New York City’s grid was developed in the early 19th century and the City’s streets have seen few innovations—other than pavements and signalization—that reflect transportation in the 21st century. Recognizing that trucks, buses, and cars have transformed the ecology of streets, we can design solutions that accommodate those uses while providing improved standing for pedestrians and cyclists.

Our design incorporates an urban roundabout, levels, textures, and a sense of healthy ambiguity to transform the current intersection into an iconic social space that demands users to interact with one another to negotiate the zone carefully. By engaging multiple senses and removing signalization, signage, and grade separation in the roundabout, users will self-organize and navigate the zone deliberately. In combination, these elements re-order the hierarchy of the street to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, create the opportunity to develop a memorable streetscape, and minimize the number of conflicts and the likelihood of lethal accidents.

Interventions

Urban Roundabout: The urban roundabout operates more efficiently than the traditional four-way intersection by eliminating arbitrary signalization and reducing traffic conflicts. The absence of signalization transforms the intersection from an overly formalized traffic zone into a social space that requires pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to negotiate rights-of-way with one another.

Flow-Induced Chicane: Traditional chicanes slow traffic through horizontal deflection. Our flow-induced chicane works in the same way by deflecting vehicles in one direction and the flow of traffic in the roundabout induces deflection in the opposite direction. This innovation slows traffic entering the roundabout, but also improves the driver’s visibility as he or she merges into it.

Sunken Lanes: By sinking two lanes in both directions under 4th Avenue from 10th Street to Union Street, vehicles—especially trucks—that want to connect with Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues and the Prospect and Gowanus Expressways will avoid the intersection. By moving these vehicles off the street, pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a less noisy and polluted street.

Shared Bike/Bus/Taxi Lanes: These lanes prioritize modes of transportation that remove private cars from the street. With every additional person who chooses to ride a bike or take public transit instead of a car, congestion eases and the flow of traffic improves.

Protected Bike Lanes: These lanes encourage bicyclists to claim their right to 4th Avenue without fear of being hit by speeding vehicles or doored by oblivious passengers. The lanes are also raised above the roadbed, which improves drivers’ ability to see them.

Levels: As drivers enter and exit the roundabout, vertical deflection reminds them that the zone operates differently from other intersections.

Spacious Median: Once trucks are removed from the street, it is important to create a space that draws and retains pedestrians. Our iconic median connected by footbridges extends from 10th Street to Union Street and will accommodate a park, market, or other attractions that stimulate social interaction.

Improved Wayfinding: We have redesigned the walls of the underground stations to mirror the aboveground view of 4th Avenue and 9th Street. This innovation allows subway users to orient themselves and select the exit that best suits them. By eliminating wrong exits, the number of needless trips through the crosswalks is reduced, and allows the roundabout to operate more efficiently.