134 Line Street
Charleston, SC Summer 2022
Peninsular Conceptual Layout
Project Introduction The addition of the Septima Clark Expressway into the fabric of the vibrant neighborhoods of downtown Charleston indeed connected the peninsula to a widened urban context, however, it left the neighborhoods physically divided and socially stymied. This project centers around proposed permanent tactile interventions aimed at reconnecting these neighborhoods with the expressway still intact. Initial designs first happened broadly across the peninsula with conceptual and repeatable ideas at major intersections and popular public areas, then showcasing multiple focused ideas at one particular intersection. All proposed designs had to be implemented on land currently owned by the city and minimally interfere with the expressway,
Several issues became clear upon researching: the experience of walking along the Septima Clark Expressway is hostile and has become deadly, the pedestrian overpass entrance is nearly impossible to locate and its ramps are inaccessible, and Charleston isn’t the only city where neighborhoods are divided by civic infrastructure.
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Tactile urbanistic features are meant to be low cost and low risk solutions to improve pedestrian experience. Repeatability heavily influenced my design decisions so that a collection of interventions can be sold as a kit or parts to reconnect Charleston specifically and similarly torn cities. In addition, these features should engage communities to interact with the local ecology. Practices such as adding sound emitting road rivets at intersections along the expressway can alert drivers of potential cross-walkers in an effort to reduce pedestrian fatalities. Another tactile feature implemented is using familiar red brick pavers across pedestrian corridors, this would bring foot traffic away from the expressway and onto streets with lower speed limits.
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Adding listening stations in popular areas would engage streamers to listen to local artists, podcasters, or ecological educators. Improvements to the single pedestrian bridge can be made to address its accessibility short comings and connect it to a popup market. Several non-tactile ideas are used to separate vehicular and pedestrian traffic. These include the removal of redundant car ramps to the Ashley River bridges, the addition of a mixed income multifamily housing village, and an adjacent community center with a market and a station for public transit connection.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTION THROUGH MODULAR DESIGN
Septima C. Pkwy divides a historically rich and vibrant African American neighborhood. My design solutions involves modular design to make construction of public spaces quick and affordable. The hexagon design motif is derived from the digital clock face, embracing a new age for the neighborhood and encouraging the community to spend time together.
Pedestrian Bridge
Sound Barrier Wall
Metal brackets hold the sections of the modular bridge together. The bridge clearance will be kept at 17’-4”.
Angled indentions in the wall deflect sound back to the ground/car to reduce traffic noise in green spaces and along Septima C. Pkwy.
Public Plaza and Bridge Ramp
Sound Protected Green Spaces Noise Prevention Wall Modular Public Seating
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Red brick pavers for pedestrian areas are familiar with the locals. Changes in pattern distinguish changes in road use.
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The modular concrete seating features a planter bed and has straight, acute, and obtuse options for customization.
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LED street lighting is set at a hight that is comfortable and safe for pedestrians.
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Street Lighting
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A Different Kind of Noise
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Road rivets can be used in a fun and educational way to encourage drivers to slow down, making intersections safer for
Open the Spotify app and scan Spotify Code with phone camera to hear sounds of the low country played by driving over road rivets. Similar code
both drivers and pedestrians.
scanning ideas can be used at audio stations.
[left] Now made of pavers, Line St will have wider sidewalks lined with trees. [bottom] Locals can easily pass through 134 Line St to access the pedestrian bridge, Elliotborough Park, or enjoy the events happening inside.
{right] The pedestrian bridge will have areas where the mesh is more prevalent to block the harsh sounds and sights of Septima C. Pkwy and open up to accentuate more desirable areas.