Trahan Architects have shared their plans to completely transform an existing Municipal Dock into a mixed-use development. The dock is nestled between LSU and Downtown Baton Rouge – an emerging pedestrian thoroughfare that is full of potential for future public infrastructure developments – and Trahan’s vision will further activate the growing connection between these urban areas in Louisiana.
More images, great diagrams and more about the project after the break.
Historically, the dock enabled ocean-going vessels to off-load heavy cargo onto barges for upriver transport, or to rail for inland shipment through Baton Rouge. However, with the interstate system of 1968, the dock soon became an outdated entity, quickly replaced by the ease of trucking freight.
Yet, now, the dock plays a large part in reviving the riverfront. The development, which consists of primarily residential units, is extremely site conscious. The building’s massing is shifted to provide optimal views of the river and gently arched to create a public space for exhibitions, gatherings and performances.
The units are shifted in both plan and section, and the shifting creates opportunities for both private and communal terraces. Larger units flank the building, while smaller units fill in toward the middle.
The building’s defined public space invites passersby closer to the riverfront and is just as vital to the design as the residential units.
The building’s wooden envelope gracefully curves from north to south to provide shade for the units, yet the aesthetic brings a sense of dynamic movement that fits with the river’s current. “This meandering surface is articulated with wooden members that flow with varying densities to maximize views and to mitigate direct solar gain, reflected solar gain and views from public areas,” added the architect.
View more projects by Trahan Architects previously featured on AD here.
Project: Baton Rouge Municipal Dock
Program: Mixed Use Development
Floor Area: 56,700 g.s.f. + 7,200 g.s.f. designated for public areas
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Cost: To Be Determined (USD)
Completion: To Be Announced
Requirements: reuse existing infrastructure, maximize views of Mississippi River and surrounding context, engage public residential units to adapt to market conditions
Principal Architect: Trey Trahan
Senior Designer: Mark Hash
Project Team: Judson Terry, Michael McCune, Chao-wei Su
