CERCLE
Mechanics: the machinery or working parts of something (Oxford Dictionary)
Mechanicsville developed its distinct character and history since the late 1800s, by primarily housing locomotive repair men, carpenters, brick masons and their families. However, urban renewal programs in the 1950s pushed out residents and led to the loss of its core identity. Cercle is an attempt to uncover Mechanicsville's original essence by looking at the existing building shells and overall neighborhood as an opportunity to assemble back all the "working parts" of what was once a flourishing community.
95,000 SF
Location
Atlanta, GA
Professor
Ryan Roark
SPRING 2021
Existing “Tool Box”
The current site conditions along Whitehall Street showcase the shed exoskeletons of former artisan shops, brick masons’ workshops, and woodshops. The juxtaposition between old vs. contemporary is furthered by the delineation of Whitehall Street through 2 railroad tracks across an eight-lane highway.
The current site conditions along Whitehall Street showcase the shed exoskeletons of former artisan shops, brick masons’ workshops, and woodshops. The juxtaposition between old vs. contemporary is furthered by the delineation of Whitehall Street through 2 railroad tracks across an eight-lane highway.
Site Parti
Program Analysis
Circular Sustainability
The goal was to design a community as a social and environmental sustainable infinite circular system. Through a courtyard based composition, the community not only circulates through public spaces in an infinite loop, but is encouraged to interact, use green spaces, optimize daylight to illuminate indoor spaces, and promote natural ventilation.
Circular Economy and Living
The commercial space on the ground floor is dedicated to a “library of things”, a space for rental and repair shops that reduce waste and encourage the reuse of things.Above the retail space, there are 18 affordable loft studios and 3 4-bedroom affordable apartment units. All units have access to a balcony that passively controls heating and ventilates the unit.
The commercial space on the ground floor is dedicated to a “library of things”, a space for rental and repair shops that reduce waste and encourage the reuse of things.Above the retail space, there are 18 affordable loft studios and 3 4-bedroom affordable apartment units. All units have access to a balcony that passively controls heating and ventilates the unit.
