Designing the 21st Century Street
By Rasan Lawrence

In order to create the 21st century street, one must design a safe, functional, energy – conscious, and aesthetically pleasing space for drivers, bikers, pedestrians, and all the residents of the area. My design will have four main features: an elevated platform, a median divider, designated bike lanes, and improved energy efficient lighting.

My design assures that traffic will flow smoothly – whether it be a delivery truck, a bicycle, or a family walking across the street. Cars will remain on the ground level, while bikes and pedestrians will enjoy a spacious, urban retreat on an steel elevated platform away from the dangers of traffic down below. It will feature a variety of trees and flowers and sitting areas. It will be handicap accessible by way of a ramp. There will be security cameras placed in key locations to ensure safety and it will be fenced.

The median divider located on 4th Avenue between 8th and 9th Street will have small, bright, multicolored flowers on the perimeter of the subway vents. This will add interest and raise visual awareness to drivers.

Bike lanes in the project area will be painted green with white trim and will have white bicycle symbols. They will clearly define a safe place for bike riders and will communicate to drivers that designated boundary.

At night, the green colored surface of the bike lanes as well as the median divider yellow line will glow under the train station and elevated platform between 9th and 10th Street on 4th Avenue. The glow will be a reflection from solar – powered compact fluorescent lights placed under the train station and on the elevated platform. The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the train station or another suitable location.

My aim in this design is to add an exciting key element to the corner. While I make sure that pedestrian, bike, and car traffic in Park Slope will keep flowing, I want the residents to feel a sense of pride when they see it. I want them to enjoy the platform and be safe from danger while they do it. I want this to be the design of the future.