Intertwining Economy, Resilience, and Community for Tomorrow’s North Charleston
ULI Hines Student Competition 2023

Team: Youngsoo Yang (Team Leader), Master of Urban Design, Harvard University
Tomas Quaglia, Master of Urban Design, Harvard University
Ben Parker, Master of Urban Design and Master of Design Studies, Harvard University
Emily Johansen, Master of Urban Planning, Harvard University
Rachaya Wattanasirichaigoon, Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Urban Design, Harvard University

KNOT Charleston is proposed to be a catalyst to transform the riverfront and create a new downtown for the city of North Charleston. Three key elements, coupled with three designed corridors of the development are integral to shaping a dynamic, sustainable, and equitable future.

The Riverwalk, the new destination waterfront along Cooper River embodies resilience and activates and protects the waterfront. Opening up the riverfront to the public and businesses, climate-resilient green infrastructure, along with reintroducing the native Lowcountry Coastal Landscape, are also integrated to protect the site from climate risks such as flooding and storm surges.

Maker’s Wharf, the northern edge of the development, embodies the economy and brings together North Charleston’s industrial history and its emerging creative scene to incubate small-scale, local producers such as breweries, BBQs, bakeries, blacksmiths, and carpenters. The working pier directly links shipping activities with facilities such as a local seafood market, a creative industry center, and mixed-used residential buildings. The corridor celebrates food, artisans, and culture.

Live Oak Avenue is designed as a slow street where pedestrian and bike mobility are prioritized, with the main component of this corridor being the public spaces defined by the community buildings that surround it. Live Oak canopies along the two sides of the roads create a cool atmosphere with shades from the hot South Carolina weather.

The 89-acre site will be transformed through public and private partnership efforts, offering over 2,000 mixed-income residential units, 33% being affordable, 70 businesses, while opening the waterfront to the public for the first time in North Charleston.



More Info: https://americas.uli.org/2023-uli-hines-student-competition-finalist-knot-charleston-harvard-university/