In an attempt to establish "nodes" throughout the site and places where I think visual connection is important for the new identity of the town - I realized that having a direct view to the river is critical, simply because the identity of new berlin is linked to the river (water activities, kayaking, fishing, water rescue through the school). Considering that the paper mill is not only a "node" on the site, but it is also the icon of the town, I thought it would be appropriate to link the building directly to the water.


By having a direct view from (THROUGH) the mill to the water - to the other "nodes" (the Androsoggin River and the Dam Building) - it would help to reinforce the idea of a new sense of place on the site.


Currently, the view from the site is directly to Main Street (you can see Main Street from the site, as the grade is flat and both banks of the river are at about the same elevation).


I propose that by cutting away at the existing site (a path) directly to the water, that the visual connection to the water would be strong.


Not only would there be a connection to the river, but also a connection to old berlin, through the Dam Building.

Although the program is based on a "new" identity, I dont believe that creating visual links to the "old" berlin (or what the old berlin represented) would in any way take away from its new identity. In fact, I believe that by keeping some small connection to the old town, that the new program respects and honors the history of the town.