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Bird's Eye View
Bird's Eye View
Bridging the Gap is a design proposal focused on reconnecting the isolated brownfield areas of South Baltimore, particularly around the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay neighborhoods, to the city’s larger ecological and social networks.
The concept centers on transforming vacant and underused industrial lands into a continuous green corridor that bridges physical, environmental, and community divides. By introducing multi-use trails, green buffers, and mixed-use public spaces, the project restores ecological function along the waterfront while improving accessibility and connectivity between neighborhoods.
The goal is to create a landscape that not only heals contaminated ground but also rebuilds community interaction and resilience within the evolving urban fabric of Baltimore. It highlights the potential of post-industrial land to become a driver of environmental regeneration and social renewal. Through phased implementation, the design envisions a flexible framework that adapts over time to future community needs and climate challenges.
Masterplan
Masterplan
Legend:
1. Grocery Retailer
2. Stormwater Management Area / Reserved for Future Development
3. Farmers Garden (Planting Beds)
4. Outdoor Farmers Garden
5. Farmers Market
6. Bus Station
7. Green Noise Buffer
8. Amphitheater
9. Plaza (Public, Community Gathering Area)
10. Water Body
11. Commercial Area
12. Mixed-Use Area (Small Shops+Multi-Family Residential)
13. Green Way
14. Restricted Area
15. Splash Pad
16. Kids’ Garden
17. Neighborhood Park
18. Multi-Family Residential
19. Unhoused Community Houses (Services, Training + Residential)
20. Multi-Use Trail
Sections
Sections
FAR Calculation
FAR Calculation
Proposed FAR: 1.1
The existing Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in the surrounding area is approximately 0.8, reflecting mostly low-rise buildings with limited density. In the proposed design, the FAR increases to 1.1, allowing for a more efficient use of land while maintaining a human-scale character. This moderate increase supports a mix of uses and activity without overwhelming the site, resulting in buildings that are generally two to three stories tall and compatible with the existing urban fabric. The higher FAR encourages compact development and walkability while preserving open space for community use. It also aligns with the project's goal of revitalizing underused land through balanced density and sustainable urban form.
Masterplan Thematic Layers
Masterplan Thematic Layers
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
WVU | Davis College | School for Community and Economic Development
LARC 652/652S Land Development Principles and Practices
Instructor: Stefania Staniscia, Ph.D.
Student: Parinaz Baradaran
Fall Semester 2025
In partnership with the WVU Mid-Atlantic Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities Taskforce
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