Allegheny Public Square is a community park located in the heart of the Historic North Side of Pittsburgh. Some of the most intriguing structures in the city of Pittsburgh surround the mostly concrete fountain area, including the Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and the New Hazlett Theater. The Square shares its home on the North Side with Allegheny Center, the National Aviary, Allegheny General Hospital, Kindred Hospital Pittsburgh as well as the Allegheny Commons Park System. In recent years, the square has fallen into a state of disrepair, partially due it is sunken garden design, dark overhangs, and underutilization. Urban revitalization in the 1960s transformed the once walkable area into an isolated, mega block with all traffic diverted to the perimeter. In order to restore connectivity through the North Side and bring public prominence to the surrounding buildings, the square is currently being renovated per the winning design of a 2007 competition sponsored by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Andrea Conchran, a landscape architect from San Francisco, seeks to restore connectivity within the Allegheny Commons and provide a variety of sustainable uses in the new green space.
Fig 1 View of Allegheny Public Square, 1980, pghphotos.org
ALLEGHENY PUBLIC SQUARE, PITTSBURGH, PA
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project
Facts: Prior to Renovation Total Project Area Metered Parking Spaces Covered Parking Spaces Buildings
50,720 sf 8 spaces 3000 spaces 5
Public Amenities- Prior to Renovation Sunken Garden Design Fountain- no longer in operation Benches- concrete slab seating Trees- minimal tree coverage Bus Shelter for Bus Route 54
Key Green Area Surrounding Buildings
rking nd Pa
Below
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Unde
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SCALE: 1”= 150’ 0’
ALLEGHENY PUBLIC SQUARE, PITTSBURGH, PA
25’
75’
150’
Facts: Prior to Renovation Total Project Area Metered Parking Spaces Covered Parking Spaces Buildings
50,720 sf 8 spaces 3000 spaces 5
Public Amenities- Prior to Renovation Sunken Garden Design Fountain- no longer in operation Benches- concrete slab seating Trees- minimal tree coverage Bus Shelter for Bus Route 54
Key Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Buhl Planetarium New Hazlett Theater Multi-Family Residential High rise
rking nd Pa
Below
Retail/ Residential/ Office
rgrou
Unde
Commercial
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SCALE: 1”= 150’ 0’
ALLEGHENY PUBLIC SQUARE, PITTSBURGH, PA
25’
75’
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project
150’
1868
1937
History- Transformation Over Time
1960s
2012
Fig 1 Original Redick Plan of Allegheny Commons Fig 2 Allegheny Commons, 1868, pghphotos.org
Allegheny Square Park originally sat at the crossroads of Ohio Street and Federal Street in the independent city of Allegheny which became part of the City of Pittsburgh in 1907. As common in many New England towns of the time, the land at the center of the 36 block grid, originally designed by John Redick, was to be a public area, The initial formation was that of a mostly grassy Victorian Style Town Center known as Diamond Square after the shape of the crosswalks.
Fig 3 Allegheny Public Square, 1937 Fig 4 View of Diamond Square, and Allegheny City Hall, digital.library.pitt.edu Fig 5 Urban Renewal of Allegheny Commons, 1960s
The first major structure to be built in the area was the Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, dedicated in 1890 and expanded to include the Carnegie Hall Theater. It was one of the first of Carnegie’s “free” public libraries and today houses the North Side branch of the Carnegie Library and the New Hazlett Theater.
Fig 6 View of Allegheny Public Square, 1980, pghphotos.com Fig 7 Future Layout of Allegheny Public Square, 2012 Fig 8 Aerial View of Winning Design, 2007, popcity.com
The Old Allegheny City Post Office was constructed along the square in the Italian Renaissance style in 1897 and is now the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. In 1938-1939, Henry Buhl Foundation funded the construction of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its time, which still anchors the square to the north. During this time, the entire square was modernized and renamed Ober Park after a North Side brewer.
Urban Renewal During the modern urbanization in the 1950s and 1960’s, community leaders established a modern plan for Allegheny Center, designed by architects Detter & Ritcheyin hopes of revitalizing the North Side. The extensive plan involved a $65 million project by Alcoa Properties, Inc, razing 518 buildings, many taken by eminent domain.
Fig 1 Aerial view of Allegheny Mall, 1972, digital.library.pitt.edu Fig 2 Allegheny Public Square, 1970s, buhlplanetarium.tripod.com Fig 3 Deterioration of Allegheny Public Square, thenorthsidechronicle.com
Demolition converted the open, walkable business district into Allegheny Center, an enclosed mall and cluster of apartment and office buildings with few pedestrian entrances that sat above 3000 underground parking spaces. The central portion of East Ohio Street, a major connector through the North Side was closed, and drivers were forced to take a new ring road around the mall and the other blocks of Redick’s initial plan to proceed east or west. The Allegheny Public Square was turned into a sunken concrete plaza with the fountain at its center. Because of underutilization, the public square has deteriorated beyond repair. A once prominent public space on the North Side, the current design does little to honor the historic buildings that still line the space. In an effort to return the square to its original state and purpose, that of an open, public green space, a major renovation was proposed. The design project which was awarded to Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture of San Francisco, California, is underway and is expected to be completed in 2012. Inspiration for the square came from the form of the three rivers that define Pittsburgh, integral to the city’s rich history, ecological systems, and social forums. Like the three rivers, the square will serve as a dynamic meeting place for a variety of communities and a showcase for art and exhibition.
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project
Circulation After undergoing extensive redevelopment in the 1960s, Allegheny Commons was converted into a pedestrian shopping center, surrounded by residential apartments and office buildings. There is limited vehicular access into the area as drivers are forced to take a one way ring road around the mall in order to proceed east or west. With restricted vehicular routes, Allegheny Public Square is a largely pedestrian area, Children’s Way being the only road that fronts the west side of the square. There are eight metered parking spaces and an entrance to the underground parking garage off of the one-way road as well as a bus shelter that services the 54 bus. Pedestrians access the space from a variety of directions, primarily from the sidewalk that runs east- west along the northern portion of the square. This becomes a major access through the site, linking the children’s museum to the surrounding Allegheny Commons. While there are many ways to enter the sunken garden, it can be inferred that the square was hardly utilized because it is below grade. While not in the horizontal view of the pedestrian, people would most likely pass by the space in search of a place to sit and eat lunch. In addition, entrances to the parking garage and dark overhangs create an unsafe environment at night. Fig 1 Overall Site Circulation
Fig 2 Allegheny Public Square Circulation
Key Bus Route-54
Vehicular Access Pedestrian Access and Circulation Metered Parking Spaces
Observation Study: Weekday Afternoon The following observational study was conducted over a fifteen minute period on a Friday afternoon at 1:30 P.M. During the observation period, 26 people passed through the Allegheny Public Square traveling east to west. Nearly half of the visitors being between the ages of 35- 64, most likely on their lunch break, traveling to and from work. A quarter of the population were young children under the age of 5, accompanied by adults while visiting the museum. Because there is ongoing construction, no people were observed using the space for a prolonged period of time except for a woman using her cell phone. Regardless of construction, however, it can be concluded that very few people would be utilizing the square because of its sunken design and uninviting atmosphere.
Key Current Construction Zone Common Travel Paths Stationary Person
Age Breakdown Under 5
7
5-17
0
18-34
7
35-64
11
65 and Over
1
Total
26
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project
Observation Study: Weekday Night The following observational study was conducted over a fifteen minute period on a Thursday evening at 7:30 P.M. During the allotted time period, only 6 people passed through the Allegheny Public Square. Similar to the observation during the day, half of the people were between the age of 35- 64. No children were observed which is expected since the Children Museum is not open at night. Because the square is surrounded by office buildings, residential towers, and a museum, there is very little reason for people to use the square after business hours. In addition, inadequate lighting reduces the feeling of safety and “eyes on the street,� makes this a prime location for crime and illegal behavior.
Key Current Construction Zone Common Travel Paths Stationary Person
Age Breakdown Under 5
0
5-17
0
18-34
1
35-64
3
65 and Over
2
Total
6
Observation Study: Weekend Afternoon The following observational study was conducted over a fifteen minute period on a Sunday afternoon at 1:30 P.M. During the observation period, 35 people passed through the Allegheny Public Square, the most observed over the three study periods. Most visitors to the square traveled west to east into the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. 13 of the 35 observed people were under the age of 5 and were accompanied by their parents and grandparents on their way to the museum. During the observational period, a family of five played outside in the leaves before heading into the museum. Because the museum is the largest attraction that fronts the square, weekends may be the busiest time for the Allegheny Public Square since most people do not work on the weekend and can visit the museum with their families.
Key Current Construction Zone Common Travel Paths Stationary Person
Age Breakdown Under 5
13
5-17
4
18-34
5
35-64
10
65 and Over
3
Total
35
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project
Fast- Forward Urbanism: Rethinking Architecture’s Engagement with the City Fast-Forward Urbanism, published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2011, has grown out of the cityLAB think tank in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design at UCLA, is a collection of essays and projects that is a call to architects and urban designers to take a more serious role in the design process, “[mobilizing] the rethinking of architecture’s relation to the city, specifically in terms of temporal, opportunistic, and strategic transformations.” (11) Compiled by Dana Cuff, professor of architecture and urban design at UCLA and director of the cityLAB, and Roger Sherman, principal of Roger Sherman Architecture and Urban Design in Santa Monica, Fast- Forward Urbanism highlights the work of people and institutions dedicated to this forward thinking movement. By creating architecture that engages both the city and suburbia, architects and urban designers can begin to change the current patterns or lack thereof to not only transform city spaces but to create catalysts for future development. Fast-Forward Urbanism places less emphasis on the master plan and status quo planning, in contrast to New Urbanism and everyday urbanism, focusing more on the rules and guidelines that ultimately shape places overtime to organize the disparate conditions created by both top down and bottom up approaches. The book is divided into three sections called Recycling Ecologies, Rerouting Infrastructure, and Regenerating Economies, each accompanied by a series of essays and projects. As a means for moving forward, Cuff provides eight principles for fast forward urbanism to “[reharness] and [rejigger]” current planning behaviors, both traditionalist and every day, to incorporate a variety of interventions that will act as catalyst for change. (Cuff 25) Focusing on “climate, technology, and economy,” these key initiatives provide a starting point and spring board for new strategies to stimulate the built environment. (24)
Fig 1 Fast- Forward Urbanism: Rethinking Architecture’s Engagement with the City Fig 2 Roger Sherman, citylab.aud.ucla.edu
Fig 3 Dana Cuff, citylab.aud.ucla.edu
The eight legs for Fast Forward Urbanism are as follows: RADICAL INCREMENT: The first principle deals with the idea that the city is a series of projects independent from a larger plan. Rather than employing a master plan, strategic implementation in smaller projects places greater emphasis on unique character of the individual project which is often lost to top down approaches. VIVO RATHER THAN INVITRO: The second principle discusses the idea that urban strategies are most effective when they reorganize existing behaviors rather than always creating new ones. (Cuff 25) This involves renovating and retrofitting existing structures to restore the vitality to an area as seen in the Camino Nuevo Charter Academy (111). IDENTITY AND EXPERIENCE: The identity in many modern cities has been overdeveloped. In examples of Las Vegas and other overly commercialized areas, the urban experience has become “commoditized.” (Cuff 26-27) In the essay by Sherman, it is argued that experience design and urban design must work closer together as “experience planning” to produce architecture that is both critically acclaimed as well as commercial, and seen in his Chia Mesa project. (114-115, 252) RECASTING THE PERFORMATIVE: In this principle, architecture is more than just a performance or act, but is capable of fulfilling multiple roles. In this case, new projects are capable of resisting the singular role of being either “icon” as architecture or “infill as urbanism.” (Cuff 28) By assuming both positions, architecture can take on its own role in the city fabric. INFRASTRUCTURE AS CATALYST: The role of infrastructure beyond transportation and necessity has changed overtime. By incorporating infrastructure into planning, it can take on other arrangements and interactions with the city, mediating between public and private entities as well as bringing new uses to service areas. (Cuff 28) An example is seen in the Stripscape project in Phoenix where “amenity infrastructure” blends conventional infrastructure with pedestrian connectivity and recreation. (178-183) PLASTIC ECOLOGIES: The definition of ecology is evolving. It is no longer separated from artificial entities of the city and is not only just a means to naturalize or beautify the built environment. The new definition of ecology looks at nature through the “lens of culture,” which is driven largely by the economy and an increased awareness of green design. (Cuff 29) A new relationship between nature and the city must be established, where combinations of materials and activities, landscape and infrastructure can create a renewed connection to the city. This idea is evident in Loops and Lilies which created a new identity for Toronto’s Riverfront through a combination of density, open space, recreation, and transportation. (204-207) THE QUESTION OF CONTINGENCY: This principle addresses change as the only constant in the modern city, and that new development must easily adapt to unforeseen futures. (Cuff 30) Rather than adhering to the fact that the future is unpredictable, these projects must catalyze movement towards the new. NEGOTIATING DISCOURSES: Graphic presentation is the most important tool of the architect in order to convey the end vision of a project. By employing new visual techniques, interest and communication in urban design goes beyond the usual parties, reaching new audiences and markets. (Cuff 30-31) The eight strategies presented by Dana Cuff are all viable recommendations and starting points for strategic interventions and catalysts of change. The future of city design, as laid out in the book, is no longer about conforming to the norms or a singular set or requirements, but calls for a more proactive approach to architecture. By combining ecology, infrastructure, the existing urban fabric, this change in planning theory and practice can reestablish architecture’s role in city design. Fig 1 Creating Identity and Experience, Chia Mesa Project
Source: Cuff, Dana, and Roger Sherman. Fast-forward Urbanism: Rethinking Architecture’s Engagement with the City. New York: Princeton Architectural, 2011.
Fig 2 The interaction of infrastructure in planning to create greated pedestrian connectivity, Stripscape Fig 3 Infrastructure as a suburban connector, The Critical Path
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project
Fast Forward Urbanism and Allegheny Public Square
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RADICAL INCREMENT
RECASTING THE PERFORMATIVE
PLASTIC ECOLOGIES
THE MISSING LINK
Referencing the past while creating something completely new. Breaking free from the master plan and bringing a sense of identity to the Allegheny Public Square through strategic implementation.
The new identity of Allegheny Public Square will be capable of fulfilling multiple roles, serving as both a cultural icon and an infill piece that restrings the “charm bracelet” along the North Side.
Defining a new relationship between nature and the city, creating a renewed connection to the North Side using a variety of materials, activities, landscape, and new infrastructure.
The combination of these three ideas results in a new identity for the Allegheny Public Square. Rooted in ecological awareness, improved infrastructure and connectivity, multiple uses, and ownership for the Children’s Museum and Hazlett Theater, the square restrings the “charm bracelet” of the North Side.
Fig 1 Historic Square Plan
Fig 2 Ecology symbol, wikipedia.org
Fig 3 Way-Finding Symbols, thenounproect.com
Fig 4 Proposed Redevelopment
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RESTRINGING THE CHARM BRACELET
Allegheny Public Square
Elia E Sorice The Charm Bracelet Project is a network of cultural, educational, and recreational organizations that work together to strengthen community awareness. The new greening of the Allegheny Public Square would strengthen its relationship to the existing network of open green space and cultural institutions on the North Side.
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project
Building upon the ideas of radical increment, recasting the performative, and plastic ecologies, the new Allegheny Public Square would honor the historical diamond pattern of Redick’s plan through the use of innovative materials and a variety of uses at grade. Permeable pavers extend the square’s boundaries across E Ohio Street, giving ownership to the Children’s Museum and Hazlett Theater, and help with storm water management. Open corners facilitate easy travel through the square, inviting people to stop and stay.
HAZLETT THEATER
ons Comm
heny Alleg ast E Park
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH EXTENSION OF E OHIO STREET Gives the children’s Museum and Hazlett theater a public presence and links Allegheny Public Square to the rest of the North Side.
PERMEABLE PAVERS
East mons
Com heny g e l l A West Park
Ohio
S
treet
Links Allegheny Public Square to the Hazlett Theater and improves site drainage.
INCREASED TREE CANOPY Provides shade for visitors and ties into storm water management system for improved site drainage.
ART INSTALLATION Relates to work of the Children’s Museum, extending ownership into square.
MOVABLE SEATING Creates an outdoor educational area and theater for the Children’s Museum and Hazlett Theater.
GEOMETRIC SUNSHADES Adds a dimension of whimsy and character to the space, creates more shade, and utilizes shapes and colors familiar to children.
Fig 1 Aerial View of Proposed Redevelopment
Fig 2 Perspective View of Square Activities
Elia E Sorice 48-753 | PIttsburgh Project