O.K. this topic has changed greatly in it's thinking, and its time to migrate this train of thought into a new format.
The blog will move to the following address:
http://reconnect-franklinton.blogspot.com/
This will be a more cohesive existence. Look for updates on the daily.
-Thanks
-S
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Site Selection - Franklinton / Scioto Peninsula
Historical Context:
Established in 1797, Franklinton is one of the first villages in the Northwest Territory and the oldest community in Central Ohio. Lucas Sullivant, a land surveyor desperate to attract new settlers to the village, gave away land along Gift street, on of the original nine streets that still exist today.
During the war of 1812, the central location of Franklinton at the junction of the Olentangy and Scioto rivers made it a critical meeting point for the army. As many as 3,000 troops occupied the village using it as a staging ground for missions further afield.
Franklinton's growth in the 1800's was due to the expansion of the railroads, the construction of the National Road and its adjecncy to Columbus, which was founded in 1812 to be the new state capital. Beginning in 1859 Columbus began to annex Franklinton, A vast majority of the village was anexed by 1890 with the final portions annexed over a century later in 1962.
While its location along the Scioto contributed to its growth, residents found that its land was low and increasingly prone to flooding. In 1913 the Scioto overran its banks and submurged Franklinton in water up to 22 feet deep. Over 4,000 homes were flooded and many busineses were damaged.
During the second half of the 20th century, expansion of State Route-315, a limited access freeway eliminated Sandusky Street (a major throughfare for Franklinton), and destroyed many historically significant buildings. The construction of the route also isolated the eastern portion of the community.
THE BOTTOMS:
Franklinton has been know as "The bottoms" both for its low lying area along the Scioto, as well as for its depressed economic status. These two have gone hand in-hand for nearly thirty years.
In 1983 FEMA decalred Franklinton a floodplain due to the repeated and severe floods which had occured in the area. Later that same year the city of Columbus classified the area as a floodplain as defined by the city code. As a result very strict building requirements were imposed which required that any new construction or rehabilitation which incurs over 50% of the structures market value had to meet the standards to minimize the flood hazard. These restrictions either flood proofing or raising the lowest floor structure to a height that is above or at the 100-year flood level. In addition, the cost to insure the property rose, and as a result property owners, deferred improvements, or moved out of the area, rather than improving and insuring the property.
This constituted a significant decline in the neighborhood, as it became prohibitive to own and invest in the area.
In 1993 the City of Columbus began the Franklinton floodwall project which was completed in 2000. This project protects the area from the waters of a 100-year flood and removes one of the major obstacles to development.
AT PRESENT:
According to the 2000 US Census, the area contains 5,444 housing units. Approximately 1,000 are vacant. Only 29.9% of the housing units are owner-occupied.
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority has five communities with a total of 713 housing units in the area
A reality of working with the refugee community is that they are not working with much (if any money). In conversations with Jane McGrew of the Community Refugee and Immigraiton Services orginazation (CRIS), she reported that most of the refugees when arriving in the city rely on public housing at least initally while they establish themselves econmomically.
While the intent of the project is to provide a resource where the refugees can come and have immediate houseing, this is a short term strategy, and the proximity to other (rentable or subsidized) housing, will help to retain a unique sub-culture of refugees in this area, and create a neighborhood which is diverse and vibrant.
THE LAY OF THE LAND:
Downtown as viewed from the west bank of the Scioto Peninsula (On the steps of COSI)
Looking East (back towards downtown) at the entry to Franklinton
COSI: Center of Science and Industry, this is a spectacular building by the noted japanese architect Arata Isozaki, however its siting on the Scioto Peninsula effectively turns its back on Franklinton and creates a visual barrier, with a sea of parking in front of it.
As seen here there is an excessively large "green space" in front of the building which leads to an even bigger sea of parking in front of the strucuture, so while this is a grand piece of architecture, it is a poor piece of urban design.
The building is an excerscise in restraint, as only two shapes of precast concrete make up the entire shell of the strucuture, each separated by a stainless steel bullnose rib expansion joint. It is a stunning use of simple materials in a elegant and refined manner (It's just bad urbanism)
Looking Westward along Broad Street the train viaduct spans the street defining a tunnel-like threshold which defines the boundary between the Scioto Peninsula and East Franklinton proper. Seen at the left, the former "Toledo & Ohio Central Station" has recently been restored and is now in use by the International Association of Fire Fire Fighters (IAFF) Columbus Chapter.
Seen here behind the IAFF building looking south, the railroad viaduct is elevated 20' from the surrounding area entirely cutting off the peninsula.
Occasional porous junctures occur as Town (shown here), State, Rich and Broad Streets all burrow underneath the double tressle.
Upon entering the other side of the viaduct, the area is populated with warehouse and industrial structures from the first half of the 20th century. Shown below is the intersection of Town and Lucas as seen from upon the viaduct (Don't ask me how I got there to take the photo , the legality is dubious).
Looking south along Lucas street the building is abandoned. At the left the luxury high-rise building "Miranova" by the architectural firm Architectonica looms large in the distance and across the new "main street bridge"
The Main street bridge will act as a connector to Rich Street (US-62) and Main street on the opposite side of the Scioto. Miranova 1 and 2 are visible in the photo.
The bridge when completed will be a skyline defining structure, and will have separate decks for pedestrian and vehicular travel.
Town Street Bridge:
The current "Town street bridge" has been closed since early in 2008, and has been off limits to pedestrians for longer than that. The existing bridge is in very poor structural shape, and is scheduled to be replaced with a new link which will connect downtown with the Scioto peninsula.
"Noli" map of Franklinton:
As a tool for spatial analysis, a "Noli" map helps to reduce the information to only that which is germane to the argument. What is revealed in this image, which while visible is not as apparent in the satellite photo is the degree to which the railroad defines the density of the space and segregates the scioto peninsula from East Franklinton. At the opposite end of East Franklinton, we see again how the freeway causes a change in the density from a tightly packed single family neighborhood to the West, to a larger-scale more spatially disjunct area to the East. Along the Scioto Peninsula, COSI and Vetrans Memorial arena stand as objects in space and create an overwhelming distance between the Downtown area, and Franklinton Proper. It is interesting that the manmade barriers seem to do much more to segregate the space that the natural barrier of the river, which is a much larger obstacle in terms of scale.
Seen here in a colored aerial photo, Franklinton and the west Scioto peninsula is largely owned by the city and the county to the east of the viaduct, and is privately held to the west of the viaduct. Columbus has systematically purchased distressed property in this area, with the intent of releasing large blocks for re-development at some point in the near future. The completion of the Main and Town street bridges, along with the completion of the Flood wall, help to solve some of the obstacles which have hindered development throughout the last 30 years.
The selection of Franklinton was a deliberate one in that this is an economically depressed area which has historically been cut off from the remainder of the downtown. Many of the historic reasons for isolation have been remedied in the last 5 years or are in the process of being remedied. A flood wall has removed the threat of inundation (only since 2000), Two bridges are being constructed / re-constructed at the present which will link downtown to this area and provide an economic link as well as a geographic one. Because this area has not been gentrified, there is an opportunity for low rent areas and housing. This area is not densely populated and there will be less of an anticipated NIMBY effect from placing a "foreign" aspect into this area. This area is centrally located and within a 8 minute walk to the main transit hub downtown.
As for the railroad viaduct, my proposal is to organize the building / complex in such a manner that it takes advantage of this barrier and uses it as an organizational strategy to link the Scioto Peninsula to the neighborhood beyond.
I have decided that the original tripirtite program which I outlined in the original summary was a correct assumption as far as the programmatic layout and the necessities for the center. It is important to provide a space for the refugees at three levels:
1) to provide immediate shelter and assistance upon arrival to the U.S.
2) as a form of engaging the community by inviting people into the complex in a limited matter so that meaningful education and cultural exchange can occur. One of these ways is to be with a shared communal oven, and eating courtyard where people from the community and the refugees can meet and casually interact. (this comes directly from my meetings with the refugee aid organization which I have been meeting with.
3) As a form of economic opportunity for the refugees. I propose that a "Bazaar" type market be incorporated into the project so that the Refugees can have some immediate "Start Up Space" where they can sell traditional crafts, foods or establish a small business in a rent free environment.
Established in 1797, Franklinton is one of the first villages in the Northwest Territory and the oldest community in Central Ohio. Lucas Sullivant, a land surveyor desperate to attract new settlers to the village, gave away land along Gift street, on of the original nine streets that still exist today.
During the war of 1812, the central location of Franklinton at the junction of the Olentangy and Scioto rivers made it a critical meeting point for the army. As many as 3,000 troops occupied the village using it as a staging ground for missions further afield.
Franklinton's growth in the 1800's was due to the expansion of the railroads, the construction of the National Road and its adjecncy to Columbus, which was founded in 1812 to be the new state capital. Beginning in 1859 Columbus began to annex Franklinton, A vast majority of the village was anexed by 1890 with the final portions annexed over a century later in 1962.
While its location along the Scioto contributed to its growth, residents found that its land was low and increasingly prone to flooding. In 1913 the Scioto overran its banks and submurged Franklinton in water up to 22 feet deep. Over 4,000 homes were flooded and many busineses were damaged.
During the second half of the 20th century, expansion of State Route-315, a limited access freeway eliminated Sandusky Street (a major throughfare for Franklinton), and destroyed many historically significant buildings. The construction of the route also isolated the eastern portion of the community.
THE BOTTOMS:
Franklinton has been know as "The bottoms" both for its low lying area along the Scioto, as well as for its depressed economic status. These two have gone hand in-hand for nearly thirty years.
In 1983 FEMA decalred Franklinton a floodplain due to the repeated and severe floods which had occured in the area. Later that same year the city of Columbus classified the area as a floodplain as defined by the city code. As a result very strict building requirements were imposed which required that any new construction or rehabilitation which incurs over 50% of the structures market value had to meet the standards to minimize the flood hazard. These restrictions either flood proofing or raising the lowest floor structure to a height that is above or at the 100-year flood level. In addition, the cost to insure the property rose, and as a result property owners, deferred improvements, or moved out of the area, rather than improving and insuring the property.
This constituted a significant decline in the neighborhood, as it became prohibitive to own and invest in the area.
In 1993 the City of Columbus began the Franklinton floodwall project which was completed in 2000. This project protects the area from the waters of a 100-year flood and removes one of the major obstacles to development.
AT PRESENT:
According to the 2000 US Census, the area contains 5,444 housing units. Approximately 1,000 are vacant. Only 29.9% of the housing units are owner-occupied.
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority has five communities with a total of 713 housing units in the area
A reality of working with the refugee community is that they are not working with much (if any money). In conversations with Jane McGrew of the Community Refugee and Immigraiton Services orginazation (CRIS), she reported that most of the refugees when arriving in the city rely on public housing at least initally while they establish themselves econmomically.
While the intent of the project is to provide a resource where the refugees can come and have immediate houseing, this is a short term strategy, and the proximity to other (rentable or subsidized) housing, will help to retain a unique sub-culture of refugees in this area, and create a neighborhood which is diverse and vibrant.
THE LAY OF THE LAND:
Downtown as viewed from the west bank of the Scioto Peninsula (On the steps of COSI)
Looking East (back towards downtown) at the entry to Franklinton
COSI: Center of Science and Industry, this is a spectacular building by the noted japanese architect Arata Isozaki, however its siting on the Scioto Peninsula effectively turns its back on Franklinton and creates a visual barrier, with a sea of parking in front of it.
As seen here there is an excessively large "green space" in front of the building which leads to an even bigger sea of parking in front of the strucuture, so while this is a grand piece of architecture, it is a poor piece of urban design.
The building is an excerscise in restraint, as only two shapes of precast concrete make up the entire shell of the strucuture, each separated by a stainless steel bullnose rib expansion joint. It is a stunning use of simple materials in a elegant and refined manner (It's just bad urbanism)
Looking Westward along Broad Street the train viaduct spans the street defining a tunnel-like threshold which defines the boundary between the Scioto Peninsula and East Franklinton proper. Seen at the left, the former "Toledo & Ohio Central Station" has recently been restored and is now in use by the International Association of Fire Fire Fighters (IAFF) Columbus Chapter.
Seen here behind the IAFF building looking south, the railroad viaduct is elevated 20' from the surrounding area entirely cutting off the peninsula.
Occasional porous junctures occur as Town (shown here), State, Rich and Broad Streets all burrow underneath the double tressle.
Upon entering the other side of the viaduct, the area is populated with warehouse and industrial structures from the first half of the 20th century. Shown below is the intersection of Town and Lucas as seen from upon the viaduct (Don't ask me how I got there to take the photo , the legality is dubious).
Looking south along Lucas street the building is abandoned. At the left the luxury high-rise building "Miranova" by the architectural firm Architectonica looms large in the distance and across the new "main street bridge"
The Main street bridge will act as a connector to Rich Street (US-62) and Main street on the opposite side of the Scioto. Miranova 1 and 2 are visible in the photo.
The bridge when completed will be a skyline defining structure, and will have separate decks for pedestrian and vehicular travel.
Town Street Bridge:
The current "Town street bridge" has been closed since early in 2008, and has been off limits to pedestrians for longer than that. The existing bridge is in very poor structural shape, and is scheduled to be replaced with a new link which will connect downtown with the Scioto peninsula.
"Noli" map of Franklinton:
As a tool for spatial analysis, a "Noli" map helps to reduce the information to only that which is germane to the argument. What is revealed in this image, which while visible is not as apparent in the satellite photo is the degree to which the railroad defines the density of the space and segregates the scioto peninsula from East Franklinton. At the opposite end of East Franklinton, we see again how the freeway causes a change in the density from a tightly packed single family neighborhood to the West, to a larger-scale more spatially disjunct area to the East. Along the Scioto Peninsula, COSI and Vetrans Memorial arena stand as objects in space and create an overwhelming distance between the Downtown area, and Franklinton Proper. It is interesting that the manmade barriers seem to do much more to segregate the space that the natural barrier of the river, which is a much larger obstacle in terms of scale.
Seen here in a colored aerial photo, Franklinton and the west Scioto peninsula is largely owned by the city and the county to the east of the viaduct, and is privately held to the west of the viaduct. Columbus has systematically purchased distressed property in this area, with the intent of releasing large blocks for re-development at some point in the near future. The completion of the Main and Town street bridges, along with the completion of the Flood wall, help to solve some of the obstacles which have hindered development throughout the last 30 years.
The selection of Franklinton was a deliberate one in that this is an economically depressed area which has historically been cut off from the remainder of the downtown. Many of the historic reasons for isolation have been remedied in the last 5 years or are in the process of being remedied. A flood wall has removed the threat of inundation (only since 2000), Two bridges are being constructed / re-constructed at the present which will link downtown to this area and provide an economic link as well as a geographic one. Because this area has not been gentrified, there is an opportunity for low rent areas and housing. This area is not densely populated and there will be less of an anticipated NIMBY effect from placing a "foreign" aspect into this area. This area is centrally located and within a 8 minute walk to the main transit hub downtown.
As for the railroad viaduct, my proposal is to organize the building / complex in such a manner that it takes advantage of this barrier and uses it as an organizational strategy to link the Scioto Peninsula to the neighborhood beyond.
I have decided that the original tripirtite program which I outlined in the original summary was a correct assumption as far as the programmatic layout and the necessities for the center. It is important to provide a space for the refugees at three levels:
1) to provide immediate shelter and assistance upon arrival to the U.S.
2) as a form of engaging the community by inviting people into the complex in a limited matter so that meaningful education and cultural exchange can occur. One of these ways is to be with a shared communal oven, and eating courtyard where people from the community and the refugees can meet and casually interact. (this comes directly from my meetings with the refugee aid organization which I have been meeting with.
3) As a form of economic opportunity for the refugees. I propose that a "Bazaar" type market be incorporated into the project so that the Refugees can have some immediate "Start Up Space" where they can sell traditional crafts, foods or establish a small business in a rent free environment.
Analysis of Franklin County
Hydrology & Historical Settlement Pattern:
Five rivers flow from North to South through Franklin County, the most major of these being the Scioto River. The Scioto drains to the Ohio river and marked the eastern extension of the Virginia Military District. This was the inital impitus for settlement in Central Ohio, with the National Road, providing an influx of settlers throughout the first half of the 19th Century. Columbus, expanded in an inverted "T" with the arms heading East and West on the National road, and extending Northwards along the Olentangy River.
Interstate / Intercity Transportaion and Commerce:
Limited access freeways, while a boon to inter-city and interstate commerce, cause rifts within urban areas which separate neighborhoods, creating pockets of space within the city. Franklin County is bisected with rail lines, (none of which are commuter or passanger), these too cause division and rift within the urban environment.
Local Traffic and Political boundaries:
Building upon the previous maps, here the present day metropolitain bounday of columbus is shown in yellow against the background of the county. State or Nationa routes (shown in red) have the opposite effect of interstates and provide access for public transit which can start to unify areas (or at least make them more accessible). Major city roads are also shown in orange.
Setting Criteria for suitable neighborhoods:
Looking at an aerial photo of downtown shows how each of these three potential areas is situated at the cusp of the major downtown area.
Each of these areas was singled out for consideration because they met some initial criteria which is important in siting the refugee center for acculturation.
1) Central location:
2) Mixed usage:
3) Along multiple mass transit lines
4) proximity to hospitals, libraries, and other services
5) Economic opportunity by proximity to downtown
6) Mixed ethnicity neighborhoods
7) Mixed economic neighborhoods
Parsons Avenue:
Self styled as the "Gateway to the South" Parsons avenue is one of the major axes which connects the heavily industrial corridor along State Route-104 to the South to the very edge of downtown. Historically it was settled by emigrants from West Virginia and Kentucky coal country, but also has a large African American presence in the present day. The advantage of this area for consideration is that it is close to many of the amenities required for the center. However several factors ultimately showed that they would not be conducive to the siting of the project.
The stretch is "filamentary" in nature and beyond the street itself has little bulk. The urban environment immediately to the East and West of the street reverts to single family housing. Additionally to the West of the street, the gentrified historic neighborhood of German Village, drives rents sky high.
Ultimately it is the link to downtown which I found to be problematic. Interstate 70/71 split immediately to the North of this area. They create two large chasms which separate the city downtown from this neighborhood. To traverse this void on foot requires a 10 minute walk in itself, and doesn't get you very far into downtown. In reality this area is a 25 minute walk from downtown proper, and may be too far to walk to catch a cross town bus.
King-Lincoln Bronzeville
This is an up and coming neighborhood, centered around the historic Lincoln Theater, it is the smallest neighborhood of the three considered, the most compact, and has some of the nicest buildings and urban environments.
Which poses the problem: this area is on the cusp of gentrification, with stately homes, cafe's, jazz clubs and theaters, this area has become the "in" place to be for people out-priced of German Village or the Short North. While it's trendiness makes it a great place to hang out, I feel that it does not best serve the refugees, as its link to downtown is again across I-71. It is much closer to downtown being a 15-minute walk to the central transit hub, and its close access to Broad street does make it a viable location.
The Lincoln Theatre is in the process of being restored:
New storefronts reveal a commercial area which has some vibrancy.
Public art focused on Jazz and Blues adorns the sidewalk.
Stately homes and low (for now) rents are attracting gentrification.
Franklinton:
Franklinton is a very mixed bag, it has the closest proximity of any neighborhood to downtown being only a 5-8 minute walk across the Scioto River. While geographically separated and isolated, the river is an amenity in addition to being a barrier (I cannot say this of the interstates)
Franklinton was the earliest settlement in Central Ohio, and was eventually annexed by Columbus.
Problems with flooding have limited economic growth, but the recent addition of a flood barrier have primed this area for development.
The neighborhood is a mix of historic strucutres (like the Toledo and Ohio depot seen here)
Row-houses are common
Small businesses line Broad street, yet the area has not yet developed a "gentrified" feeling to it. This is still very much a lower income working class neighborhood.
Ultimately I feel that Franklinton will be the most suitable location of the three neighborhoods, as it has the best access to mass transit by virtue of being closest to the downtown hub, it is not yet over priced, it has a lot of real-estate which can be rehabilitated / developed. It is in an area which will likely welcome any influx of people / capital, it is at the edge of a major civic area and has the potential to attract large numbers of people (which will be key to the economic outreach portion of the project).
Five rivers flow from North to South through Franklin County, the most major of these being the Scioto River. The Scioto drains to the Ohio river and marked the eastern extension of the Virginia Military District. This was the inital impitus for settlement in Central Ohio, with the National Road, providing an influx of settlers throughout the first half of the 19th Century. Columbus, expanded in an inverted "T" with the arms heading East and West on the National road, and extending Northwards along the Olentangy River.
Interstate / Intercity Transportaion and Commerce:
Limited access freeways, while a boon to inter-city and interstate commerce, cause rifts within urban areas which separate neighborhoods, creating pockets of space within the city. Franklin County is bisected with rail lines, (none of which are commuter or passanger), these too cause division and rift within the urban environment.
Local Traffic and Political boundaries:
Building upon the previous maps, here the present day metropolitain bounday of columbus is shown in yellow against the background of the county. State or Nationa routes (shown in red) have the opposite effect of interstates and provide access for public transit which can start to unify areas (or at least make them more accessible). Major city roads are also shown in orange.
Setting Criteria for suitable neighborhoods:
Looking at an aerial photo of downtown shows how each of these three potential areas is situated at the cusp of the major downtown area.
Each of these areas was singled out for consideration because they met some initial criteria which is important in siting the refugee center for acculturation.
1) Central location:
2) Mixed usage:
3) Along multiple mass transit lines
4) proximity to hospitals, libraries, and other services
5) Economic opportunity by proximity to downtown
6) Mixed ethnicity neighborhoods
7) Mixed economic neighborhoods
Parsons Avenue:
Self styled as the "Gateway to the South" Parsons avenue is one of the major axes which connects the heavily industrial corridor along State Route-104 to the South to the very edge of downtown. Historically it was settled by emigrants from West Virginia and Kentucky coal country, but also has a large African American presence in the present day. The advantage of this area for consideration is that it is close to many of the amenities required for the center. However several factors ultimately showed that they would not be conducive to the siting of the project.
The stretch is "filamentary" in nature and beyond the street itself has little bulk. The urban environment immediately to the East and West of the street reverts to single family housing. Additionally to the West of the street, the gentrified historic neighborhood of German Village, drives rents sky high.
Ultimately it is the link to downtown which I found to be problematic. Interstate 70/71 split immediately to the North of this area. They create two large chasms which separate the city downtown from this neighborhood. To traverse this void on foot requires a 10 minute walk in itself, and doesn't get you very far into downtown. In reality this area is a 25 minute walk from downtown proper, and may be too far to walk to catch a cross town bus.
King-Lincoln Bronzeville
This is an up and coming neighborhood, centered around the historic Lincoln Theater, it is the smallest neighborhood of the three considered, the most compact, and has some of the nicest buildings and urban environments.
Which poses the problem: this area is on the cusp of gentrification, with stately homes, cafe's, jazz clubs and theaters, this area has become the "in" place to be for people out-priced of German Village or the Short North. While it's trendiness makes it a great place to hang out, I feel that it does not best serve the refugees, as its link to downtown is again across I-71. It is much closer to downtown being a 15-minute walk to the central transit hub, and its close access to Broad street does make it a viable location.
The Lincoln Theatre is in the process of being restored:
New storefronts reveal a commercial area which has some vibrancy.
Public art focused on Jazz and Blues adorns the sidewalk.
Stately homes and low (for now) rents are attracting gentrification.
Franklinton:
Franklinton is a very mixed bag, it has the closest proximity of any neighborhood to downtown being only a 5-8 minute walk across the Scioto River. While geographically separated and isolated, the river is an amenity in addition to being a barrier (I cannot say this of the interstates)
Franklinton was the earliest settlement in Central Ohio, and was eventually annexed by Columbus.
Problems with flooding have limited economic growth, but the recent addition of a flood barrier have primed this area for development.
The neighborhood is a mix of historic strucutres (like the Toledo and Ohio depot seen here)
Row-houses are common
Small businesses line Broad street, yet the area has not yet developed a "gentrified" feeling to it. This is still very much a lower income working class neighborhood.
Ultimately I feel that Franklinton will be the most suitable location of the three neighborhoods, as it has the best access to mass transit by virtue of being closest to the downtown hub, it is not yet over priced, it has a lot of real-estate which can be rehabilitated / developed. It is in an area which will likely welcome any influx of people / capital, it is at the edge of a major civic area and has the potential to attract large numbers of people (which will be key to the economic outreach portion of the project).
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Research Topic 02: Refugee Resettlement in Columbus, Ohio. Precedent Study 05: (CRIS) Community Refugee and Immigration Services
RESEARCH TOPIC 02: REFUGEE SETTLEMENT IN COLUMBUS OHIO
Role of the US Department of State:
The mandate for refugees falls under the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, which is itself headed by the Undersecretary for Democracy and global Affairs.
Resettlement Agencies: This term describes the nine U.S. private voluntary agencies (Volags) and one state agency that have cooperative agreements with the PRM Bureau to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees in the United States. Such agencies recieve per capita grants (According to CRIS this only amounts to about $400 per refugee) and administrative overhead funding which is supplemented by self-generated resources, to provide refugees with a range of services including sponsorship, inital housing, food and clothing, orientation and counseling. The Bureau enters into agreements with such agencies annually, based on a proposal submission and review process.
The 10 volags are listed as follows:
CASE Study 05: Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS)
Initial Contact with CRIS:
Initially I contacted Jane McGrew of CRIS via e-mail on August 18, 2008 the following is the initial contact between Jane and Myself.
Jane McGrew
Community Liaison
Community Refugee & Immigration Services
3624 Bexvie Avenue, 43227
Phone: 614 235-5747
Fax: 614 235-6127
www.cris-ohio.com
Role of the US Department of State:
The mandate for refugees falls under the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, which is itself headed by the Undersecretary for Democracy and global Affairs.
Who is eligible for resettlement?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has the international mandate to provide refugee assistance and to determine if resettlement in a third country – be it the United States or another country – is the right solution.
Less than one percent of refugees worldwide are ever resettled in a third country. Resettlement is often called “the option of last resort,” i.e. the course for the most vulnerable groups of refugees. UNHCR has eleven criteria to determine if resettlement is appropriate, such as Iraqis who worked for the Multinational Force in Iraq or for the US government, households headed by women, and members of religious minorities.Resettlement Agencies: This term describes the nine U.S. private voluntary agencies (Volags) and one state agency that have cooperative agreements with the PRM Bureau to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees in the United States. Such agencies recieve per capita grants (According to CRIS this only amounts to about $400 per refugee) and administrative overhead funding which is supplemented by self-generated resources, to provide refugees with a range of services including sponsorship, inital housing, food and clothing, orientation and counseling. The Bureau enters into agreements with such agencies annually, based on a proposal submission and review process.
The 10 volags are listed as follows:
CASE Study 05: Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS)
Initial Contact with CRIS:
Initially I contacted Jane McGrew of CRIS via e-mail on August 18, 2008 the following is the initial contact between Jane and Myself.
Dear Ms. McGrew,
Allow me to introduce myself; I am a Graduate Student of Architecture, at the Boston Architectural College working on my thesis project. I am also presently a resident of Westerville, Ohio.
I am in the beginning stages of my thesis, which will be for a center for refugee assistance and acculturalation. My focus is on creating a built environment, which acts as a Haven for Refugees and Asylees, allowing them to transition into American Culture. This is not to say that the goal is to assimilate them into society, but to allow opportunities of community outreach and exchange.
I was surprised and delighted to find your organization in the Columbus area. I am pleased to say that many of the services for which I am proposing for my proposal are in tandem with the services provided by CRIS. I would appreciate a chance to be able to talk with you about your needs as an organization, the services you offer, and needs and desires of the refugees and immigrants whom your organization serves. I also see this as an opportunity for me to become involved with your organization in a manner beyond that of the purely academic.
Ultimately, my research would be a meaningless exercise if I did not feel that the work of organizations such as CRIS was valuable and beneficial. I am more than willing to involve myself personally and am pleased to offer my services as a volunteer in exchange for the opportunity to understand the needs and wants of your organization.
I will be in Boston the week of August 18th thru August 24th, but would welcome a phone call from you as soon as you are able to find time. I would also like to be able to come to your office and discuss the aspirations for this project with you or someone from your organization upon my return to the Columbus area.
I can be reached by cell phone at 614.787.0402, by e-mail at steven.munger@the-bac.edu, or via my g-mail account at steven.munger@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Steven A. Munger
Steve,
Thank you for the email and your interest in CRIS. Your thesis project sounds really interesting, and it comes at a time when we are considering consolidating our various offices at one site.
Because I will be out of the office for a month or so I will find someone at the agency to meet with you. Please let me know that you have made contact -- or if there is anything else I can do for you.
Jane
Community Liaison
Community Refugee & Immigration Services
3624 Bexvie Avenue, 43227
Phone: 614 235-5747
Fax: 614 235-6127
www.cris-ohio.com
We have subsequently met and conversed a number of times, and Jane has been incredibly helpful in providing me with information about who the Refugees are, where they are coming from, what they can expect upon arrival, and what services her origination offers. Beyond this, she has provided me with what she wishes her organization could do if it had the facilities to accommodate additional activity.
Below is a summary of the important points from our conversations:
What is CRIS? What is its mission and what are the services provided:
The mission of CRIS is to provide the services most necessary to the acculturation, self-sufficiency and well being of families and individuals in legal immigration status, of all religions and national origins presently living in Central Ohio. The organization was founded in 1995 to respond to the need for ongoing services to refugees resettled in Central Ohio by Catholic Social Services' Office of Migration and Refugee Resettlement Services (CSS/MRRS) and Lutheran Immigration and Resettlement Services (LIRS), both of which closed in 1995 after 20 years of service resettling immigrants.
The Buddhamamaka Society, Inc., a charitable organization founded in 1987 by political refugees from Laos, established CRIS as an outreach organization to provide services no longer available for immigrants following the closure of CSS/MRRS and LIRS.
Who are the individuals served?
Currently, CRIS serves more than 1,000 individuals per month, and is the largest provider of services to legal immigrants in Central Ohio. CRIS is uniquely suited to deliver services to language-minorities CRIS staff includes approximately 30 men and women fluent in English and 19 other languages appropriate for the needs of their clients.
How are refugees matched with Columbus as a city for permanent relocation?
Refugees arrive in the United States for permanent thrid-country resettlement, in conjunction with the United States Department of State. from there they are placed by one of 10 umbrella organizations with their member constituents. As an example CRIS is the Ohio representative of the Church World Services organization. CWS works with the state department as a VOLAG, to match incoming refugees with the services which will best be able to provide for their particular situation. For instance if there is a large ethnic community of Somalis it will be more likely that incoming Somalis will be placed in the same city. This also follows that family reunifications occur in the same manner.
What is the demographic breakdown of cases recieved in Columbus?
he following vignettes give a flavor of the legal issues addressed by CRIS volunteer attorneys:
- A Somali woman came to the U.S. as a refugee with several of her children, fleeing the devastating effects of that country’s long civil war. Her husband and several other children were forced to remain behind in a refugee camp. The woman came to CRIS for help in being reunited with her family. CRIS’ staff attorney helped her prepare the appropriate papers needed to do so.
- A young man escaped from Mauritania, the country of his birth, after having survived years of persecution by the Mauritanian government, and beatings at the hands of the police. The man is working with CRIS’ attorney and Fulani bilingual staff worker to prove his eligibility for political asylum.
- A woman from Cameroon endured years of mental and physical abuse from her husband because of a mistaken fear that her own and her children’s immigration status would be compromised if she did not. She finally could not tolerate the situation any longer and decided to leave her abuser. She came to CRIS’ staff attorney who provided counseling, linkage to shelter and found pro bono legal representation for her divorce.
- An Ethiopian refugee applied for a “green card” to which he was entitled and which he must have to benefit from all available employment opportunities and to begin the process of becoming an American citizen. He received no response from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for years. His inability to speak English fluently and the complexities of official communication with INS made it very difficult for him to claim the immigration benefits for which he is eligible. CRIS’ staff attorney wrote a letter on the man’s behalf and was able to get him his green card.
- An Eritrean woman’s landlord attempted to evict her for non-payment of rent despite the woman’s claim she did not owe the money. CRIS’ staff attorney helped her resolve the situation so that she could remain in her apartment.
Research Topic 01:Who are Refugees?
Any discussion of a project related to Refugees needs to start with some definitions:
UNHCR: office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Location: Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland
Founded: 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly
High Commissioner: António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres of Portugal, Since 2005
The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.
It is important to note that the mandate of the UNCHR extends where either a soverign government or the United Nations requests assistance.
UN CONVENTION RELATING TO THE STATUS OF REFUGEES:
This document, originally ratified in 1951 in Geneva, was originally limited to protecting refugees from world war two in Europe, but was expanded in 1967 to remove geographical and time limits. The protocol defines who is a refugee, what are the responsibilities of nations, and what are the responsibilities of the
REFUGEE:
Article 1 of the Convention as amended by the 1967 Protocol provides the definition of a refugee:
ASYLEE:
Asylum is different than "refugee" status, in that it usually refers to an individual and is reviewed on a case by case basis, while the term refugee, refers to a mass movement across international borders. Additionally refugee status is a legal designation which does not extend to all asylum seekers.
So: Not all asylum seekers are refugees, but all refugees seek asylum.
So, due to our distance from most landmasses, and relative political stability of our immediate neighbors, refugees arriving in the United States are traditionally applying for permanent resettlement in a third party country (U.S.) .
It is important to note that this is not the case for refugees who arrived via boat from Haiti starting in the 1990's, as these individuals are "Refugees" who are seeking asylum in the United States directly, having come initially to the United States from Haiti.
WHO IS NOT A REFUGEE?
Economic Migrants: Migrants who leave their home country voluntarily are not refugees, should they return home they will receive the protection of their government. Refugees, by contrast cannot safely return to their home country unless there is a fundamental shift in their situation. (Peace treaty, change in government)
Disaster victims:While tragic in nature, victims of disasters, both natural and man-made do not qualify as refugees.
War Criminals cannot be refugees
A refugee must be a civilian, active military members cannot be considered as refugees.
UNHCR: office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Location: Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland
Founded: 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly
High Commissioner: António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres of Portugal, Since 2005
The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.
It is important to note that the mandate of the UNCHR extends where either a soverign government or the United Nations requests assistance.
UN CONVENTION RELATING TO THE STATUS OF REFUGEES:
This document, originally ratified in 1951 in Geneva, was originally limited to protecting refugees from world war two in Europe, but was expanded in 1967 to remove geographical and time limits. The protocol defines who is a refugee, what are the responsibilities of nations, and what are the responsibilities of the
REFUGEE:
Article 1 of the Convention as amended by the 1967 Protocol provides the definition of a refugee:
- "A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it."
ASYLEE:
Asylum is different than "refugee" status, in that it usually refers to an individual and is reviewed on a case by case basis, while the term refugee, refers to a mass movement across international borders. Additionally refugee status is a legal designation which does not extend to all asylum seekers.
So: Not all asylum seekers are refugees, but all refugees seek asylum.
So, due to our distance from most landmasses, and relative political stability of our immediate neighbors, refugees arriving in the United States are traditionally applying for permanent resettlement in a third party country (U.S.) .
It is important to note that this is not the case for refugees who arrived via boat from Haiti starting in the 1990's, as these individuals are "Refugees" who are seeking asylum in the United States directly, having come initially to the United States from Haiti.
WHO IS NOT A REFUGEE?
Economic Migrants: Migrants who leave their home country voluntarily are not refugees, should they return home they will receive the protection of their government. Refugees, by contrast cannot safely return to their home country unless there is a fundamental shift in their situation. (Peace treaty, change in government)
Disaster victims:While tragic in nature, victims of disasters, both natural and man-made do not qualify as refugees.
War Criminals cannot be refugees
A refugee must be a civilian, active military members cannot be considered as refugees.
Precedent Study 04: German Village - Columbus, OH
Material will be uploaded shortly - please check back soon
Precedent Study 02: Milwaukee Montessori School
Milwaukee Montessori School: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Studio Works Architects, Los Angles
60,000 SF Completed at a cost of 1.45 Million (24.17 /SF)
Completed: 1999
Studio Works undertook a very challenging project with the Montessori School, but rather than using the typical budget-challenged-institutional materials of vinyl composition tile and acoustic drop ceilings, they focused on creating an environment which introduces materials not commonly found in educational settings, and which reinforces the Montessori philosophy of teaching, by creating an active, dynamic environment.
Entry Canopy and wall addition:
The original school was built in the 1950's as a catholic primary school, and is everything which could have been expected from buildings of that era. Limited size-strip windows, repetitive corridors, drop ceilings and a uniform, relatively un-articulated brick exterior.
The challenges of working within a very tight budget required that the only intervention to the exterior of the original school was the addition of a concrete wall, and an overhead canopy marking the entry. The materials are simple; aluminum and plastic (used in greenhouse construction). Overall the form of the entry as a thrust outward from the corridor within, provides a play on the exterior which provides some dynamism to an otherwise static environment.
Exploded Axonometric Partial Floor Plans:
The axonometric floor plans reveal that the renovation, while complete, tends to focus the more expensive (looking) materials around corridors, and common areas while leaving individual open classroom areas with more spartan finishes. By grouping the money the effect is such that the entire building feels richer and more spectacular than a $25 / SF budget would allow.
Gathering Area / "Stage": view across the corridor
Gathering Area / "Stage": Looking into the space
The "Stage" as an intervention alters the nature of the space by providing a break to the linear nature of the original double loaded corridor. By switching to a more "vibrant" flooring material (Polished Plywood) and by wrapping this material around the entire space, an object is created which is perpendicular to the flow of the corridor. Rather than the strict formality of a catholic education, a playful space which reflects the Montessori spirit shows the architects commitment to emphasizing the clients values.
Classroom area: flexible room spaces accommodated by moving partition walls
Classroom area: natural lighting from above
Classroom area: built in seating & storage
Classroom area: hinged partitions allow for varied degrees of enclosure
The classrooms are light and open, with flexible partitions that allow for varied use and enclosure
Sketch: integration of Montessori philosophy into building
Relevance to the Refugee Center:
First and foremost, this project is relevant because of its low budget. By concentrating on specific areas of gathering, and allowing the remainder of the building to work with an even lesser budget, this project is a prime example of good work of humble means.
The refugee center will be funded through very limited means, and needs to be built of humble materials. The use of OSB, plywood, and fiberboard, finished to a higher degree is a great example of elevating a "lowly" material. The use of greenhouse plastic for the skylights, provides a large amount of diffuse light deep within the classrooms where otherwise they might not receive much light.
One of the most intriguing things about this project, as it applies to the "refugee center" project, is the idea of shared common space, and "hinged space" which allows for varying degrees of partitioning and privacy. The use of built-in furniture also has some relevance as these amenities, tend to last longer, look cleaner, and cost less (frequently not always) than systems, or movable furniture.
Studio Works Architects, Los Angles
60,000 SF Completed at a cost of 1.45 Million (24.17 /SF)
Completed: 1999
Studio Works undertook a very challenging project with the Montessori School, but rather than using the typical budget-challenged-institutional materials of vinyl composition tile and acoustic drop ceilings, they focused on creating an environment which introduces materials not commonly found in educational settings, and which reinforces the Montessori philosophy of teaching, by creating an active, dynamic environment.
Entry Canopy and wall addition:
The original school was built in the 1950's as a catholic primary school, and is everything which could have been expected from buildings of that era. Limited size-strip windows, repetitive corridors, drop ceilings and a uniform, relatively un-articulated brick exterior.
The challenges of working within a very tight budget required that the only intervention to the exterior of the original school was the addition of a concrete wall, and an overhead canopy marking the entry. The materials are simple; aluminum and plastic (used in greenhouse construction). Overall the form of the entry as a thrust outward from the corridor within, provides a play on the exterior which provides some dynamism to an otherwise static environment.
Exploded Axonometric Partial Floor Plans:
The axonometric floor plans reveal that the renovation, while complete, tends to focus the more expensive (looking) materials around corridors, and common areas while leaving individual open classroom areas with more spartan finishes. By grouping the money the effect is such that the entire building feels richer and more spectacular than a $25 / SF budget would allow.
Gathering Area / "Stage": view across the corridor
Gathering Area / "Stage": Looking into the space
The "Stage" as an intervention alters the nature of the space by providing a break to the linear nature of the original double loaded corridor. By switching to a more "vibrant" flooring material (Polished Plywood) and by wrapping this material around the entire space, an object is created which is perpendicular to the flow of the corridor. Rather than the strict formality of a catholic education, a playful space which reflects the Montessori spirit shows the architects commitment to emphasizing the clients values.
Classroom area: flexible room spaces accommodated by moving partition walls
Classroom area: natural lighting from above
Classroom area: built in seating & storage
Classroom area: hinged partitions allow for varied degrees of enclosure
The classrooms are light and open, with flexible partitions that allow for varied use and enclosure
Sketch: integration of Montessori philosophy into building
Relevance to the Refugee Center:
First and foremost, this project is relevant because of its low budget. By concentrating on specific areas of gathering, and allowing the remainder of the building to work with an even lesser budget, this project is a prime example of good work of humble means.
The refugee center will be funded through very limited means, and needs to be built of humble materials. The use of OSB, plywood, and fiberboard, finished to a higher degree is a great example of elevating a "lowly" material. The use of greenhouse plastic for the skylights, provides a large amount of diffuse light deep within the classrooms where otherwise they might not receive much light.
One of the most intriguing things about this project, as it applies to the "refugee center" project, is the idea of shared common space, and "hinged space" which allows for varying degrees of partitioning and privacy. The use of built-in furniture also has some relevance as these amenities, tend to last longer, look cleaner, and cost less (frequently not always) than systems, or movable furniture.
Precedent Study 01 : The North Market - Columbus, Ohio
History of the North Market:
Columbus at one time had four major markets throughout the city. The Central, North, East and West markets. Shown here in a historic photo from 1935 the Central Market was demolished in 1966 for "Urban Renewal" and is now occupied by the greyhound bus station.
Founded in 1876 the North Market is the only remaining of Columbus' Public markets. The market has been home to local butchers, bakers, fishmongers, greengrocers and farmers. In recent years the market has expanded to include ethnic food specialties as well as gourmet groceries. Originally the market was located at the City’s public Cemetery (where the parking lot is now located),
the original structure burned down in 1947, and was replaced with a war-surplus Quonset hut. The Market declined in popularity in the 1960’s-1970’s as new suburban grocery stores became available.
In the 1980’s the market was met with resurgence in interest, and the market decided to expand from its Quonset hut. The present market occupies a renovated building which was previously the “Advanced Theatre Warehouse”, adjacent to the market’s original location. In 1995 the New North Market opened, and presently attracts up to one million visitors annually.
The North Market today:
Today the North Market is a mix of locally produced meat and vegetables, specialty shops as well as ethnic food eateries. All of the businesses are small and local and this market serves as an incubator for small business, while providing a gathering place for people to eat, shop mingle and people watch.
Geographically, the North Market is situated at a transition zone between the high rise downtown and the lower rise area of the "Short North". Interstate 670 cuts a swath and separates these districts. Recently a building called "The cap" has been built over I-670 which seeks to provide continuity between the short north and the area surrounding the convention center along High street. The Convention center draws millions of visitors annually, and provides the market with a much needed influx of capital, as the ethnic eateries cater very heavily to those individuals who need to grab a quick bite and get back to their activity.
The building is aproximately 100 feet wide and 250 in length.
View of front of Market from corner of Spruce & Wall Street:
The market is set along Front street, but faces inward towards its parking lot / market area, which can be converted to assembly space. In effect, due to the proportions of the surrounding buildings the parking area is a sort of public courtyard.
The Iconography is simple but direct, a neon sign with a rooster, proclaims this as a market building. The additional exterior stair towers, provide a simple vertical element made up of corrugated plastic, they invoke a certain rural agricultural element which reinforces this notion of "Market space".
Looking South towards downtown along Front Street:
Along Front Street the building very much holds the street edge, with a monolithic rhythmic elevation which is a testament to its past as a warehouse, and to this area's history as the warehouse district of Columbus. Multiple Awnings provide a human scale and break up this building at the street level. It is interesting to note that deliberately, the awnings are mismatched which reinforces the notion that the building holds multiple vendors and is a public domain.
Structurally, much of the building's original structure remains, although the second level has been removed except for a narrow mezzanine strip at the perimeter. This acts twofold. The open grid system serves as an organizational structure which allows for mechanical and electrical equipment to be hung at a mid level. This also allows the space to flow vertically over much of the building and gives an openness to the feel of the building. The perimeter mezzanine serves as seating and allows the patrons to view the buzz of human activity from above.
At the front of the building (facing the parking lot) a simple tube steel gallery with a roof, provides shelter for temporary farmers markets on a seasonal basis. This temporary nature, reinforces the market concept, and provides a fixed focused temporal event for people to gather.
The open steel and wood grid of the former warehouse serves to provide an organizational frame against which individual tenants can build their space.
Simple utility hook ups occur in quadrants, so that each vendor stall has a centrally located sanitary stub, water supply, and electrical service. The stalls are composed of simple materials: painted CMU's , corrugated plastic and painted 2x10 materials. All expression beyond this is left to the individual vendors to craft their image.
An important part of the North Market is the system of bulletin boards spread throughout the circulation space (verical stairwell enclosures, as well as on the mezzanine). This civic forum provides an implied exchange of free ideas beyond that which the market promotes as an organization.
Relevance to the Refugee Center:
The North Market, is a simple structure, yet it gives individual SMALL proprietors a place to "hook in" to utilities, to gather together to attract foot traffic which they would not get alone, and to create a dynamic, charged atmosphere, where people want to visit. Individually they are insignificant, there are no "anchors" there are no chains, but together they form a community which engages those around it.
The addition of the Farmer's market on the steps of the main market provides a temporal event where people gather. Temporal events, because they occur infrequently, serve to gather people in greater concentrations than permanent events.
The location of the market in an Urban Business District Setting, while it is located for historical reasons, shows that this type of market can exist without the assistance of a large scale residential population in the immediate vicinity.
The structure itself is very humble, and the concept of a "hook-in" can be applied not just to any retail aspect of the center for refugee acculturation, but to that of the housing portion as well. The utilities are permanent everything else is allowed to flow around and accumulate around these central "utility cores"
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