The creation of an edge : barriers & edges and their influences in the urban fabric

In today's world of urban revitalization, there becomes a need for architects to understand the needs and problems of today's cities, in order to play a positive role in their growth and development. One of these problems that cities face, is the restriction of growth, movement, and city cohesiveness by barriers, both man-made and natural, such as rivers, topography, railroads, roads, and canals. With the transformation of boundaries that are in the form of a barrier to that of an edge, a positive affect on the urban environment may be seen.The communities of West Lafayette and Lafayette are currently divided by the Wabash River with neither city addressing the river to much degree. With the relocation of the railway lines to the river edge, an even stronger barrier is created between the city fabric and the river. The purpose for my project is to create a stronger link between W. Lafayette and Lafayette through a riverfront anchor that reflects the separate but together image of the Greater Lafayette Community. Through this anchor I am attempting to reduce the influence of the relocated rail lines and the river as a barrier. As a premise for my decisions, I feel that both the river and the railroad should be respected and enhanced through the interaction and transition from the city. While respecting the existing and proposed urban context, I am also attempting to introduce Urban Awareness of the river-city relationship.College of Architecture and PlanningThesis (B. Arch.