Giving order to the edge: a new framework : design of a station as a town center

Abstract

Fifty Years later, the San Juan periphery has become and edge city. The prediction was accurate. The challenge now is to correct this existing condition. This thesis is an exploration in developing a physical form to provide a framework that will organize the diverse parts. By exploring the connections within and edge city condition and defining a new town center, the thesis attempts to formulate a physical strategy that will give cohesion to the area through the infrastructure. The subject for this exploration is the design of the Degetau Station, a subway station along the Carolina Corridor, a new line that is part of the Tren Urbano, a heavy rail transit system currently being constructed in Puerto Rico. The investigation occurs at three scales: the urban, the site and the station. At the urban scale, the region will be seen as a new entertainment node. At the site scale, the area will be conceived as a new town and interchange transit center. At the architectural scale, the station will be perceived as a plaza, with strong connections between the landscape and a series of layered spaces that connects the subway to the street level.