Book 1 - City of St. Petersburg

BASIS OF DESIGN BOOK 1
3 GENERAL PLANNING CRITERIA
UNDERWATER FEATURE
CRITERIA
Constraints
The following constraints have been identified:
• Limited Funding
Although identifying both funding and potential
sponsorships is a constraint, it also offers the opportunity
for involvement in what could be one of the greatest
assets to the new Pier as well as the City.
• Water Turbidity
Rapid exchange rates and currents make the process
of clarifying the water within the Lens a challenge, if
not impossible. Though visibility varies by season and
rainfall, it is often not possible to see more than three
feet into the water in the daytime.
• Waves and Currents
Stability during major storms is crucial given the location
of the Underwater Feature. Habitat goals for the project
must be consistent with these stresses and conditions of
water movement.
• Safety
Hazards to people, boats, manatees, other marine
species must be avoided.
• Permitting
The project timeframe must be considered when
determining what can be reasonably processed and
permitted.
• Maintenance
The Feature must be largely maintained by nonspecialized
individuals. The staff and income stream
need to be identified in order to operate and update the
feature from year to year. The amount of maintenance
required must be minimized.
Approaches and Possible Components
Technology
The Underwater Feature has the potential to function as a portal
or interface where the public and students can view and hear
what is happening underwater, or have it interpreted for them.
This interface could be on land, on the Pier, over the internet or
through docent-led tours. The following are key technological
components that may be incorporated into the project:
• Imaging
The use of technology to communicate life under the
water can overcome the problem of water clarity. Videoenhanced
microscopy and high definition sonar imaging
can circumvent water turbidity and be used as a fixed
display.
3 - 110
THE NEW ST. PETERSBURG PIER