced by 5,000 in the final third phase.

 

Harvest City

Republic of Haiti

Client

Self Initiated / Proposal Republic of Haiti

Type

Floating Architecture / Agricultural Light Industrial City

Consultants

Tandgram3DS / Renderings

Status

Ongoing

Coverage

2,560 sq. acres / 1,035.9 hectares

Harvest City Haiti has been envisioned as a floating agricultural / light industrial community off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A collection of floating islands is intended to house 30,000 residents in addition to its farming modules. Harvest City found its sense of urgency following the devastating series of earthquakes.

In plan, the outer perimeter is agricultural zone comprised of 1 acre + crop circles. These planting beds allow for a wide variety of food types.

The center of the project has been designated a residential city with housing, schools, and market. Based upon a sustainable platform of self reliance, Harvest City has received worldwide attention as a city of the future.

 

Oasis (RAK) Ritz Carlton Hotel and Residences

Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai (RAK)

Client

Withheld

Type

Masterplan / Development Design Study / Hospitality / Mixed Use / Residential

Size

1,250,000 SF / 116,128.8 SM

SA was commissioned to develop initial designs for a hotel/residential complex to be located in a new planned city capital (RAK-Masterplan by OMA). The city was to be located inland with the intent to build a civic corridor to broaden the countries growing population, and pursue the path of economic innovation.

The Oasis (RAK) focused on a location adjacent to the “Gateway” Convention Center (architect Snohetta). Such a location would create a pivotal proximity as the city grew.

Oasis (RAK) would build upon a three block area featuring a multi story podium. The podium would accommodate arrival/distribution, mixed use, and all affiliated functions.

Two dramatic cylindrical towers would rise above, punctuated by “crystal” faceted glazed caps and bases. These articulated structures would house both Spa/Pool, Skygarden functions and general level reception and restaurants.

Note: The RAK Cityplan (inland location) was eventually abandoned as an alternative side (masterplan OMA) was re-configured to a new coastal location. The client remains interested pending commencement of activity.

 

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Giza, Greater Cairo, Egypt

Client

Egyptian Ministry of Culture / UNESCO

Type

Museum / International Competition

Size

50 hectares / 120 acres

Building

480,000 SM / 5,200,000 SF

Projected Cost

$795 million

Status

Complete Entry

Award of Merit for Outstanding Design

The international competition for a new Egyptian Museum was the second largest design invitation in history with over 1600 entries from 82 countries.

A 50 hectare site was appointed in direct view and proximity to the Giza pyramids. The new museum would replace the existing facility in downtown Cairo and would be more than triple the current exhibit area and research / restoration programs. Our design would focus on a highly refined and timeless modern aesthetic robust in scale and nuanced by referential intent.

Working with enormous program requirements, our design broke the museum into three separate galleries / massing components.

The Reception Hall (facing Giza) would greet and orient tourists. The large Hall would feature the museum’s larger statues.

A second gallery would be dedicated to historic chronologies and artifacts from each time frame. This gallery would culminate at the largest exhibit, King Tut.

The third component is dedicated to the working archaeological restorative laboratories.

The complex introduces an immense water/river feature directly oriented toward Giza and flowing between the three buildings, symbolizing the Nile. The water system would be the common bond of the museums’ aggregate parts and pay homage to the ancient river itself.

 

Center of New Hampshire

Manchester, NH

Client

JPA Development

Type

Mixed Use / Hospitality

Size

150 Room Hotel / 100,00 SF Office Tower

Status

Complete

Center of new Hampshire is a mixed use development built in the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire. Its location and facilities capabilities have made the complex a core business / hospitality destination. One of its claims to fame is it has for years hosted Presidential Primaries for all the important State of New Hampshire primaries.

The plan of buildings emanates from what was an existing old mill building. This renovation became the Convention Center from which the hotel would align itself. Sharing meeting and guest services, a generous Plaza Park is boarded by a curved shaped Office Tower connected by a Retail Galleria with the Hotel. Completing the development is an indoor multi tiered parking garage.

 

SS United States Redevelopment

Philadelphia, PA

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CLIENT

SS United States Conservancy

TYPE

Masterplan / Hospitality / Residential / Marine Use / Museum

SIZE

Length: 990 FT / 203 M
Beam: 101.5 FT / 287 M
Displacement: 45,400 TONS
Draft: 31.25 FT / 9.53 M
Decks: 12

STATUS

Ongoing

HISTORY

Naval Architect: William Francis Gibbs
Built: 1950-1951
Out of Service: 1969

CONSULTANTS

Structural: McClaren Engineers
Naval Arch: Sparkman & Stephens

SS United States is a retired passenger liner and the largest ocean liner built in the United States. Its current owner, SS United States Conservancy, has been and continues to seek interested partners to save their American treasure. Among its storied past, it is renowned as the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic in both directions. SA was selected to lead a design team for a two year time period. (Ongoing design consultant). The task was to address the overall current spatial complexities and develop a series of master plan studies with a range of potential developers. An overall strategic design concept was established which could be used to assist such developers in their evaluations. These studies focused on four primary categories.

  1. Refine and consolidate all entry and vertical distribution of guests. This would be consolidated multiple elevators / stairs to two major hubs at the center entry. This hub would be highlighted by a new 6 story atrium. All these efforts, in addition to the functional value also gave a strong sense of overall ship usage orientation.

  2. Define overall spatial availability and locations for large venue conference facilities.

  3. Define areas where exterior and internal expansion could occur. 

  4. Multiple room overlays with existing structure and window punctuations.

 

Sports Place

Orlando, FL

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CLIENT

Withheld

TYPE

Retail / Hospitality / Destination / Complex

SIZE

Built: 780,000 SF / 72,464 SM,
Site: 34 Acres / 13.7 Hectares

STATUS

Ongoing

Sports Place is a development study for a multi faceted sports destination. The proposed program will feature a diverse immersive sales / entertainment experience with an overall critical mass measured against the Mall of America (Michigan).

Orlando was chosen as the location as it represents both a fixed and thriving population and offers an existing entertainment environment for millions of tourists annually.

Sports Place will feature an open stadium / arena “shell” with three floors and a lower level. An open center court will be defined by perimeter stacked floors. The open center court is designed for flexibility, allowing the venue to adapt and initiate strategic retail / events. 

The stadium shell bases its inspiration from an abstract series of shoulder pads. The client directed the design to be an instant landmark. An indoor ski slope, center court / event, and expansive sports club are the three defining activities.

Several specific sites in Orlando are under consideration. The site closest to the Convention Center, Sea World, and Orlando International Airport is present herein.