Acknowledgement Student Researchers Puru Bhargava Jeremy Percy Jasmin Sangha Jack Schwartz Nic Weber Gensler Advisors David Broz Adam gumoswki Golnar Iranpour Sarah Jones Sarah Marvez Jonas Philipsen Joel Spearman KU Faculty Kadim Al Asady Jae Chang Paola Sanguinetti
The University of Kansas and Gensler Co-op is created for graduate - level architecture students. This partnership gives the students an opportunity to gain professional experience from proven industry leaders, as well as a crash course in working collaboratively, both in individual design studios as well as across the country. The first half of the program is spent in three separate Gensler offices (Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles) where the interns get to work alongside various industry professionals and contribute on a wide array of projects. While most of the internship is spent working on client centric design, 20% of the internship is spent on a proposed research project. The goal of our research was to explore the value of placemaking in today’s elastic urban fabric. The knowledge gained from the project will be applied to a semester long studio in Lawrence, KS. The spring studio will build upon insight gained and apply them to the design of urban spaces.
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Foreword As Urban Scientists, it is our observation that there is a wide range in the quality of urban environments. Looking at three different cities, we realized that there are some spaces that are full of life, and connect us to our greater community. But, there are also many that are empty, unused and do not relate to their place or align with the identity of the city. So we ask ourselves, how can we as designers learn from these spaces, and create quality public space now and in the future? It is the duty of designers to analyze each situation as a new challenge; by examining global trends, cultural values, community needs, and always keeping an eye towards the future, we will define successful places. We believe that knowledgeable and successful placemaking emphasizes the unique identity of the place in which they occur. It is important that we create spaces for all, spaces that connect people, and to celebrate neighborhood and demographic identities rather than diminishing them. While there are baseline features necessary for usable spaces, it is through the lens of human behavior, community needs and local cultures, we can start to appreciate how place affects daily lives. In order to create these rich layers of experiences that, in turn, create an authentic urban identity, it will be necessary to consider local needs and culture, scale, balance of programming, and how these elements are stitched together in the urban fabric.
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Contents
.1
Team
04-05
.2
Approach
06-10
.3
Process
11-17
.4
Synthesis
18-50
.5
Potential
51-59
.6
Conclusion
60-65
.7
Appendix
66-81
Students from the University of Kansas and mentors at Gensler
Define Define Define Define Define Define
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The Squad
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Approach
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G RO W T H
2014
It was concluded that the humanization of cities revolves significantly around each human’s proximity to life’s necessary and desirable amenities, proving that the human dimension thrives upon its relationships: social, cultural, environmental, and spacial
2015
Public space, and the entirety of our infrastructure, needs to evolve in tandem with humanity. By increasing the connectivity between the person and the community, by way of improvements in accessible technology, cities will create more authentic spaces and will be more tailored to their users.
2016
In a world where value is almost exclusively measured in terms of dollars and cents, it may be hard to see how cities can benefit from implementing the ideas of placemaking. That, is our mission for this research: what value does placemaking bring in the constantly changing urban environment of today, and how can we measure its success?
Improving technology alone will not build spaces that have the greatest capacity to enrich the lives of those around it. We must also rethink how we design communities within cities, evolving beyond the standard. How can the process of placemaking improve the quality of life in our local neighborhood?
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One desire that is inherent to human nature is the search for connection; to one another, to our community, and to mankind as a whole. Technology is exponentially accelerating the rate at which we are able to establish these relationships. Something else happens when we form a connection, we learn. We learn about different regions, different people, different cultures; And with every connection we are able to use our capacity for culture, to build off the ideas of one another, in order to inform our own personal identity. Now, with technology as the engine, we have started a process of global homogenization, moving
toward one global culture. We can connect from across the globe at an instant, charging towards one, inclusive, human race.
A singular, universal culture shared by all seems like a Utopian image of the future. However, homogenization at the global scale can also be viewed as the loss of diversity. Suddenly, the local cultures that people understand as a defining piece of their identity is lost among the amalgamation. Now we have two competing tendencies of human nature: One of connection and assimilation, and another of personal pride and history. How will these clashing ideologies play out in our modern interconnected world? Placemaking can help maintain the sense of community, by crafting spaces that are grounded in the local fabric and saturated with culture. Technology will continue to bridge international boundaries, while placemaking will connect us locally. Can we achieve the proper balance of individuality and inclusion to create enriching experiences for all?
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.3 KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
Process
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Collaboration Stormboard
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Los Angeles has been dominated by the Spanish communities since its inception. But over the years various other ethnic communities have made their presence felt. Its is the diversity of these cultures that drive the characteristics of Los Angeles today. With a beautiful terrain and lovely weather immigrants have chosen to stay therefore when we look back, cultures that came, stayed.
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History of Los Angeles
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History of Denver
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Migration to Denver occured during the gold and silver rushes of Colorado. The city grew and declined with the rise and demise of the railway industry. Oil and gas companies relocated to here during the energy crisis fueling a building boom in downtown. Efforts have been made during the last couple of decades to revitalize downtown. making Denver the 20th largest city in the US.
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Chicago has a rich history of urban planning, architectural design and place making. The fire in 1871, the Burnham Plan released in 1909, the great migration after the First World War through the 1950’s have all impacted the city in ways that are still evident today, both in terms of the built environment, and the cultural identity of the city.
History of Chicago
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S u c c e ss f u l P l a c e m a k i n g
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U n s u c c e ss f u l P l a c e m a k i n g
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.4 KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
Synthesis
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S CALE :
After &
exploring
visiting
a
our
wide
respective
variety
of
cities,
spaces,
we
were able to determine four metrics that help
resolve
the
question:
What
makes
placemaking successful?
BALANCE: LAYER: LOCALITY:
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Scale, in the urban context, is the relationship of built environment to their surroundings; the proportion. In metropolitan areas, scale is
often
overlooked.
As
the
population
increases, the size of buildings follow suit, often ignoring the most important relation: that of the building to the people. Smaller structures and their associated spaces are typically
better
at
addressing
the
needs
of the community and putting culture on display. How can we create more personal, culturally driven spaces in highly developed regions?
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DTLA is a product of financial development. Tall, imposing buildings dominate the eye sight. Though this could be called culture in its own way, it fails to resonate on a personal level. Concrete jungles that awe at first, slowly become monotonous, creating a sense of disconnect. The human factor is almost lost in the enormity of the place. People become numbers.
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DTLA Scale
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From signage to people working in businesses, Koreatown creates a very intimate experience on the street level. Although this is exciting for visitors it becomes overwhelming for residents.
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Koreatown
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Variety of scale and diversity of building types creates a pleasing place to be for The Arts District. It relates to the human scale better than DTLA and Koreatown just by the fact that it has breathing space, which in turn results in a relaxed environment.
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Arts District
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Analyzing the various scale in Los Angeles we realized that places with smaller scale had a more profound effect on its surroundings. Areas surrounding it were refered to it. Its identity is stronger than those who fail to address the activity and culture it is promoting.
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Los Angeles Neighborhoods
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16th Street Mall, Denver
Skyline Park
Union Station
Larimer Square
d
Republic Plaza
Denver scale text goes here.
Future Development
14 ST
WYNKOOP ST
WAZEE ST
BLAKE ST
MARKET ST
LARIMER ST
LAWRENCE ST
ARAPAHOE ST
CURTIS ST
CHAMPA ST
STOUT ST
CALIFORNIA ST
WELTON ST
GLENARM PL
TREMONT PL
COURT PL
15 ST
Skyline Park
Larimer Square 16 ST
Republic Plaza 17 ST
Future Development Union Station
18 ST
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The Loop
Chicago’s urban core is dominated by tall and super tall structures. At the same time, historic and contemporary efforts have been made to humanize the city’s scale. From the river walk, the lake front, Grant Park, and urban plazas scattered throughout the loop, one can recognizes the desire to address how scale impacts inhabitants of the city.
Riverwalk
Art Institute
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Daley Plaza
Lake Point Tower
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A city can be viewed as a living organism,
SCALE:
searching for a harmony between its many smaller parts to make the entire machine run efficiently and with purpose. Architecture is one of the few fields that has the capacity to shift this balance in any direction, due to
BALANCE : LAYER: LOCALITY:
the sheer scale of the projects. Many times, it seems as though spaces were designed in a vacuum, with little consideration for the existing context. Without examining the spaces in the immediate environment, the balance of a city can become lopsided. Today,
too
functions
many
saturate
spaces urban
with
similar
neighborhoods.
Cities require a variety of places to enrich the lives of those who inhabit it. Avoiding like minded spaces in close proximity may seem like a simple concept, but the problem still plagues our cities. How can we reverse this trend and begin carving a coherent journey through our city?
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range of spaces
XS
S
M
L
XL
Small, human scale spaces, often organic. Many setbacks and transitional zones between private and public. Good walking cities have there in abundance.
Connecting spaces in local area of small scale and many variations in the built form and structure.
Collective public spaces with a clear geometry and medium scale which mediates between various functions.
Large scale spaces that hold many people at one time. Surrounded by large and often mono-functional units.
Extra large scale spaces with little consideration for the human scale. Each city only needs a few of these spaces for events.
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Downtown Los Angeles A
microcosm
for
American
metropolitan areas, DTLA suffers the same
issue
that
beleagues
cities
across the country: too many large, open, plazas with no determined purpose. These large spaces saturate the financial district, only becoming
urin l ut nc htn i m eo f hour euxs epf ul la di n sga tt huer a io r k awleee ks. pAa t c ae l mso sw t iet ve loaf rt hge ewso c hr ye ro h u rt , o aw n dn elv e i ont hd wo n ar .y w e e k e n d , these
spaces
sit
empty,
unused,
and provide no benefits to the city, or to any person. arose
due
to
a
Many of these zoning
loophole,
which allowed developers to build taller structures if they offered a certain
amount
of
public
space.
With no smaller spaces to balance the
scale,
DTLA
stands
lopsided,
searching for a solution.
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Arts District With
more
emphasize
small
spaces
that
cultural
values
over
larger public gathering areas, the A r ts su d ic s tc r i cet shsa so af c hs i ep ve explain adca- s t r o n g e s i n a bratl asn cdei s wt irt hii cn t i tis n c o m m u n i t y . r ho o ow d n h- a s clearly c o m p a rT hies onne i gthob od s t ra i clt elde rt h s e c aabli l iet y t o d e s i g n t o w n . sr em e re i n gbse pe ac w i to hr n oe i n t e n t i o n , s p a c e s gha tah v ne m o ftm o s u c c e s isn ff auvlo r a prle ai nct i m e amt ea, kc u- l t u r a l l y driven places. Where in downtown ing. you would see a hard-scape plaza,
here you encounter a German style beer hall. By installing temporary events like the Smorgasburg food fair, the community utilizes popup
placemaking
to
address
the
glaring need for vibrancy and life in public spaces outside of the work week.
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e1x6pt lha Si nt r e s aett uM r aatl il o n i n denver. extra plaza e 16th Street Mall suffers from sT hpa c e s t a k e a w ay f r o m similar problems as DTLA; an overthe significance and ated us ant ui rqa tui oenn eosf s dferdoi cm t h ep u b l i c space. It is vital for cities to have relief m all and riverfront spaces open to the public, giving pa r k people a chance to connect both socially and with the environment. The outdoors are such an integral part of Denver culture, but without proper balance between places, the significance is reduced and they are unable to be truly appreciated. The entire length of the mall is dedicated to pedestrians, but along the way, spacious gathering zones litter the journey.
If
these
became
smaller
spaces, or went away entirely, more intelligently designed places, such as Skyline Park and the Riverfront, would
be
able
to
breathe
and
succeed.
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The Loop One of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, The
Loop
has
established
itself
as
the heart of the city. The balance within this community is immediately evident.
Grant
outdoor
concert
Museum,
a
Park,
a
venue,
cultural
supreme the
icon,
and
Field the
bustling central business district sit within a short walking distance of each other.
A diversity of scales
and activities add to the richness of
this
neighborhood,
making
it
a
popular tourism destination as well as a local favorite.
The few large
spaces sprinkled through downtown give enough room without becoming overwhelming. If there was a missing element, it would be those smaller, more personal places that could see more emphasis in the future.
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SCALE: BALANCE: LAYER : LOCALITY:
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People make the place. Without people creating an active environment, place does not happen. This was evident from the very beginning. We need a reason to go anywhere; What is your destination? However, having only one service, or one type of destination, without establishing connections with other spaces, results in an isolated environment and a shallow experience. By adding layers of different amenities, with different purposes, places gain depth; They gain complexity; They gain activity, and ultimately a more rewarding and enriching experience. Districts within cities have too strictly segregated building types with different functions. But, having a range of available destinations tightly stitched together begins to cultivate a more diverse community. How can we break free from the throws of tradition, and design cohesive communities rather than divided spaces?
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Ever since the nation realized the consequences that were chained to the concept of suburban sprawl, planners have tried many things to reverse the trend and make urban areas the vibrant center of activity they once were. Increased efforts in public transportation and affordable housing have helped, but as patience withers, we are still searching for ways to increase density exponentially faster. How can we transplant the attractions of suburbia (i.e. spacious, safe, quality of living) into the existing urban context?
Micro Urban environments layer many different destinations into a singular, dense, neighborhood. But, it is more than simply placing different buildings next to each other, as cities require a balance of both active and leisure space. We analyzed this concept by examining different building types, their proximity to one another, and influence on the local community culture. Unsurprisingly, the areas the were most memorable, and enriching, were also the areas that achieved the proper harmony between overlap and relief space (shown right). Communities with too much overlap create chaos, while no overlap results in divided communities, segregated by function. As people continue to return to the urban centers of the country, we must find a way to establish this balance, no matter the place.
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Arts District The complexity of the Arts District is born out of its nature. A former industrial area, many of the empty buildings have now been re-purposed for a wide array of functions. This community is not subject to more traditional zoning, because it has already evolved past that point, and now acts as a stage for experimental and innovative ideas in all fields. Some industrial buildings still serve their purpose, but mixed among them are apartments, specialty shops, and a vibrant nightlife. The Arts district is very successful at establishing a micro urban climate by connecting many different destinations in a singular, united community. Acting as a case study, we can determine that segregation between building types may have a negative effect on placemaking at the neighborhood level. Los Angeles’ Arts district can serve as a success story that other communities can attempt to emulate.
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Koreatown It is no surprise that the most dense neighborhood outside of New York City, stands as the epitome of complexity. With buildings packed tightly together, the built environment pushes the capacity of the infrastructure to its limit. As a result, there are several areas where many layers of building use overlap, creating a community that is always buzzing with activity from early morning to well past midnight. However, riding the wave of constant development has left Koreatown with no relief amidst the chaos; no negative space to take a breath. Green space is often talked about as an omnipotent catalyst that can shift the entire outlook of a neighborhood. But, many do not see much success in terms of use, because little critical thought went into the problem solving and design process. Koreatown is a community desperate for park space, establishing a more desired balance between active and leisure places.
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The Loop Chicago’s Millennium and Grant Park complex sit as a model of success in the combination of community culture, building diversity, and relief space. Going far beyond the basic functions of an urban park, the waterfront territory shares space with city icons, such as the Field Museum, Art Institute, the Bean, and the Grant Park concert venue. Chicago activates these green spaces with countless programmed activities to go along with an endless crowd of tourists. The park environment stands in direct contrast to the activity on the other side of Michigan Avenue. A shopping mecca, with every store imaginable. Ranging from Chicago favorites to brands with global recognition, this stretch of mixed use buildings is rivaled by few others in the world. The Loop has successfully built upon its rich history to establish a culturally informed community.
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16th Street Mall Through the lens of placemaking, the 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colorado, is an exercise in dichotomy. On one end, towards the southeast, chain stores have a stronghold on the market. On the other end, towards the northwest, the majority of space is dedicated to small, locally owned restaurants and boutiques. It is no coincidence that this is also where the most powerful sense of place occurs. Craft breweries, outdoor activities, and a burgeoning food scene capture the culture of Denver. With many more layers adding to he complexity and richness of the mall, spaces that are directly linked to the character of the community succeed where other attempts fail. Stores such as Chipotle and Starbucks continue to display the futility of global brands at creating rewarding places. These two different breeds of place meet at this pedestrian center, and one emerges decidedly as the victor.
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SCALE: BALANCE: LAYER: LOCALI T Y :
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Scale, balance, and layers are quantitative, measurable. But, what distinguishes one place from the next is the lifeblood of successful placemaking: local culture. In order for a place to establish an identity, the local culture must be woven into every aspect of the design. Culture gives a place soul; It allows the character of the community to shine bright. Too many public spaces give no recognition to the history that has defined both the community and the lives of the people in it. When places ignore the qualitative aspects of a neighborhood that make it unique, the product is dull, uninspiring, and provides little benefit to the people who use it. The locality of a place is essential to the success of placemaking. In today’s connected world, how can we celebrate the local culture, while still creating places for all?
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Chicago ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
MILLENNIUM PARK
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“Reborn from tragedy, Chicago has maintained its position as an essential American city; It’s influence knows no bounds between food, sports, and arts“ The city of Chicago is defined by its grandeur. Lake Michigan; Millennium Park; Willis Tower; Wrigley Field; These landmarks are popular attractions due to their monumental proportions and place in history. They help give Chicago a definitively more established sense of place, in comparison to its counterparts (Denver, Los Angeles). As the city has continued to stretch vertically, it still holds a strong sense of human scale, facilitating movement through its infrastructure. In particular, the Loop and Riverfront have become beacons of culture, attracting anyone looking to eat, learn, play, shop, and live. By layering in different activities, and stitching together unique spaces, Chicago has created a city that is welcoming to both residents and visitors.
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Denver “Happiness is a way of life here and it’s little wonder, with a big blue sky, devotion to the outdoors, and liberal consumption of local thoroughfare.” Denver is a city that has yet to reach its full maturation. As a result, it is hard to pin down the exact cultural identity of the area, as even its residents are unsure of what it wants to become. Denver has become a host city to many transplants, both from other states and around the world. The mountains have certainly imbued an outdoorsy character to the people here. Concerts, hikes, skiing, and a wide array of sports are just a few ways that people interact with the outdoors around them. Recently, Denver has celebrated local businesses more than most cities with many small restaurants and craft breweries defining places in their community.
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Koreatown “With three generations of Korean and Latino immigrants, these once mean streets have become a picturesque and prosperous warren with a new sense of fun�
CHARACTER
KOREAN BBQ
DENSITY KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
Much of the cultural identity of Los Angeles is built upon the foundation brought by immigrants from across the Pacific Ocean. There is still Korean characters on every storefront and even foreign advertisements on billboards. Despite the name saying different, Koreatown has evolved past its ethnic boundaries, with the majority of the community now Hispanic. In the most dense neighborhood this side of the country, food is a staple. Korean BBQ is a must for any visitor. Koreatown has succeeded in creating an inclusive, walkable, neighborhood for all people, but have they gone overboard? With constant development and change in demographic make up, Koreatown has left little space to catch your breath. Opportunities for placemaking abound in this crowded, packed, district. CHICAGO | DENVER | LOS ANGELES
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Arts District “Equal parts warehouse wasteland and burgeoning hub for LA’s young professional and creative, the Arts District is the city’s neighborhood to watch.” The Arts District is the new, fresh community, capable of changing the established landscape of Los Angeles. Home to the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SciArc), this neighborhood is a laboratory for students and graduates to test their innovative ideas and live out their passions. Boasting a wide array of food options and nightlife venues, the Arts District never seems to slow down. Where place succeeds most clearly here is in the small, human scale, intimate spaces. The theme of artists shaping the industrial environment to their own desires has established an identity for the area and the culture is evident everywhere.
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EVOLVED HISTORY
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.5 KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
Opportunity
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Earlier we established that the northern end of 16th Street Mall has the desired relationships, experience, and sense of identity desired in Denver, while the opposite end lacks activity and emphasis on culture. The weak residential presence also creates an issue of not having a constant pool of people to draw from, resulting in long stagnant periods of time. A resolution should seek to create more destinations on the southern end of the mall, creating an equity of attractions through its entirety.
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In this diagram we take that same section of unsuccessful places and imagine what a more successful installation could look like. There is a strong emphasis on residential property, completing the living community around the mall. By removing national chain stores, such as Jimmy John’s and Red Robin, there will be a greater draw to the local food options here and at the northern end. In place of a shopping mall, stores are placed that more closely cater to the Denver residents desires (skiing or hiking). This would even be a great spot to install an adventure complex, adding excitement to the identity of the mall. 16th Street Mall is designed to be vibrant at every moment and this would give people a reason to stick around all the time.
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As shown in the image on the right, Koreatown is crowded, chaotic, and saturated with activity. Although we should strive to achieve this level of complexity in our communities, it is also necessary to have an appropriate amount of relief space. In Koreatown, there is no relief in sight. The district is begging for green space. A place where people can step out of the craziness and take a break.
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As shown in the image on the right, Koreatown is crowded, chaotic, and saturated with activity. Although we should strive to achieve this level of complexity in our communities, it is also necessary to have an appropriate amount of relief space. In Koreatown, there is no relief in sight. The district is begging for green space. A place where people can step out of the craziness and take a break.
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Public space is a necessity in urban environments. We learned from previous research (see Authenticity) that these spaces are the stage where we establish many of life’s vital relationships, both person to person, and person to community. However, like the old saying goes, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. We realized this especially in Downtown LA, where they have an abundance of large and extra large scale spaces, when cities should only have a few dedicated for events. What can we do with these dead zones in the middle of cities in order to make them successful places?
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The best strategy to renovate these large scale spaces is to break them up into smaller parts. We learned earlier by looking at the Arts District that smaller, more personal spaces are the best at capturing the identity of a community. These four steps show how we can attempt to create that desired environment in a more developed area. Framing establishes clear boundaries to contain the space. Trees are used as implied barriers between the smaller parts, and allow people to connect with nature. Threading the parts together prevents the plaza from becoming segregated spaces instead of a social environment. Lastly, is forming the identity of each space, making unique destinations at every turn.
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.6 KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
Conclusion
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It is often tough to determine the difference between these two planning concepts. What makes placemaking seem like a solution while gentrification is almost always viewed as a problem? The difference lies in the motivation behind the two philosophies. Gentrification is guided by economic goals, capitalizing on the cyclical nature of the value of urban spaces over time. After improving the quality of a neighborhood, property values rise. Current residents are displaced when they can no longer afford to live in the newly established urban hub. Development and money lie at the heart of this process. Placemaking ceases to be placemaking when it stops acting in the best interest of those living and working in the area. As designers, it is our responsibility to make decisions with the genuine contribution of the community, and with the intent of solving their most urgent needs and wants.
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
CHICAGO | DENVER | LOS ANGELES
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
CHICAGO | DENVER | LOS ANGELES
As cities grow larger, both in population and built environment...
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
CHICAGO | DENVER | LOS ANGELES
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
CHICAGO | DENVER | LOS ANGELES
The influence of Placemaking is indeterminate, in that it is not measurable by traditional standards. However, this does not mean that the benefits are
not
tangible
in
the
targeted
communities.
Placemaking preserves history from being erased and maintains the cultural identity of spaces. It creates neighborhoods that are more inviting and livable. The most rewarding aspect of placemaking lies in the individual. Where most cities are planned around infrastructure,
placemaking
creates
culturally
distinct environments that are catered to people. They are of appropriate scale, balance, activity, and locality. If a place designed with intention can better the lives of those who use it, then it is successful. That is the goal; to make a person smile; breathe; laugh; and live. Placemaking encourages an enriched lifestyle that we all should strive to achieve.
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
CHICAGO | DENVER | LOS ANGELES
.7 KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
Appendix
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Modern Urban Places Los Angeles
C O N N E C T I O N TO T H E OUT SIDE W E LC O M I N G N A R R OW TO C R E AT E INTERST AND I M P O RTA N C E
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Denver BALLPARK
Pla tte R
ive r
DOWNTOWN DENVER
SHARED | JUXTAPOSITION FLORA FAUNA| TRANQUILITY
uth So
GENSLER PLAZA
COORS FIELD
Spe
FIVE POINTS 22
oule er B
ST
vard 21 ST
20 ST
ST
T
ST
KE
TS
ST
ST
ER
16
AR M
17
S KE
A
South Platte River
Broadway
ST
T
BL
PEPSI CENTER
ST
LODO
ST
AZ W
18
EE
19
P
O KO YN
W
T
RIM
ES
LA
NC
RE
W LA
OE
ST
14
AH AP
ST
AR
IS
RT
AURARIA
CU
ST PA
T
OU ST
MILE HIGH STADIUM
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
ST
AM
CH
ST
NIA
ST
OR
LIF
CA
CONVENTION CENTER
N TO EL
ST
W
PL
M
AR
EN
GL
L
TP
ON
EM
TR
RT
PL
U CO
Colfax Ave
CIVIC CENTER
ard
lev
ou
er B
Spe
LINCOLN PARK
CAPITOL HILL
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
SKYLINE PARK
TRENDS
DESTINATION | RESPONSIVE COMMUNITY DRIVEN | FLEXIBLE
DESIGNED SPACES | VIRTUAL CONNECTIVITY ART | MULTI MODAL TRANSPORTATION
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Chicago
D
C
B
A
B
Cloud Gate - Millenium Park
C
Daley Plaza
D
Chicago Riverwalk
ACCESS
A
PLACE
B
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
#CHICAGO
S
T C
B U I L D I N G STREET
North Garden - AIC
BUILDING
A
R
E
E
T D
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Demographics Los Angeles
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Culture Denver
CURRENT CONDITIONS: • BUSES • CRIME • CHAIN STORES • LACK OF CHARACTER
PROCESS INTERVIEWS: LOCALS
- COWORKERS - FRIEND - STRANGERS
SOCIAL MEDIA/WEB - TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - CRAIGSLIST
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS: STATE OF DOWNTOWN DENVER DOWNTOWN DENVER 16TH ST MALL -Small Steps Towards Big Change
WHAT IS THE CHARACTER AND CULTURE OF DENVER? NOT SURE...
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
DENVER ACCORDING TO LOCALS: LAIDBACK
ACTIVE
SUNNY
BIG-SMALL TOWN
YOUNG
TRANSPLANT
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WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN DENVER, THE CITY? RESTAURANTS
DESIGN FOR THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
PARKS
ALLOW FOR DIVERSE USES?
DENVER ON THE FOREFRONT
• ROTATING RESTAURANTS
• PUBLIC TRANSIT
• FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS
• ACTIVE LIFESTYLE AND FOOD TRENDS
• CATER DIFFERENT BLOCKS TO DIFFERENT DEMOGRAPHICS
• LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA
Kids want to PLAY
Young adults enjoy Adults are TALKING & attracted by DINNING ENTERTAINMENT
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
Elderly like SITTING & WATCHING
• OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIMENT FUTURE IIPUBLIC SPACE DESIGN
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Chicago
POSITIVE TREND POPULATION GROWTH IN THE LOOP
CHALLENGE VIOLENCE
• POVERTY • EDUCATION • VIOLENT CRIME • TRANSIT • HIGHWAY ACCESS • PARKS • SURROUNDED BY WEALTH • DIVERSE EXISTING BUILDING STOCK
CASE STUDY WEST CHICAGO
CHALLENGE VIOLENCE
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Koreatown Los Angeles
MICRO URBAN
SCALE KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
MICRO SCALE
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Layers Denver
Bou Speer
LAYERS
levard
r te Rive
Plat
levard
South
rd
LOCAL
River
Bou Speer
Platte
Bouleva
South
Speer
Platte
levard
South
Bou Speer
rd Bouleva Speer
LAYERS
River
South
Platte
CULTURE
LIFESTYLE
On the 16th St Mall, residential is focused on the north. That area is more cultural and has more locals around. The shops and restuarants move from TOURISTY CHAINS TO BOUTIQUE SHOPS as one travels north.
PE
PS
PE
PS
IC
EN
TE
EN
TE
R
R
UNION STATION
UNION STATION
WYNKOOP ST
WYNKOOP ST
WAZEE ST
AU R
The theatre district, arts district, civic center are all in close proximity to 16th. Yet there is little incentive to come there after. There is no DESTINATION therefore no incentive to go there.
IC
WAZEE ST
BLAKE ST
AR
IA
MARKET ST
AU R
LO D
O
BLAKE ST
AR
IA
MARKET ST
TREMONT PL
TREMONT PL
COURT PL
COURT PL
CHAMPA ST
CHAMPA ST
N
CE
NT
ER
CALIFORNIA ST WELTON ST GLENARM PL
ARAPAHOE ST CURTIS ST CHAMPA ST CO N
STOUT ST IO
C BU ENT DI SIN RA ST E L RI SS CT
N
CE
NT
VE
WELTON ST GLENARM PL
STOUT ST
NT
C BU ENT DIS SIN RA TR ES L IC S T
CALIFORNIA ST
ER
LAWRENCE ST
20 ST
GLENARM PL
CURTIS ST
18 ST
WELTON ST
C BU ENT DI SIN RA ST E L RI SS CT
O
19 ST
CALIFORNIA ST
LO D
16 ST
ER
ARAPAHOE ST
CURTIS ST
NT
MARKET ST
17 ST
NT
LAWRENCE ST
ARAPAHOE ST
VE
IA
14 ST
CE
LAWRENCE ST
CO N
BLAKE ST
AR
LARIMER ST
LARIMER ST
19 ST
GLENARM PL
N
O
LARIMER ST
IO
AU R
LO D
MARKET ST
STOUT ST
NT
IO
IA
20 ST
WELTON ST
C BU ENT DI SIN RA ST E L RI SS CT
BLAKE ST
AR
17 ST
CALIFORNIA ST
O
18 ST
ER
AU R
LO D
16 ST
NT
MARKET ST
VE
WAZEE ST
WAZEE ST
BLAKE ST
IA
14 ST
CE
WAZEE ST
AR
19 ST
N
UNION STATION WYNKOOP ST
20 ST
IO
WYNKOOP ST
R
WYNKOOP ST
18 ST
NT
R
TE
CO N
STOUT ST
NT
EN
UNION STATION
EN
UNION STATION
16 ST
VE
IC
IC
R
17 ST
CO N
STOUT ST
TE
14 ST
VE
PS
EN
River Platte
TE
PE
IC
20 ST
CHAMPA ST
CHAMPA ST CO N
18 ST
CURTIS ST
19 ST
ARAPAHOE ST
CURTIS ST
O
16 ST
ARAPAHOE ST
PS
PS
AU R
LO D
17 ST
14 ST
16 ST
20 ST
LAWRENCE ST
18 ST
LAWRENCE ST
19 ST
LARIMER ST
17 ST
14 ST
LARIMER ST
PE PE
South
River
IO
N
CE
NT
C BU ENT DI SIN RA ST E L RI SS CT
CALIFORNIA ST
ER
WELTON ST
TREMONT PL
TREMONT PL
GLENARM PL
COURT PL
COURT PL
TREMONT PL COURT PL
IC
IC
CIV
CIV
IC
CE
NT
ER
CIV
CIV
CE
CE
IC
CE
NT
NT
NT
ER
ER
ER
CIV
IC
TOURIST RESIDENTIAL
CE
NT
CIVIC/CULTURAL
COMMERCIAL
ER
OFFICE
Speer
LAYERS
Bouleva rd
South
PROXIMITY
PE
PS
River Platte
IC
EN
TE
16th St Mall is centrally located and provides LIKAGES TO THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS.
R
UNION STATION WYNKOOP ST 5 mins
WAZEE ST
AU R
BLAKE ST
AR
IA
MARKET ST
BALLPARK
LO D
O
LARIMER ST
r Rive
20 ST
18 ST
19 ST
16 ST
17 ST
14 ST
LAWRENCE ST
So uth
Pla tte
ARAPAHOE ST 10 mins
COORS FIELD
CURTIS ST CHAMPA ST
22
d ulevar
er Bo Spe
FIVE POINTS ST
N
IO
AT ST
CO N
21
VE
ST
N
IO
UN
ST
ST ST
Broadway
ST
M
5 MINS LARI
CE
ER
CALIFORNIA ST
16
ER
N
WELTON ST
ST
ET
ARK M
South Platte River
ST ST
ST
IO
NT
17
AKE
BL
PEPSI CENTER
18
LODO
E ST
AZE W
STOUT ST
NT
20
ST
19
OP
KO
YN
W
NCE
GLENARM PL
ST
RE
C BU ENT DI SIN RA ST E L RI SS CT
10 mins
E ST
W LA
HO
14
PA
ST
ARA
IS
AURARIA
PA
ST
AM
CH
MILE HIGH STADIUM
T OU ST
ST IA
COURT PL
ST
RN
FO
LI CA
N
ST
TO EL
CONVENTION CENTER
TREMONT PL
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
ST
RT
CU
10 MINS
W
PL
RM
5 mins
NA
T PL
GLE
ON
EM
TR
URT
PL
CO
CIV
Colfax Ave
IC
CE
NT
CIVIC CENTER
vard
ule
r Bo
Spee
LINCOLN PARK
ER
5 MINS
CAPITOL HILL
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
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Chicago
LAYERS
ANALYSIS
CULTURE
COMPOSITE
[base maps via http://mapstack.stamen.com/] [data points via CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE http://loopchicago.com/] [divvy locations via https://member.divvybikes.com/stations]
GALLERIES | MUSEUMS
LAYERS
PARKS|PLAZAS
EDUCATION
COMMERCIAL
LAYERS
TRANSIT
“L” STOPS
MUSIC | THEATRE
LIFESTYLE
BUS SERVICE
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
BIKE LANES
RESIDENTIAL
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References Photography sources “LA Skyline”
“East Los Angeles Chapel”
“Arts District Future Proposal”
“Wurstkuiche”
Los Angeles Times, Web, Dec. 2016
Water and Power, Web, Dec. 2016
At Mateo, Web, Dec. 2016
Los Angeles Districts, Web, Dec. 2016
“Kansas Jayhawk”
“Historic Union Station”
“Daley Plaza”
“16th Street Mall Plaza”
University of Kansas, Web, Dec. 2016
Denver Public Library, Web, Dec. 2016
Joey BLS Photography, Web, Dec. 2016 Google Earth, Web, Dec. 2016
“Starbucks Icon”
“Historic Downtown Denver”
“Lake Point Tower”
Starbucks, Web, Dec. 2016
Denver Public Library, Web, Dec. 2016
Joey BLS Photography, Web, Dec. 2016 Denver Post, Web, Dec. 2016
“Facebook Icon”
“Burnham Plan”
“Balance Icon”
“Skyline Park”
Facebook, Web, Dec. 2016
Virtual Burnham Initiative, Web, Dec. 2016
Icon Finder, Web, Dec. 2016
Denver Post, Web, Dec. 2016
“Apple Icon”
“Scale Icon”
“City National Plaza”
“Denver Empty Plaza”
Apple, Web, Dec. 2016
Icon Finder, Web, Dec. 2016
Cultural Landscape Foundation,
Google Earth, Web, Dec. 2016
“Denver Union Station”
Web, Dec. 2016 “Mountain”
“DTLA Aerial”
Icon Finder, Web, Dec. 2016
Timeout, Web, Dec. 2016
“Palm Tree”
“DTLA Palm Trees”
Icon Finder, Web, Dec. 2016
Timeout, Web, Dec. 2016
“Chicago Skyline”
“Angel City Brewing”
ClipArtToons, Web, Dec. 2016
Metro Wilshire Realty, Web, Dec. 2016
“Historic Chapman Market”
“Arts District Scale”
Recode.la, Web, Dec. 2016
At Mateo, Web, Dec. 2016
KU URBAN-SCIENTISTS
“Pershing Square”
Chicago Skyline Vertical Opportunity
LA Parks, Web, Dec. 2016
Elatlboy, Web, December 2016
“Grand Park”
Open Floorplan Block
Urbanize.la, Web, Dec. 2016
Pinterest, Web, December 2016
“Grand Central Market”
Chicago Sculpture Image
Bon Appetit, Web, Dec. 2016
Chicago Comic Vault, Web, December 2016
CHICAGO | DENVER | LOS ANGELES
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References Photography sources Chicago Sculpture Image
Art Institute of Chicago Image
Urban Matter, Web, December 2016
SAIC, Web, December 2016
Chicago Yoga Bean Image
Millennium Park Bean Image
City of Chicago, Web, December 2016
Chicago Visitor, Web, December 2016
Fake name of image (Jayhawk)
Daley Park Image
University of Kansas, Web, December
Chicago Tribune, Web, December 2016
2016 Koreatown Road Arts District Map
Burntx, Web, December 2016
Mapstack, Web, December 2016 Density Image Koreatown Map
Premier Los Angeles Homes, Web,
Mapstack, Web, December 2016
December 2016
Chicago Map
Angel City Brewing
Mapstack, Web, December 2016
Airbnb, Web, Web, December 2016
16th Street Mall Map Mapstack, Web, December 2016
Arts District Map Mapstack, Web, December 2016
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