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01. Understanding the Problem 02. Project Principles 03. Site Strategy 04. Design Solution 05. Animation |
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM The Creative Suitland project aims to address the challenge of translating the vibrant energy of an existing arts collective into a new, purpose-built development, without losing the flavor. Located in a strip mall in Prince George's County, the Creative Suitland collective has become a hub for local artists, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. However, with the proposed redevelopment, there was a need to preserve the vibe while designing a modern arts destination that also accommodates retail spaces, affordable housing, and parking. The key challenge lies in developing a space that is both welcoming and flexible, capable of fostering creativity and inclusivity in a way that reflects the diverse needs of the local artist community, ensuring that the new Creative Suitland retains its original charm and authenticity while providing a sustainable model for future growth. |
Existing Creative Suitland Art Creation
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Existing Creative Suitland Art Creation
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4719 Silver Hill Rd, Suitland, MD 20746
PROJECT
PRINCIPLES
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01. Understanding the Problem 02. Project Principles 03. Site Strategy 04. Design Solution 05. Animation |
PROJECT PRINCIPLES 1. Enhancing Creation - Providing a Canvas The existing Creative Suitland spaces ability to take a parking lot and create a vibrant community is a modern marvel. We want to enhance this instead of allowing sterile, boring design to diminish the creativity already present. 2. Equity - Designing Space for All The guidelines of the RFP directly speak to increasing equity in the neighborhood - not only through the mixed income housing, but also through the culinary, artistic and entrepreneurial opportunities. This project wants to be a place that allows everyone an idea to put to action. 3. Placemaking - Kickstarting a Livable Street The current Silver Hill Road is a car-centric street with convenient access to the metro and Suitland Federal Center. This development aims to start implementing the MU-TC design guidelines to change the area into a move walkable and neighborhood friendly space. All it needs is a launchpad. |
SITE
STRATEGY
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01. Understanding the Problem 02. Project Principles 03. Site Strategy 04. Design Solution 05. Animation |
EXISTING SITE The existing site features the current Creative Suitland Center and a large parking lot. This parking lot acts as an outdoor laboratory for the existing art center. We wanted to respect this outdoor laboratory space in our proposed design. |
PROGRAMMATIC HARMONY
The final massing combines all programmatic elements with functional, beautiful outdoor spaces to create an eclectic space in the Suitland neighborhood. The buildings are strategically located and carved to not overwhelm the street edge and provide interesting terracing and building scale that allows the architecture to become a neighborhood favorite.
The final massing combines all programmatic elements with functional, beautiful outdoor spaces to create an eclectic space in the Suitland neighborhood. The buildings are strategically located and carved to not overwhelm the street edge and provide interesting terracing and building scale that allows the architecture to become a neighborhood favorite.
DESIGN
SOLUTION
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01. Understanding the Problem 02. Project Principles 03. Site Strategy 04. Design Solution 05. Animation |
DESIGN SOLUTION The final design solution takes all of our research and puts it on paper. We also incorporated portions of the Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center Plan. The proposed development is a place that combines the new mixed income housing, the Creative Suitland Arts Center, and new food/innovation retail spaces. The proposed project will push the new development of Silver Hill Road towards the future, while also honoring those that have been working so hard in the community in the present and past. |
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DESIGN BY THE NUMBERS
- By-right development meeting the MU-TC design criteria.
- 256,640 sf above grade construction.
- 14,750 sf of community art space with indoor/outdoor theater.
- 15,000 sf of commercial retail space with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation and culinary arts. Outdoor seating area provided off of public plaza.
- 190 units of mixed income housing; 91 two bed units, 87 one bed units, and 12 artist specific housing units on the ground floor.
- 42 public parking spaces on grade.
- 16' tall ground floor level - concrete podium construction.
- 4 floors of wood construction above with 9' ceilings.
- 1st floor residential courtyard amenity space.
- 2nd floor club house amenity space with grill deck and connection to courtyard.
- 5th floor roof deck space for residents.
- 1st and 2nd floor artist specific amenity spaces, such as recording studio and painting studio.
- 1st floor fitness room for residents.
- Corner public plaza includes flexibility to host exterior creative Suitland events and host farmers market.
- Project to be designed at LEED Gold or equivalent level of sustainability.
- Rooftop solar panels and green roof to be provided. Biophilic, natural and local materials to be used at cladding, including - fiber cement, brick, timber and stone.
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PROJECT TEAM:
FERNANDO BONILLA VERDESOTO AIA
JOSEPH IWASKIW, AIA
PEDRO CAMARGO
MISSION FIRST HOUSING
FERNANDO BONILLA VERDESOTO AIA
JOSEPH IWASKIW, AIA
PEDRO CAMARGO
MISSION FIRST HOUSING
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