Thrusters: Intuitive Neighborhood Design

i n t u i t i v e n e i g h b o r h o o d d e s i g n

M A R C E L L A

I T A L I A N O

Copyright Š 2017 by Marcella Italiano and NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Thrusters: Intuitive Neighborhood Design A study presented to the faculty of NewSchool of Architecture and Design in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Architecture

By Marcella Italiano San Diego, 2017

Intuitive thought is an important manifestation of our humanity and reinforces our connection to the natural environment.

The purpose of this study is to analyze how urban solutions can encourage that type of behavior.

By analyzing concepts and experiments from dierent sources, this thesis study is proposing a new approach to city and to neighborhood planning. A literature review on behavioral trends provides understanding on the social forces that are shaping our environment today. Also, morphological analysis of spontaneous settlements indicate a pattern for intuitive formations.

This design project is the result of the data collected applied to the realm of community planning. It provides evidence that intuitive design can be beneficial to creating stronger community character, and better relationships between people.

Marcella's passion for architecture started at a young age when participating in her family's home design and construction process.

Later on, the experience of working close to the construction environment was extremely valueable in order to understand how buildings go together and to develop the interest for detail and materiality. The curiosity for understanding the problems of the city and to leave her mark as a Millennial have led her to pursue this study on neighborhood design and city planning.

Marcella Italiano holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Mackenzie University, Brazil and performed a research study on Urban Operations in Sao Paulo. After working as an Architect for dierent firms in the country, the author made the decision of continuing her education in the United States.

i n t u i t i v e n e i g h b o r h o o d d e s i g n

M A R C E L L A

I T A L I A N O

Copyright Š 2017 by Marcella Italiano and NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Intuitive neighborhood design

NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Mike Stepner, Chair of Architecture Programs thesis advisor

Vuslat Demircay, PhD research advisor

to my parents, brother and sister.

1. Introduction 1.1 Introduction .....................................................................................1 1.2 Statement of the Challenge..............................................................4 1.3 Importance of the Challenge.............................................................4 1.4 Background of the Challenge............................................................5 1.5 Thesis Statement..............................................................................6 1.6 Statement of Method of Investigation..............................................7

2. Research Studies..........................................8

2.1 Theoretical Framework.....................................................................9

3.Design Research and Analysis.......................12 3.1 Pre Design and Site Analysis...........................................................14 3.2 Socioeconomical Analysis..............................................................16 3.3 Parking...........................................................................................18 3.4 Legal Issues....................................................................................18 3.5 Programming.................................................................................20 3.6 Case Studies...................................................................................22

4.Design Process...........................................26 5.Conclusion.................................................42 References 46 List of Figures Appendix A 52 Appendix B 56

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Introduction

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1.1 Introduction It is hard to imagine what mankind would be like without the development of tools. Because of that, we are able to manipulate the environment and move faster than out legs can run, build higher than out arms can reach, eat food where it doesn’t grow, see things that our eyes can’t capture. In different levels, tools can remove from us the challenges of using our own hands or bodies and the problem lies when we no longer part of the creation of the tool, and when the amount of energy that is required not only to create but to operate certain devices is no longer understood or felt in our bodies. The disconnection between people and the tools used to interact with he environment has crucial impact on how we relate to our natural environment and other people0. Loss of biodiversity, contamination of natural resources and climate are evidences that lack of human involvement and concern towards the source of the tools that we have produced has harmed nature to a point that it is impossible to reverse: we are using 50% more resources than the Earth can replenish, and it is only getting worse (WWF International, 2014).

Everything is pre-packaged, pre-arranged, pre-planned, to avoid time consumption and to a point that conscious involvement is no longer required. We developed our world around these new tools that we now depend on to move through distance, access water, and survive extreme weather conditions. The nature and personal relationships that we once knew are no longer directly part of our daily lives. The problem is that we are being conditioned to forget and ignore the very basic human interactions, like trust and physical contact.

The modern city offers little possibility for us to exercise our humanity. Elements with pre-established single functions such as curbs, rails, streets, front yards, backyards, train tracks, stairs, ramps, signs, are constantly guiding our way through the city and offering few opportunities for discovery, trial and error. Everything in the city is telling us where to go and what to do, it is a punishable act to cross the streets outside the intersection, step on grass, entering, exiting, ride bikes on the sidewalks, paint walls, place stickers. The lack of ambiguity and room for abstraction contribute to the production of a city that is homogeneous, repetitive, with limited room for authentic behavior.

Modern physics explains that everything that we are, and everything around us is the result of interactions between four fundamental forces (Kaplan, Levinson, Miller, 2003). Gravity and electromagnetism are the most perceptible ones and the weak force and the strong force appear in subatomic level. We as humans, acknowledge the 1

existence of these forces by feeling in our muscles the powerful strength of gravity for instance. In order to jump, we have to respond to gravity with the same amount of energy it is forcing against us. These forces are the most fundamental manifestations of the universe known to mankind, and everything that exists is a result of their numerous interactions. What are the most fundamental forms of human engagement with our environment that create meaningful relationships, like the fundamental forces act in different ways to bind molecules together or to propagate sound and light?

Surfing is an example of pure engagement with the environment that has created a global culture that has strong roots. The tool, a surfboard, has gone through many technological processes and changes in the way it is fabricated, but the ultimate goal is to enable the surfer to experience a manifestation of the nature, the wave. One does not become a surfer by reading about it, watching other people surf or by simply being owner of a surfboard, and is not qualified to pass on the traditions and the knowledge of that culture if does not go through the painful and time consuming process of learning it.

The activity of surfing is a manifestation of a natural phenomenon through the body, via surfboard. Body, tool and surface become one, establishing a different temporality, for the surfer time relates to the duration of a ride. Surfers often have an stereotype because their bodies change according to their activities (hair and skin color, certain muscles become more developed, the beach culture encourages the use of certain clothes, etc.), and they exteriorize their culture.

The body adapts and adjusts according to the activity, would it be the body becoming the nature? The surf industry sells their kind of lifestyle worldwide for the general public, but because it is impossible to sell skill and knowledge, the essence of surfing remains intact.

Tradition requires great effort, and surfing is a great example of a culture that has been affected by technological processes but still remains strong in the globalized world (Eliott, 1950).

This study is about the contemporary role of city planning, and the ways we can detect a different perception of the current cities and the desire to transform our reality. It is about creating places that are resilient and truthful manifestations of human desire and capacity.

Cities today are still being build as a product for consumption. The increasing specularization of architectural function into pure form, turns history, meaning and politics into reductions of simple surfaces, and the urban realm starts to look more like a theme park than a product of collective construction (Borden, 2000). Because the city is mostly a result of the market, and not the individual or the community self-image, they are therefore consumed passively, by people staring or passing by, superficially engaging with its components.

Skateboarding suggests that changing the Ways we consume the city 2

can help identify and clarify what are the real desires and needs of the people - that are not objects and things - and create different ways to experience the built environment. It also suggests that interactions with objects should not be restricted to their use, but as common properties of social exchange. It can be seen as radicalism and there is constant attempt to legislate against ‘false crimes’ to legitimize conventional orders and power (Lefebvre, 2005) and validate the business and commodity oriented city (Borden, 2000). When the new generation is trying to create a new order, it will be common that they will be constantly contested for fighting against the current logic of the corporate-oriented city.

Throughout this book, the images of street art represent a manifesto in the cities. This type of art, are quotes about urban society, written in blank walls verbally or not , sometimes using pre-existent elements in those walls like cracks, moss or nature growing on them or near them to convey a message. Whereas graffiti is a form of territorial claim -individuals or groups paint their logos and names on buildings and walls, - street art is a more critical approach to social. Both represent a manifesto, an appropriation of the space and an attempt to give meaning to whatever the artist believes to be empty in the city. This type of art that accepts the city as a means of expression and interpreting it is a way of identifying urban problems and also solutions

"A wall is a very big weapon."

-Banksy

figure 1.1 Street art as an urban

manifesto that enables the identification of problems and also solutions. This type of art is a form of acceptance of the city reality and reinterpretation of its components. (Banksy)

In a similar way, skateboarders also give different meaning to the elements of the city such as handrails, stairs, benches and curbs. The pre-established functions such as designed by architects and planners are seen by skateboarders in a different way by actively engaging with these objects. Often located in public spaces, a security handrail for example, becomes a high-risk element for skateboarders when performing sliding tricks in high speed 3 feet above the ground (Borden, 2001). Through the use of a tool that is the skateboard, a prosthetic device that functions as an extension of the body, skateboarders engage with the city producing a supra-architectural space in which the body, the tool and the terrain become one in a moment of extreme focus of the mind producing a different notion of time.

Like skateboarders and graffiti artists use the city as their canvas, can the cities of the future be to the everyday citizen a place with opportunity to discover and to create their own rules and perhaps a new urban culture? There is a need to explore new methods of creating place attachment and stronger bonds between people in a world that the tools used to explore the environment make us distant from our humanity. The emotional connection with the places that we live is also a reminder of our origins and that we are

figure 1.2 Adjustment of traditional

values to conform to the new generation's beliefs.

(Okuda San Miguel)

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all related to each other. The use of metaphors such as the human body, machine and tree that are commonly used to describe the systems that compose a city today, don’t explain aspects related to social interactions, engagement with different living creatures and conservation of natural resources. Unlike the machine, that is focused on the production of things (Lefebvre, 2005), the city of the future should focus on creating new kinds labor to produce the city itself, a production that is creative, exciting a combination of body, pain, things and fun (Borden, 2000).

1.2 Statement of the Challenge The cities today do not offer enough possibilities for people to exercise their intuitive thought. In places that do not allow enough manipulation of the space and repress spontaneous acts, people grow alienated and the bonds between them are weakened. The lack of exercising our primitive human necessities of being part of a group in our daily lives is a problem that can lead to depression, poor selfesteem and lack of environmental consciousness and involvement.

Communities that incorporate ideas of sharing and collaboration are be more likely to satisfy the needs of the people that will be living in the cities in the next few years.

This study focuses on increasing the complexity of urban solutions through alternative methods of planning. The design project is an attempt to provide opportunities to exercise the human capacities of cooperation and stronger personal relations on a daily basis in order to promote place attachment and the establishment of a resilient neighborhood.

1.3 Importance of the Challenge This design project is relevant to the architectural field because it is a new approach to neighborhood planning. This study presents the thought process behind the design of a community that is based on organic and intuitive settlements and makes use of the available technology and contemporary design concepts to make it function in today’s scenario. The design solutions proposed require people to trust each other, communicate and collaborate. Also, it presents trends of the upcoming generation Y that are relevant to the urban planning community to understand the desires and expectations of the people that are shaping our environment and influencing behavior.

The area that was chosen for the development of this project has a very important historical context and strategic location in the 4

city of San Diego. However, this region is mostly characterized by residual space generated by auto centric design and has no specific place identity. This study is relevant to the city because it presents alternatives to re-purpose this space, in order to promote a healthier and more sustainable future for a new urban community.

1.4 Background of the Challenge City planning today often underestimate the capacity of people to organize themselves. How do we make a transition from the mathematical space (logical space, created by human mental capacity) into nature? The relationships between mathematics and reality are not obvious. It seems that today, the cities have become a simple materialization of mathematical theories that do not correspond to the complexity of human interactions.

The verb “to be” is used to express a state of mind and also a location in space. How we feel and where we are expressed with the same word of action. Our favorite places are extensions of our soul, and we feel satisfied when we are able to identify our personalities outside of our own bodies. What type of places have the power to reflect our identities in the same way the clothes that we wear do? In a smaller scale it is safe to say that our homes are very likely to be one of those places. The displays of our memories and objects are somehow extensions of our personalities that reinforce the values of all the residents. Does that also happen in a larger scale? This study starts with questioning the ability of our communities to be a display of our collective memory and instincts that offer the residents a sense of belonging and identity.

figure 1.3 Quotes about the city

written in blank walls.

(Banksy)

The work of psychologist and engineer Don Norman sheds light on the problems in the design of everyday things. Poor design of elements that we interact with everyday, can create micro frustrations about things we believe to be fundamental truths. In other words, we believe that is human error that things are not working properly, or are taking too long. For example, pedestrian crossings that require pushing a button. People push it because it feels like it is their only hope that the light will go green, they don’t know how long it will take, or even if the device is working properly. We believe that the device is there to help and our only option is to stand there and wait for the best. The poor design of that device, or the bad design of the whole intersection, causes a micro frustration that we tend to ignore, and blinds us from the possibilities of making it a better and more comfortable crossing. The problem is that contemporary society is highly dependent on devices, causing multiple micro frustrations to happen. Don Norman argues about 5

1.6 Statement of Method of Investigation .

if....

This research is looking to identify fundamental forms of urban organizations, provide a panorama of behavior trends presented by Generation Y, and analyze instinctive design solutions.

Case studies and the work of Paola Berenstein on spontaneous settlements are the conceptual bases of this design project.

Marketing analysis and research about generations (especially Generation Y) are clues to understand the type of behaviors that are currently shaping our environment and are driving innovation. The work of traďŹƒc engineer Hans Monderman on the Shared Spaces is analyzed as a form of instinctive design. Also the work of psychologist Don Norman on "The Design of Everyday Things" have been utilized as a source of psycho pathologies of poor design, and to understand intuitive design.

then...

Throughout this book the images of street are to be seen as a manifesto in the cities. This type of art are quotes about urban society, written in blank walls verbally or not. Whereas graďŹƒti is a form of territorial claim - individuals or groups paint write their names and on parts of the city - street art is a form of critique, a more critical approach to various issues. It represents a manifesto and an appropriation of the space ans an attempt to give meaning to empty walls, Using street art is a way of identifying problems and also solutions for the city.

The choice of using hand drawings and sketches to illustrate this study was made because of the authenticity it brings to the process and also to reinforce intuitive design.

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the importance of intuitive design, and using human instinct to interact with everyday objects and situations is the best way to avoid disappointment. This study applies intuitive design alternatives into urban and neighborhood planning.

authenticity x value = place attachment

Midway District in San Diego represents an important link between some of the city’s most important assets: San Diego Bay, Mission Bay and Old Town. Today, this area acts as commercial support for the neighborhoods nearby, with many box stores, wide streets and poor quality sidewalks and bike lanes. Although it is very accessible by public transportation, Midway District is still not yet developed to its full potential of becoming a sustainable neighborhood in the city. Also, because of the housing deficit in San Diego, it is important architects and urban planners think of better alternatives to develop parking lot surfaces, and transform them into sustainable, resilient and healthy places to live.

This study is an investigation of urban environments becoming extension of out personalities. In the same way the clothes that we wear, music that we choose or our friends convey a message to the world about who we are, how does the place that we live represent our desires and beliefs? This questions the way our cities and neighborhoods are designed and what types of behavior the morphology of cities can encourage or repress.

1.5 Thesis Statement The success of the cities of future is related to the intensity they will be able to reflect to our identities as a group. The ability of design projects to relate to existent conditions and yet produce a response that is authentic and innovative is key to establishing an inspirational scenario for the growing urban population that values diversity, community and the preservation of the natural environment.

This urban project, is looking to transform an area in the city of San Diego, that today reflects desires of the past generations but does not represent values that the current generations wishes to build the future upon. Because of its valuable historical and natural content, Midway District's neighborhood in San Diego needs to become a better representation of the desire of our cities to be healthy, friendly, and respectful towards other people and the natural environment.

The diagram on these pages show the formula behind this statement: the more similarities between one's identity and the city's perceived identity, the stronger will be sense of place attachment. The intersection between the three variables would be the intensity of the response towards environmental challenges 7

Research Studies

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2.1 Theoretical Framework The variables of this thesis study are Intuitive Urban Design, the values of generation Y and Place Attachment.

Urban Design concepts such as walkability and happiness of the cities are explored in order to establish a parameter for success in the cities of the future, which is one of the variables of this thesis. To establish the values of generation Y, this study looks into consumers behaviors and workplace ethics of the population between 18-32 that compose the population with the most spending power and the fastest growing work force at the time (Dorsey, 2001). The idea of Place Attachment will be related to authenticity.

“I see no hope for the future of our people if we depend on the frivolous youth of today.”

Hesiod, 8 Century B.C “Millennials are lazy, entitled narcissist who still live with their parents” Times

2.1.1 Generation Why The younger generations have constantly been discredited through time. Millennials or Eco-Boomers, have been described as “entitled”, “lazy”, impatient and narcissists. As kids, they were rewarded by their “helicopter parents”, the Baby Boomers, participation medals, and constantly reminded that they were special no matter what.

Millennials have lived through the transition from the analog to digital and the start of the internet and social media. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, Unlocking Millennial Talent, these people represent the largest generation that in the United States today. y

figure 2.1 Millennials Less trusting of others. This graph inicates the

low levels of trusting presented by Millennials compared to the other generations. (Pew Research Center) 9

Millennials grew up in a world that was created to work as a machine.

Standardization, homogeneity, pre-packaging, pre-arrangements, and all that has been created that require little time consumption or conscious involvement from us have collaborated to a lack of overall trust between people, decrease in the number of friends, and lower self esteem by the younger generation (Pew Research Center). The world was was set up to move faster and faster, and the blame is being put on the Millennials for not keeping up, but the truth is that now we have to slow down, especially due to environmental issues, and we are still learning how.

figure 2.2 Kaos Temple. An old

church transformed into a skate park. This type of intervention represent the reinterpretation of traditional values, the desire to modify and still be a part of the past.

(Okuda San Miguel)

figure 2.3 Çatal Höyük.

The older generations are trying understand Gen Y. Baby Boomers and Gen X leaders for instance, have the challenge to adapt management practices to keep Millennials motivated and productive in the work environment. Marketers have been studying Millennials since they were born, analyzing their behavior towards products and developing better ways to approach them with sales items. Although these practices are targeted towards Millennials, they tend to bring innovation and also affect the other generations in a positive way.

Starbucks puts efforts on making every client feel unique and tries to provide individuality for their product - every cup gets a name. This practice targets the desire of Millennials to feel unique and valued, and has positive repercussions with other generations as well. They also try to adjust their store location and atmosphere to match the local’s identity. Starbucks is a proof of success of the Experience Economy, that looks to provide more than a product but a story and a cause behind what is being sold. Google is an example of a company that have adapted the work environment to accommodate the Millennials new mindset. They have implemented a work space and ambiance that focuses on the well being of the employee as a form of motivation. Millennials are willing to give up money, to live a more fulfilling life. According to the Pew Research Center, 64% of Millennials would rather make $40,000/year at a job they love than $100,000/year at a job they think is boring. Also, for 52% of the Millennials being good parent is top on the list of highest priorities in their lives, compared to 15% that see having a high paying-career as their ultimate life goal. The largest generation the United States has ever seen, is looking for a more sustainable way of life. Their happiness depends on how much of their identities and passions are directly related to what they do for a living, and enables them to spend more time with their families and friends.

2.1.2 Spontaneous Settlements and Place Attachment figure 2.4 Matera, Italy.

Looking at archaic settlements like Çatal Höyük, in Turkey and 10

comparing it to settlements in Santorini, Greece, or Matera in Italy for example it is possible to identify a similar pattern in the way the buildings are organized. The organic pattern can be detected in 10,000 year-old organizations, in medieval settlements and also in 100 year-old informal settlements like Rocinha in Rio de Janeiro.

Three formal components can be identified in these type of organizations: the fragment, the labyrinth and the rhizome.

(Berenstein,1998). Rhizome is a biology term for certain types of plants that have multiple roots, like ginger or moss. Each piece of a rhizome may be able to give rise to a new organism. This relates to the ability of these places to multiply without having one single core, but multiple centers. The tree logic that is commonly used to describe cities today is the opposite of this idea. The premise of the tree is that it branches out into smaller parts, but needs the root to survive, very much like the unsustainable cities. (Berenstein,1998) The labyrinth is the form how the fragments are organized. Like the mythological labyrinth, designed by Daedalus to trap the Minotaur, the only ones that knew how to navigate the maze were the architect and the goddess Ariadne. In these places, in order to navigate, directions are needed. That is the function of Ariadne's Thread, guide visitors through the maze. This idea relates to place attachment because in order to create a place that people can feel like they own, they have to be conquerors of their maze, and "outsiders" may need help or directions in order to navigate. In the design process of this project, the ideas discussed by Berenstein will be applied in order to create a community that relates to the organic settlements.

(Berenstein,1998)

figure 2.5 Santorini, Greece. http://

whenonearth.net/ the-amazing-colors-ofsantorini-greece/

figure 2.6 Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro.

Photo: Daniel Marenco/ Folhapress

The fragment is the unit that compose the labyrinth. In these four examples given, these units are small and made with materials found on site or nearby and are good examples of sustainable use of local resources.

2.1.3 Intuitive Design For the purposes of this study, design solutions that suggest possible interactions without needing a verbal description are being referenced by intuitive design.

figure 2.7 Rhizome. Multiple

cores and linear root. (http://www.turďŹƒles. ncsu.edu/turfgrasses/ bermudagrass)

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Design Research and Analysis

12

figure 3.1 Mission Bay and San

Diego Bay. By Author 133

3.1 Pre Design and Site Analysis Midway District is located where the Interstate 5 (north-south connection) and Interstate 8 (east-west connection). Mission Bay is in the North side, an important recreational and scenic asset for the city. San Diego River runs east-west towards the ocean and represents an important natural connection. Also, San Diego Bay is located in the south portion, a connection with Downtown San Diego and also Coronado Island. Pacific Highway, Rosecrans Street, Midway Drive and Sports Arena are the major traďŹƒc ways in this area. figure 3.2 Valley View Casino

Center. (K.C. Alfred)

Sports Arena, or Valleyview Casino Center, is an important event venue in the city. Three times a week, on the parking lot, the famous Kobey Swap Meet takes place bringing over 10,000 people to the area. Along Sports Arena Boulevard, the fast food chain restaurants are activated during hockey games, events and concerts. On the south side of Sports Arena, a large complex with major box chain stores is an important commercial center for the communities nearby. The area has many adult entretainement venues and a popular brewery recently opened in the area. Also, the light industrial area on the northeast portion of the site has many small manufacturers, such as surfboard shops and auto repairs.

Although the site it is very close to Old Town Transit Center, an important transportation node in the city and has attractions to the public, the access is very confusing. Large roads and speeding cars, intimidate the pedestrian and the vast parking lots and narrow sidewalks are not inviting to walking or biking.The cyclists in this area have to share the lane with speeding cars, and the pedestrians suer from poor sidewalk maintenance, misplaced urban furniture and confusing signage. The area selected for development has 88.6 acres and is highlighted in fig. 3.3. Liberty Station and Old Town are also highlighted in green as well as the possible connections from the site to these areas and to Mission Bay. Midway District is a missing link in the city, it is close to important natural features and transportation nodes. The area has potential do become another Village in San Diego as long as the pedestrian is put in first place.

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figure 3.3

san diego map and location of area of project in relationshi downtown San Diego. (Google Maps modified by Author)

figure 3.4 connections to city’s assets: Mission Bay, Old Town (Presidio Park and Transit Center) and Liberty

Station. (Google Maps modified by Author) 15

3.2 Socioeconomical Analysis The map show the land use of the site. The area that is destined to retail and services use reinforces the fact that this area serves as commercial support for the neighborhoods nearby. It contains some old industrial areas and today the light industrial portion is well established in the area and oer many opportunities.

There are some multifamily residential in this area, but it is mostly characterized by its commercial uses. The land use map (fig 3.4) shows that in the area that is today occupied by the Arena, is to be developed for residential purposes. (City of San Diego) During WWII, some of the facilities in the site were used for military purposes due to the proximity to the airport.From 1960's to 1990's this area evolved from being a mix of industrial and commercial uses into mostly commercial. TraďŹƒc congestion, excessive signage and commercial decline are problems that this area faces today.

The presence of big box stores on the south portion of the site may represent a challenge to the development of the area at the present moment due to their important economical importance. However, the Millennial mindset of living a healthy life and supporting local business supports the idea of removing or replacing the fast food chain restaurants along Sports Arena Blvd.

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figure 3.5 Land Use. (Source: City of San Diego )

figure 3.6 Existent conditions.

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3.3 Parking A large portion of the site is occupied by parking lots. The amount of surface that is covered by asphalt represent a threat to the environment, and is also an opportunity for development.

The asphalt surface prevents the absorption of water and overheats the air. The area is susceptible to flooding and also contributes to temperature rise. On the other hand, the vacant land in a strategic location offers opportunity to put into practice contemporary and innovative urban design solutions.

3.4 Legal Issues Midway District Community Plan has a conceptual project for Sports Arena Village. A 200x300 ft grid pattern was applied and mixed use buildings are being proposed as well as two neighborhood parks.

Parking facilities are also being proposed to accommodate the vehicles during the use of the Arena. The main idea is to break up the parking lot into smaller walkable blocks. On this plan, there is also the idea of creating a pedestrian bridge that will be a connector between Mission bay and San Diego Bay. The grid pattern is a very common solution to accommodate the vehicular traffic, it is very simple but it is not necessarily a solution that is based on human-centered design principles. Intuitive thought is not so much required to navigate a space that the configuration is already expected. Also, the grid makes the space easy to be navigated offering few opportunities of learning and discovery.

The neighborhood parks according to the community plan, are contained between four boundaries or edges. The idea for a new project for the neighborhood is that the parks are going to occupy the same area, but in a different configuration. Increasing the amount of edges of the park, can offer more opportunity of visibility to the facility and more equitable access by the residents.

The Bay-to-Bay link, is an interesting proposal that connects the site to a larger context. In this project, it will be encouraged and utilized as one of the start points for the urban design.

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figure 3.7 Existent conditions. On this map, the area of the swap meet is highlighted. (Source: Google Maps,

edited by Author

figure 3.8 Community Plan Proposal. (Source: City of San Diego, Google Maps, edited by Author)

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3.5 Programming The diagram shows how the site will be divided in order to accomodate the urban program. 30% of the site will be designated to public space such as streets, parks and pedestrian walkways. 20% will be desined to commercial uses, moslty small business and mixed use. 10% of the site will be destined for institutional use. In this case the uses proposed are educational facilities such as museums and galleries adjacent to the public parks and plazas. 40% of the 65 acre site will be destined for medium density residential use. The height of the buildings will be limited to 45 feet or 4 stories.

Thematic plazas and parks are being proposed as part of the public realm in order to give meaning and direction to the development.

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figure 3.9 Program. (By Author)

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3.6 Case Studies

figure 3.10

Exhibition Road After remodel. (Ray Massey)

To illustrate the ideas presented in this design project, some case studies were selected. First, The Shared Space concept by Hans Monderman applied to Exhibition Road, Kensington. Monderman's ideas are a solution to increase intuitive behavior in the city. Also, Bell Street Park in Seattle, was studies in order to identify how this street typology can be implemented in the United States. Parc de La Villete

by Bernard Tschumi for its methodology and architect’s thought process: the idea of fragmentation and discoverability of the objects he created in the park is relevant for this thesis. Finally, Charles Montgomery's work on the Happy City Experiment is a source of knowledge on human interactions and behavior related to happiness in the contemporary urban scenario. For the purposes of this study, dense resilient communities around the world were analyzed because of their morphological aspect, as mentioned in the previous sections.

3.6.1 Shared Space Concept, Hans Monderman “Who has the right of way? I don’t care. People here have to find their own way, negotiate for themselves, use their own brains.”

“This is social space, so when Grandma is coming, you stop, because that’s what normal, courteous human beings do” -Monderman

figure 3.11 Drachten Intersection.

(Warwick Mihaly) 22

The concept of the shared space developed by Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman is simple: removing all the signalization of the streets will make it a more safer environment. Traffic lights, curbs, bike lanes only make the driver pay attention to the signs and not the people, therefore making it dangerous. A Shared Space is a space where pedestrians, cars and bikes are equal, and must negotiate their way through space.

The intersection by which Monderman is known, is located in Drachten, Netherlands. A previously dangerous intersection was transformed into a traffic circle, with no signage or curbs. The ground texture was utilized as a clue to where the limits of pedestrians and cars were, but did not impose an specific order. 20,000 drivers a day use the intersection that was redesigned by Monderman, and this project is seen to be the future of streets in Europe (Lyall, 2005) In Exhibition Road in Kensington, the signs were removed in order to give motorist a more personal responsibility. The street is half a mile long (850 meters) and has over 1 million Chinese granite forming a criss cross pattern on the pavement. By making eye contact with pedestrians a self respect environment is created. Studies have shown that by removing traffic lights form crossings, the traffic flows more freely because drivers are more cautious. (Massey, 2012).

3.6.2 Happy City Experiment, Charles Montgomery In 2011, the architect was invited to use a vacant lot to conduct experiments on social relationships. The idea was to transform the place into an environment where people could trust each other for one night. Montgomery invited different artists to collaborate and create interventions that would encourage people to engage with each other. The principle behind this experiment is the idea that people that live in more trustworthy neighborhoods consider themselves to be happier then those who don’t (Montgomery, 2015) Also he relates the lack of trust to the characteristics of suburban areas, and also to the poor levels of participation of communities that did not present a stronger sense of trust between the residents. He detected that there is a need to feel the space, and conducted a series of experiments. One of them related the fact that people that were put in contact with nature are more inclined to be generous than those who weren’t. Another experiment measure the level of excitement of people while walking in certain places in Manhattan.

The results showed that people were more excited in streets that were apparently more social, with large clear windows where they could see other people. People are more likely to help tourist in front of live places. He brings attention to the fact that big retail stores are trying to come into the urban environments and that does not help with the livability of the city unless they have the power to provide social interactions on the sidewalk level. The happy city experiment brought people together to the empty lot, by offering a series of activities hat encouraged people to interact with each other. Before the experiment, when asked if detected that people are willing to pay more money to live cooperatively.

figure 3.12

Exhibition Road After remodel. (Ray Massey)

figure 3.13

Exhibition Road Before remodel. (Ray Massey)

There is a need to build differently than the way we do today.

According to Montgomery, the emotions of people should be considered in order to create a healthy, resilient and sustainable city that bring people together rather then push them apart.

23

3.6.3 Parc de la Villette - Methodology and Concept Part of a side redevelopment competition, the park located in a Paris is noted for its urban organization strategy. The follies, the main components of the project, are steel buildings that have multiple functions across the site and are organized on a grid system that orient the user throughout the park. Tschumi forced the natural and the artificial together, in order to create a place where the state of discovery and mutation was constant (Souza, 2011). The architect envisioned that the park would offer the user a sense of freedom, and promote interaction and activity despite the formal organization. The follies act as reference points for the user, and each one would give them a change to interact or contemplate and play. Because they have no specific pre-established function, the follies offer the user the freedom to interpret the building as they feel like. (Souza, 2011). figure 3.14 Parc de la Villette

Scheme. (Bernard Tschumi Architects)

This particular case study was chosen because of its methodology and concept. The idea of objects that are free for interpretation, reference points and orientation can be seen in the design project for this thesis. For example, the shared streets offer the city room for abstraction and for movement freedom, allowing the experience of discovery and transformation of the user to be constant. The concepts were applied mostly during the conceptual phase of the development of the methodology presented in this study. The deconstructivist nature of the follies are a source of reference for the fragmentation process.

3.6.4 Dutch Woonerfs - Scale "Woonerf" means living yard in Dutch. This type of street combines many traffic calming devices to encourage biking and pedestrian activity. The Dutch in particular, have many experiments with this type of street that prioritize the pedestrian, as mentioned before in the work of Hans Monderman. According to a report by the Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, there are six design principles of a Woonerf: 1.Woonerfs are for residential purposes 2. The nature and condition of the road should be traffic calming 3. The entrances and exists to and from a Woonerf should be easily identifiable 4.The space should not be divided into roadway and sidewalk.

Pedestrian protection is can be made by vegetation for example.

5. Short-term parking is allowed and the parking spaces are 24

figure 3.15 Model of a Woonerf.

signalized.

6. If any informational signs are to be places they must follow an specific standard The principles described above are important guidelines to this design project, because they help to establish scale and also are a reference for designing pedestrian oriented streets. In order for this design to be applied in the San Diego context, it is important to prioritize active transportation and create new solution to accommodate cars. This is a very sensitive issue, especially in San Diego where private vehicles are still the main means of transportation. Implementing this solution in the city will definitely face many challenges .First it would require reviews of parking regulations and second, architects should be prepared to face community resistance. However, given the desires of the younger population to live in a more collaborative community, this type of solution can definitely be an appropriate response.

25

Design Process

26

Surfboards that use a three fin system are known as thrusters. This type of set up is used for better surfboard stability and drive, allowing the surfer to perform maneuvers and turns with maximum control of the equipment when compared to a single or a quad fin system set up.

This idea was used to name the concept behind this project because of the three connection nodes that were identified as a start point for this design, and create a link with the strong presence of the surf culture in the city.

To create a neighborhood that is resilient and healthy, there is a need to establish a strong sense of purpose and direction. Monuments should be reminders of important values, and assets of the city to be seen from the distance and from various directions within the neighborhood. This project started with the idea that each one of these nodes should be a reminder of generation Y's values and desires for sustainability, community and the desire to have more meaningful interactions in our daily lives. These nodes represent a both a transition into the neighborhood and a link with the rest of the city. It functions as a portal into an area that has a specific culture and organization. Also, because of their large scale, represent a reminder for the rest of the city, to be seen from the distance and from dierent direction from within the neighborhood.

The diagram on this page, illustrate the "Thrusters" concept. Three connection points, linked by visual axis between them, with multiple access to the view corridors. This form or set up also enables this model to be replicated across the city and even connect with each other, possibly becoming a San Diego specific characteristic and reinforcing the identity of the city as a whole.

Discussed in the previous chapters, the morphological concepts used

by Paola Berenstein to describe the organic settlements were used as a part of the design process. In order to introduce an alternative to the rigid and generic grid system and create a more intuitive and authentic form of organization the fragment, labyrinth and rhizome morphological figures were applied to this design process.

The rhizome is how the neighborhood is connected with the rest of the city, as described above. The fragment, and the labyrinth are illustrated in the diagrams on the next page.

figure 4.1 Thrusters Diagram (by

Author 27

The diagrams on this page show how the concept of Paola Berenstein was applied and developed in this design. First, a set of fragments was identified in the site. This particular set of buildings are today the light industrial facilities that exist in the area. This selection was made because of the local character they represent, some of these facilities are local breweries, surfboard shops and other small manufacturers. Also, the way their organized in the space, in a more compact form, create a contrast with the large parking lot next to the Arena (fig 4.2).

First, the existent fragments were replicated spontaneously in a drawing and then with other spontaneous similar fragments, the spaces and voids were filled (fig 4.3). Having in mind the idea of the labyrinth, two outcomes are possible when connecting the fragments to create a maze.

The maze in this case represents the forms of connection between buildings. One is the possibility of multiple entries and exits (fig 4.3) and another with a single point of access (fig 4.5).

The first option limits the possibilities of control of the area because it allows multiple access and escapes. In organic settlements, the limitation on the number of entries and exits is a very important factor because the community is seeking constant protection from outsiders, so it is important to have control over the access. In a contemporary scenario, having multiple entries and exits 28

figure 4.2

figure 4.3

figure 4.4

figure 4.5 Fragment and Labyrinth Studies. (By Author)

can signify less possibilities of encounter, a more accessible place can be less private.

The second alternative, shows a pattern with only one entry and one exit. This formation oers the possibility for the creation of extremely valuable spaces. Having control over the entries and exits are important in spontaneous settlements for the purposes of control and protection. In the contemporary scenario, the existence of such a location can mean high commercial value, or high potential to become active public spaces.

figure 4.6 initial sketch with a central park proposal (By Author)

The sketches (fig. 4.6 and 4.7) are the first attempts to apply this methodology to the site.

In the initial proposals a central park is the focal point of the project. Afterwards the idea of the fragments was also applied to the park, in order to make the green area part of the residents' journey rather than a destination.

The methodology of fragments and labyrinth was then applied throughout the entire site until a satisfactory result was achieved.

figure 4.7 Initial Sketch. (By Author)

29

At this point the concept of the rhizome was applied. To create a contrast between the organic nature of the neighborhood and also to create a link with the rest of the city, a more formal layout is introduced. A visual axis acts as a connection between the three main access points into the neighborhood. A park in the North portion of the site (where the bridge to Mission Bay is suggested in the community plan), a proposed traďŹƒc circle in the West portion and a plaza in the East. These three nodes represent the links to city's important assets, and indicate the path towards Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, Liberty Station and Old Town. The idea is that each one of these nodes will have a landmark that relate to the values of Generation Y and to San Diego's identity and character. These monuments were not developed in this thesis but can be a theme for future study and design.

The diagrams on this page show how the three concepts are combined. The formal layout of the visual axis, the fragments and the maze can be seen on the Winter Final Proposal (fig. 4.9). Also, as a result, central plazas and paseos within the blocks proposed create a "trail", instead of a centralized park.

A neighborhood park is proposed and a Plaza for the Arena as well to accommodate visitors during shows and games.

figure 4.8 Fragment ,Labyrinth and Rhizome concepts applied to

site. (By Author) 30

figure 4.9 Winter quarter Final proposal. (Google Earth modified by author)

31

The drawing on this page shows the idea for the landmarks. A tall tower with reflective material positioned in specific angles in order to capture the iconic San Diego Sunset lighting and reflect it onto structures located throughout the community.

The size of the mirrors can be dimensioned in order to capture a specific time frame of lighting depending on the sun position, and the angle can me calculated to bounce the light to an specific location. The landmark unifies the project and creates a link to the rest of the city, it also gives meaning and direction to the site. The idea is also that these structures can be seen from the distance, so to reinforce the local character of the community, and it is also a celebration of the beautiful sunset that can be seen from the beach area nearby. Bringing the light into the community is a symbolic act and a reminder of the character of the city.

figure 4.10 Landmark concept. (By Author)

figure 4.11 Landmark concept. (By Author)

32

figure 4.12 Proposal for Sports Arena Boulevard and Kobey Swap

Meet (By Author)

The Kobey Swap Meet event brings many people to the site. Today, it takes place in the parking lot of the Arena, and with this proposal the event will have to be moved.

Moving the swap meet can be an opportunity to bring to life a street market. With the area available in Sports Arena Blvd, it is possible to move all the 1000 vendors to the street. In this scenario, the vehicular traffic can be redirected to Midway Drive and the event can occupy the full extension of the Boulevard. The diagram in this page shows a proposed section for the street market. A permanent shaded structure can accommodate pedestrians and the booths, as well as create an interesting visual canopy for the road. This structure does not interfere with the vehicular traffic. With this proposal, the width of Sports Arena can remain the same, because of the shaded structure support, the car lanes need to be narrower, d de e decreasing vehicular speed.

S Sl lo Slowing down is an instinctive and iintuitive in int nt act, because danger is pe e perceived.

This is beneficial to the co o community because it encourages fo o traffic and increases the safety foot iin n the neighborhood.

figure 4.13 Shared Space Initial Sketch (By Author)

33

SPACE The Shared Space system is introduced as a complement of the conventional street system.

As a result of reducing the vehicular access throughout the neighborhood, the blocks are larger than the usual. Inspired by the Woonerfs, these spaces offer every block the shared experience.

The open spaces are connected by the shared streets offer the user the opportunity to experience green areas on the daily journey. A neighborhood park is proposed, and an acoustic shell is suggested to be places in this location in response to the Millennials' desires for authenticity, in this case, unplugged music. Having a venue that offer good acoustic infrastructure, can be a good complement to the Arena and be beneficial to the city's musical scene. The plazas proposed within the blocs are where the Sunset Reflective structures are located and offer the residents a more intimate place to socialize and be in contact with nature on a daily basis. Sports Arena has potential do become a community center in addition to being an event venue.

To support that proposal, an open plaza is suggested to accommodate a large public during the events and also for community uses.

The swap meet has room to occur on the streets. As described in fig.

4.12, the boulevards are designed to accommodate all the current vendors. In the proposed layout, the street market has a connection 34

figure 4.14 Shared Space System (By Author)

figure 4.15 Open Public Spaces. (By Author)

figure 4.16 Swap Meet as street market. (By Author)

figure 4.17 Winter Quarter Final Master Plan Proposal (By Author). Larger blocks cut through by

shared space and intimate plazas. The massing is a proposal for building footprints, suggesting setbacks and openings and spaces between them.

60000

190000

CITY BLOCK: 200x300

226000

360000

277000

280000 287000

275000 185000 30000

112000 268000 85000

133000 202000 89000

existent condition

proposal

community plan proposal

figure 4.18 Design Proposal compared to community plan proposal. Both proposals present the same

park area and the same conventional street system area. The new proposal has more open spaces in between the buildings, therefore more opportunities for public areas. The non-linear street system oers multiple visual axis within the site, which promotes a more interesting experience for the residents.

35

to the landmarks, which has the power to constantly remind the population of certain values.

The section below shows the relationship between the existent Arena and the buildings proposed.

The 35-foot limit for buildings according to the regulations will be attended and the landmark has approximately 60 to 70 feet in order to be seen from the freeways above and from the distance, also to be able to capture the sunlight.

In the section it is possible to see the relationship between the neighborhood park, the community center and the Arena.

figure 4.19 Longitudinal Section (By author)

neighborhood park + acoustic shell sunset plaza

figure 4.20 Acoustic Shell by

Flanagan Lawrence

36

valleyview Casino and community center

figure 4.21 Shared Space and Plaza

(by Author)

main street section

The main streets are composed of a two lanes running in both directions and a curbside parking space in both sides of the street.

A 11-foot width for car traffic is proposed in order to control traffic speed. The Main Street Section shows the relationship between the sidewalk and the Arena. Two rows of vegetation protect the views to the blank walls of the stadium and acts as a buffer to the buildings across the street.

The Arena walls have potential do be redesigned and be used as a canvas for local art and expression.

37

The diagram on these pages show an example of how the shared space system works and some materiality. The absence of curbs and signage requires that the textures dictate the use of spaces.

In this case the limits of the car spaces and pedestrian spaces are intentionally blurred. The Soft Intersection proposed is an example of space that requires non verbal communication, instinctive action and conscious involvement with the environment. As shown in fig.

29, the roughness of the pavement indicate vehicular speed. The sizes of the stones increase as it gets closer to the crossing, limiting car speed. For smooth pedestrian, bike and skateboard crossing the texture changes in the portion that is enough for them to cross, but not enough to encourage car speeding. In this case, a roundabout is proposed but this type of solution can be applied to other intersections as well.

Figures 4.22 through 4.24 illustrate the proposal for parklets, finishing materials and textures of the shared space system. Parklets provide seating areas, create boundaries for parking and are traďŹƒc calming.

As mentioned before, the texture of the limits are intentionally blurred, and a stone pattern is created to make the transition from vegetation into pavement.

In this proposal, the human behavior is influenced by design.

Design solutions suggest possible actions without imposing an exclusive possibility. Navigating

38

figure 4.22

figure 4.23

parklet

transition

through the space requires collaboration and active engagement with the environment.

figure 4.24 Plaza in Aachen

Bahnhofplatz, Belgium with pedestrian crossing. (Archdaily)

39

The sections on this page illustrate how the shared space functions in the project. In two different situations we can identify how the pedestrians interact with the vehicles. The first image shows people using the space while a vehicle also occupies the street.

Figure 4.22 shows an example of a parklet and in these diagrams we can see how the parking spot can have multiple functions. In this case, a seating area is proposed.

The position of the parklets and the vegetation acts as traffic calming elements and increase the safety levels of the street.

Figure 4.26 indicate the pavement type that is appropriate for this space. Irregular cobblestone also act as a traffic calming feature while offering a more intimate human scale for the narrow street.

The process of laying out this type of material requires human engagement. They have to be carefully placed by hand, and this type of craft can add value to the place. figure 4.25 Shared Space Section in different situations. (by author)

figure 4.26Pavement Detail

(Caruso St. John Architects) 40

figure 4.27 Pavement Material

(Caruso St. John Architects)

figure 4.28 Pedestrian pathway inspired by the Mission Beach

connections from the beach to the bay. (by author)

figure 4.29 Soft Intersection. Roughness of the pavement suggest

vehicular speed.(by author)

The pedestrian path section was inspired by the Mission Beach connections from the beach to the bay. The two-story buildings and narrow pathways provide a very intimate connection between people passing by and the residents. Although the Mission Beach area is occupied mostly by tourists during summer season, it is an interesting situation that characterizes the region and can be replicated in other parts of the city for more permanent use. The front yards of the homes are facing the narrow pathway, exposing the daily life to the street.

Figure 4.29 illustrate the idea of the Soft Intersection. The roughness of the stone pavement controls traďŹƒc speed, and traďŹƒc lights or signage is no longer required.

This solution also requires a non verbal communication between pedestrian and vehicle, contributing to the experience of the place. An example of a blurred intersection is illustrated in figure 4.24, in a city in Belgium. A common element unites all the corners of the crossing.

41

Conclusion

42

When put in challenging situations, humans behave instinctively. It is an important manifestation of our humanity and reinforces our connection to nature. This thesis study is a spontaneous way to approach design, looking to expose the authenticity behind human instinct. Also, it questions the ability of our cities to allow us to act spontaneously, to manipulate and be manipulated by the built environment. By using hand drawing there is more freedom to create and to be liberated from the flaws of devices and technology. Also it is a better and more meaningful way to connect with other people and to learn from experience.

The desire to live in a place that is part of our personalities can be detected when analyzing behavioral trends presented by Generation Y. The largest generation in the United Stated today is dictating the future of our environment and one of the key desires of the young adults is to be able to live in a community that is sustainable, represents their core values and allows them to be closer to their friends and family. The economy has shown positive responses towards products and cultures that are authentic. This study also questions the ability of the city to be authentic in a scenario where it is hard to steer away from standardization. To deal with this issue, concepts used to describe spontaneous settlements were analyzed by their morphological aspect which indicate a pattern for organic organizations.

As a result, this thesis proposes a new methodology to render the authenticity of intuitive formations that can be applied to contemporary neighborhood planning. The Shared Space system, the elimination of street signage, the non-linear street pattern are examples of elements that encourage walking, discovery and relationships between people. Eliminating signage in a place where orientation is not clear, is challenging and requires that communication is made through a non-verbal form. Manipulating texture and lighting increase the learning opportunities from environmental experience and promotes better connections between people by encouraging trusting bonds. It is a way for our bodies to manipulate the environment and also for the environment to have an eect on our identity development process. For example crossing the streets require body language and meaningful visual connections to be successful. This methodology can be applied in dierent contexts, and have dierent outcomes depending on the location.

This thesis presented many challenges during its course.

Narrowing down the scope, time management and the language barrier. The major issue, however, was the commitment to be liberated from the constraints of digital tools. Accepting the 43

complexity of human intuition and instinct can be challenging in an environment where everything seems to require an intangible level of precision to the hand level. There is an incredible difference in products of human craft and technique, when compared to products of machine precision, especially in the way people connect to them.

This study is a result of the commitment to the pure expression of human capacity and emotion, and methods to translate that into contemporary architecture. Throughout the development of this study, it can be perceived that the formal rules and constraints were becoming looser, allowing for more creative freedom. By observing the evolution of the layout boards from Winter and Spring, it is clear that the boundaries were removed and the design finally presented a more clear concept. The outcomes and evolution of the design process show the creativity freedom through the use of hand drawings and also a consistent and unique use of graphic language.

Another challenge was to find constant motivation to conclude this thesis. Superficial reasons would not be sufficient to accomplish this project. In this case, surfing has a great influence in the thought process behind this study. The nature of the connection between surfer and wave helps us understand what is required from our bodies in order to become part of the environment around us and that idea is a major concept behind this study. It was translated into architecture through the pattern of the streets and the freedom of the soft intersections: it is required physical effort and meaningful connections to other people in order to navigate through the space.

Narrowing down the scope was also a challenge in the beginning. Looking back to the thesis statement, it can be said that the result of this study has evolved into something else. However, the attempts to support the thesis statement have had very interesting results. A brief conversation to a psychologist student, led to the idea of personifying the city. "If San Diego were a person, what would that person be like?" was the question that resulted from that conversation. The answers to that question came from many different people, and although the answers were very interesting, they had problems relating to the thesis statement. However, the idea of thinking about the city as a person, is incredibly helpful in keeping the design pedestrian oriented and maintaining the human scale in every aspect of the project.

For future research, it is important that more generational studies are related to the built environment. Most of the resources available relate to marketing strategies, workforce characteristics and money spending trends. Offering products that represent values of the age group with the largest population has positive outcomes for the economy, and also, learning their behavior in the work 44

environment is beneficial for employees. Understanding how a certain age group behaves provides many clues of how we can design better communities and cities.

45

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Souza, E. (2011, January 08). AD Classics: Parc de la Villette / Bernard Tschumi Architects. Retrieved June 08, 2017, from http://www. archdaily.com/92321/ad-classics-parc-de-la-villette-bernard-tschumi Eliot, T. S. (1950). What is a classic? Tradition and the individual talent.

Kiel: Lipsius & Tischer.

Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 08, 2017, from https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/ pedbike/05085/chapt20.cfm Gilmore, J. H., & Pine, B. J. (2007). Authenticity: what consumers really want. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.

H. (2014). Interview with Paulo Mendes da Rocha. Retrieved June 03, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2EBoWZrs68 Jacobs, J. (1965). The death and life of great American cities. Penguin Books.

Hill, J. (1998). Occupying architecture: Between the architect and the user. London: Routledge.

Kaplan, D., Levinson, M. Miller,A. (Producers) & Levinson, M, (Director). (2013). Particle Fever [Motion Picture] Lefebvre, H. (2005). The production of space. Oxford: Blackwell.

Long, J. (Producer and Director), (2015). The Search for Freedom [Motion Picture] Lyall, S. (2005, January 22). A Path to Road Safety With No Signposts. Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www.nytimes. com/2005/01/22/world/europe/a-path-to-road-safety-with-nosignposts.html Magidson, M. (Producer), & Fricke, R. (Director). (2011). Samsara [Motion Picture].

Montgomery, C. (2015). Happy city: transforming our lives through 46

urban design. London: Penguin Books.

Norman, D. A. (2013). The design of everyday things. New York: Basic Books, a member of the Perseus Books Group.

Pallasmaa, J. (2012). Newness, Tradition and Identity: Existential Content and Meaning in Architecture. Architectural Design Archit Design, 82(6), 14-21. doi:10.1002/ad.1486 Planning Department. (n.d.). Retrieved June 08, 2017, from https://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/ midwaypacifichwycorridor Ray Massey for the Daily Mail. (2012, February 02). No kerbs, pavements or nanny-state signs: Britain's longest clutter-free street is unveiled to make things SAFER. Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www. dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094939/Britains-longest-clutter-freestreet-unveiled-make-things-SAFER.html Rogers, R., & Gumuchdjian, P. (1997). Cities for a small planet.

London: Faber.

Speck, J. (2013). Walkable city: how downtown can save America, one step at a time. New York: North Point Press, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux T. (2011, June 10). TEDxSF - Scott Hess - Millennials: Who They Are & Why We Hate Them. Retrieved February 18, 2017, from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=P-enHH-r_FM (2011). Lecture presented at Susan D. Clayton presents the 2011 Research in Texas A&M College of Architecture. Retrieved December 01, 2016, from https://youtu.be/OQTys9dN5Ow Where the Sidewalk Doesn't End: What Shared Space has to Share. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from https://www.pps.org/ reference/shared-space/ “Millennials, a Portrait of Genneration Next.” Pew Research Center Washington, D.C. (2010) "Living Planet Report". WWF. Summary. [McLellan, R., Iyengar, L., Jeffries, B. and N. Oerlemans (Eds)]. WWF, Gland, Switzerland.(2014) "Unlocking Millennial Talent". The Center for Generational Kinetics (2015)

47

List of Figures figure 1.1 pg 3

Street art as an urban manifesto.

banksy.uk

figure 1.2 pg 3

Adjustment of traditional values

okudart.es

figure 1.3 pg 5

Quotes about the city

banksy.uk

figure 1.4 pg 9

Millennials Less trusting of others.

“Millennials, a Portrait of Genneration Next.” Pew Research Center Washington, D.C. (2010)

figure 2.1 pg 10

Kaos Temple

okudart.ed

figure 2.2 pg 10

Çatal Höyük.

[Catal Hoyuk]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from https://leavingbabylon. wordpress.com/book/being-there/

figure 2.3 pg 10

Matera, Italy

figure 2.4 pg 10

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece. http://whenonearth.net/the-amazing-colors-of-santorini-greece/

figure 2.5 pg 11

Rocinha

http://noticias.band.uol.com.br/cidades/rio/noticia/100000649886/policiamento-e-reforcado-na-rocinha-apos-tiroteios.html

figure 2.6 pg 11

Rhizome

[Rhizome]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://www.turffiles.ncsu. edu/turfgrasses/bermudagrass

figure 3.1 pg 13

Mission Bay and San diego Bay

by author

figure 3.2 pg 14

Valley View Casino

Alfred, K. C. (2010, October 12). [Digital image]. Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-sports-arena-gets-newname-valley-view-casino-cent-2010oct12-story.html

figure 3.3 pg 15

San Diego Map and area of project

Google Maps, edited by author

figure 3.4 pg 15

Connection to city's assets

Google Maps, edited by author

figure 3.5 pg 17

Land Use

Land Use [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from https:// www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/midwaypacifichwycorridor

figure 3.6 pg 17

Existent Conditions

Google Earth, edited by author

48

[Matera]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://frugalfrolicker.com/ sassi-matera-italy/

figure 3.7 pg 19

Existent Conditions

Google Earth, edited by author

figure 3.8 pg 19

Community Plan Proposal

Google Earth, City of San Diego, edited by author

figure 3.9 pg 20

Program

by author

figure 3.10 pg 22

Exhibition Road After remodel. Massey)

Massey,R. (n.d.). [Exhibition Road]. Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094939/Britains-longest-clutter-free-street-unveiled-make-things-SAFER.html

figure 3.11 pg 22

Drachten Intersection.

Mihaly, W. (n.d.). [Drachten Intersection]. Retrieved from https:// streetswithoutcars.wordpress.com/tag/drachten/

figure 3.12 pg 23

Exhibition Road After remodel.

Massey,R. (n.d.). [Exhibition Road]. Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094939/Britains-longest-clutter-free-street-unveiled-make-things-SAFER.html

figure 3.13 pg 23

Exhibition Road Before remodel.

Massey,R. (n.d.). [Exhibition Road]. Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094939/Britains-longest-clutter-free-street-unveiled-make-things-SAFER.html

figure 3.14 pg 24

Parc de la Villette Scheme.

Parc de la Villette [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://bustler.net/news/3476/bernard-tschumi-retrospective-opens-onapril-30-at-centre-pompidou-paris

figure 3.15 pg 25

Woonerf.

Woonerf. (n.d.). Retrieved June 08, 2017, from https://www.fhwa.dot. gov/publications/research/safety/pedbike/05085/chapt20.cfm

figure 4.1 pg 27

Thrusters Diagram

by author

figure 4.2 pg 28

Fragment, Labyrinth and Rhizome Studies

City of San Diego, Edited by author

figure 4.3 pg 28

Fragment, Labyrinth and Rhizome Studies

by author

figure 4.4 pg 28

Fragment, Labyrinth and Rhizome Studies

by author

figure 4.5 pg 28

Fragment, Labyrinth and Rhizome Studies

by author

49

figure 4.6 pg 29

Initial Sketch

by author

figure 4.7 pg 29

Initial Sketch

by author

figure 4.8 pg 30

Fragment, by author Labyrinth, Rhizome Concept Winter Quarter FinalGoogle Earth, Edited by author Project

figure 4.9 pg 31

figure 4.10 pg 32 figure 4.11 pg 32

Landmark concept. by author Landmark concept. by author

figure 4.12 pg 33

by author Proposal for Sports Arena Boulevard and Kobey Swap Meet

figure 4.13 pg 33

Shared Space Initial Sketch

by author

figure 4.14 pg 34

Shared Space System

by author

figure 4.15 pg 34

Open Public Spaces.

by author

figure 4.16 pg 34

Swap Meet as street market

by author

figure 4.17 pg 35

Winter Quarter Final Master Plan Proposal Design Proposal compared to community plan proposal

by author

figure 4.18 pg 35

figure 4.19 pg 36-37 Longitudinal

by author

by author

Section figure 4.20 pg 36

50

Acoustic Shell

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http:// aasarchitecture.com/2014/09/acoustic-shells-flanagan-lawrence.html)

figure 4.21 pg 38

Shared Space and Plaza

by author

figure 4.22 pg 38

Parklet

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/71/ ba/02/71ba02e406049fb10844f4cde1e61f8b.jpg

figure 4.23 pg 38

Transition from pavement into vegetation

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from thttp://www.archdaily.com/871766/the-garden-eikebecker-architekten/5920df3fe58ecef317000694-thegarden-eike-becker-architekten-photo#_=_

figure 4.24 pg 39

Plaza in Aachen Bahnhofplatz, Belgium with pedestrian crossing

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://images.adsttc.com/media/images/532b/ ca12/c07a/80c2/7300/008f/large_jpg/14_Hempel_ Tag_A_1602-38.jpg?1395378690

figure 4.25 pg 40 Shared Space

by author

figure 4.26 pg 40 Paving Detail

John, C. (n.d.). [Digital image]. Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://www.carusostjohn.com/projects/stortorget/

figure 4.27 pg 40 Paving Material

John, C. (n.d.). [Digital image]. Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://www.carusostjohn.com/projects/stortorget/

Section in dierent situations.

figure 4.28 pg 41 Pedestrian pathway

by author

inspired by the Mission Beach connections from the beach to the bay. figure 4.29 pg 41 Soft Intersection.

by author

Roughness of the pavement suggest vehicular speed.

51

Appendix A Winter Final Boards

MILLENIALS VALUES: WANT TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREATER, STILL VALUE INDIVIDUALITY AND UNIQUENESS path > destination destination < path

San Diego, CA

VALUE

X

Midway District

AUTHENTICITY

IF...

=

PLACE ATTACHMENT

THEN...

“[...] not only the city shape the way we move but our movements shape the city in return...”

Charles Montgomery - Happy City “I’m just a surfer who wanted to build something that would allow me to surf longer.”

Jack O’Neill

favela fragment > labyrinth > rizoma against the rational way of thinking and creating; acceptance of multiplicity and complexity.

LIBERTY STATION

Spring Midterm Boards

Luptas ditium et dolenis qui apitiat voluptat ligniminto voloris endi aspere venim idus, officiisquia et facereriam et dolla sum hitatum ex

monument city park

3 min walk

sus molupta ernaten ienditatur accum repudia dolores dolendent rerit plaut fuga. Molupid eli-

shared space system

p Sunset Plaza

shared space system

p neighborhood park

3 min w

p

Sunset Plaza

p Sunset Plaza 60000

190000

CITY BLOCK: 200x300

226000

PUBLIC SPACE

360000

277000

RESIDENTIAL 30%

280000

p

287000

er

blvd

20% COMMERCIAL

275000 185000

nt

arena

30000

112000

ce

sports

268000

t

85000

133000

si

202000

10%

40%

tr

an

89000

646464

program existant

to

ol

d

to

wn

p

ZERO

MIDWAY DISTRICT’S

3 min walk

88.6 acres

proposed

community plan 17.6 AC

17 AC 12.3 AC : CONVENTIONAL STREET SYSTEM

12.6 AC : CONVENTIONAL STREET SYSTEM

4.7 AC

5 AC

: PUBLIC PARKS

: PUBLIC PARKS

: SHARED SPACE SYSTEM

lk walk in wal min 3 m

master plan 100ft 100f

Luptas ditium et dolenis qui apitiat voluptat ligniminto voloris endi aspere venim idus, officiisquia et facereriam et dolla sum hitatum ex peris sus molupta ernaten ienditatur accum repudia dolores dolendent rerit plaut fuga. Molupid eliquos sundiciet ommolup taturitati dem as eossumqui non nonse optam, qui ut lacerae verem. Uptur asped utatem sita quidel id ut adis nonsequis numque nusamusae ditibus andit qui cullanditat autecatendae voloreic tem rese vitaspelia quiscip suntus aut harci ipit a sitatem ipsuntur saped ut dessimus.

Iquamus si culpa nis debitisnosam

hicipic ienime perovid millaccae. Berempos ea velestrum et voluptatur, non nimagni hilitatem autas maios nonsentorem quos in nonsed quis voloribus eum asped mos sitasitiis cus maximil ipsus qui te soluptatat officid quodis con nos dolorum si ini vollut audicidus ut que

existent fragments DIRECTION+PURPOSE: LANDMARKS AND PUBLIC SPACE AS FOCAL POINTS

kobe swap meet and sports arena blvd space for swap meet to occur on sports arena blvd filling in the voids

connecting fragments: maze with multiple exits and enrties.

COMPLEXITY+fragments: fragments that create a complex “grid” an a unique and organic arrangement

connecting fragments: maze with one entry and one exit

kobe swap meet and sports arena blvd space for swap meet to occur on sports arena blvd

organic village: recreatiion of organic village in contemporary city

sunset plaza and public landmark landmark with mirrors that bounces the sunset light onto reflevtive structure located in plazas SHARED SPACE

CARS + PEDESTRIANS SHARE THE ROAD. THE ROUGHN TEXTURE OF THE PAVEMENT INDICATES THAT CARS SHOULD MOVE SLOW. PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO MOVE IN THE SPACES WHERE THE TEXTURE IS SOFTER. NO PHYSICAL BARRIES OR SIGNAGES REQUIRE THAT PEDESTRIANS CYCLISTS AND DRIVERS BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS, CREATING A COLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT.

kobe swap meet and sports arena blvd space for swap meet to occur on sports arena blvd

SOFT INTERSECTION

A COLLABORATIVE INTERSECTION THAT USES DIFFERENT SIZES OF STONE TO CONTROL TRAFFIC SPEED.

ciisquia et facereriam et dolla sum hitatum ex sus molupta ernaten ienditatur accum repudia dolores dolendent rerit plaut fuga. Molupid eliquos sundiciet ommolup taturitati dem as eossumqui non nonse optam, qui ut lacerae verem.

Uptur asped utatem sita quidel id ut adis nonsequis numque nusamusae ditibus andit qui cullanditat autecatendae voloreic tem rese vitaspelia quiscip suntus aut harci ipit a sitatem ipsuntur saped ut dessimus.

Iquamus si culpa nis debitis-

nosam hicipic ienime perovid millaccae. Berempos ea velestrum et voluptatur, non

marcella italiano

Spring Final Boards

monument city park

3 min walk

p

BOTTOMTUR N BLVD

p

SHARED SPACE SYSTEM AND SOFT INTERSECTION INSPIRED IN THE DUTCH “WOONERFS, WHERE PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES SHARE THE STREET. THE TEXTURE OF THE PAVEMENT INDICATES USE OF SPACES.

CU

TB

AC

K BL

p

VD TC Old

town

from

p

n 6 mi

p

walk

ce

arena

blvd si

t

sports

nt er

3 min walk

an

p

to

ol

d

to

wn

tr

3 min walk

PARK AND OPEN SPACE NETWORK space for

MIDWAY DISTRICT’S

swap meet to occur on sports arena blvd 3 min walk lk walk in wal min 3 m

master plan 100ft

midway district is located in an strategic region in the city: it is the link between downtown San Diego, San diego Bay and the mission bay and beach area. it is where The north-south (i-5) and east-west (i-8) freeways intersect and give acess to mission bay and mission beach. although it is located next to San Diego’s Old Town, birthplace of the city, this area does not have a strong identity like its neighbor.

Midway district offers commercial support for the communities nearby, filled with parking lots and big box stores, it is far from representing San Diego’s true character.

The Valley View Casino in this neighborhood is home of the San Diego Hockey team and is an important event venue in the city. the decision to keep it in this project is due to the good connections to public transportation and also due to sustainability issues. Also, on the parking lots of the stadium, the kobe swap meet takes place, bringing nearly 25,000 people to shop from the 1,000 vendors every weekend. this area is, therefore, an important gathering point in city with room for development. the main problems in this area include: lack of public space, poor quality of sidewalks and speeding traffic.

SWAP MEET

space for swap meet to occur on sports arena blvd and new proposed main street

HOW DOES A NEIGHBORHOOD PROMOTES TRUST BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND AWARNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT?

existent fragments DIRECTION+PURPOSE: LANDMARKS AND PUBLIC SPACE AS FOCAL POINTS

SURFBOARDS THAT USE A THREE FIN SYSTEM TO GIVE DRIVE AND MANEUVERABILITY ARE KNOWN AS THRUSTERS. THIS PROJECT IS ABOUT DESIGING A NEIGHBORHOOD THAT CELEBRATES THE DESIRE OF GENERATION Y TO LIVE IN A MORE COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT. IT IS NOT ONLY A RESPONSE TO THE INCREASE OF THE RESIDENTIAL DEMAND BY THE INCOMING POPULATION INTO THE CITY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS BUT INTRODUCES NEW DESIGN CONCEPTS TO REDEFINE THE EDGES OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. THIS PROPOSAL IS LOOKING TO INCREASE DENSITY WITHOUT MAKING BUILDINGS TALLER.

BY REDUCING THE SUPPLY OF VECHICULAR ACCESS, IS IT POSSIBLE TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF SURFACE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC SPACE. ALSO, THE SHARED SPACES AND SOFT INTERSECTIONS PROPOSED, MINIMALIZE SINGALIZATION CLUTTER, SOFTENING THE EDGES WITH WHICH WE INTERACT EVERYDAY. IN THIS PROJECT, THE SHARED SPACE SYSTEM IS INTRODUCED IN THE CITY, OFFERING AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THE LAND AND CREATE A COMMUNITY THAT ENCOURAGES TRUST BETWEEN CITIZENS AND MAXIMIZE AWARNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

existant

SPACE filling in the voids

connecting fragments: maze with multiple exits and enrties.

PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY INSPIRED BY THE CONNECTIONS FROM BEACH TO BAY AT MISSION BEACH

SPORTS ARENA BLVD + SWAP MEET NEW BLVD CAN ACCOMODATE STREET MARKET AND ALL THE VENDORS IN THE SWAP MEET.

soft intersection connecting fragments: maze with one entry and one exit

organic village: recreatiion of organic village in contemporary city

proposed

community plan

program

17.6 AC

17 AC

ZERO

88.6 acres

COMPLEXITY+fragments: fragments that create a complex “grid” an a unique and organic arrangement

CARS + PEDESTRIANS SHARE THE ROAD. The change of texture of the surface controls speed and direction of vehicles and pedestrians. by eliminating physical barriers such as curbs and signalization,people and cars need to move more carefuly being mindful of eachother. these type of interactions create a colaborative environment where there is opportunity to build trust and awarness of the environment.

12.3 AC : CONVENTIONAL STREET SYSTEM

12.6 AC : CONVENTIONAL STREET SYSTEM

4.7 AC

5 AC

: PUBLIC PARKS

: PUBLIC PARKS INSTITUTIONAL PUBLIC SPACE

60000

190000

CITY BLOCK: 200x300

226000

RESIDENTIAL

360000

30%

20%

277000

COMMERCIAL 280000

287000

275000 185000 30000

112000

10%

268000 85000

40%

133000 202000

shared space section

89000

parklet

neighborhood park + acoustic shell

landmark with mirrors that bounces the sunset light onto reflevtive structure located in plazas

valley view casino plaza and community center.

main street section FLANAGAN LAWRENCE

longitudinal section

sunset plaza and public landmark

two way street with curbside parking on both sides

shared space system detail

Appendix B

Original Drawings (by Author)

Original Drawings (by Author)

Original Drawings (by Author)

Original Drawings (by Author)

Original Drawings (by Author)

Original Drawings (by Author)

Original Drawings. Book sketches. (by Author)

Original Watercolor. (by Author)