Abandoned Caribbean Island airport reimagined as climate-adaptive urban district
The Arnos Vale Resilient City Masterplan reimagines an abandoned airport on the Caribbean Island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Addressing climate resilience, economic growth and community well-being in the reimagined urban district, the masterplan aspires to serve as a “replicable model” for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) looking at similar climate and urbanisation challenges.
The former airstrip will transform into a multifunctional central park combining open space, biodiversity and urban cooling.
Designed for residents, workers and visitors, the park will include shaded gathering spaces, lush plantings and cooling water features to provide comfortable microclimates.
Features such as a double sided canal boulevard will ensure flood management and stormwater retention.
The Warrawarrow river is designed to reduce erosion and improve water quality, and expanded mangrove systems along the coastline will strengthen biodiversity as well as provide storm buffers.
Using a coastal defense system, a layered boardwalk system will protect promenades from rising sea levels and flooding.
With the goal of enhancing accessibility for all residents, the project includes a multi-model transportation network.
Pedestrian friendly streets, bicycle lanes, and a forthcoming light rail connection to Kingstown via a planned tunnel are planned to reduce reliance on vehicular transport.
New housing, live-work spaces, cultural and institutional destinations and tourism amenities are also planned in the reimagination.
The project intends to introduce a new era of tropical urban design, with a commitment to sustainability.