David Wilson MLA Capstone Report

Democratic Urban Public Space Developing North Oakland's Business District Through Accessible, Neighborhood-Centric Public Space Design Capstone Repor t by David Wilson Chatham University Master of Landscape Architecture Program Spring 2014

Preface This booklet in many ways can be viewed not only as a culmination of my graduate school experience, but as a key step in my personal development as a landscape design professional. My previous work as a project coordinator working together with inner-city school communities to design and install functional schoolyard greenspaces not only inspired me to pursue a career in landscape architecture but motivated me to continue to address the socioeconomic and physical barriers to open space which many urban neighborhoods face. The principles of social justice, environmental stewardship and equitable economic development are three tenants of sustainability which have been essential to my academic growth.

My final capstone project is focused on applying ‘democratic’ urban public space design in a neighborhood business district which serves a diverse residential demographic but has been historically neglected.

Democratic public spaces exude inclusivity, accessibility, diversity of use and ongoing par ticipation. In designing these types of spaces, community input and ownership is essential in creating an identity that is both unique to the neighborhood and responds to its needs.

The need for sustainable and collaborative thinking in urban design is greater than ever with both population and urban centers expanding and creating a higher demand for natural resources. How to deal with these challenges in equitable and environmentally-conscious ways will be the key in creating healthier, diverse and vibrant urban communities. It is this challenge which drives the following proposal.

Copyright Š 2014 by David Wilson. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents Introduction Executive summary ............................................. 1 Theoretical context ............................................. 2

Site Context District overview ................................................ 3 - 4 District analysis ................................................... 5 Site conditions .....................................................6

Proposed Design Herron Hill Pumping Station Public Park ............... 7 - 10 North Oakland Community Center & Plaza..........11 - 14

Conclusion Designing for equitable open space.......................15

Appendix Bibliography and photo citations ......................... 16

Executive Summary The following Capstone proposal explores the concept of “democratic urban public space.” These types of spaces are defined as urban “open space”, typically plazas, streets, parks, recreation areas and other publicly-owned and managed outdoor spaces, which offer a variety of uses to f it the diverse needs of the surrounding community. Democratic spaces are ones that are well-used, invite direct par ticipation, provide oppor tunities for discovery and adventure, and that are locally-controlled and broadly accessible (Francis). Public involvement in design, use, maintenance, and upgrade has also been commonly cited as a key ingredient in the definition of a democratic urban space.

The recommendations that emerged from the Capstone design process are as follows: Activating the Herron Hill Pumping Station open space: • Creation of an accessible seating area along Centre Ave. for pedestrians and passengers waiting for public transit • Water feature which cleans and circulates captured stormwater, tying into the functionality of the pumping station • Café/deli shop to be located in the two-story shed located directly behind the primary building • Stairway connecting N.Dithridge St. to the rear open space featuring stone seating cut into the terrain Repurposing the former CVS building and lot: • Creation of a public plaza to serve a variety of functions throughout the year including summer farmers’ market and f lexible gathering space • Creation of a permanent community center for Nor th Oakland in the former CVS building • Using a combination of permeable pavers and green infrastructure as an alternative to asphalt and concrete It is the goal of this proposal to highlight the design criteria which are common in democratic urban public spaces. Ultimately the concepts and designs that have been developed for this project should ref lect spaces which celebrate cultural diversity, engage with natural processes and conserve the unique historical character of place.

1

Theoretical Context Urban public space is a concept that has greatly evolved over time. Traditional urban public spaces include streets, squares, parks, and commons; places that are typically open to the public and offer physical links between buildings and various land uses. However, these spaces take on a much greater relevance and meaning when viewed from a sociological perspective. Public spaces most often provide a valuable link among people themselves by binding together the social order of community through the provision of space for randomized social interaction; from commerce, to enter tainment, to the numerous mundane day-to-day activities.

Urban public space has been defined as ‘all areas that are open and accessible to all members of the public in a society, in principle though not necessarily in practice’ (Orum and Neal). The concept of ‘openness’ and ‘accessibility’ in urban public space has indeed been challenged over the course of history, while differing philosophical, political, and legal stances continue to develop over not only how these spaces should function, but who has the very right to access these spaces; decisions most often made based on socioeconomic status and the prevailing code of conduct. What is generally agreed upon, however, is that urban public space is arguably the most visible and identif iable aspect of the economic health, cultural vibrancy, and public life and wellbeing of a given area (Pugalis). Therefore, how these spaces are planned, designed, constructed and maintained are of the upmost impor tance if a city expects to grow and best ser ve its citizens.

There has been a great deal of research and exploration into the topic of urban public space, especially in the broader context of urban planning and development. Jane Jacobs, Lewis Mumford, Kevin Lynch, and William Whyte are among the handful of urban planners, social researchers, and journalists who have produced seminal works on how cities and urban spaces should function in the contemporary age. An increasing body of literature is emerging on equitable public space design. Rudolf Hester’s ‘Design for Ecological Democracy’ and Mark Francis’ ‘The Making of Democratic Streets’ are among the writings which have provided a strong foundation in my understanding of what constitutes “democratic urban landscape”, par ticularly in terms of accessibility, diversity in design and public par ticipation.

Urban design practices in the United States dating back to the early-to-mid 1900’s, and in par ticularly the 1950’s Urban Renewal Era, have contributed to some of the ingrained thinking that continue to adversely inf luence planners

and designers today. Sociopolitical, environmental, and economic barriers present major challenges to successful urban public space design and can potentially alienate and segregate communities and population, spawning disenfranchisement and weakening a city’s social fabric as a result. Therefore, the topic of democratic urban public space should hold great signif icance for designers and planners who seek to engage an increasingly diverse base of businesses, residents and users in any given urban community.

The site for the Capstone project is located in the North Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Nor th Oakland is one of four neighborhoods which make up Oakland, the second most populated area in the city. Oakland is also the center of the state and region’s cultural and knowledge-based economies, with three major universities (including the University of Pittsburgh), the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), and three distinguished cultural institutions (including the Carnegie Museum of Ar t and Natural History). Oakland’s 52,000 workers comprise over 1/5 of Pittsburgh’s total job market. However, despite Oakland’s tremendous draw as an employment center and a hub of university and civic institutions, it also endures the pressures of being a destination and regional center: heavy commuter and university traffic, a housing market dominated by student rentals, and inadequate residential-serving amenities within local business districts such as Nor th Oakland’s Center/Forbes Avenue corridor (Oakland 2025 Repor t).

Nor th Oakland, in par ticular, has been overlooked as a development area despite serving as a major connector to several adjacent neighborhoods.

The area’s historic relationship to its surrounding neighbors of the Upper Hill, Shadyside, Bloomfield and Squirrel Hill presents a unique oppor tunity to explore the subject of democratic urban space in greater depth based on the wide range of demographic, cultural and economic diversity that exists in such close proximity. The Oakland 2025 Master Plan provides a good blueprint in community-driven planning coalescing over a series of community planning sessions resulting in over 100 hours of dialogue.

It is my belief that the combination of community involvement, local business and development goals and focused political investment can create urban public spaces, such as the ones in most need of attention in North Oakland, which best respond to an increasingly diverse population and its needs.

2

District Overview

Pittsburgh Herron Hill Reservoir

1/4

Mile

1/2 Mile

North Oakland

Schenley Plaza

The project site is located in Pittsburgh’s North Oakland neighborhood. Despite Oakland’s overall draw as a major employment center and hub of university and civic institutions, North Oakland has suffered through years of neglect and inadequate residential-serving amenities within its primary local business district. The map above illustrates one such glaring disparity: lack of access to green space. Based on national walkability standards, urban centers should have access to both passive and active open space within a ¼ to ½ mile distance (10 – 20 minute walk). From the heart of the Centre Avenue business district, Herron Hill reservoir is the only such space located within a ½ radius, yet it is located in the adjacent neighborhood and is generally inaccessible by foot.

3

The aerial map above highlights the active businesses (white) within the Centre Avenue business district. The areas outlined in yellow, the Herron Hill Pumping Station (left) and the former CVS building and lot (right), are the focus of the following Capstone proposal. These areas are intended to serve not only as anchors to the district, but provide the amenities of accessible open space and neighborhood services sorely lacking in the North Oakland community.

4

District Analysis Centre Avenue Business District Closeup Diversity + Physical Challenges = Design Opportunity Zoning

Topography

Circulation

The zoning map of North Oakland reveals an Pittsburgh’s rolling terrain presents significant North Oakland’s main transportation corridors intense diversity of land use from low-density physical challenges to accessibility and Nor th include Centre Ave. and N.Craig St. Several residential (light orange) to high-density Oakland is no exception. The topography on residential streets intersect Centre Ave. including residential (dark orange) to local commercial the west boundary slopes down significantly N.Dithridge St., Melwood Ave. and Neville St. (blue) and urban commercial/public realm (dark through Nor th Oakland to the busway on the The North Oakland business district (highlighted blue & purple). Neighborhood amenities and eastern border. Views and stormwater capture in purple) therefore offers an opportunity to link services therefore should be diverse and fit the and filtration (blue arrows denote drainage) are a diverse network of multi-modal transportation needs of a wide range of residents.

5

site elements that can be utilized in design.

systems with a focus on pedestrian access.

Site Conditions Proposed Centre Avenue Green Gateway (West): Herron Hill Pumping Station

Identified in the Oakland 2025 Master Plan as an area desirable for open space development, the Herron Hill Pumping Station proper ty offers historic character (built in 1896), surrounding neighborhood charm and the ready access to public open space. The site also overlooks the business district sitting nearly 100 feet above the district’s eastern border. The main site challenges include its difficult terrain, lack of connectivity between residential and commercial zones and varying states of disrepair.

Difficult terrain

Excessive paving

Poor accessibility

Excellent canopy

Proposed Centre Avenue Green Gateway (East): Former CVS Building and Lot

Located a block outside North Oakland’s eastern border, the former CVS lot is considered by many to be the visual terminus of the business district. The surrounding neighborhood buildings, much like the Herron Hill Pumping Station, offer great character and green streetscapes. The lot, however, is encased in asphalt with scattered planting beds lining the perimeter. The building’s cross street (Enfield St.) connects to Baum Blvd., another major connecting corridor to Pittsburgh’s East End.

Impervious surfaces

Gray infrastructure

Awkward entryway

Scattered plantings 6

Proposed Design

Herron Hill Pumping Station Public Park

8 7

The Herron Hill Pumping Station

Site Plan Ma p

Public Park pays homage to the site’s past by incorporating elements of stormwater mitigation into its design. Stormwater is captured and

6

filtered through a series of fountains and terraced beds. A neighborhood service) is proposed for the pumping station shed in the rear. Accessible

t

reet

e St

ridg

canopied back.

ith N.D

pathways connect the front to the

5

tree lar S

Dol

café/deli (a missing community

1) Seating wall 2) Wall fountains & river rock bed 3) Walkway/overlook 4) Pedestrian/service driveway 5) Accessible sidewalk 6) Café patio 7) Stone seating & patio 8) Stairway & terraced beds

4

3 2 1 e

u ven tre A n e C

7

Perspectives

(1-3) Sandstone seat wall and wall fountains create an attractive front along Centre Ave.

(6) The cafĂŠ/deli serves as a walkable, tucked away spot unique for local residents (7-8) Stairway links N.Dithridge to rear open space with stone blocks cut into terrain 8

Sections Centre Avenue looking west

Rear open space looking south

9

Materials Palette

Dry stack sandstone wall

Wall fountain

Terraced seating

Terraced planting beds

Dry stack sandstone walls sweep across the front of the Pumping Station, creating an attractive contrast against the red brick building.

A series of wall fountains circulate stormwater while providing the soothing sound of running water against traffic.

In the rear of the park, stone block is cut into the lawn area to provide seating under a magnificent tree canopy.

Terraced plantings of different tex tures and color adds visual variety and allow stormwater to f ilter to the surface.

Site Detail

Wall Fountain The wall fountains located in the front of the Pumping Station are designed as both a water features and retaining walls. The stormwater that is captured in the beds will be transpor ted through underground pipes, cleaned and pumped through the wall fountains. Access vaults containing the pump and electrical will be hidden directly behind the walls on the upper walkway.

10

Proposed Design

North Oakland Community Center & Plaza

9

The former CVS building and lot is

Site Plan Ma p

transformed into new home of the

1) Corner filtration bed & welcome signage 2) Seating wall 3) Brick walkway 4) Permeable pavers 5) “Turfstone” pavers 6) Seating wall 7) Main entrance plaza 8) Planting strip 9) Handicap parking

Nor th Oakland Community Center.

The plaza serves as both a pedestriancentric public space throughout the year and a farmer’s market during the

8

summer. Permeable pavers and planting beds f ilter stormwater from the f lat roof and adjacent streets into the soil. A section of the

6

back of the building will be removed

7

to accommodate handicap parking.

5

eld Enfi

3

4

t

e Stre

2

1 e

enu e Av r t n Ce

11

Perspectives

(1-6) The summer farmer’s market provides the community access to fresh, local food

(1-6) The front plaza offers both ample seating and gathering space

(7-8) The entrance plaza welcomes visitors and passersby alike 12

Sections Centre Avenue looking north

Centre Avenue looking west

13

Materials Palette

Brick walkway A wide, brick walkway allows ample space for pedestrians and cyclists to comfor tably navigate their way through.

Site Detail

Permeable pavers

Stamped concrete

Permeable pavers, including the Stamped concrete is another “Turfstone� displayed here, allows sur face used to provide visual stormwater to infiltrate the soil interest. and provide an alternative paving system to traditional asphalt and concrete.

Paving and planting patterns Circular paving and planting patterns, much like the use of brick, is designed to ref lect the Pumping Station design pattern and theme of water.

Brick Walkway The brick walkway is designed to allow water to permeate the sur face while accommodating foot and bike traff ic. The stamped concrete border serves as a hard edge to keep the walkway in place and is thick enough to tolerate occasional vehicular use (i.e. summer farmer’s market).

14

Conclusion Designing for Equitable Open Space By its definition, democratic urban public spaces grows out of the concept of “publicness,� which recognizes one’s right to free and unlimited access to public places.

People are social animals. There is an evolutionary need to experience contact with one another and with nature. While modern technology has propelled us into an electronic age which no longer requires people to go outside into the streets and open gathering spaces to discover news and exchange ideas, it does mean that we can now use those spaces with much greater confident to find what we want, meet whom we want, and be able to choose what we do. There are also few other places in modern society where there is a possibility for strangers to interact, regardless of background, financial status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc. than in urban public setting.

The design of democratic urban public spaces must be conceived and designed as venues which offer a Pumping Station process drawings range of different activities, from outdoor eating and enter tainment, spor t and play areas to civic and political function, and places to walk and sit and take in the surrounding environment in action.

It is impor tant that the compar tmentalization of activity spaces is avoided. However, a flexible design that integrates uses creatively can be combined with a well-conceived programming schedule to provide space for interaction as well as for the needs of specific groups.

Public spaces work best when they establish a direct relationship between the space and the people who live and work around it. The people who have the most need for access to urban public spaces will always be those who have the least mobility through age, economic status, and lack of individual transportation such as children, the elderly, the disabled, and the homeless. Not only is a key tenant of democracy the representation of all people, even those who have little if any voice in the political process, but the vitality and future success of urban space creation depends upon it.

Community Center process drawings 15

Appendix Bibliography Page 1 Francis, Mark. "The Making of Democratic Streets." 23 – 39. Vernez Moudon (ed.) Public Streets For Public Use. New York: Columbia University Press (1991). Print.

Page 2 Orum A and Neal Z (eds). Common Ground? Readings and Reflections on Public Space. New York: Routledge (2010). Print.

Pugalis, L. “Cultural and economic vitality – the role of place quality.” Town & Country Planning: 281 – 286. (2009). Print.

“The Oakland 2025 Master Plan: A Vision for Sustainable Living and Mobility.” Oakland Planning and Development Corporation.org. (2012). Web. http://www.opdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/1209010-Oakland-2025-Repor t-SCREEN-Sec-1.pdf

Photo Citations Page 4 “Bing Map Satellite Imagery” url: http://www.bing.com/maps/ Page 6 Site photos taken by David Wilson on March 15, 2014 Page 10 “Dry stack sandstone wall” url: http://www.allanblock.com/products/images/Atlas-Europa-Stonecreek-(4).jpg “Wall fountain” url: http://bestideasnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Outdoor-water-fountains-2.jpg “Terraced seating” url: https://s-media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6b/c6/aa/6bc6aaa41ee49427ae312e09eaaf8cf1.jpg “Terraced planting beds” url: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=49021958 Page 14 “Brick walkway” url: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4E21KkebBE0/TEB7l0P3rvI/AAAAAAAABtw/_zIAHZRodsc/s1600/DSC02346.JPG “Permeable pavers” url: http://www.sislersstone.com/graphics/permeable_pavers/Turfstone_by_Nicolock.jpg “Stamped concrete” url: http://blog.oregonlive.com/gresham_impact/2009/01/large_ZEN.Plaza_bricks1.jpg “Paving and planting patterns” url: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/images/+2009/mcginley-plazaLO.jpg

16

Acknowledgements I would like to thank my Capstone instructor Jason Vrabel for his guidance over the previous two semesters in helping me better ar ticulate many of the ideas and concepts I developed for this project.

Thanks to Wanda Wilson and David Zwier of Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC) and Holly Dick and all the members of the Bellefield Area Citizens Association (BACA) for providing critical feedback and an inside perspective into the Nor th Oakland community. I would also like to thank my fellow classmates and faculty who have inspired me throughout my three years at Chatham. And, of course, none of this could be possible without the love and suppor t of my family and friends who have been my foundation every step of the way.