Forging Bethlehem
An Architectural Response to the Redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel
An Architectural Response to the Redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel
ABSTRACT
Bethlehem Steel was the United States’ second largest steel producer, and today remains the largest brownfield site in the nation. The concept of an entertainment and cultural hub on the abandoned site was sparked when the Las Vegas Sands Corporation purchased the property in 2007. Now named the Sands BethWorks, a casino and entertainment complex is currently under construction on the property. The master plan incorporates residential and commercial construction, as well as arts facilities and outdoor public spaces. The casino and hotel components of the site are currently under construction and will be open for business within the next year, bringing economic growth and tourism to the city of Bethlehem. Local organizations supporting arts and culture in the Southside of the city are largely involved in the planning of the site; and many Steel buildings will be adaptively reused.
The people of the city are enthusiastic about the development, but the complex has been designed and planned with the tourist’s desires in mind, and little considerations for the low to middle class residents of the nearby community. The plans for the site include many high-end retail stores and restaurants that will accommodate wealthier tourists. The casino will also encourage the gambling of local money in a down-turning economy. The Steel site has until now been fenced off from the adjacent south side neighborhood of Bethlehem and unfortunately, the socio-economic clash of the tourists and locals will prevent both from cross integrating; re-forming this negative border condition. A healthy merging of these peoples is necessary for this redevelopment of the city and will provide opportunities for exploring and celebrating the diversity and culture of Bethlehem.
THESIS INTENTIONS
The design utilizes an existing south Bethlehem glassmaking program and situates it along the border between the deteriorating neighborhood and the Sands BethWorks. In glassmaking, raw sand is transformed by fire and heat in a furnace; a transformation reminiscent of the process of melting iron ore to produce steel. The process of transformation is now significant in Bethlehem’s past, present, and future.
The tourists can migrate to this site to explore the city of Bethlehem outside of the casino complex. The neighborhood residents will appreciate that the facility is near the BethWorks development and its attractive new arts facilities. Here, this mixture of people joins to share art and culture, recall and reminisce on the success and growth of Bethlehem’s past, and celebrate the future as Bethlehem makes the transformation into a major east coast destination.
THESIS STATEMENT
By placing an emphasis on the significance of transformation, the thesis intends to create a healthy mergence of peoples; stregnthening the rich culture in the existing community and embracing the future of the city.
Bethlehem Steel was the United States’ second largest steel producer, and today remains the largest brownfield site in the nation. The concept of an entertainment and cultural hub on the abandoned site was sparked when the Las Vegas Sands Corporation purchased the property in 2007. Now named the Sands BethWorks, a casino and entertainment complex is currently under construction on the property. The master plan incorporates residential and commercial construction, as well as arts facilities and outdoor public spaces. The casino and hotel components of the site are currently under construction and will be open for business within the next year, bringing economic growth and tourism to the city of Bethlehem. Local organizations supporting arts and culture in the Southside of the city are largely involved in the planning of the site; and many Steel buildings will be adaptively reused.
The people of the city are enthusiastic about the development, but the complex has been designed and planned with the tourist’s desires in mind, and little considerations for the low to middle class residents of the nearby community. The plans for the site include many high-end retail stores and restaurants that will accommodate wealthier tourists. The casino will also encourage the gambling of local money in a down-turning economy. The Steel site has until now been fenced off from the adjacent south side neighborhood of Bethlehem and unfortunately, the socio-economic clash of the tourists and locals will prevent both from cross integrating; re-forming this negative border condition. A healthy merging of these peoples is necessary for this redevelopment of the city and will provide opportunities for exploring and celebrating the diversity and culture of Bethlehem.
THESIS INTENTIONS
The design utilizes an existing south Bethlehem glassmaking program and situates it along the border between the deteriorating neighborhood and the Sands BethWorks. In glassmaking, raw sand is transformed by fire and heat in a furnace; a transformation reminiscent of the process of melting iron ore to produce steel. The process of transformation is now significant in Bethlehem’s past, present, and future.
The tourists can migrate to this site to explore the city of Bethlehem outside of the casino complex. The neighborhood residents will appreciate that the facility is near the BethWorks development and its attractive new arts facilities. Here, this mixture of people joins to share art and culture, recall and reminisce on the success and growth of Bethlehem’s past, and celebrate the future as Bethlehem makes the transformation into a major east coast destination.
THESIS STATEMENT
By placing an emphasis on the significance of transformation, the thesis intends to create a healthy mergence of peoples; stregnthening the rich culture in the existing community and embracing the future of the city.
