ALEXA CHIROUSSOT-CHAMBEAUX
This ground diagram shows Alhambra Circle and Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The area contains residential properties on the left, and a mix of commericial and retail spaces on the right. The circle covers a group mixed use buildings.
This aerial view depicts a city block on Alhambra Circle. The highlighted region includes a combination of mixed-use buildings. Two business center with retail spaces on the ground floor, a parking garage, dentist's office and attorney buildings.
This axonometric drawing shows key characteristics of the city block between Alhambra Circle and North Le Jeune Road. Depicted are the hard landscapes such as the roads and pedestrian walkways as well as the green spaces between some roads and along the walkways. Vehicular circulation are shown along streets of varying widths with Alhambra Circle containing the most lanes. Each intersection has crosswalk lines, including some at halfway points along the main street. Lampposts are positioned at every crosswalk.
This Actor-Network Theory Diagram traces the origin of the city of Coral Gables to better understand the cohesiveness of the city’s residential area and the lack of this cohesiveness in its commercial spots. Some aspects considered in this analysis includes the National Register of Historic Places of which a handful of homes are part of, the lack of diversity in income and ethnic groups, and the building codes that allow for commercial buildings to stray more from the residential aesthetic. The National Register of Historic Places prohibits homes to be modified, and with over 15 homes on the list, the city has decided to require at least 25% of the residential area keep with that architectural style of Spanish-Mediterranean homes. The lack of diversity in income levels and ethnic groups also inhibits this cohesiveness in that these individuals are from hispanic regions that embrace this type of archtecture and therefore feel more personally attached. They have the financial means to maintain it. Commercial real estate are not required to maintain the same strict rules and therefore create their own spaces according to the product they sell. Some areas have maintained the “outside shell” that embraces the residential architecture and modified the interior to better meet their needs; however, that is not the case for all built spaces. The only major requirement for commercial spaces is a flat roof. This explains the observation that most buildings have a “superficial” facade when in reality they are attempting to meet the City requirements while also attempting to blend in with the hard landscape surrounding it.
These set of images show an alternative set of activities, drinking at a cafe during the sunset or enjoying the outdoor farmers market in the evening. The hot Miami days are usually too much to handle in the mid-days; however, in the evenings, it may be much more enjoyable and create a more inviting environment for others to come together. The lamposts added are also solar panel to create a smaller environmental impact and take advantage of the bright days. Taking findings of the Actor-Network Theory Diagram into consideration, this new vision along Alhambra Circle creates a unique and inviting atmosphere for more to enjoy, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.