Charlottesville MarketValue Competition
Design Competition with Superstar Don Jones
In September of 2007 CKd joined forces with fellow architect Don Jones for a design competition sponsored by the City of Charlottesville. The competition called for a new, mixed-use building and outdoor market area. Below is our design narrative as well the design ideas we presented for the competition. We love this stuff!
Design Description:
Since its early days at the top of Vinegar Hill, Charlottesville's City Market has been a vital, friendly viable commercial fixture. While the occupation of the parking lots south of downtown has served the market well, it needs a purpose built, yet flexible home.
The Main street Mall itself has proven to be a durable and lively place. Anchored by the rebuilt ampitheater at its ease end and by the ice rink and hotel at the west, it features the restored Paramount theater, restaurants, stores and businesses. Originally closed completely to vehicles, limited north - south traffic is now allowed, increasing the Mall's accessibility.
This scheme for the two block site south of Water Street follows the social and architectural pattern established by the gridiron town center, the Mall and the City Market, while observing and reinforcing the complex land form which it will occupy. An underground garage forms the base of the development. The restructured ground plane steps in descending terraces following the natural southwest t northeast gradient. A rerouted First Street is open to traffic on non-event days. Surrounding the 1.5 acre Market Plaza is a four story building with a commercial ground floor and three floors of apartments averaging 1000 SF. The exterior, clad with a rain screen in a huge scale "brick" pattern of composite panels, has a variety of opening sizes for the dwellings' windows and balconies. As it moves eastward, the building floats above the plaza, opening the Market square to the public.
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