Defining the GO–SLO transportation zone.

The goal of Go-Slo is to transform the area surrounding the 4th Avenue and 9th Street intersection into a safe distinctive thoroughfare for pedestrian, bicycle and automotive traffic. Currently the area is perceived as a void between the vibrant neighborhood of Park Slope and the post-industrial Gowanus district, so our first gesture is to recognize and promote this area as its own place. A location with its own look, its own character and its own name: Go-Slo.

We begin by amplifying the existing character of the intersection to make it more recognizable. We identify the arched railway bridge as the visually distinctive feature of the site and reconfigure the station and transit connectors around it. This centralizing gesture allows passengers to transfer more easily between train lines and move from station to bus in well-lit covered areas. The station's elevated arch will be clad with green glass panels which allows passengers on the platform to see passengers at the street level, buffers train noise and offers commuters protection from the weather.

The glass arch becomes an iconic presence that defines Go-Slo but it is also part of a series of interventions throughout the site, all connected by the use of a consistent set of "3x1 materials". Tiles, street pavers and glass panels are all defined by the 3x1 ratio: this allows for both variety and consistency of design throughout the site and contributes to making the entire area distinctive.

This same clarity of intention, and materials is applied to car, bus and bicycle traffic as well. All areas are clearly prioritized and marked. Bicycles either have their own lane or share lane space with city-operated buses, not cars, creating a new ecosystem of traffic. Parking, drop-off and turning are carefully calibrated to prioritize bicycle traffic through the site, and facilitate access to public modes of transportation. Bike racks at all subway entries promote bike-train commuting.

Once pedestrians, cyclists and motorists recognize Go-Slo as a place they will use the area in a more conscious and intentional manner; safety will be a byproduct of improved occupation and use of the space, not the solely outcome of the redesign, but part of a larger and long lasting set of improvements for the area.

To summarize, our proposal, Go–Slo, intends to:

GIVE THE AREA A DISTINCT IDENTITY
- Reinforce the iconic value of the railway arch.
- Use consistent proportion, color and materials.
- Integrate lighting and signage.

PROVIDE BETTER CONNECTIONS BETWEEN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
- New access to the F and the R/M lines on the east side of 4th Avenue with direct connection between F trains and Manhattan-bound R/M trains.
- New access to the Brooklyn bound R/M trains near the connection with the F line on the west side of 4th Avenue.
- Elevators for improved accessibility to subway lines.
- Extended canopies to connect bus stops and subway entrances.
- Drop-off areas and bike racks for improved access to public transportation.

PROVIDE A CLEARER HIERARCHY OF STREET USE
- Only 2 Car lanes in each direction along 4th avenue.
- Dedicated bike lanes in each direction along 4th avenue.
- Shared bus/bike lanes in each direction along 9th Street.
- No left-turning lanes, widened median with distinctive lighting along 4th avenue.
- Bus bulbs and neck-downs at intersection.
- Left turns and right turns restricted and regulated by traffic signs.
- Differentiated paving to slow traffic.
- Lighting integrated into the crosswalk paving to reinforce pedestrian crossing.