Liberty Today

Fig 1. First immigration wave in USA took place in 1812. Source

Premise

Statue of Liberty with its changing timely definition has always been a universal symbol of freedom, patriotism and liberty. A gift by France to the USA in 1889, it embodied hope and opportunity in the era the country had entered into.

The 1800s was a defining era for the United States of America. From a rural agrarian, it became an industrial-based economy with the onset of industrialization. With the invention of the first commercial railway in 1827, industrialization escalated. It helped in the mobilization of goods and people across the country. Meanwhile, peace got re-established between the US and Britain after the War of 1812. Immigration from Western Europe increased which caused a shift in the demographics. US Civil war (1861-65) led to the abolition of slavery, as the country underwent a massive change - culturally, socially, politically and economically.

Liberty was a welcome point for immigrants, embodying hope as they seek a better life in America. Along with Liberty State Park and Ellis Island, it is part of ‘Historic Trilogy.' One of the most popular tourist destinations in States today.

 

Fig 2. Central Railroad of New Jersey during its prime operation. Source

History of the region

Waterways have played an important role historically as a transportation link. With an increasing daily network of passengers and goods, a passenger terminal complex called Central Railroad of New Jersey was constructed in 1889. Along the Jersey City waterfront, it comprised of a Richardsonian Romanesque style terminal and a 20 track train shed (1914). Present near a Dutch settlement who immigrated during British rule in 1667. It previously was designed for a ferry service and housed many steam engine factories.

Statue of Liberty was a gift commissioned by France to celebrate abolition of slavery after the Union’s win in the US Civil war. Beyond upholding strong friendship between two nations, it was a statement to inspire French people to call for their democracy in the face of the repressed monarchy. Ellis Island - an Immigration inspection centre was constructed and started in 1892.

The terminal along with nearby Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty is reflective of the era of massive structural change in the US. A melting point for commuters, interstate travelers as well as immigrants that were beginning their journeys to their new homes in America.

 

Chart 1 - Major events leading to construction of Liberty
State Park, Liberty Terminal and TraiN Shed

 

The site context today

Unfortunately, the Great Depression hit hard. With rise of the automobile, and a decline in business caused the waterfront terminal to shut down in 1967. Decline of industry, deterioration of rail and maritime infrastructure, and toxic waste - eventually made the area obsolete. Due to efforts of influential environmentalists and historians – Liberty State Park was commissioned in 1976. A reclaimed space, the park is a bicentennial celebration. The park today serves a variety of worthwhile public and cultural avenues. Along with Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, it forms the ‘Historic Trilogy’.

 

Image 3. Jersey Terminal from transport hub to tourist destination (now Liberty State Park).

 

Issue: What does liberty mean?

Historic Trilogy besides being a cultural and historic melting point, holds great symbolic value. Despite the universality of its image, what the place (especially Statue of Liberty) represents is open to interpretation. In broadest sense - it was a gateway to America. The first welcoming sight for immigrants. It also was a symbol of liberation for slaves during the late 1800s. During 2001 Terrorist attack, it became a symbol of strength. It’s meaning changing with time and through cultural barriers. The presidency of Donald Trump has stirred debate about what it means to be American today. What ideals should the nation embody?

In lieu of changing political and cultural spectrum, what does liberty represent today?

 

Image 4. Current state of the train shed - site of intervention

Site

In Liberty State Park while the terminal has been converted into a museum, the railway shed remains a desolate space. It sits as a broken link in the chain that connects all these growing urban regions. Vacant since train traffic at the terminal ceased in 1964, the old departure boards and stately metal columns still loom. Prohibited for public access, the shed today presents only a shadow of its former use. Despite approval for preservation from Liberty Estate, the question always remains. ‘To what purpose?’

 

Fig 5. Context Plan constituting Historic Trilogy in New Jersey. Source - Google

Brief of the competition

Challenge is to rethink a disused 4000 sqm railway shed into space for culture, art and public relationships.

Design that retrieves collective memories and also responds to the contemporary idea of what the space stands for. It can be a memorial, a relic, an interpretation, an urban park - any idea that infuses new meaning of liberty in the existent urban void? What can be an effective way to rejuvenate such urban spaces?

 

Objectives

Liberty State Park along with Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty celebrates the changing history of USA. It’s reflective of what country stands for. The design should strive to reinvigorate the principles that the country for long has identified itself with.

 

 

Context - Liberty State Park

Celebrating USA’s history of industrialization, railways and immigration - Central Railroad of New Jersey constitutes Liberty State Park. With a context including Reserved Nature Area, Waterfront Walkway, Liberty Science Center, Liberty Landing Marina, restaurants, viewing deck, ferry service to Manhattan, Ellis, and Liberty Islands – it serves a variety of worthwhile public purposes.

 

Context Pictures comprising of View A - Elevation of Jersey Terminal. View B - Terminal from
inside. View C - View of shed; alongside the perimeter (Left to Right)

View D -Train Shed from adjacent Parking Lot. Red building on left is public toilet

View E- Train Shed from inside of the Terminal.

Site Images

Train shed covers 18 tracks and 10 passenger platforms through a series of pitched concrete roofs supported on arched steel girders. The shed measures 249m x 118m and has spans ranging from 11.8m to 13.1m. With skylight and longitudinal vents of 0.45m width, the structure allows ventilation for smoke and gas. The 4.87m tall train shed can be entirely used for intervention according to participant’s design proposal. Area Programme and other design attributes to be decided by the participant.

• Ground Coverage - 80% 
• Site Area - 40,000 sqm 
• Coordinates - 40°42'28.2"N 74°02'13.6"W