Today, we use the terms “street” and “road” in an interchangeable way. However, they’re two distinct ideas. In a city, I believe that the street must be supreme. The street is like another room that belongs to the citizens in a democratic society, for a common use; for us to interact, socialize, and meet our fellows in the common state. Streets are what create the movement of a city, from one block to another.

We rarely have any streets in today’s urbanized city because we have roads and highways, where the asphalt and traffic lights are sometimes only designed for automobiles. As we progress through our civilization, we must once again change our ethics and values. With the rising sustainability issues, economic issues, and lack of common use that the street used to offer, I have tried my best to develop universal solutions that I would hope to renovate the collage of roads into a system of streets.

The theme of this new design for the intersection of 4th Ave. and 9th St. is simple; make it a “Living Street”. The developments contain components that make the street habitable and welcoming for living things.

Important small details are integrated onto the site because they’re the key for making a large scale change. Us, humans like our own realm of space.
Seating, bicycle racks, garbage cans, etc play small individual tasks but all add up to this field that utilize to bring pedestrians.

The “zebra lane” has been modified as well. The white lanes work on a flat surface on the ground, but it would be more effective if it is raised (refer to image). It would act similarly to a speed bump; drivers will know not to speed up even when there’s no traffic, making pedestrians feel safer.

Trees also play an active road by filtering the sunlight, spaciously denote between pedestrians and vehicles, and provide a sense of nature.
The space above the subway vent is treated with a shelter and bus stop station. The lightning of the shelter is solar powered, providing a safe environment during nighttimes.

I have included artistic functional shelter as well at the every corner of the intersection (refer to image).I strongly support the balance between aesthetic and functional experience towards any areas of design.

It would be illogical to completely distinguish the space between automobiles and pedestrians. Engine running, horn honking, and sounds of friction between wheels and concrete are all senses we experience. It would be unsatisfying if we just take away something that is unique. We need this fruitful alliance to deliver us the pleasure of the true purpose of a street.

Change is necessary for progression. As we progress through the 21st century, we are left with new dilemmas and goals. Streets play an essential task of running a city, and it is our 21st century task to make it a living street for the benefits of humanity.