Path-Making:
Improving Connections Through Structure, Lighting, and Signage Effective urban paths are both a means to an end and an end in of themselves. They are used to get from one place to the next, but are also destinations for recreational walking, running, and biking. Along the Harlem River in the Bronx, pedestrian routes include both on-street and off-street paths. Phasing for connection improvements should be as follows: Develop reasons to cross; Improve basic maintenance of pathways and street network; Create new pathways that are visually interesting and provide direct and legible connections to destinations. Well-designed pathways are universally accessible and enjoyable to use; employ lighting to encourage night time use and address safety and security concerns; and are clearly marked with effective and engaging signage to address wayfinding needs.
Structure
Lighting
Demakersvan Lace Fence
Signage
Race Street Connector (Philadelphia, PA)
Signs can be extremely literal. Here a highway underpass is transformed into a sign pointing towards the forgotten waterfront.
Buffalo Bayou (Houston, TX) Vancouver Convention Center (Vancouver, BC)
Tejo Remy Playground Fence (New York, NY) Flex Fence (Lincoln, MA)
Fencing doesn’t need to be ugly or merely a barrier. Fences can be dynamic spaces that provide landowners with security, while creating a visual impact from the waterfront that announces this as a gateway to the bronx. They can also provide places to rest/lean/ sit/talk as people move through along the waterfront.
Sites of Potential Intervention
Lighting can highlight the beauty of existing infrastructure, turning an unpleasant environment into a space of vibrancy. Lighting can also improve the safety of pedestrian paths by increasing visibility and providing protective barriers.
Freedom Trail (Boston, MA)
125th Street Bridge (New York, NY)
Signs can also be more emblamatic. Boston’s Freedom Trail is a simple painted strip of pavement that directs people towards points of interest.
Waterfront Connections Design Interventions for the Bronx Harlem River
High Bridge Park (Bronx Side) Harlem River Greenway
High Bridge Park (Manhattan Side)
St
Macombs Dam Bridge
Yankee Stadium
16
1
155 St Harlem
E 150-151 Sts Gateway Center Mill Pond Park
E 149 St The Hub
Southern Connecttion
Mill Pond Park to MetroNorth Station
125 St Harlem
Harlem River Greenway
3
Av
145 St Harlem
Middle Connection
161 St Ped. Bridge
161st Street Bridge to Macombs Dam Bridge/Mill Pond Park
162 St Tunnel
Northern Connection
High Bridge
161st Street Bridge to High Bridge
Roberto Clemente State Park
Evolution of a community connection Phase I
Phase II Harlem River Greenway to Roberto Clemente State Park
Restored High Bridge Improved Depot Place crossing with wider, greener sidewalks and narrowed car lanes Conversion of Depot Place ramp to mixed-traffic bike and pedestrian ramp
Harlem River Greenway to Yankee Stadium
Phase III
Creation of a direct connection between southern and northern greenway segments through the use of grading or ramping Construction of an airrights park over the Deegan and Metro North tracks to create a destination on the Bronx end of the High Bridge and reclaim the space for neighborhood residents