ASLA 2011 Student Awards Research Category Descriptive Data Summary Entry Number: SA-593G Level of Study: Graduate Individual or Team Entry: Individual Project Title: South Grand Boulevard: user orientation as a catalyst for resiliency Project Statement: The economic and environmental costs of aging stormwater infrastructure are increasing in cities all across this country and world. This study proposes a new theoretical framework that identifies how and at what time the introduction of ecological processes into the urban right-of-way is likely to be successful in the long-term. From this research, it is possible to design streets that surpass current “green street” and “complete street” initiatives and achieve a high level of resiliency. Project Narrative: Introduction Contemporary design of the urban environment focuses increasingly upon the quality of space found within the public right-of-way. Landscape architects and urban planners are beginning to ask new questions that deviate from the conventional streetscape designs of the latter half of the 20th century. Under the mantra “complete the streets,” communities all across America are calling for a paradigm shift towards multimodal, pedestrian-scaled urban rights-of-way. At the same time, existing stormwater and combined sewer infrastructure is nearing the end of its productive lifespan in cities all across the country and world. The direct costs associated with repairing this infrastructure combined with the indirect costs of poor water quality and a greater frequency and intensity of flooding events downstream present a strong argument for developing new, innovative ideas about how to best design tomorrow’s infrastructure. The reintegration of ecological processes into the urban fabric will act as a catalyst for the appreciation of genius loci (spirit of the place) and user meaning while mitigating downstream flooding, increasing water quality, and extending the lifespan of existing stormwater infrastructure. By studying the hierarchical categorization of urban rights-of-way according to increased levels of user orientation, this research project aims to clearly articulate a new theoretical framework for expanding upon the current discourse surrounding “complete streets” and “green streets” theory. In early 2006, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments introduced the St. Louis Great Streets Initiative with the goal of promoting “complete street” design principles in St. Louis, Missouri. South Grand Boulevard, selected as one of four pilot projects, seeks to be a demonstration project for socially and economically sustainable streets in the region; however, current concepts are not progressing far enough towards providing a model of future infrastructural design. With the allocation of $2.7 million of federal stimulus money towards the project, a huge opportunity presents itself for testing the Hierarchy of User-oriented Streets framework as a viable model for solving the stated dilemma. Hierarchy of User-oriented Streets Framework Innovation often comes through stepping outside the typical boundaries of the design professions to look at theories developed within other fields of research. During the 1940s and 1950s, a psychologist named Abraham Maslow was studying the differences among human needs as a way to understand what motivates human behavior. Through his research, he realized that some needs take precedence over others acting as prerequisites for attaining higher level needs. In a day when supervisors viewed their factory workers as “replaceable parts,” Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Framework proved to be a successful utility for increasing the productivity of workers. He discovered that as supervisors satisfied the

ASLA 2011 Student Awards Research Category Descriptive Data Summary higher-level needs of their workers, they would respond with greater outputs. Drawing a strong parallel, this study asks the question: How can identifying a hierarchy of user-oriented street types lead to greater productivity, therefore resiliency, in the design, construction, and maintenance of urban rights-of-way? While this question prompted the initial idea of formulating the proposed framework, the articulation of five distinct levels, their definitions, the associated subcomponents, contemporary urbanisms, and street design movements all came from a rich exploration of existing literature. Notable sources of literature include Echols and Pennypacker’s “From Stormwater Management to Artful Rainwater Design” (2008), Lynch and Hack’s Site Planning (1984), Meyer’s “Sustaining Beauty” manifesto (2008), Mossop’s “Landscapes of Infrastructure” (2006), Olin’s “Form, Meaning, and Expression in Landscape Architecture” (1988), and Treib’s “Must Landscapes Mean?” (1995). The Hierarchy of User-oriented Streets framework contains five levels: function, safety, ecology, genius loci, and meaning. Function is the lowest level of user-orientation in which an urban right-of-way provides the most basic levels of service to users for their efficient movement from one point of reference unto another. Safety is the next to lowest level of user-orientation in which an urban right-of-way promotes equal opportunity and experience through the health, safety, and welfare of all users. Ecology is the essential, median level of user-orientation in which an urban right-of-way reintegrates natural processes into the urban fabric through eco-technologies that promote healthier environments and an improved quality of life for the users. Genius loci is the next to highest level of user-orientation in which an urban right-of-way uses ecological processes through time to engender its distinctive character and unique identity toward a community of users. Meaning is the highest level of user-orientation in which an urban right-of-way cultivates educated “dynamic users” who voluntarily take ownership of the public space and engage in actions that promote resiliency within the corridor. Similar to Maslow’s framework, a street must fulfill the lower levels before higher levels can be attained. Methods

This study investigated four precedents: SW the 12th Avenue Green Street (located in Portland, Oregon), the 12th Street Rain Gardens (located in Kansas City, Missouri), St. Charles Avenue (located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Stephen Epler Hall (located at Portland State University). In order to further develop the ideas represented in the proposed framework, each of the selected precedents were qualitatively evaluated using the framework as a metric. The specific methods for this assessment included using a coded imagery analysis to identify individual components with the appropriate level of the framework. During the precedent study, the theoretical framework established a set of criteria with which to evaluate three precedent projects and one existing place. Because of its utility, the framework was employed for organizing the site inventory and analysis; however, this time, it was used as a point of departure for generating specific methods rather than serving as a metric for evaluation. Seeking to maintain the hierarchical ordering within the proposed framework, the site analysis methodology consistently categorizes each of its steps into the five framework divisions of function, safety, ecology, genius loci, and meaning. In this way, landscape architects and urban planners can look to this study as a guide for which type of analysis questions they should ask depending on where their project is intended to hit upon the framework. If your end goal is to design a “complete street,” there is little to no reason for you to spend time analyzing hydrological watersheds and existing impervious surfaces. These are two examples of site analysis tasks found within the ecology level of the proposed framework. Only in designing a “green street,” “destination street,” or “resilient street” would you address these tasks. Higher level analysis is not needed for a lower level design. The first step of the site analysis methodology included completing a user analysis for each level of the theoretical framework. Following the user analysis, three project goals were selected for each level of the framework. While these goals would eventually be used to guide the conceptual thinking for design explorations, they served an immediate function to break down the subcomponents of each level of the

ASLA 2011 Student Awards Research Category Descriptive Data Summary framework for the development of site appropriate programmatic elements. An ongoing literature review and precedent study feedback loop aided in the selection of additional programmatic elements for South Grand. The next step in the methodology formalized specific analysis questions that related and referenced the given user group, project goals, and programmatic elements to South Grand as an existing site. In many cases, these questions were quite complex requiring the formalization of subsequent inventory questions to further delineate an appropriate path of inquiry for answering the original question. In the end, task sheets outlining the inputs, source data, methods, and potential outputs were assembled to guide the production work of South Grand’s inventory and analysis. Results The application of the framework to the design proposal for South Grand yields several unique, site appropriate design strategies. At the function level, the design strategies include transforming the arterial corridor from four travel lanes to two travel lanes separated by a middle turn lane and incorporating concrete wet vaults underneath the sidewalk. In addition to serving many ecology-related services, the wet vaults protect the limestone foundations of the adjacent buildings from unwanted subsurface water. At the safety level, design strategies include raised intersections acting as “speed tables,” a dispersion of bike parking throughout the district, radiant heating of sidewalk and on-street parking spaces, extra-wide parking stalls for users with disabilities, and a 3” tall safety curb around all stormwater infiltration planters. At the ecology level, design strategies include stormwater infiltration planters and a significant investment in the district’s urban forest. Disregarding soil infiltration rates, the stormwater planters can accommodate 9,410 cubic feet (CF) of the total runoff volume leaving 5,489 CF to enter into the underground wet vaults. In terms of the investment in the urban forest, this study’s design proposal for South Grand, obtains a net annual benefit of $12,255.18 (Davey Resource Group 2009). This is a substantial increase in value as the existing urban forest is only valued at a net annual benefit of $3,920.62. At the genius loci level, design strategies include painted spherical bollards at the raised intersections, electric car charging stations, the use of local materials, expressive paving patterns, and the incorporation of lighting into the stormwater planters. Finally, at the meaning level, design strategies include incorporating a cast iron pump within the right-of-way to provide users the opportunity to physically interact with the eco-technologies and the design of an interactive and educational pocket park intended to encourage the development of a “community of users” and a “user land ethic.” Conclusions In this study, the proposed framework was utilized throughout the precedent study, the site inventory and analysis, the development of program, the design proposal, and the project evaluation. As evidenced through its application at South Grand, the incorporation of this framework into one’s design process yields a substantial return towards attaining resiliency in urban rights-of-way. The Hierarchy of User-oriented Streets framework provides the road map for how landscape architects and urban planners can lead the movement that transforms our cities’ infrastructure from functional thoroughfares to resilient places. Future Research Two important opportunities exist for future research in relation to this study. First, future investigations could establish performance baselines for each level of the framework allowing for a quantified measure of success. Second, though presented within the scope of urban rights-of-way, the proposed framework could be easily adapted to other project types (parks, golf courses, community planning, suburban sprawl, gardens, greenways, brownfield sites, etc.) as a design process model that effectively addresses the creation of productive, resilient landscapes.

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interaction, user ownership, social engineering,

user “action” response, develop-ment of user land ethic

diversity of surrounding land use, form, experiential design , local materiality, district

cohesion, recycled materiality, user recreation, destination placemaking, PR branding: “we are progres-

sive,” high design urban space, district gateway, community of users, local region visibility, hyper-nature, human-centric vs.

bio-centric, aesthetics, appropriate noise level, culture, neighborhood identity, artistic expression, local community engagement in design process

subsurface infiltration of stormwater runoff, recycle receptacles, eco-technologies, native plant species selection, introduction of natural processes, increase in surface porosity,

reduction of urban heat island effect, energy savings to adjacent structures, cyclical maintenance plan, no permanent irrigation system, “cradle to cradle” design philosophy, maximize soil volume per

street tree, site-specificity, incorporation of solar panels on adjacent structures, energy efficient lighting and controls, preservation of existing vegetation, celebration of stormwater as a “value-added amenity,”

emulation of local hydrological and geomorphological conditions, treatment train thinking, green infrastructure, air quality improvement, sequestration of carbon (CO2)

degrees of security, reduction of criminal activity, visual and textural changes in ground surface, multiple modes of movement, noise reduction, numerous pedestrian amenities, adequate vehicular parking in accordance with existing utilization rates, cyclist circulation:

bike lanes or sharrows, street beautification tree plantings, “shared parking” concept, ”defensible space theory,” user interaction with other users, “park-once district,” clearly identified crosswalks, reduction of vehicular traffic speeds, connectivity, mass transit circulation: bus or

streetcar, wayfinding and signage, walkability, lighting, use of low volatile paints, trash receptacles, pedestrian buffer from vehicular traffic, treatment of severe weather road conditions, universal design for all users, emergency access, promotion of local commerce, potential for “themed” sense of place,

pedestrian-oriented, proper allowance of sight lines at intersections where modes of movement cross, smaller block sizes with more intersections

supports adjacent land use, traffic lights at intersections, clear delineation of vehicular traffic lanes, necessary roadway signage, grey infrastructure, efficient, auto-oriented travel, separation of land uses through zoning ordinances and regulations, storm sewer infrastructure, vehicular circulation, retail signage scaled for motorists, traffic lane configura-tion, utilitarian design, AASHTO street classification, larger block sizes with fewer intersections, contributes to point source pollution of downstream water bodies and ecosystems,

access to adjacencies, ADA compliant, pedestrian circulation, functional maintenance such as roadway resurfacing, increased frequency and magnitude of flooding downstream, public vs. private separation

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new urbanism “complete streets”To what extent does the urban right-of-way promote equal opportunity and experience through the health, safety, and welfare of all users?

SAFETY

landscape urbanism “green streets”To what extent does the urban right-of-way reintegrate natural processes into the urban fabric through eco-technologies that promote healthier environments and an improved quality of life for its users?

ECOLOGY

landscape urbanism “destination streets”To what extent does the urban right-of-way use ecological processes through time to engender its distinctive character and unique identity toward a community of users?

GENIUS LOCI

ecological urbanism “resilient streets”To what extent does the urban right-of-way cultivate educated, “dynamic users” who inherently take ownership of the public space and engage in actions that promote resiliency within the corridor?

MEANING

“conventional streets”To what extent does the urban right-of-way provide the most basic levels of service to users for their efficient movement from one point of reference to another?

FUNCTION

Hierarchy of User-oriented Streets framework: Central to this study is the above framework and its application throughout all stages of the design process. Attached to each level is a defi ning question, contemporary urbanism, street design movement, and associated subcomponents.

COST: · Cashman, A. 2008. “Costing the Long-term Demand for Water Sector Infrastructure.”

EVALUATION: Shirvani, Hamid. 1990. Beyond Public Architecture: Strategies for Design Evaluatio

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divdd ersity of surrounding land uselocal community engagement in design processoc

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human-centric vs. bio-centric

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destination place ce ce makmakmakmakmakmakingininmakmmakmakmake e e

recycled materiality

high quality urban space

design elements promote district cohesion

user recreation

public relations brandingg: “we are progressive”

district gateway

local regional visibility

formmm

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user interactionuser “action” response

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introduction of natural processes

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eco-technologies

site-specificity

reduce urban heat island effect

no permanent irrigation system

energy efficient lighting and controls

emulation of local hydrological and geomorphology conditions

solar panels

celebration of stormwater as an value-added amenity

maximize soil volume per street tree

sequester carbon (CO2)

“green” infrastructure

air quality improvement

subsurface infiltration of stormwater runoffwater runo

adjacent land-use energy savings

recycle receptacles “cradle to cradle” philosophyhilo

increase in surface porositye in s

treatment train

prep servation of existing vegetationpp

cyclical maintenance plan

degrees of securityquate vehicular parking (according to utilization rates)eqade

cyclist circulation: bike lanes

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promotion of loooooocalcalalalcaca cccoc mmerceooocccaa

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fewer vehicular lanes and wider sidewalks

street beautification tree plantings

noise reduction

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lighting

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universal design for all usersfo

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traffic lane configuration

access to adjacenciess

utilitarian design

separation of land uses through zoning regulations

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retail signage scaled for motorists vehicular circulation

land use zoning

traffic lights, painted stripes, and roadway signage

“grey” infrastructure

aashto street classificationlarger block sizes with fewer intersections

functional maintenance

storm sewer infrastructure

efficient, auto-oriented travel

· Waldheim, Charles. 2006. The Landscape Urbanism Reader

· Engler, Mira. 2004. Designing America’s Waste Landscapes

· White, Edward T. 1999. Path, Portal, Place: Appreciating Public Space in Urban Environments

· Olin, Laurie. 1988. “Form, Meaning, and Expression in Landscape Architecture”

· Lynch, Kevin, and Gary Hack. 1984. Site Planning

· Mostafavi, Mohsen, ed. 2010. Ecological Urbanism

· Echols, Stuart. 2007. “Artful Rainwater Design in the Urban Landscape”

· Echols, Stuart, and Eliza Pennypacker. 2008. “From Stormwater Management to Artful Rainwater Design”

· Treib, Mark. 1995. “Must Landscapes Mean?: Approaches to Significance in Recent Landscape Architecture”

· Mennel, Timothy (ed.). 2009. “Smart Codes: Model Mixed Use Zoning District” · Moughtin, Cliff. 2003. Urban Design: Street and Square

· Krieger, Alex. 2009. “Where and How Does Urban Design Happen?” Urban Design

· Meyer, Elizabeth K. 2008. “Sustaining Beauty. The Performance of Appearance: A Manifesto in Three Parts”

· Mennel, Timothy (ed.). 2009. “Smart Codes: Model Affordable Housing Density Bonus Ordinance”

· Mennel, Timothy (ed.). 2009. “Smart Codes: Innovative Approaches to Encourage Meaningful Citizen Participation in the Development Process”

· Mennel, Timothy (ed.). 2009. “Smart Codes: Model Pedestrian Overlay District (POD) Ordinance”

· Ching, Francis D.K. 1996. Architecture: Form, Space, Order

· Mossop, Elizabeth. 2006. “Landscapes of Infrastructure”

· Wright, Richard T. 2008. Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future

· Karl, Thomas, R., Melillo, Jerry M., and Peterson, Thomas C. (eds.). 2009. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States

· McHarg, Ian L. 1992. Design with Nature

· Ellin Nan. 2006. Integral Urbanism

· Davey Resource Group. 2009. City of St. Louis, Missouri Street Tree Resource Analysis

· Grigg, N. S. 2003. Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure Management

· AASHTO. 2010. Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing

· Beatley, Timothy. 2000. Green Urbanism: Learning from European Cities

· Beatley, Timothy, Peter Newman. 2009. Green Urbanism Down Under: Learning from Sustainable Communities in Australia

· Newman, Peter, Timothy Beatley, and Heather Boyer. 2009. Resilient Cities: Responding to Peak Oil and Climate Change

· Fremling, Calvin R. 2005. Immortal River: The Upper Mississippi in Ancient and Modern Times

· Gurnell, A. 2007. “Urban Rivers: Hydrology, Geomorphology, Ecology, and Opportunities for Change”

· Mitchell, V. G. 2006. “Applying Integrated Urban Water Management Concepts: A Review of Australian Experience”· Farrelly, M., R. Brown, and C. Davis. 2009. “Can Demonstration Projects Act as a Mechanism for Promoting a Transition” · Carson, Rachel. 1994. Silent Spring

· Leopold, Aldo. 1966. A Sand County Almanac

· Jacobs, Allan B. 1993. Great Streets

· Design Workshop. 2009. South Grand Boulevard Great Streets Initiative

· Bohl, Charles C. 2000. “New Urbanism and the City: Potential Applications and Implications for Distressed Inner-City Neighborhoods”

· Mennel, Timothy (ed.). 2009. “Smart Codes: Model Shared Parking Ordinance”

· Mennel, Timothy (ed.). 2009. “Smart Codes: Model Policy Promoting Complete Streets”· Mennel, Timothy (ed.). 2009. “Smart Codes:

Model Street Connectivity Standards Ordinance”

SAFETY

ECOLOGY

GENIUS LOCI

MEANING

FUNCTION

Literature map: Instrumental to the formation of the proposed framework, an ongoing literature review categorized existing literature into the fi ve levels. The result is a hierarchical classifi cation of relevant literature indicative of which sources address “higher level” topics.

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feedback loop

possibilitiesimagery

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available data

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relevanceexisting knowledge

design strategies

users

plant species selection

materiality

design program elements

maintenance requirements over time

timeframeproject goals

questions

technologies

obstacles

CODED IMAGERY ANALYSIS

D IED IMAMAGER

GERY AY ANNALNAL

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· SW 12th Avenue Green Street located in Portland, Oregon

· 12th Street Rain Gardens located in Kansas City, Missouri

· St. Charles Avenue located in New Orleans, Louisiana

· Stephen Epler Hall @ PSU located in Portland, Oregon

ongoing literature review

observationspotential precedents filter a filter b

Precedent study methodology diagram: In the precedent study, the framework was utilized as a metric from which coded observations could be extracted from imagery of each precedent.

FUNCTION

SAFETY

ECOLOGY

GENIUS LOCI

MEANING

Coded imagery analyses: Imagery for each of the four precedents was selected and subsequently coded according to the proposed framework. Color fi ll selections call out the role specifi c elements assume in the urban right-of-way.

SW 12SW 12thth Avenue Green Street | Portland, Oregon Avenue Green Street | Portland, Oregon

St. Charles Avenue | New Orleans, LouisianaSt. Charles Avenue | New Orleans, Louisiana

1212thth Street Rain Gardens | Kansas City, Missouri Street Rain Gardens | Kansas City, Missouri

Stephen Epler Hall | Portland State UniversityStephen Epler Hall | Portland State University

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Site inventory and analysis methodology diagram: The framework is utilized as a point of departure for deriving the specifi c methods and end tasks to be completed in the site inventory and analysis.

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site analysis questionsproject goals and intentions program elements site inventory questions tasks

What user amenities can be spatially associated with stormwater eco-technologies with the goal of promoting a “meaningful” user experience of the site’s natural systems?

Which natural systems can be reintroduced into the urban context? Needed Seating Analysis

Property Utilization Map

Context for Learning Suitability Analysis

Where on site can users observe “artful” stormwater runoff and be protected during rain showers so as to not put them in harm’s way or cause discomfort?

What property adjacent to South Grand is most suitable for redevelopment into a small urban outdoor classroom?

Which areas of the site comprise the most suitable context for learning in terms of visibility, opportunity for gathering, and potential for interactivity?

Which components of the existing urban right-of-way present potential safety hazards to users (pedestrians, cyclist, special needs, commuters, etc.) other than motorists?

Which intersection(s) has the highest traffic accident injury/fatality rating? Intersection Safety Map

Street Lighting Analysis

Bus Stop Analysis

Bicycle Amenity Analysis

What are the “high-traffic” volume times of the day for each user group? What are the existing user groups?

Which existing street trees should be preserved in the final design proposal? What is the threshold of determining how valuable an existing street tree is?

Which eco-technologies can be adapted from precedent studies of other right-of-way projects, and where are they best incorporated into the existing urban fabric along South Grand?

How much sidewalk space can be allocated to stormwater eco-technologies without sacrificing user circulation or safety (public health, safety, and welfare) in this site?

How do you maximize pedestrian sidewalk and amenity space while not reducing the vehicular parking capacity?

Hydrology Analysis

Impervious Surface Analysis

Sidewalk Width Analysis

Street Tree Analysis

Eco-technology Suitability Analysis

How does the hydrological cycle currently take place on site?

How can the design of South Grand use “artful rainwater design” to create a new progressive identity for the district while respecting the historic and ethnic character of the community?

What components of the existing community’s historical identity should be preserved and further articulated in the new design proposal?

Outdoor Dining Analysis

Historic Landmarks Map

District Competition Map

Public Art Analysis

User Ethnicity Analysis

What are other competing community business districts in the greater St. Louis City metropolitan area?

Which sites are most suitable for locally commissioned pieces of public art along South Grand?

Which sidewalk areas are most suitable for outdoor dining based upon existing use, setbacks, land use, and views toward important district identifiers?

Where are bus stop locations most appropriate in terms of safety, surrounding land use, and proximity to largest number of users?

Which existing stops need to include more amenities (such as a bus shelter) based upon current ridership levels?

Where is bike parking most suitable along South Grand according to adjacent building use, observed cycling destinations, and other associated bike amenities (public restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.)?

Where is additional street lighting needed to provide all intersections with 2 fc of light intensity and 1 fc along the length of the street?

Which vehicular lane configuration provides the optimal balance between traveling motorist needs and the community’s desire to become a destination rather than a thoroughfare?

Where are existing utilities located in relation to limestone building foundations?

What are the potential vehicular lane configurations? Vehicular Lane Analysis

Existing Utilities and Infrastructure Analysis

Land Use Map

Vehicular ParkingAnalysis

· What is the average vehicular speed within the project site? · What design guidelines are specified by AASHTO for vehicular circulation along a major arterial corridor?

· What vehicular speed is most often observed in historic business districts? · How many parking stalls currently exist as on-street parking or immediately adjacent parking stalls?

· How does the existing urban right-of-way function to provide users with efficient travel and circulation?

· What amenities are associated with bus stops?

· What is the identity or composition (land use, iconic elements, demographics, materiality, etc.) of each city block in the project area facing South Grand? Are certain blocks hierarchically more important than others?

· How close is the location to existing schools within a 1 mile radius? · What is the potential for this site to handle stormwater from adjacent property and/or include a vertical garden?

· What is the ethnic population breakdown surrounding the project area? · What are local material palettes for the St. Louis City area?

· How many on-street parking stalls currently exist?

· What other natural systems are important to take into consideration?

· What connections are essential to maintaining the functionality of the existing street?

What are the needs of a traveling motorist?

What are the components necessary to create a destination rather than vehicular thoroughfare?

Incorporate a cost-benefit analysis of street trees

Reduce the carbon footprint of urban right-of-way

Promote equality of experience for all users

Prevent injury or harm among all users

Provide a positive, physical environment for users

Cultivate motivated “dynamic users”

Foster user ownership of the urban right-of-way

Promote a “user land ethic”

Create a progessive identity in the regional market

Engender a distinctive, ecology driven district

Develop the district as a “community of users”

Incorporate existing stormwater infrastructure

Protect limestone foundations of buildings

Treat stormwater runoff on-site

Provide efficient movement for vehicular users · functional maintenance

· access to service alleys

· bike parking: 4 bike racks for every 10,000 sq. ft. of sidewalk space

· pedestrian-scaled materiality· seating: 1 linear foot per 21’ of street frontage

· protection of limestone foundations

· local, public art commissions

· locations for temporary, rotating, and permanent art installations

· information kiosks

· street furniture· land use diversity

· appropriate decibel level

· multi-space vehicular parking meters· signage indicating public parking locations

· reduce sidewalk clutter

· banner mounts designed into street lighting

· district gateways into and out of site

· local materiality selection· renewable energy technologies

· series of portals and thresholds

· “park-once district”

· recycled materiality

· inviting awnings off of adjacent buildings

· bike sharrows for experienced cyclist

· pocket gardens located on adjacent, vacant properties

· shuttle bus between site and missouri botanical gardens

· benches “staged” for user interaction with eco-technologies· community involvement in design process

· temporary didactic signage explaining eco-technologies· spaces for “user creation” where they can play/change landscape

· eventual removal of didactic signage as “user owners” fulfill the responsiblitiy educating visitors about the corridor’s natural systems

· hand pump irrigation of stormwater infiltration gardens by users· emulate baseline flow natural processes

· urban outdoor classrooms

· security

· vehicular parking meters

· cross walks· trash receptacles: 1 bin per 2,000 sq. ft. of sidewalk space (within 50’ of seating

· curb bulb-outs· street tree plantings for beautification · bike lanes· street lighting: 2 fc at intersections and 1 fc along the street

· reduce vehicular traffic speeds· ground surface textural changes

· newspaper bins

· wider sidewalks

· pedestrian-oriented signage

· reserved disability parking

· low volatile paints· bus stops

· bus stop signage

· bus stop shelter and level concrete pad· outdoor dining opportunities

· pedestrian traffic signals

· eco-technologies

· recycle receptacles· permeable pavers

· pervious concrete· urban stormwater infiltration planters

· treatment train linkage of all eco-technologies· solar panels mounted on adjacent building roofs

· high albedo pavement materials · green roofs

· native plant species

· cyclical maintenance plan· stormwater retention vaults under sidewalks · stormwater capture of rooftops

· heating element under sidewalk

· amended soils

· moisture tolerant plant species to filter stormwater

· no permanent irrigation· increase soil volume capacity per tree

· selection of street tree species for economic value over time

· ada ramps at all intersections and general compliance

· vehicular traffic lanes· vehicular-oriented signage

· traffic lights

· paint stripes

· center line road crown

· catch basins

· manholes

· vehicular parking based upon peak volumes· pedestrian sidewalk· curb and gutter

· storm sewer infrastructure· roadway surface materiality· vehicular travel speeds

Site inventory and analysis process map: This graphic maps the actual implementation of the previous abstract diagram. Notice that an implied hierarchy exists for each of the categories across the top.

1/4 Mile

1/2 Mile

1 Mile

Arsenal Street

Hartford Street

Juniata Street

Connecticut Street

Wyoming Street

Humphrey Street

Utah Street

MetropolitanChristian Worship

Carpenter Branch Library

St. Pius V Catholic Church12

30

14

Fellowship Center

First Divine Church of St. Louis

St. John’s Episcopal Church

23

49

9662

48

Fanning Middle School

Grand Islamic Center

Schnucks Groceryand Pharmacy

Rent-a-Center

St. Louis Auto Parts

Grand ChineseGrocery

St. Paul’s GermanEvangelical Church

New City Fellowshipof St. Louis

BrooksBible Institute

Walgreens

White Castle

Gravois Park

Roosevelt High School

St. Elizabeth Academy

Body of Christ Temple

Messiah Lutheran Church

Saint Luke’s Church

Shenandoah Elementary School

Missouri School for the Blind

B’nai El Congregation

Compton Heights

Beauvais Manor on the ParkSt. Andrews Episcopal-Presbyterian Church

Messiah Lutheran School

Tower Grove Park

SOUTH GRAND BOULEVARD

GRAV

OIS

AVEN

UE

N

LEGEND:

Bus RoutesBike LanesExisting Shared Traffic Lanes

Cross Street

Major Arterial Street

Distance Indicator

Institutional Preservation and Development Area

Public Parks

Neighborhood Commercial Area

National Historic District

Local Historic District

Specialty Mixed Use Area

Bus Stop Average Daily Ridership49

National Historic Register

Bus Stop

National Historic Landmark

Neighborhood context map: The project site is located in St. Louis, Missouri, along South Grand Boulevard from Arsenal Street to Utah Street. Tower Grove Park provides a substantial recreational amenity within walking distance of the site.

A

B

C

D E

F

G

H

I

J

K L

M

N

0

P

Q

R

S T U

V

Arsenal St.

Hartford St.

Juniata St.

Connecticut St.

Wyom

ing St.

Humphrey St.

Utah St.

South Grand Blvd.

46% Off-site Pickup [86,168 SF]

54% On-site Pickup [99,405 SF]

total catchment area: 185,573 SF

780841

1,498741574744638586608

1,296585688

1,769760628

1,0671,6461,074622475499234

18,352

0.650.701.250.620.480.620.530.490.511.080.490.571.470.630.520.891.370.900.520.400.420.20

15.29

CA DISCHARGE (CF/S) VOLUME (CF)

TOTAL:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV

CATCHMENT AREAS (CA)

TOTAL: 185,573 SF

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV

0’ 75’ 150’ 300’

N

Building Footprint

On-site Catchment

Off-site Catchment

Flow LineStorm Sewer

Estimated Storm Sewer

Manhole

Drain Inlet

A Catchment Area Label

Roadway CurbOverhead Canopy

Legend:

Hydrology analysis: This analysis is an example of one of the tasks completed at the ecology level of South Grand’s site analysis. The discharge rates recorded in the table on the right pertain to a 20 year, 20 minute storm event.

SAFE

TYEC

OLOG

YGE

NIUS

LOC

IM

EANI

NGFU

NCTI

ON

Incorporate a cost-benefit analysis of street trees

Reduce the carbon footprint of urban right-of-way

Promote equality of experience for all users

Prevent injury or harm among all users

Provide a positive, physical environment for users

Cultivate motivated “dynamic users”

Foster user ownership of the urban right-of-way

Promote a “user land ethic”

Create a progessive identity in the regional market

Engender a distinctive, ecology driven district

Develop the district as a “community of users”

Incorporate existing stormwater infrastructure

Protect limestone foundations of buildings

Treat stormwater runoff on-site

Provide efficient movement for vehicular users

functional maintenance

access to service alleys

bike parking: 4 bike racks for every 10,000 sq. ft. of sidewalk space

pedestrian-scaled materiality

seating: 1 linear foot per 21’ of street frontage

protection of limestone foundations

local, public art commissions

locations for temporary, rotating, and permanent art installations

information

street furniture

land use diversity

appropriate decibel level

multi-space vehicular parking meters

signage indicating public parking locations

reduce sidewalk clutter

banner mounts designed into street lighting

district gateways into and out of site

local materiality selection

renewable energy technologies

series of portals and thresholds “park-once district”

recycled materiality

inviting awnings off of adjacent buildings

bike sharrows for experienced cyclist

pocket gardens located on adjacent, vacant properties

shuttle bus between site and missouri botanical gardens

benches “staged” for user interaction with eco-technologies

community involvement in design process

temporary didactic signage explaining eco-technologies spaces for “user creation” where they can play/change landscape

eventual removal of didactic signage as “user owners” fulfill the responsiblitiy educating visitors about the corridor’s natural systems

hand pump irrigation of stormwater infiltration gardens by users emulate baseline flow natural processes

urban outdoor classrooms

security

vehicular parking meters

cross walks trash receptacles: 1 bin per 2,000 sq. ft. of sidewalk space (within 50’ of seating

curb bulb-outs

street tree plantings for beautification bike lanes street lighting: 2 fc at intersections and 1 fc along the street

reduce vehicular traffic speeds ground surface textural changes

newspaper bins

wider sidewalks

pedestrian-oriented signage reserved disability parking low volatile paints

bus stops

bus stop signage bus stop shelter and level concrete pad

outdoor dining opportunities

pedestrian traffic signals

eco-technologies

recycle receptacles permeable pavers

pervious concrete urban stormwater infiltration planters

treatment train linkage of all eco-technologies

solar panels mounted on adjacent building roofs

high albedo pavement materials green roofs

native plant species

cyclical maintenance plan

stormwater retention vaults under sidewalks

stormwater capture of rooftops

heating element under sidewalk

amended soils

moisture tolerant plant species to filter stormwater

no permanent irrigation

increase soil volume capacity per tree selection of street tree species for economic value over time

ada ramps at all intersections and general compliance

vehicular traffic lanes vehicular-oriented signage

traffic lights

paint stripes

center line road crown

catch basins

manholes

vehicular parking based upon peak volumes pedestrian sidewalk curb and gutter

storm sewer infrastructure

roadway surface materiality

vehicular travel speeds

project goals and intentions coded program elements

Hierarchy of programmatic elements coded to project goals: Each program element is coded to the project goal to which it most closely relates. In order for an urban right-of-way to attain a higher level, all lower level program elements must be addressed.

0’ 37.5’ 75’ 150’

N

South Grand Boulevard

Utah Street

Humphrey Street

Wyom

ing Street

Connecticut Street

Proposed master plan for southern portion of project site: Design area included the public right-of-way along South Grand Boulevard and the conversion of an underutilized surface parking lot into an educational pocket park.

0’ 10’ 20’ 40’

N

Detail plan of street block containing the educational pocket park: The adjacent parcel was selected as an underutilized parcel most suitable for conversion. One of the primary factors was its current ownership by the city of St. Louis.

Coded imagery analysis for detail plan of street block: This coded application of the framework to the design imagery reveals that function, safety, and ecology are easier to accomplish within the narrow right-of-way than genius loci and meaning.

Perspective view from within the educational pocket park: The design of the park promotes user interaction with the site and the development of a “community of users.”

Coded imagery analysis for pocket park: This coded application of the framework reveals the incorporation of higher level programmatic elements within the pocket park. In order to experience the full manifestation of the fountains, users must interact with one another.