Inner Harbor Additional Features
For Science!
Harbor Flood Protections, Automatic Trash and Debris Capture, and Wave Energy Generators
Batimore historically has had issues with flooding. During the renovation of the harbor, including several of the piers on which, for example, the Baltimore Aquarium sits, it is proposed to incorporate flood protection measures on the walls that face the water.
In the process of incorporating advanced flood protections, additional research and power generation concepts can be deployed that synergize to some degree.
In general, harbor water levels and intensity of waves can be measured through advanced sensors integrated into the walls. Wave absorption panels typically operate at or below the water's surface, and the measure of energy intake can reflect characteristics about the motion and scale of water in the harbor generally.
As the Wave Panels absorb the impact of the water, the wall structure itself has its resistance improved. In addition, through the kinetic energy capture process, that energy can be directed into the immediate area, energizing the automated pumps that divert trash and debris into a holding tank / compactor.
Funding for these endeavors can be heavily subsidized by the federal government, which is actively looking for commercial implementations of wave power generation systems.
The scale of flood protections implemented for the area can be expansive depending on the integration to the cityscape. In many coastal regions, large underground cisterns can help with flood abatement when raised levees are overcome, and generally serve as a means of preventing runoff from rain in the streets, capturing that runoff before it enters the harbor. In this way, the capture of trash from the harbor and the capture of trash and particulates from the street coincide to improve the overall water quality of the harbor, ensuring that it can safely be used for recreation.
Baltimore World Trade and Science Center(s)
Modern Take on Baltimore's World Trade and Science Center
Replacing the existing hexagonal World Trade Center's existing structure, but adding a monumental new World Trade Center (WTC) Complex adjacent to the local/regional attractions brings the Baltimore Inner Harbor and Harborplace into the 21st century.
A direct replacement could be duplicated on the West side of the harbor, ultimately framing the central WTC Skyscraper with the marginally-sized WTC towers with similar heights as the existing Baltimore WTC.
As shown in the adjacent rendering, the style includes a spiral element. Whether that space is used for multi-level enclosed atrium, open air patio platforms, and/or aesthetic decoration (seasonal LED fixtures, waterfalls) or drone launch/delivery points, it can be designed to serve the needs of those who occupy the building while providing an attractive component to the harbor. When coupled with the each other tower, some impressive tourist attraction can be prioritized and can contribute to the local Baltimore scene.
Baltimore's Metro West Rail Entry
Or, "The Road to Nowhere"
The site serves as the preliminary local connection for the East-West connections inbound via Highway 40, which is a trench-based transit corridor. The aim would be to expand and improve the corridor to allow for regional rail transit lines to enter the city.
The station is meant to serve primarily as a commuter entry point that interfaces with the proposed Baltimore Red Line, which spans Baltimore West to East and links with Harborplace and the proposed Baltimore World Trade Center construction. The flexibility of the site allows for transit options to both Penn Station and the proposed Camden Station expansion at Camden Yards.
