Kareem J. Cousar
Urban Design Studio
G a t e w a y E x t e n s i o n
Arch 545
Feature: Washington Park: Gateway Extension
Problem Decades of entropy within the Chicago neighborhood of Washington Park have resulted in large allotments of residual land. The scarcity of program imperative to a sustainable lifestyle, has manifested a disconnect in the site and degraded the relevance of Garfield Boulevard. These current conditions have resulted in a broken link in the relationship between the Chicago Transit Authority Green Line train, Washington Park and the University of Chicago. Solution We propose to extend Washington Park westward to Prairie Avenue, converting Garfield Boulevard to a two-way transit lane and moving mass vehicular traffic to the peripheries of the site resulting in a pedestrian friendly area. A cohesive network formed by the existing context, revitalizes the connection between the CTA Green Line, Washington Park and the University of Chicago. A distinct language, established by unique geometries, allow for the integration of a new program (grocery, dining, recreation, university and performance based) which are supported and enhance by a contemporary landscape strategy. Outcome Rigorous tests utilizing physical models and drawings were driven by a technique of folding with the condition of over and under. A multifaceted set of programs are indistinguishably blurred with a series of folds that meld inside and out, producing a continuous passage from the CTA Green Line to Washington Park and the University of Chicago.
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Cousar Prof. Marshall Brown | ARCH 545 | Completely Stripped, Naked, Dirty & Wet Team: Xue Bai | Kareem Cousar | Jake Emery | Ellis Venia | Fall 2011
SITE INVESTIGATION & ANALYSIS
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CTA Green Line.
Garfield Blvd.
Martin Luther King Drive.
Prairie Ave.
Figure/Ground
Washington Park
Garfield Blvd.
Washington Park
Buildings
Top: Existing Figure Ground Bottom: Ownership Map
University of Chicago CTA City of Chicago/Parks CHA New South Partners Private Commercial
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Top: Pedestrian Network Bottom: Formal/Informal Circulation
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Plaisance geometry applied directly
Median widened to increase activity. Vehicular traffic limited and/or removed.
Roads removed, formal/informal circulation merged, creating three green bars for all non-vehicular user groups.
Midway Plaisance Comparison
Macro Vehicular Circulation
Existing Circulation Added Circulation Demolished Circulation
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DESIGN Site Plan A
B
C
D
C
D
A
B
Materiality
Landscape
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New Trees
Existing Trees
Amphitheater
Flowers
Naked Streets
Parking
Playscape
Concrete
Wood Structure
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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Program Parking
Parking Parking
Exhibition Pavilion
Parking Bus Pavilion
CTA Station
Electric Energy Station
UC Bookstore
Playscape
Amphitheater Indoor Theater
Park Gateway
Retail
Retail Grocery Store
Pizza/ Sandwich
Naked Street Zone Terraced Seating
Entry/ Ticketing
Ice Hockey Rink
Info/History Center
Parking
Bus Pavilion
Circulation
Pedestrian
Bike
Bus Way
Drive Way
Parking
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80 0
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20
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Site Section A
View from Platform towards Exhibition Space and Restaurant
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View from Naked Zone towards CTA Station and UC Bookstore
Cousar Site Section B
View from terraced landscape into Lower Plaza
View from Garfield/MLK intersection towards Electric Charging Station
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PHASING
PHASE 1: -Roads modified, -New Garfield Green Line stop constructed. Time: 1 year
PHASE 2: -Network of paths established. -Sub-grade plaza constructed. Time: 2-3 years
PHASE 3: -Final construction phase of project. Time: 4-5 years
44,375 ft
113,280 ft 41,938 ft
63,830 ft
Time: 35 years
29,365 ft
4.0
0.4 2.2
0.65
12.7
0.3 2.0 1.6
6.8
1.8
PHASE 5: -University of Chicago builds on land, leaving center of design project in tact. Time: 40+ years
1.1 0.52 0.75 7.5
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PHASE 4: -University of Chicago determines developable land.
MODELS
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