“The urban landscape, among its many roles, is also something to be seen, to be remembered, and to delight in.” Kevin Lynch

Our environment serves as the physical manifestation of our shared values and common goals. As our perspectives and priorities shift so too should the form of our cities, neighborhoods, and streets. Our goal was to bring a humane element to the corner of 9th Street and 4th Avenue. Serving as a transit hub and facilitating a local truck route this intersection needs to support life at all levels.

Responsible design must consider the psychological, sociological, ecological, and economical needs of the situation. Economically, what is good for the city includes solutions that are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Ecologically, what is good for the environment includes a healthy storm run-off system, proper ventilation, carbon filtering through increased green spaces, and a maximization of natural rhythms. Sociologically, what is good for the community includes a sense of community, the incorporation of gathering places, creation of community landmarks and clear organization that is easily navigated. Psychologically, what is good for the individual is a feeling of safety, movement, and beauty.

We addressed these needs through the incorporation of the following elements into our design…

The needs of the pedestrian:
Addition of green space incorporating native plants and trees
Locally designed public art
Intuitive way finding devices
Boundaries of parked cars, green spaces, and bollards
Neck downs at intersections
Wider and raised crosswalks
Timed lights
Mid-block crosswalks with chokers
Celebration of community buildings (courtyard in front of the church and side gardens – hanging art/garden on transit overpass),
Wider sidewalks (through the incorporation of previously private space within 50 feet of the corner)

The needs of the bicyclist:
Designated bike paths
Dedicated lights
Boundaries of green spaces and bollards

The needs of the motorist:
Bollard design for truck access during designated hours
Designated lights
Bus stops areas to the side of regular traffic lanes

The needs of the seasons…
Winter snow, Summer heat, Spring thaw, and Fall leaves

It is only by looking through these varied perspectives that we can begin to develop a cohesive urban vision that ultimately acts as a catalyst towards a balanced society for future generations.