Quiet tree lined roads; Tall old trees create a safe ambiance as well as shade from the sun; Buildings fade into the trees on either side of the street. This is the feeling of a road lined with trees that are older than most of the residence living there. This space is cool and clean, with fresh air and filled with the sublimity of the “nature” that lives there.
The 21st century street evolves into these natural forms and uses them to elevate the unsafe pedestrian traffic to a new level of safe clean “New Natural” space. The organic nature of the structure allows it to sway back and forth while being attracted and detracted by the surrounding program. The street moves away from a landmark like a church or an old brownstone but moves toward an undeveloped area in order to inform a new organization. The new buildings, house their public functions such as entry way and living room on the upper floors so as to meet with the new elevated public function of the street.
The New “Natural” street itself is broken up into three parts. The “meandering path” is used for simply walking and exploring, for local pedestrian traffic only. The second part is an express lane. This allows for express travel by bike or runner to easily bypass the slower moving pedestrians. The third part is the Canopy level which allows for small moments of seclusion and permanence along the street. These small gathering areas encourage human interactions, small gatherings, or even a place for groups or clubs to meet.
By informing the street with the organic nature of the tree, the construct allows for a more natural, clean, and safe environment away from the traffic below. Separation of human nature and what we deem as a “natural” space is what makes this 21st century street work.