Uploaded on 2016-04-04 by SabrinaL20

[1]: http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a411/sabrinaluidens/ARUBA_ORANJESTAD_SabrinaL20_zpstkf3hma7.jpg -This image was originally shot by Luis Mejia Photography with a drone, he happens to be my fiancee- This image is of Aruba's downtown and capital, Oranjestad. We are used to having large cityscapes, tall buildings, service structures, mass transportation transits, however, on this island of just 20 miles long and 6 miles at its widest, we have limited functions in all aspects. Most visible fact is that Aruba's downtown consists of mostly small buildings no more than 4-5 stories, with the tallest building being a Hotel and the largest square belonging to the Parliament of Aruba. The parliament square has both old, original buildings surrounding the very new and modern, house of ministries in the center (visible in this image). Next, 3 visible parking areas serving the public and visitors in the downtown area. Noticeably, these parking areas are quite empty around the time this image was taken which was roughly between 1:30-2:30pm (working hours) on a week day however, notice the traffic congestion on both the right side of the image at the T-crossing and at the left. That boulevard is the central highway of Aruba, yes, the most used and necessary stream of traffic that connects the northern and southern most districts of Aruba. Traffic going into and coming out of Downtown is filled with one way, 2 lane, and quirky corners that make navigating and accessing the hub, difficult. So what can explain why the parking spaces are empty and not used for the employee of the city? I know that there are enough employees in downtown to have all 3 spaces filled because prior to the implementation of "Aruba Parking" services that use meters to charge per parking space, including the one near the marina, it took effort to find parking. The parking spaces to the far right is privately owned, not part of Aruba Parking however people do not seem to use it frequently, based on how much parking is still available during the week through working hours. The proximity to the ocean allows the cruise terminal to give leave of passengers in a bustling area of Aruba, however, when there are 3 cruises embarked at port, the congestion is only worsened for working citizens of downtown. There are also various abandoned buildings right in the heart of Oranjestad, noticeably the largest one, adjacent to the cruise ship in the image. This building was intended to become condominiums, however it has failed to function ever since its inception. it has remained standing for over 7 years and nothing has been done, visibly representing the masked reality of Aruba's current economy. And finally, in the far top right corner, the High-Rise Hotel area as it is called, is the other central zone of Aruba. Numerous shopping and dining places are found there right across from the beach. There is constant bus service to and fro the Downtown area every 20-25 minutes. There are several invisible factors that can be named here, however the parking situation is most peculiar to me. Aruba Parking initiated pay-per-hour meters which elsewhere is quite normal and frequently seen, however it caused raucous. It is good to notice the size of Aruba in context of society and the interrelatedness of the inhabitants. The people were so opposed to the parking charges and protested against the meters, saying that they have never had to pay to park to go to work, for example, amongst other reasons. In response, they established designated employee parking for a monthly fee. Still, parking spaces are empty through out the week in the main street area. The main parking near the marina used to be full constantly prior to the meters. Now, it is empty even on a week day, and should I also note that the charge for parking is minimal, compared to large, modern cities. The question is then, who was parking in these spaces prior to the meters and where are they now? Are people really trying to escape a small charge, so much so that they've opted to park on a free space much further from downtown? or have they opted to use the bus services which also have monthly charge subscription fees. Again, the size of Aruba must be considered because of the closeness to everything. People perhaps do not mind to walk an extra distance now, just to save pocket change. But perhaps my pocket change is not pocket change to others; and perhaps that also has a lot to say about the standing economic conditions on the island.- a closer study as to who are the demographics that are currently using the meters in addition to the tourists on the island that are using them, what are they doing at the time of parking and for how long. This information would also be able to lead to how wages are affecting lifestyles and/or the quality of life even. Also, how can privately owned parking services attract more users to relieve the congestion at peak hours and allow people to flow through the center much quicker. The points I've made are based on current knowledge about the aruba parking services, the people's opposition against it, and certain economical situational consequences. Another thing I noticed is that, perhaps because Aruba is so small and everything is relatively close, there are minimal options for residential accommodations in central Oranjestad. In this image alone, aside from the hotel being targeted for tourists, I can not point out any building that is currently permanent housing or for leasing. Of course the immediate surroundings are much more residential, however, to the left side of the capital is considered a bad neighborhood and to the right is mostly established, upper-class homes. This means that everyone who works in the main street area, is visiting, dining, or shopping in this area must commute to get there. With limited parking and congested traffic flows, its no wonder why I also know that restaurants are suffering mostly. Thanks to the cruise industry, the streets are usually filled with people, it seems bustling, however cruise passengers are known to shop very little. It is also worth taking note that the cruise terminal area leading to main street is saturated with jewelry stores that may just be taking up space for other usable functions and better use of a very limited space. I believe if there were more residential options in the center, targeted for employees or short term vacation rentals even, it may have an affect on the congestion and promote the walkability of the center, however, advancements in proper infrastructure like appropriate side-walks, walk-ways or bike lanes would need to be established to be able to relieve the traffic tension of Downtown, Oranjestad. Considering that there are buildings enough that have no function, it may be a plausible idea to attract investors who are interested in managing sustainable residential solutions, and design their own contribution to the current parking services available. Overall, better urban planning and design definitely have room for progress. I know that the government of Aruba have several traffic relief plans already in motion including the known "Green Corridor" highway project and the 3 phase "Watty Voss Boulevard" project. They are said to both promote sustainable approaches to their design, however the timeline is unknown. Ultimately, Aruba has potential to become much more sustainable, we have certain resources that are unique to the Caribbean. In any case, This island is responsible for my initial inspiration to pursue my studies in Architecture and Sustainability.