The revitalization of Kanawha Plaza in downtown Richmond re-examines the relationship of mixed-use program around a vertical “street”. Retail, residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces will be lifted from conventional storefront within a continuous shell. The shell will be completed by a photovoltaic array and multi-level green roof, which will transfer solar energy and clean water downward into the building to the lower program. Growing medium will be embedded within the shell bounding residential and commercial spaces, allowing vegetation to be grown to supply food, promote indoor air quality, and provide insulation. The architecture will re-energize an inactive region of downtown into a thriving epicenter for living, shopping, working, and entertaining.
