South Beach Township Charrette Underway

TSW is leading a week-long charrette to plan a new town development on New Providence Island, The Bahamas. The government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has commissioned TSW to develop a model for new town development in an area near South Beach that has experienced conventional sprawl development patterns over the past few decades.

The 250-acre site lies just four miles south of downtown Nassau, and the new development will prioritize respect for Bahamian values and culture. The plan will provide daily necessities within walking distance, including community facilities, shops, and public spaces, and will offer various housing options for Bahamians of different ages, incomes, and lifestyles.

TSW aims to celebrate the rich history of Bahamian town building, architecture, and design and prioritize design excellence while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. The plan will also generate economic opportunities for Bahamians and complement, rather than compete with, downtown Nassau.

In addition, TSW plans to establish a balanced transportation system that features quality facilities for walking and bicycling while efficiently accommodating existing jitney service. The project will also make efficient use of public funds in both project development and maintenance.

The charrette is an intensive, collaborative planning session that involves a team of planners, architects, designers, and other stakeholders. The goal of the charrette is to develop a comprehensive plan that meets the needs and values of the local community while achieving the project’s objectives.

These goals, as well as feedback from on-going stakeholder involvement, will serve as a foundation for the charrette, which runs through the morning of Saturday April 16, 2011.