Master Development Plan DESIGNWORKSHOP
Arbolera de Vida is located on the site of a former sawmill
near the heart of Albuquerque’s Old Town historic district.
Amidst industrial contamination from the property and
environs, which included air pollution and groundwater
with traces of formaldehyde, benzene, asbestos and fuel
oils, Sawmill-area residents mobilized to protect their
health, homes and way of life. With persistence and
courage, this grassroots organization took charge of the
community’s destiny and succeeded in the clean-up of the
site and surrounding neighborhood. Successful
remediation of the site led the sawmill Advisory Council
(SAC) to move forward with community redevelopment
efforts, and in 1996, the City of Albuquerque signed an
agreement with SAC enabling them to control the
redevelopment planning process.
The council chose a team of sustainable design consultants
led by Design Workshop to define a vision for the site,
identify principles for the development and develop a
Master Plan with guidelines for implementation. Design
Workshop designed and implemented a special planning
process for this project with a particular emphasis on
community participation. The inclusive nature of the
process led to the creation of a master development plan
that features the preferences of the participants and focuses
on the integration of social, ecological and economic
community principles.
Client:
Sawmill Advisory Council
(SAC)
Services Provided:
Landscape Architecture
Land Planning
Urban Design
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Homes on Plaza
Typical Architectural Elevation
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Arbolera de Vida Master Development Plan
Albuquerque, New Mexico
The plaza is a one-acre urban park that provides a physical
and spiritual anchor for the first phase of Arbolera De Vida,
a mixed-use, urban infill, affordable housing development
on a reclaimed sawmill site. The plaza is a multipurpose
facility - serving as the center of community as well as
a detention basin. The plaza design evolved through a
collaborative process that included design charrettes, meetings
and presentations to the neighborhood residents and the
Land Trust. Image boards illustrating the colors, textures
and architecture of Mexico and plan alternatives highlighting
the opportunities for art, performances, and celebrations
were presented and debated over several months until
a conceptual design was approved.
Design Workshop's site design includes a stimulating mixture
of spaces that are physically and visually connected to the
adjacent neighborhood. Vivid colors, curvilinear shapes
and multiple park levels set a bold and inviting tone. The
Plaza is and will always be a work-in-progress. The design
accommodates and welcomes additions such as tile, sculpture
and murals which will further personalize the space and
reaffirm the community's ownership of and commitment
to the project.
Illustrative Plaza Plan
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Plaza Entry
Neighborhood Residents Enjoying Plaza Amenities
DESIGNWORKSHOP
Arbolera de Vida Plaza
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Client:
Sawmill Community Land Trust
Services Provided:
Urban Design
Landscape Architecture
Land Planning
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