Long_Lots aspires to rehabilitate Asheville's River Arts District by reinforcing its ties to the French Broad River, and the city of Asheville, by creating places for both civic live and wildlife to flourish.

Currently, Asheville's River Arts District possesses both environmental and urban design challenges. Located right on the river, within the 100 year flood plain, the site is occupied by numerous abandoned warehouses, a few functioning businesses, and is bordered on the east by a functioning railroad. The natural features of the site have been contaminated or destroyed by past industrial occupation.

The term "long lot" refers to a French system of colonial land division used along rivers. The goal was to give each settler frontage on the river as well as on the road that ran parallel to it, some distance inland, and away from flooding. This resulted in a series of long, narrow lots between the waterway and the overland route.

Long_Lots design is inspired by the historical system of distinct lots that allows equal access to the river for all to enjoy. To bring diversity and balance between the ecological entities of the site and the objectives of artists, the site contains an interlacing of built spaces merging into natural spaces. Much of the land will be given back to nature, restoring the natural ecosystem and creating outdoor spaces that will engage the public and private realms. 

Final Boards: board_1, board_2, board_3, board_4

(This was a group project accomplished with Celise Bravo-Taylor, Emily Adams, and Michael Gron.)