In 1994, I devised a scheme to expand Lower Manhattan, 3D computer-modeled it while attending a computer class in Parsons that concluded early1995. Developed the same design concept until 1998 incorporating -the then Coast Guard’s vacated- Governors Island.
I attended the Master of Architecture program at SUNY Buffalo in 1998 where I developed my concept into a different set of expansion schemes. This design journey explored connecting Governors Island with Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Devising public and vehicular transportation plans to stitch the new expansion to the main land. Designed and wrote my M-Arch’s thesis regarding the same topic and graduated in 2000.
After September, 11terrorests attacks the rebuilding process of Lower Manhattan started. I realized that rebuilding the new WTC on the expansion my thesis found is a far superior and a national approach to rebuild Lower Manhattan than the approach that is currently being adopted. I wrote a letter suggesting this and sent a synopsis of my thesis in 2002 to LMDC who administered the rebuilding process asking them to review it as a valid Lower Manhattan rebuilding approach. They denied my request in writing. I wrote a chapter in my book regarding this.
Following the rebuilding process, it was impossible not to notice the many flagrant violations of design, moral and administrative principles. I wrote an essay every time I noticed something wrong. Few years and dozens of essays later I realized that those essays could easily form a book. I spent a good portion of 2006 assembling a 2-part book. Part one of my book is an editing of my thesis, introducing it as an approach to rebuild Lower Manhattan factoring the situation after September 11. Applying this approach will expand lower Manhattan’s urban life expectancy and its success for centuries. Part 2 is sobering, exposing yet an objective critique of the current rebuilding process of Lower Manhattan and its outcome.
Ramez A. George
3506 34th Street Apt #A43
Astoria NY 11106
Cell (212) 729-4905
Phone (718) 482-1954
RGeorgeArch@aol.com
Blog: http://savenewyork.blogspot.com
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