The Resort & Spa at La Puerta del Sol

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Professor Jose Buitrago for his guidance and

wisdom throughout the semester. Without his assistance, The Resort

and Spa at La Puerta del Sol would not have been such a success. I am

hopeful that my research and proposals will not only aid the

Viequenese economy, society, and environment but also help rectify

the damage caused by the U.S. Navy while occupying Vieques from 1941

to 2003.

I am also grateful for the support of my parents throughout my five

years at the University of Georgia. Without their love, encouragement,

and guidance, my academic career would not be as successful or

memorable. I appreciate your sacrifices, and know that they have

not gone unnoticed.

Thank you, Mom and Dad.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background 1-6 History 3-4 Moving Forward 5-6Site Selection 7-8Site Analyses 9-12Development 13-26 Concept Diagrams 15-18 Master Plan 19-20 Airport Illustrative Plan 21-22 Trainquility Deck Illustrative PLan 23-24 Endless Fun Pool Illustrative Plan 25-26Construction 27-38 Grading & Drainage 29-31 Lighting 32-34 Planting 35-38

Sources A-BImage Credits C-D

“Don’t give your land to foreigners even if they pay you

well. He who sells his land sells his country.”

Background

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Long before mankind, Vieques was formed from magma pushing through plates in sea floor, shifting tectonic plates, and volcanic activity. Such activity is evidenced by large amounts of limestone sediment as well as the black sand on Vieques’ Puerto Fer-ro beach, seen in the image.

Vieques, originally known as Bieke, was first inhabited by the Taino Indians, who were discovered when Columbus landed

on the island in 1493. The image illustrates an artifact made by the

Tainos.

From 1843 to 1848, the Spanish colonized Vieques. Soon after the Spanish American War in 1898, the United States took over Puerto Rico and, thus, became the Commonwealth of Puerto

Rico.

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From 1941 to 2003, the U.S. Naval Base controlled two-thirds of the island. Ap-proximately 11,000 acres of Vieques’ land was abused, being used for training exer-cises involving ship-to-shore gunfire and air-to-ground bombing by naval aircraft, according to the 2001 Congressional Re-search Report. Such detrimental activities caused serious discontent among Puerto Ricans throughout the twentieth century.

After years of contention and riots, the U.S. Navy left Vieques in 2003. The Viequenese people could finally live free of military occupation.

Despite the U.S. Navy leaving Vieques, the

years of misuse of the landscape and ocean

have had terminal affects on the people.

Vieques has the highest cancer rate in the United States due

to decaying missiles on land and water.

From here, environmental cleanup is the only solution to improve the Viequenese

standards of health, safety, and welfare.

Citations Found ON “Sources,” Pages A-B 4

Moving Forward: Sustainable Development

Currently, Puerto Rico is 70% energy-dependent on oil. Such a high percentage of non-renewable energy dependency causes high energy costs for the people of Vieques and has the potential to hinder Puerto Rico’s long-term economic development. To reduce non-renewable energy usage, Puerto Rico has implemented the Energy Diversification Act, which establishes guidelines for generating renewable energy, and the Incentives Act, which provides economic incentives to promote green energy through Green Energy Funds and tax incentives.

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Is there a potential forrenewable energy use on

vieques?

The diagram to the right illustratesprime areas for using solar energy.

Vieques is located just south of theTropic of Cancer in an area known as

the “sunbelt,” according to researchers from the New Jersey

Institute of technology. installing solar power grid systems will benefit

Vieques economically and socially.People will save immensley on energy

costs and the installation and maintenece of such power grids will

create steady jobs. As far as upfront costs, there are strong

indicators that available Green Energy Funds can help cover initial costs like installation. Solar energy is a necessity for recovering the island’s environment, economy, and society.

The Vieques Sustainability Task ForceComprised of federal, local goverment, and Commonwealth members, the Vieques Sustainability Task Force promotes sustainable develpment by setting and attaining various goals. To name a few examples, project

goals include missile cleanup, green tourism, green hospitatlity initiatives, and renewable energy.

Among other points, the Sustainability Task Force’s 2012 Update Report discusses how increasing hospitatlity sustainability can unilaterally enhance eco-tourism appeal, thus boosting the economy. In order

to increase tourism, however, transportation must be easily accessible to tourists, which would include access to the Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport. Coincidentally, as of march 30, 2012, a green Energy Fund

had been allocated for a 250 kW solar photovoltaic system at the airport.

6Citations Found ON “Sources,” Pages A-B

Site SelectionBecause Green Energy Funds are already allocated to put solar panels on the existing Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport, the immediate area around the airport will serve as the proposed site selection. Hopefully, The Vieques Sustainability Task Force will realize that the airport acts as a gateway intothe island for tourists and that creating an inviting, obviously sustainable entryway will attract more eco-tourists. In turn, more tourists mean an improved economy.

The above image illustrates the existing site, and the image to the right shows the location of the airport on the whole island of Vieques.

Existing Site Boundary: Dimensions & Coordinates

Top Left: 18°08’24.50”N 65°30’21.85”W then 7,000’ East to top right Top Right: 18°08’24.45”N 65°29’09.30.85”W then 4,000’ South to bottom right Bottom Right: 18°07’44.96”N 65°29’09.81”W then 7,000’ West to bottom left Bottom Left: 18°07’44.83”N 65°30’21.68”W then 4,000’ North to top left

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Site Analyses

Existing Roads & Impervious SurfacesYellow areas on the above diagram illustrate the existing roadways and airport runway.Highlighting such areas is important when determining access points for the airport as well as any other proposed amenities. Once new roads are located and proposed, refering to the existing road analysis allows one to compare amounts of existing versusproposed pavement, then determine amounts and costs of pavement changes.

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Existing Land CoverThe key in the top left corner exlpains the meaning of each color. Understanding the

existing land coverage helps the designer to design with nature and respect existing eco-systems and plant-life. Also, landscape architects understand which land coverage

categories are most-resilient and which need to be conserved. For example, shrublands and grasslands are more renewable than moist forests, which should be preserved.


Site Analyses: Continued

Existing Slope & TopographyThe key in the top left corner represents the meaning of each color. Red, being a color used to bring awareness, delineates locations where building should be avoided. Orange areas have building potential, and yellow areas represent prime, buildable spaces. When considering proposed building locations, designers compare slope location with land coverage in order to build on the most sustainable location.

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Existing SoilIncepitsols soil type is found in humid and subhumid regions and have altered horizons that have lost bases of iron and aluminum but keep some weatherable materials. They do not have an alluvial horizon enriched with silicate clay or with an amorphous mixture of

aluminum and organic carbon, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Services. Understanding soil type can affect bearing load for roads and buildings.


Development

Ideas & Proposals for a more Sustainable Island 14

Concept Diagrams

Proposed Master Plan 1. View to ocean 6. Road Entrance to Resort Areas 2. Pool and Deck Area 7. Plane Runway 3. Resort Building 8. Airport Terminal 4. Resort Entrance Turn-Around 9. Airport Parking 5. Resort Parking 10. Service Areas

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Proposed Airport Plan1. Potential Area for Wind Power-Generating Turbines 5. Airport Parking2. Plane Runway 6. Entrance to Board3. View to Ocean and Take-offs from terminal 7. Service Areas 4. Airport terminal 8. Access to Service Areas

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Concept Diagrams: Continued

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Proposed Trainquility Deck

1. Pool Area Entrance2. Bar Area3. Umbrella Seating4. Pool5. Lounge Chairs6. Speciman Flowering Trees

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Proposed EndlessFun Pool

1. View to Beach & Ocean2. Lounge Chairs3. Endless Fun Pool4. Jacuzzi5. Entrance to Center Island & Jacuzzi6. Bar & Restaurant7. Umbrella Seating8. Hotel Entrance

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Water Bungalows

WaterBungalows

Runway

Terminal

128 ParkingSpaces

Resort & Spa at La Puerta del

Sol

Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport “La Puerta,” or “The Gateway”

120 ParkingSpaces

Green Space forstormwater

Wind Turbine fieldpotential

Service Areas

19

Master Plan

<-The section to the left depicts the required departure surface and clearway

slope (40:1) or “cone of access,” according to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA). Built Structures over 12’ in height must be constructed

outside of the cone of Access.

->The plan to the right illustrates the cone of access at the end of the runway,

which is highlighted between the black lines in the shaded area. Note that the

resort and water bungalows meet the FAA standards of being located out-

side of the cone of Access. Also, roads and parking lots are allowed within the

clearway because there are no height obstacles for planes.

The Resort and Spa at La Puerta del Sol is designed for a range of tourists. The Vieques Sustainability Task Force Report influenced the proposed design because of their points on

hospitality, transportation, and already allocated Green Energy Funds for the existing Airport. Each site is beautiful, accessible, and realistic, which is important when proposing large-scale concepts.

Above all, the resort and airport proposal is designed to bring sustainable improvements to Vieques. The Airport is solar-powered and redesigned to accomodate the current number of flights in and out of the island as well as tourist influx. Both the resort and airport are eco-tourist destinations due

to renewable energy use and innovative stormwater engineering. Not only are both sites environmental-ly efficient, they are also economically sustainable. Each space uses minimal non-renewable engery, so there are no high costs associated with the project. More so, they provide jobs for locals and on-site

parking can accomodate both tourists and citizens.


Airport Terminal Perspective

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Trainquility DeckIllustrative Plan

The Trainquility Deck is a Resort area meant for relaxing and experiencing the calmness of the Caribbean.

Image to the right serves as an example of the proposed poolshape

below image represents the relationship between the foliage, building, and lounge chairs

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1. Entrance2. Bar3. Umbrella Seating4. Pool5. Lounge Chairs6. Speciman Tree

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An example of how the bridges over the Endless Fun Pool look

Image illustrates the idea behind the centerjacuzzi with lighting and plantings

Representaion of night-time underwater lightingand pool island plantings


Construction: Turning The Resort & Spa at La Puerta del Sol into reality

Construction Documents-Plans & Details

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Grading & DrainagePlan

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Grading & DrainageDetails

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Grading & DrainagePool Steps Detail

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Lighting Plan

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Lighting Details

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Planting Plan

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Planting Details

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Plant Images

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Thank You

Sources“AN EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL, BIOLOGICAL AND HEALTH DATA FROM THE ISLAND OF VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO.” (2011): 162-65, 167-173, A27, A32-A33. 8 Dec. 2011. Web. 12 Jan. 2013.

Ansari, Azadeh. “Undersea Bombs Threaten Marine Life.” CNN. Cable News Network, 26 Feb. 2009. Web. 22 Jan. 2013.

ArcGIS

“ATSDR’s Evaluation of Environmental Chemical Exposures on the Island of Vieques - Progress Report.” ATSDR. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2013.

Bermudez, Wanda. “BRIEF HISTORY OF VIEQUES.” History of Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. N.p., 1998. Web. 11 Jan. 2013.

Carrasquillo, Rogelio J. “RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICIES IN PUERTO RICO - TAKING THE RIGHT STEPS TO WARDS A GREEN FUTURE.” Gibbons P.C. Gibbons P.C., 10 Mar. 2011. Web. 16 Jan. 2013.

“Determining Solar Energy Requirements for a Specific Location.” Renewable Power News. N.p., 27 Nov. 2009. Web. 13 Jan. 2013.

EPA. The Vieques Sustainability Task Force Update. N.p., 4 May 2012. Web. 18 Jan. 2013. <http://www.epa. gov/region2/vieques/ViequesMay1.pdf>.

Fox, Ben. “Vieques Cleanup: Island at Odds With U.S. Government Declaration That 400-Acre Bomb Site Cleanup Is Complete.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 04 Oct. 2012. Web. 20 Jan. 2013.

Google Earth

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Gwenn. “Visit Museum Fort Conde De Mirasol on Vieques Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide.” Puerto Rico Day Trips Visit Museum Fort Conde De Mirasol on Vieques Comments. N.p., 28 May 2009. Web. 22 Jan. 2013.

“Inceptisols.” NRCS Soils. US Department of Agriculture, n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2013. <http://soils.usda.gov/ technical/classification/orders/inceptisols.html>.

“Land Cover-Vegetation.” Map. Center for Costal Monitoring and Assessment. National Ocean Service, 26 July 2011. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. <http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/vieques/>.

Levin, Kate. “Vieques Aftermath.” Vieques Aftermath. TheNation.com, 22 Dec. 2003. Web. 22 Jan. 2013.

O’Rourke, Ronald. “Vieques, Puerto Rico Naval Training Range: Background and Issues for Congress.” Vieques, Puerto Rico Naval Training Range: Background and Issues for Congress. N.p., 17 Dec. 2001. Web. 11 Jan. 2013.

Padgett, Tim. “Toxic Chemicals at Vieques: Is U.S. Accountable?” Time. Time.com, 16 Sept. 2009. Web. 21 Jan. 2013.

“Solar Energy.” National Geographic. The National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2013.

“Vieques.” Welcome to Puerto Rico. Magaly Rivera, n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2013. <http://www.topuertorico.org/ city/ vieques.shtml>.

Web Soil Survey

“Wind Power.” National Geographic. The National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2013.

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Image Credits in order of appearance unless wesbite located on pageAcknowledgments Image http://famouswonders.com/vieques-island/

Backgroundhttp://www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2006/1106gold.html

HistoryPic 1: http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/vieques-playa-negra/Pic 2: http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43/281.htmlPic 3: image http://wildwestend.blogspot.com/2012/02/vieques.htmlPic 4: http://www.gcint.org/green-cross-blog/green-crossglobal-green-finds-new-atsdr-report-vieques-bomb ing-range-inadequatePic 5: http://hawkhaslanded.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.htmlPic 6: http://repeatingislands.com/2010/01/30/warning-of-nuclear-risk-in-vieques/

Moving ForwardLeft Page: http://www.renewablepowernews.com/archives/1462Right page Diagram: http://www.solarnovus.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=arti cle&id=4366: pv-in-latin-america-a-solar-eldorado&catid=63:business-features&Itemid=242

Site SelectionGoogle EarthUnderwater: http://www.wallpixy.com/underwater-cayman-islands-wallpaper-normal/

Developmenthttp://cheerusup.com/archives/tag/beach

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Tranquility DeckSimilar Shaped Pool: http://www.southernwindpools.com/g_pools_geometric.shtmlPalm Trees and Lounge Chairs: http://www.reflections.com.au/Cairns/Hotels/PeppersPalmCove.html

Endless Fun Pool PlanPool with Island at Night: http://www.ruangsudut.info/2007/10/curvy-surprises.htmlJacuzzi: http://designedoutdoorliving.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/swimming-pool-remodel-rectangular- pool-curvy-pool-spa-stone-waterfalls-osprey-florida/Bridge: http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g147311-d150720-i1518794-Sandals_Royal_ Caribbean_Resort-Montego_Bay_Jamaica.html#1518795

Constructionhttp://www.magicalkingdoms.com/wdw/resorts/cb.html

Thank Youhttp://paracuando.blogspot.com/2013/04/para-empezardoy-gracias.html

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The Resort & Spa at La Puerta del Sol

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