Flexible Islands, Amy Oh | Cal Poly Architecture Thesis | Studio Clifford | 2021

vol. V thesis.

2020-2021

Amy Gaon Oh Studio Clifford Bachelor of Architecture California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

ABSTRACT

This thesis reimagines the architecture of public transportation to align with the future of travel in the city of San Francisco, shifting from car-centric streets to public spaces that implement positive change through qualities such as urban growth, equality, culture, and sustainability. As new modes of transportation continue to be introduced into the flow of travel, commuting in the city has evolved rapidly and become even more multimodal than ever. Yet, despite constant ongoing revisions led by the SFMTA that aim to improve systems of transportation in the city, transit environments such as train stations or bus shelters remain as spaces that are undesirable, unhygienic, or unsafe. Consequently, revisiting the design of waiting spaces in transit environments poses the potential for a new standard for transit and street design for the public.

Designing specifically for waiting spaces related to transportation, combined with the integration of public resources and multimodality, allows for a more efficient and improved experience for travelers. This thesis explores transit architecture through both the analysis of smaller-scale station-street intersections as well as a larger-scale revitalization of the current Hallidie Plaza, which connects the underground Powell Street Station in downtown San Francisco to the streets above. The strategic design of station thresholds at the street level and the new Hallidie Plaza strives to transforms the current neglected and often vulnerable stations into desirable and active public spaces that embody the needs of San Francisco’s urban commuter population.

Brief historical context of public transportation in the city of San Francisco.

MOBILITY IN THE CITY

Current conditions of transportation in the city outlining ongoing and future SFMTA projects

THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT

Envisioning the future of public transportation and the factors that point towards positive change in urban environments.

A graphic guideline of events that diagrams a framework of architectural thinking, with key dates and projects highlighting significant elements of the thesis process.

Background.

Historical Context

Transportation plays a vital role in any major city, especially in the city of San Francisco, which has the third busiest light rail system in the nation. From the early system of cable cars beginning in the year 1873 to today’s light rail vehicles used by 49 million riders annually, public transportation is a key part of the daily lives of people in the city. The system of mobility has continually reshaped the streets of San Francisco with its potential to create public spaces and connections that lead to urban growth and productivity.

San Francisco has an extensive history of public involvement in the formation of today’s transit system, with members of the community advocating for safer and more accessible systems of mobility as well as improvements in street design to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Traveling around the city by bicycle has always been a common and popular form of commute. The first bicycle club in San Francisco was established in 1876, and in 1896, a mass of 5,000 cyclists demonstrated through the city for better and safer riding conditions in the streets. Elderly and disabled community members also advocated for accessibility in transit throughout history. The “Transit First Policy,” first adopted in 1973 and still active today, has prioritized transit vehicles in the streets of San Francisco over any other vehicle. The policy has led to citywide projects for improvements in both the transit system and multimodal transportation system in the city.

Yet, despite the city’s rapid progress in improving efficiency for systems of travel, the spaces involved in transit environments are often neglected and unpleasant, with issues such as hygiene, safety, and defacement of public property. Stations and bus stops are a fundamental part of the daily lives of many people commuting in San Francisco, who experience these spaces and are affected by them. Implementing innovative ways to redevelop the waiting spaces through sustainable and inclusive design methods can allow for the transit environments to perform as social hubs that engage communities.

Cable car traveling uphill. Image courtesy of Unsplash.

Mobility in the City. Current Conditions of Commuting in San Francisco

Since 1999, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has managed all forms of ground transportation in the city. Currently, the SFMTA oversees Muni, the municipal railway public transit, along with bicycling, paratransit, taxis, parking, traffic, and walking. In terms of transit, the agency oversees the bus, light rail, historic streetcar, and cable car systems in the city, as well as paratransit.

The SFMTA has an extensive list of ongoing and future projects to improve public transportation for travelers in San Francisco. In addition to projects that introduce new bus and light rail routes and street reconfiguration plans, the agency is involved with educational programs, beautification projects, and plans to redesign the streets as public space for the people. The ongoing Better Market Street program aims to revitalize the street as a center for the public, with less dominance from cars and more presence from alternative modes of travel.

In the year 2017, non-automobile travel made up 52% of trips in the city. Bicycle travel continues to remain a popular mode of transportation, with the number of trips increasing by 213% since 2006. Shared-use scooter and bicycle programs introduced in the past few years have also had promising usage from commuters in the city, especially in highly congested areas where population and jobs are greatest.

Parklet taking over street parking. Image courtesy of Floornature.

“Transit is a key that unlocks street space, bringing new opportunities to create streets that can move tremendous numbers of people and be enjoyed as public spaces at the same time.”

- NACTO

Key Principles. “Transit Street Design Guide.” Courtesy of NACTO.

Station and Stop Principles. “Transit Street Design Guide.” Courtesy

The Future of Transit.

Envisioning the Experience of Tomorrow’s Traveler

Transit environments are not just passages but waiting spaces that people experience daily. As public transportation continues to become an increasingly integral part of the lives of city inhabitants, strategic design is more crucial than ever in framing urban cities. The future of spaces associated with public transportation (walk, bike, transit) require innovative design approaches that connect multimodal methods of travel, provide equal services for the public, and act as a social space for the city.

Cities and policies are moving forward and progressing towards more efficient and sustainable systems of transportation designed for its users. The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), for example, connects 81 major cities and transit agencies in North America to collaborate and share ideas to solve issues in transportation. Currently the association presents guides to improve not only public transit systems but the spaces involved in transit environments such as the street. The “Transit Street Design Guide” includes guidelines to promote better design in transit environments, including six key principles for transit in the street as well as specific areas of design, such as rules for accessibility in platforms and tips for designing safe and accessible bus stops.

Micromobility and autonomous vehicles will have a significant impact on the future of city travel. The growing adoption of shared-use scooter and bike systems have rapidly transformed the urban environments of cities around the globe. With newly introduced methods of transportation and a paradigm shift in the structure of mobility in cities, transit environments in the streets must be reshaped to combat the problems caused by car-centric design in urban realms and promote the positive changes that alternative modes of transportation instill.

Courtesy of NACTO.

EXPLORATIONS

GENERATOR COLLAGE ILLUSTRATING THE SPATIAL SEQUENCE OF A TRAVELER TO ACCOMMODATE FOR THE FUTURE OF MULTIMODAL PUBLIC TRANSIT

HYBRID ITERATIONS

MULTI-MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF INITIAL CONCEPTS AND IDEAS

SITE ANALYSES

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT SITE CONDITIONS AND EXISTING PARAMETERS OF CONTEXT THROUGH DIAGRAMS AND DRAWINGS

PRECEDENTS

EXISTING PROJECTS INSPIRING IDEAS OF THE THESIS AND THESIS PROJECT

ABSTRACT

WRITTEN ABSTRACT OUTLINING THESIS AND PROJECT GOALS

DATA MAPPING CONNECTING HISTORICAL MOMENTS IN THE EVOLUTION OF TRANSIT AND USER RESPONSE IN SF

SITE MAPPING

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF COMMUTE AND TRANSIT ENVIRONMENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF SF

“SECTION

DESIGNING & MAKING

PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS

PLANS, SECTIONS, AND DIAGRA MS ILLUSTRATING INITIAL APPROACH TO DESIGN AND SITE TRANSFORMATION

PRODUCTION PHASE

FINALIZING DESIGN IDEAS AND STRATEGIES, STARTING TO MAKE FINAL PRESENTATION DRAWINGS

“DETAIL SHOW” [APR. 14]

FINAL PRESENTATION

FINALIZING DRAWINGS, DIAGRAMS, WEBSITE, THESIS SHOW PREP

“DALE’S DOLLS” [MAY 28]

"FINAL STOP"

FINAL PRESENTATION THESIS SHOW AND WEBSITE LAUNCH

“QUALIFYING REVIEW” [MAR. 3]

RESEARCH + ANALYSIS

TEAM RESEARCH

UNDERSTANDING THE DESIGN METHODS OF FIRMS AND PAST THESIS PROJECTS THROUGH RESEARCH AND APPLYING THEM IN INITIAL TEAM DESIGN EXERCISES.

“ABSTRACT SHOW” [0CT. 7]

DIAGRAMMING

INITIAL DESIGN STRATEGIES

DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT

GRAPHIC REPRESENTATIONS CONVEYING KEY IDEAS AND ATTRIBUTES OF THESIS

FIRST APPROACHES TO SITE TRANSFORMATION AND DESIGNING OF A NEW HALLIDIE PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN SF

“SECTION SHOW” [FEB. 10]

FALL QUARTER 2020

WINTER QUARTER 2021

SPRING QUARTER 2021

A experimental collage analyzing the spatial experiences of a modern commuter in an urban area, studying the potential for transit environments to serve as inclusive and resourceful public spaces that convey the culture of a community.

A graphic timeline that draws connections between different layers of information relating to public transportation in San Francisco, including historical moments in commute and statistical data reflecting public activity and response to the various systems of travel in the city.

Projects and design proposals that address a positive direction towards the future of public transportation concerning new modes of travel, multimodal transportation, micromobility, and sustainability. These projects exhibit innovative ways to regenerate the street as public spaces for the people, stepping away from car-centric development through innovative ways that integrate methods of sustainability and social engagement.

“A good connection between bicycle and train is an indispensable link for the urban mobility network. However, underground parking facilities are often unpleasant spaces due to low ceilings, the lack of daylight and a view of the surroundings.”

- Silo

Bicycle Parking in The Hague. Silo

& Studio Marsman

Completed in early 2020, this bicycle parking garage is one of the largest in the Netherlands and located in The Hague, a city in the Netherlands that is home to both the court and the government. Built in front of The Hague Central Station, this parking garage has the capacity to store approximately 8,000 bicycles and provides a safe and pleasant experience for cyclists with its unique spatial qualities, including white interior, high ceilings, clear directional markings, and back-lit walls. These walls also exhibit designs that reflect the facades of iconic buildings throughout the architectural history of The Hague using morphing tessellations.

Images courtesy of Silo .

“The manifesto offers a radical story that might convince the everyday Angeleno that alternatives to car culture can exist.”

- Evan Shieh

Autonomous Architecture: Towards a New Transitopia!

Evan Shieh, Harvard University Graduate School of Design

In this thesis for his Master of Architecture in Urban Design, Evan Shieh looks to the near future in the year 2047 and proposes a manifesto on modern travel that adapts to the automation of vehicles. Introducing a shift to autonomous commute in the Los Angeles transit system, he creates a narrative on the future of travel through the use of graphic story-telling, with specific examples of characteristics that represent the people and neighborhoods of Los Angeles. He argues that while automobile dependency has reduced the use of public transit in the city, the automation of the car can bring back public transit as a “model for urban growth,” and transition the city from Autotopia to Transitopia in the next few decades.

Images courtesy of Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

THE RIVER BECOMES A PUBLIC SPACE

Greywater from the public restroom units that hover the scooter stations refuels the scooters. These public restrooms also have multi-functional qualities such as resting and showering.

On the water, a new type of public space is rendered: the images of the fueling of environment that emerges from this new transportation network. These new size, use, and distribution along the shore are directly informed by the water-hydrogen conversion system. Each unit within the fueling mat contains requires power collected by wave energy-harvesting components. In turn, then capable of generating fire and heat from water extracted from the river. describes this system as a heated beach, which extends its seasonal use beyond into the winter. Also reliant on fuel, are secondary spaces which contain barbeque baths as a means to generate further personal connections with the water-hydrogen Emerging from the infrastructural demands for fuel is a new recreational landscape

BEACH CAMPO

fueling mat illustrate a type new floating landscapes’ demands of the new contains an electrolyzer which these electrolyzers are A sectional perspective beyond the summertime barbeque pits and heated water-hydrogen technology. landscape for Manhattan.

WATER FUEL: A Water-Fueled Scooter Network. Silo & Studio Marsman

An alternative to commuting by car in street traffic and crowded subways in Manhattan, the Water Scooter Network proposes a way for individuals to travel in the city through a water-fueled system of shared scooters. With fueling mats floating on the water, a new form of public infrastructure comes into play. Electrolyzers act as heating sytems in each of the fueling units along the mats, introducing possibilities of recreation such as heated pools and barbecue pits powered by the water-hydrogen technology of the mats. At the street scale are refueling stations, where public restrooms can attach to existing street elements such as streetlamps and bollards while hovering over parked scooters.

A mapping of San Francisco with collective data that illustrates current conditions of commuting in the diverse communities of the city and relationships between travel and urban density.

A closer look at transit environments in the city, specifically along Market Street, a major road for not only automobile and transit traffic but bicycle and pedestrian traffic as well. The Street Inventory highlights common elements found in current station-street intersections.

SITE CONTEXT

Existing conditions of Hallidie Plaza and Powell Street Station in San Francisco.

Trip Patterns.

Number of trips showing the flow of travel between districts in SF. Courtesy of SFCTA. TRANSIT

Public Transportation in the City.

WALK/BIKE

With the majority of the traffic congestion located in the neighborhoods of Downtown San Francisco, SoMa, and the Financial District, Market Street remains one of the most congested and transit-heavy streets in the city. Job density and accessibility, along with population, is also the greatest in this corner of the city (see following page). Transit crowding is greatest in travel in this area as well. Trip patterns also point toward a large portion of travel occuring to and from downtown San Francisco, both in public transit as well as pedestrian and bicycle travel. Pedestrian injury studies also show that while most congested, these specified areas in the city have less risk than elsewhere around of the city. For the most part, there exists more risk for pedestrian injury in areas that are less transit-heavy with no lightrail lines going through or nearby. With the amount of multimodal travel alternatives to the automobile, streets such as Market Street and other areas of heavy transit use should meet the needs of travelers and integrate the street to accommodate for the growing population of future transit and multimodal commuters.

Current street conditions in transit environments consist of the same elements throughout the city. However, most of these elements lack the capacity to accommodate the needs of city commuters. Common street elements, such as the streetlight, are used as static leaning spaces for travelers wanting to sit and wait. Trees have become spots for scooters to lean on. There is a lack of public space in these areas, with little space to wait or store bicycles for those who travel multimodal. Analyzing the street in transit environments calls for the introduction of alternatives that work for the people and combine functionality with

Inventory of the Street.

Current street conditions in the same elements throughout these elements lack the needs of city commuters. Common the streetlight, are used travelers wanting to sit and for scooters to lean on. There these areas, with little space those who travel multimodal. environments calls for the work for the people and demands such as hygiene, energy,

Inventory of the Street.

Current street conditions in transit environments consist of the same elements throughout the city. However, most of these elements lack the capacity to accommodate the needs of city commuters. Common street elements, such as the streetlight, are used as static leaning spaces for travelers wanting to sit and wait. Trees and become spots for scooters to lean on. There is a deficiency of public space in these areas, with little space to wait or store bicycles for those who travel multimodally. Analyzing the street in transit environments calls for the introduction of alternatives that work for the people and combine functionality with demands such as hygiene, safety, resources.

Caused by vehicles. Circle size determines risk rate, with larger circles representing riskier areas. Data courtesy of Eric Fisher.

environments calls for the introduction of alternatives that work for the people and combine functionality with demands such as hygiene, energy, and resource.

Pedestrian injury studies also show that while most congested, these specified areas in the city have less than elsewhere around of the city. For the most part, there exists more risk for pedestrian injury in areas that less transit-heavy with no lightrail lines going through or nearby. With the amount of multimodal travel alternatives to the automobile, streets such as Market Street and other areas of heavy transit should integrate

Current street conditions in transit the same elements throughout these elements lack the capacity needs of city commuters. Common the streetlight, are used as travelers wanting to sit and wait. for scooters to lean on. There these areas, with little space to those who travel multimodal. Analyzing environments calls for the introduction work for the people and combine demands such as hygiene, energy,

Street.

in transit environments consist of throughout the city. However, most of capacity to accommodate the Common street elements, such as as static leaning spaces for and wait. Trees have become spots There is a lack of public space in space to wait or store bicycles for multimodal. Analyzing the street in transit introduction of alternatives that and combine functionality with energy, and resource.

Street.

STATION-STREET INTERSECTIONS ALONG MARKET STREET

STATION-STREET INTERSECTIONS

11 STREETLIGHT

10

transit environments consist of throughout the city. However, most of capacity to accommodate the Common street elements, such as static leaning spaces for wait. Trees have become spots is a lack of public space in to wait or store bicycles for Analyzing the street in transit introduction of alternatives that combine functionality with energy, and resource.

STATION-STREET INTERSECTIONS

The Site.

Located in SoMa, San Francisco, Hallidie Plaza is currently serves as a connection to the Powell Street transit stations in the city. The plaza is divided on the street through a tunnel. Since the site is a significant access

EXITING POWELL ST. STATION

POWELL ST. STATION ENTRY

HALLIDIE PLAZA EAST

a 16’ deep sunken plaza that Street Station, one of the busiest street level and connected below access point for tourists and residents

alike, there is a lot of activity flowing in and out of the plaza. The tunnel consists of a Visitor Information Center, scheduled to move to the Moscone Center a few streets away. Adjacent to the site is the Westfield San Francisco Centre, the historic cable-car stop, and an abundance of retail, restaurant, and hospitality spaces nearby.

Existing Plan. Hallidie Plaza

Contextual Map. SOMA District

EXPLORATIONS 42 CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS

Diagrams, plan, and section presenting initial approach to design through conceptual ideas including site transformation, program, and qualities such as light and interaction.

HALLIDIE PLAZA EAST

HALLIDIE PLAZA EAST

PRELIMINARY SECTION. CONCEPTUAL STUDY

PRELIMINARY SECTION. CONCEPTUAL STUDY

Preliminary Section.

Conceptual Study

LIGHT CANNONS Urban Retreats

CONCOURSE

CONCOURSE

EDDY ST CYRIL MAGNIN ST

In 2018, 4.2% of commute trips by city residents were by bike trips

"A gateway to the city for over 7 million visitors a year who arrive from the airport via BART."

WESTFIELD MALL CONNECTION

HALLIDIE PLAZA WEST

HALLIDIE PLAZA EAST

TUNNEL

The Visitor Information Center, located in the plaza tunnel, receives over 350,000 visitors a year

Finalized drawings, diagrams, and presentation of the new and improved Hallidie Plaza.

“NEW HALLIDIE PLAZA”

48 FINAL PROJECT DESIGN

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TRANSIT ARCHITECTURE IN THE CITY. TRANSIT ARCHITECTURE THE CITY.

Connected to the busy Powell Street Station in downtown SF, the plaza is a crucial part in shaping the experience of those who enter the city for the first time. It is often the first stop in one’s eventful day and also the last, since the surrounding area is not only comprised of retail, restaurants, and hospitality but also office buildings, museums, and convention centers as well.

Connected to the busy Powell Street Station in downtown SF, the plaza is a crucial part in shaping the experience of those who enter the city for the first time. It is often the first stop in one’s eventful day and also the last, since the surrounding area is not only comprised of retail, restaurants, and hospitality also office buildings, museums, and convention centers as well.

“Hallidie Plaza is an important space in the fabric of the District. It has the potential to become one of the most vibrant and exciting public spaces in the city. It is the gateway to the city for over 7 million visitors a year who arrive from the airport via BART.

- USBID (Union Square Business Improvement District) Public Realm Action Plan

“Hallidie Plaza is an important space in the fabric of the District. It has the potential to become one of the most vibrant and exciting public spaces in the city. It is the gateway to the city for over 7 million visitors a year who arrive from the airport via BART.

- USBID (Union Square Business Improvement District) Public Realm Action Plan

[SITE INVENTORY] PEOPLE-CENTRIC STREET AMENITIES

[FLEXIBLE ISLANDS]

ROCK CLIMBING + TRAMPOLINES

PLAY ISLAND

WELCOME ISLAND

FLEX SPACES

CABLE CAR TURNAROUND

GALLERY ISLAND

STRUCTURAL ISLANDS

POP-UP VENUE

ROTATING BIKE STORAGE + REPAIR

ACCESSIBLE STATION ENTRY

SKATE PARK

Structural islands provide a platform for activities and purpose defined by the people. These islands have the potential for transformation, as different types of attachments cater to different functions. The islands highlight the nature of the site, mobility, as expressed by the heavy foot traffic between street, plaza, and station. In these islands are variations in depth and alternative methods of traveling vertically through the site, including a skate park connected from the street level to the plaza ground. The skate park provides a canvas to the city, as local artists paint the bowls as rotating murals.

Moving spaces such as the pop-up space also features local events and opens up to the plaza, as well as the rotating bike storage that is accessible from the street.