Chetti, Raymond [Portfolio]

Raymond Chetti University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Urban Planning

Portfolio of Works

1239 America Ave West Babylon, NY, 11704 direct: +1(631) 943 - 6208 e-mail: rjchetti@buffalo.edu

Introduction Dear Viewer, Thank you for taking the time out to view my portfolio! Following my resume, my portfolio is divided into five sections to reflect the skills I have learned during my studies as an environmental design undergrad at the University at Buffalo. These sections are: 1. Data gathering,analysis, and illustration

Illustrator, and Indesign to visually communicate urban planning and design concepts. The assignments in setion three include changing “Helvetica” font to change the mood of an original photograph, designing a poster of M&T Bank Plaza in Buffalo, NY, and designing a PowerPoint Presentation to promote the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Metro Rail system in Buffalo, NY.

2. Unique writing samples

The fourth section includes GIS maps I created for two separate GIS classes. The first project is about identifying areas that are suitable for a community development grant by finding the most 4. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) distressed areas in the City of Buffalo. The other project is about 5. Research project in Environmental Design whether or not financial wellbeing affects whether one may atThe first section focuses on comparing two central cities and their tend a public or private university.

MSA’s. We gathered United States Census data and compiled a database that contained socioeconomic information for both cit- Section five is a culmination of the research and graphic design ies and their respective MSA’s. After gathering total population, skills utilized in earlier sections in order to produce a semester long demographic, median household income, and median housing research report about the concept of “Active Living.” The highlightunit values, we developed a series of graphs to visually commu- ed project includes a poster summarizing the 30 page report. nicate large quantities of data in an easy and legible format. For the purpose of this portfolio, only excerpts from the “Findings,” Once again, thank you for reading and viewing my portfolio. If you happen to have any questions about any of the work you “Charts and Graphs,” and “Conclusions” were used. may see here, please do not hesitate to contact me!

My unique writing samples include two works. The first work is about my definition of “urban planning,” while the other work Sincerely, includes excerpts from a term paper about a plan to revitalize a once vibrant amusement park area in New York City called the “Coney Island Redevelopment Plan.” My “urban planning” paper was one of the first times I questioned, “What is urban planning?” and to this day, I keep that definition close to my heart.

For the other piece we had to pick any plan of our choosing and describe the justifications for each action that the plan called for.

Similar to the first section, this work is also excerpted and does not contain the whole report.

3. Graphic design & digital media

Raymond Chetti

After taking Environmental Design Workshop II, I learned how to utilize graphic design & digital media tools such as Adobe Photoshop,

rjchetti@buffalo.edu +1(631)943-6208

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Resume Education University at Buffalo, The State University of New York Candidate for Bachelor of Arts; May 2010 Major: Environmental Design; Minor: Architecture; GPA 3.55/4.0 School of Architecture and Planning coursework: Environmental Design Workshops I-III, GIS Applications, Basic Real Estate Law, Professional Practice, Research Project in Environmental Design

• Promoted inclusive participation in sustainable community

development by creating a sustainability map of a NYC neighborhood and marketing it to neighborhood residents.

• Enhanced NYC Green Apple Map on Open Green Map website by educating community members about the importance of each sustainable site.

Korea University. Seoul, South Korea Exchange Student, Spring 2008.

GPA: 3.55/4.0

Seoul Design Olympiad (SDO) Conference 2008 (Oct 2008) • Prepared grant application for UB’s CURCA Award, a program that awards up to $500 for grant winners.

• Attended and developed presentation based off of SDO;

delivered presentation to students and faculty at UB.

Work Experience

Leadership Experience

New York City Department of City Planning (June-Aug 2009) Transportation Division Intern & Intern Newsletter Coordinator • Conducted parking surveys by performing site visits; data gathered aided in providing essential information for parking study (“Inner Ring Study”) that aims to resolve the debate over the supply of off-street parking.

• Gathered socio-economic, demographic, car ownership, and journey to work data from U.S. Census and scholarly resources to create charts and graphs; from collected data, performed analysis to better understand how, why and when cars are used or alternatively when mass transit is used.

• Created GIS maps from off-street parking garage surveys; generated maps illustrated origins of commuters at times when the surveys were distributed.

• Coordinated the creation of a “Summer 2009 Intern Newsletter” and managed a design team to ensure that deadlines were met by the Director of City Planning.

Korean Student Association (KSA) (Fall 2008-present) Korean Culture Night Executive Producer, President, and External V.P. • Organizing a student run theatrical performance for April 2010 that features Korean cultural performances by over 75 staff and cast. Expects to attract over 300 audience members. Awarded $300 from SBI Programming Grant; managing Finance Team to seek private sponsorships.

• Grew club membership and participation in KSA community service events, social gatherings, and fundraising activities by managing an executive board and facilitating general meetings.

University Residence Halls and Apartments (URH&A) (Fall 2007) Resident Advisor • Resolved conflict amongst residents by developing a positive living environment that was designed to link university resources, residence hall staff, and residents.

Awards

Green Map System, Inc. (Dec 2008-Jan2009) - New York, NY Intern Capital One Bank Foundation Scholarship • Piloted education module designed to engage teens in experiencing, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society learning about, and mapping everything their neighborhood offers Dean’s List for sustainable living.

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Data Gathering, Analysis, and Illustration Project 1: City vs MSA Comparison

Limitations

It was impossible to find census data for the year 2010. For-

Developed a comprehensive report with charts and tunately, it was possible to base the 2010 population off of the graphs to illustrate our findings based off United States United States Census estimate for the year 2007 and data from 2000. The formula to determine the 2010 population of SpringCensus Bureau data from 1950-2010, Research Methods

field, MA, San Jose, CA, and their MSAs are as follows:

1. Census data was collected from the United States government website called American FactFinder. Since decennial census data had to be collected for total population, racial composition, Findings median household income, and median housing unit value from 1950 – 2007, American FactFinder was the perfect resource to Starting from 1950, the City of Springfield startlocate data for 1990 and 2000. ed off with a population 2. After collecting data for 1990 and 2000, data had to be then gain of 7%, but quickly collected for 1950—1980. The only way to do this was to search lost 13% of its total popthrough printed versions of the United States Census for the ulation within a period of years 1950 – 1980.

20 years between 1960 – 3. After researching all of the census data that was needed, the 1980 (Fig 1). During the numbers were then compiled into an Excel document for easy eighties, Springfield exviewing. While monetary values for the years 1950—2000 were perienced a rather small in their own value (not fixed for 2007 inflation values), these val- population increase of Fig 1: Graph illustrating Springfield MA pop decline while its MSA’s pop increases. ues were then converted (median household income and median 3%, only to lose 5% of Source: U.S. Census Bureau housing unit value) into 2007 dollars (adjusted for inflation) by its total population be- Graph: Generated by author using the United States Department of Labor inflation calculator tween 1990-2010. The City of Springfield lost a total of 6% of (http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm). population from 1950 - 2000 and is expected to lose a total of 4. Based off the modified census data, charts, graphs, and pie 10% of its population by the year 2010. graphs were then created that portrayed population change, de- Unlike the city’s population loss, Springfield’s MSA experienced a tremographic composition, median household income, and median mendous population gain between 1950 – 2000 and is expected to housing unit value for the years 1950—2007 (for projecting pop- substantially grow in population between 2000 – 2010 (Fig 1). Accordulation, projected population was calculated for 2010 by using a ing to the US Census, Springfield’s MSA grew by 33% between the fifformula noted below). ties and sixties and then experienced a small population loss of 2% in

the seventies. However, after a period of dormitory population growth in the eighties, the population grew by 11% during the nineties and is expected to grow by more than a 35% of its total population between 2000 – 2010. Between 1950 - 2000, Springfield’s MSA grew by 45% and is expected to grow by an additional 35% by the year 2010.

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Data Gathering, Analysis, and Illustration (cont’d) Unlike Springfield, there has been continual population growth in the City of San Jose, since 1950.

The most rapid periods of growth occurred in the fifties and sixties.

During each decade, the population grew by over 110% (Fig 2). The rate of growth has slowed, Fig 2: Rapid population increase in San Jose and its MSA U.S. Census Bureau but the city’s population Source: Graph: Generated by author continued to grow nonetheless. It grew by 41% in the seventies, 24% in the eighties, and and 14% in the nineties. The US Census predicts a 7% increase between 2000 and 2010. When compared with Springfield’s expected population loss of 11% from 1950 – 2010, San Jose’s population growth should be immense come 2010. It is expected to have gained a 910% increase in population since 1950.

Following a similar population growth pattern to the City of San Jose, San Jose’s MSA continually grew since 1950. The most rapid periods of growth also occurred in the fifties and sixties where the population grew over 120% in the fifties and 65% in the sixties (Fig 2). Following the sixties, the population growth of San Jose’s MSA slowed down, but continued to grow. It grew by 21% in the seventies, 15% in the eighties, and 12% in the nineties. According to the 2010 population estimate formula and the population growth formula listed above, San Jose’s MSA is expected to grow by an additional 10% between 2000 – 2010. When compared to the city’s 910% increase in population from 1950, the MSA is expected to have gained a 580% increase in population since 1950.

Charts and Graphs

Fig 3: Graph illustrating rapid increase in non-white population.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau Graph: Generated by author

Fig 4: Graph illustrating minute increase in non-white population.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau Graph: Generated by author

Fig 5: Rapid increase in non-black population Source: U.S. Census Bureau Graph: Generated by author

Fig 6: Similar trend as Fig 5 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Graph: Generated by author

Conclusion According to data from the US Census Bureau, the following conclusions may be made: Both cities have become ethnically diverse over time, but San Jose and its MSA experienced a more rapid increase in non-black minorities. By 2000, San Jose’s non-black minority population surpassed the white population. Springfield saw steady and gradual increases in black population since 1950, while its MSA experienced a minute increase in both minority populations. While Springfield’s black population was gradually increasing, the city experienced a non-black inward migration during the seventies. In both cities, non-white populations grew faster than in their MSAs...

Sources Sited American Factfinder. (2008, October 7). US Census. Retrieved October 7, 2008,

http://factfinder.census.gov United States, Bureau of Census. (1950). Census of population. California.

United States, Bureau of Census. (1950). Census of population. Massachusetts.

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Unique Writing Samples Project 2: “Planning as a Concept” Defined “urban planning” and described what it means to us.

"Planning" may be understood different ways by a number of various and diverse individuals. If you ask anyone walking around on the street, “What is your definition of “planning,” they will surely all give you different answers. However, when one thinks about what "planning" is, the most general definition is: thinking about a specific topic or event ahead of time. For example, your mother is turning fifty and you want to PLAN the best "half-a-century-old" surprise party ever. Of course when thinking about this surprise party, there are a number of factors one must account for: what venue, the guest list, the presents, what time people will get there, etc.

Unfortunately, the concept of “urban planning” maybe a term that is unknown to some. Even though the addition of one term might create a whole new concept, the concept of "urban planning" bears a similar meaning to the previously noted definition of “planning.” While the thought of “planning” a surprise party, small get together, or date is clear to many, “urban planning” involves thinking about a particular project or action that will have an effect on the social environment of the affected surroundings (humans and environment included). When developing these projects or actions, the framework thinkers’ intention is to improve the welfare of not only human beings, but also the environment as well. By thinking about the physical and built environment and how it affects our social well being, we can better improve our everyday lives and those of future generations.

from a distant source to their city via the aqueduct system. After developing this physical infrastructure of the aqueduct, the Romans were able to use fresh water comfortably to live better lives.

It took hard work and determination by a diverse range of individuals to complete the task of building this aqueduct system. During the planning process, scholars, early urban planners, architects, engineers, government officials and even the community had to work together. While focusing on finding solutions to the problem, gaining a mutual consensus of certain individuals and the cooperation of all those involved in the project are key to the project’s success. It would not have been possible otherwise.

The concept of “urban planning” was and will be an important factor that will help improve the lives of all living things and their environment.

Since the early days of human civilization, urban planning has played a critical role in the evolution of the human society in which we know today. For example, the complex aqueduct system that was developed by the ancient Romans helped bring fresh water to their thriving cities. Before the aqueduct system could be built, scholars, engineers, and early urban planners of Rome identified the problem of a lack of fresh water to be a problematic issue to the city’s growth and survival. After discovering the problem, they developed the theory of bringing fresh water

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Unique Writing Samples (cont’d) Since the closing of Steeplechase Park in 1964, the amusement area has kept shrinking year by year. Only a few landmark icons Analyzed, critiqued, and commented on the justifica- of the historic Coney Island remain. While developing a master tions of the Coney Island Redevelopment Plan (2007). plan to promote economic growth and development in this area, the Coney Island Development Corporation calls for the historic Background and Introduction to Coney Island preservation of existing landmarks in an effort to respect Coney During the early to mid-20th century, Coney Island was con- Island’s rich history (Fig 3). sidered the premier urban getaway destination. Devoid of the stresses associated with urban living, people of all ages, races, and backgrounds came to gather at Coney Island for its exciting and vibrant entertainment district that was once defined by its three prominent amusement parks: 1. Steeplechase Park (1897 – 1964) 2. Luna Park (1903 – 1946) 3. Dreamland (1904 – 1911) Fig 3: Historic landmarks marked for preservation Fig 2: Existing C7 zoning and rezoning

Project 3: Coney Island Redevelopment Plan

By 1970, these amusement parks went out of business and Coney Island was beginning to show signs of decline and disinvestment. According to the Coney Island Development Corporation(CIDC), the size of the amusement area shrunk by more than half its original size during its transition from one of New York’s most exciting areas to one of New York’s fastest declining areas (Fig 1). While losing a considerable portion of its amusement park area to poor investment and restrictive zoning codes, Coney Island’s once historic district is presently defined by vacant areas, empty parking lots, limited employment opportunities, and limited signs of street life.

Image Source: New York City Department of City Planning

Image Source: New York City Department of City Planning

Proposed Rezoning Plan

Coney Island amusement area—pre park closures.

While the current C7 zone restriction limits development only to large, open amusement uses, the new rezoning plan seeks to create three distinct districts that have varying land uses.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the plan uses Stillwell Avenue, Surf Avenue, 4: Creation of separate districts within and Keyspan Park as edge bound- Fig rezoning boundary Image New York City Departaries to distinguish three separate ment of Source: City Planning districts referred to as Coney West, Coney North, and Coney East. As noted by the illustration, Fig 1: Coney Island amusement area Coney West and North will be zoned for mixed-use properties shrinking since the closing of its three that integrate both residential and retail land uses. Coney East prominent amusement parks, post 1965 Image Source: Coney Island Develop- is specifically designated to build upon and further develop Coney ment Corporation Island’s open amusements while also adding enclosed amuseExisting Conditions ments, entertainment retail and hotels to create an environment According to the New York City Department of City Plan- that would develop year-round businesses. ning, the area that is to be rezoned is currently C7, a While each of these three districts are defined by specific land commercial district limited to large open amusement uses (Fig 2). uses, the City of New York also determined that each district will be required to abide by certain urban design guidelines. In an Residential housing is not permitted here.

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Unique Writing Samples (cont’d) effort to preserve Coney Island’s historic character and landscape, these guidelines would establish each district with their own set of special zoning codes that would define building densities and maximum heights. In an effort to preserve the historical character that Coney Island is known for, these guidelines would also help create appropriate transitions into surrounding neighborhoods.

Justifications Coney North & West - Residential & Retail District According to the New York City Department of City Planning, together, both of these mixed use development districts would create approximately an additional 450,000 new housing units (900 of them being affordable housing units) while also adding 460,000 square feet in retail. As illustrated in Fig 5: Detailed Coney Island North, West, and East rezoning plan Figure 6, the rezoning plan calls for Image Source: New York City Department the creation of mixed-use residen- of City Planning tial neighborhoods with ground floor retail within Coney North and West. It would also designate the parcels along Surf Avenue to be mixed-use residential with ground floor retail.

1. As stated in New York City’s comprehensive document , “PlaNYC 2030,” New York City will need an additional 265,000 housing units to accommodate their rapidly growing population by 2030. As estimated in their document “New York City Population Projections

by Age/Sex and Borough 2000 - 2030,” New York City is expected to grow by over 1 million people while Brooklyn alone is expected to grow by about 250,000 people by that year. In preparation for this rapid population increase, this rezoning plan intends to create a bulk of additional housing units to sustain the anticipated needs of New York City and the borough of Brooklyn.

2. According to the New York City Department of City Planning, “the proposed demapping of the existing park area requires the replacement of an equal amount of parkland and approval of New York State legislation.” While obeying these specific guidelines outlined by New York State, the area east of Keyspan

Park and west of the Cyclone would be mapped as newly created parkland. As illustrated in Figure 6, the remapped parkland area will create a continuous outdoor amusement park area along Coney Island’s historic Boardwalk, and will also create a newly mapped park that will embrace the area’s unique beachfront location.

Through the creation of a continuous outdoor amusement park area and a boardwalk park, the plan hopes to improve the visibility and walk ability for pedestrians from surrounding neighborhoods to the beach and historic Boardwalk.

Fig 6: Remapping of existing parkland area (currently used as parking lots) from light green areas to dark green areas in effort to: 1) create continuous outdoor amusement park area, 2) create vibrant mixed use residential neighborhood in Coney West, 3) create new boardwalk park to enhance pedestrian connections between surrounding neighborhoods and boardwalk.

Image Source: New York City Department of City Planning

3. Despite the lack of space designated for parking in the rezoning plan, the Coney Island Development Corporation’s Strategic Plan encourages private developers to create public parking spaces within their own private lots and parcels. The lack of parking areas in the rezoning plan could be an initiative led by New York City to create pedes- Fig 7: Gwanghwamun Plaza project—cut of trian-friendly environments where the focus traffic lanes and creation of public plaza.

Image Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government of the design is the human being, not the automobile. In a case study based in Seoul, S. Korea, the current mayor is attempting to transform their “hard city,” a city revolving around the automobile, into a “soft city,” a city that is human and pedestrian-orientated. In Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza project, a major traffic artery located in downtown Seoul will be transformed from a 16 lane road into a 10 lane road. With the extra space from the removal of these six traffic lanes, the Seoul Metropolitan Government intends on creating a public plaza that will enhance and enrich the neighborhood’s cultural atmosphere (Fig 8). Similar to Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza project, the lack of space designated for parking and automobiles is a step for New York City in becoming a pedestrian-oriented society where the focus of the design is the pedestrian, not the automobile.

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Unique Writing Samples (cont’d) Coney East - Open & Enclosed Amusements, Entertainment Retail, and Hotel Coney Island Rezoning Plan According to the New York City Department of City Planning and the Coney Island Development Corporation, it is possible to revitalize the historic amusement park and entertainment district by preserving and building upon Coney Island’s iconic landmarks and open amusements while adding enclosed amusements, entertainment retail, and hotels. While the amusement park would be anchored by the Wonder Wheel, Parachute Jump, and the Cyclone, the addition of modern and traditional rides, enclosed amusements, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment retail (bowling alleys, movie theatres, and performance venues) would complement the open amusement area by creating a vibrant, year-round entertainment district that would embrace a broader range of entertainment goods and services than the previous C7 zoning plan allowed for.

Visions and Goals of Coney Island Development Comprehensive Rezoning Plan

New York City Department of City Planning. 2008. Coney Island

Comprehensive Rezoning Plan.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/coney_island/index.

shtml (accessed November 10, 2008).

Coney Island Development Corporation. 2008. Coney Island

Development Corporation. http://www.thecidc.

org/ (accessed November 10, 2008).

Sources Cited Coney Island Development Corporation. 2008. Coney Island

Through the Ages. http://www.thecidc.org/News/

PressKit.html (accessed November 19, 2008).

New York City Department of City Planning. 2008. New York City Population projects by Age/Sex and Borough, According to the Coney Island Development Corporation, their

2000 - 2030. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/ four primary goals are:

census/popproj.shtml (accessed November 21, 2008).

1. Create and foster an environment that would develop year PlaNYC 2030. 2008. Land, Housing. round businesses to strengthen the Coney Island economy.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/plan/land_

housing.shtml (accessed November 21, 2008).

2. Improve neighborhood conditions and quality of life, parks and other community facilities.

Seoul Metropolitan Government. 2006. Traffic artery to make way for public plaza. http://english.seoul.go.kr/today/ 3. Facilitate the development of vacant and underutilized properties.

news/newsclip/1239894_3675.html (accessed

November 21, 2008).

4. Encourage the development of new housing to create a stable consumer base in the neighborhood.

With these goals in mind, the Coney Island Rezoning Plan and the Coney Island Strategic Plan successfully create conditions and possibilities for these visions to become a reality; a reality where Coney Island is born once again as America’s Playground.

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Graphic Design & Digital Media Project 4: “Finding Helvetica” Found examples of “Helvetica” font in the urban environment and digitally altered the originals to change the “mood.”

Original Photographs

Altered Images

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Graphic Design & Digital Media (cont’d) Project 5: M&T Bank Plaza Poster Designed maps and poster for M&T Plaza using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

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Graphic Design & Digital Media (cont’d) Project 6: NFTA Metro Rail Presentation Designed a PowerPoint Presentation promoting NFTA Metro Rail. Created several graphics for PowerPoint.

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Graphic Design & Digital Media (cont’d) Project 6: NFTA Metro Rail Presentation (cont’d) Designed a PowerPoint Presentation promoting NFTA Metro Rail. Created several graphics for PowerPoint.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Project 7: Targeting Community Development Funds Identified distressed areas in the City of Buffalo that would be suitable for a community development grant by identified Census Block Groups who experienced a high level of Intrametropolitan and Intercity Hardship Index (IIHI). The IIHI is measured by: unemployment, dependency, education, crowded housing, poverty, vacancy, and housing built before 1939.

Grouped together common land use types (ex: 210, 311, etc) by parcel to see which groups of parcels whose total assessed value is less than $100,000 and whose area is greater than 1/3 of an acre.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Project 8: Money, Education, and Race Identified where wealthy and financially depressed college students lived and analyzed whether or not their financial wellbeing (measured by median household income) restricted a person’s ability to attend a public or private college.

Lighter parcels represent lower incomes. Red dots represent private college attendees while blue represent public college attendees

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Research Project in Environmental Design Project 9: Bus Shelter Redesign Researched and authored a 30 page report about the importance of a well designed bus shelter and its relationship in shaping healthy, active lifestyles (research has proven that walking to and from public transportation is effective in achieving the Surgeon General’s recommended 30 minutes of physical activity per day). Studied best practices in bus shelter design and developed recommendations for Buffalo’s NFTA bus shelter.

This poster summarizes the primary findings of the study.

Free to Roam:

Planning for an Active Buffalo

Bus Shelter Redesign Public Transit’s Role in Active Living

Studies have proven, walking to and from public transit directly increases levels of physical activity and reduces levels of obesity.

The purpose of this study is to suggest design recommendations to improve NFTA bus shelters and promote public transit as a healthy, alternative mode of transportation.

Increased Physical Activity & Lower Obesity

Taking Public Transportation

Less Money Spent on Obesity Related Costs

$ $ $ Existing Conditions & Issues NFTA Metro Bus Shelter at Main & Division Streets

The existing NFTA bus shelter lacks essential necessities that might discouage bus ridership.

Blank advertisement portrays the image of neglect.

The only bus information that users are provided.

MEASUREMENTS Front View

Side View

44½” 5¾” 17½” 79”

19½”

11¼”

19½” 49”

The measurements of the bus shelter. One seat occupies an approximate 20”. Since there is about 80” of space between the advertisement panel and the closest seat, an additional one or two seats can be added provided that 40” be reserved for wheelchair like vehicles (minimum 36”)3. The shelter width does not conform with Universal Design standards of 5’ (60”)3.

Toronto Solar Power, LED Lighting & Weather-Proof Design • Solar power does not add extra expenses to the city’s electrical bill, but pumps excess electricity back into its grid4.

• Estimated to save $200 per shelter / per year in electricity5.

• LED lighting is energy efficient, can last up to 100,000 hours, and can withstand temperatures -22°F - 122°F6.

• The enclosed shelter on all four sides protect passengers from incliment weather. The tilted roof also forces rain and snow to fall behind the shelter.

• Also features: bus station name, clear transit schedules and maps.

$48,000

Obesity costs an extra in health care costs per person where $35,200 is paid for by Medicare and other public sources2.

Recommendations 1) Installation of solar panels or PV cells to generate solar power.

2) L.E.D. lighting - advertisement panels or direct lighting above. Lighting should provide 2 to 5 footcandles and be able to illuminate bus patron’s faces3. Light sources should also be vandal-proof, but easily maintained (not exposed).

3) NextBus / GPS technology & WiFi. 4) Enclosed Design/tilted roof to protect from wind and inclement weather.

5) Installation of bus route, schedule information, universal bus pictogram, and bus station name. Ensure they are easily legible for persons with wheelchairs or visual impairments.

6) More seating for stops with higher ridership.

2) Edwards, R. (2007). Public transit, walking, and health: Assessing the

magnitudes. Retrieved from CUNY, School of Economics Queens College

CUNY Website: http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/~redwards/Papers/edwards-ht.pdf

$10,000 in

Walking to and from public transit can save obesity related helth care costs in a person’s lifetime2.

The current NFTA bus shelter presents a challenge for new riders, while continuing riders might also experience some difficulties in their commute. After examining the existing bus shelter conditions, there are a number of issues that might inhibit or discourage new users and confuse continuing users from taking NFTA Metro Bus. Issue 1: Lack of Information

Issue 2: Lack of Direct Lighting

Issue 3: Lack of Seating

Issue 4: Lack of Universal Bus Sign

Issue 5: Awkward Advertising

Issue 6: Small Shelter Width

• No schedule information.

• No individual or regional bus route map(s).

• No “station name” sign.

• Customer service number confusing for first time passengers

• Not enough seating to meet demand of transit passengers at certain stops.

• Advertising NFTA info (website/phone number) 3 times at the same shelter.

• NFTA ad panel could be used for a different ad to generate revenue.

• No direct bus shelter lighting to provide a greater perception of safety.

• Direct bus shelter lighting decreases accidental drive-bys.

• In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a shelter should include a pictogram indicating that the shelter is a bus stop3.

• In accordance with the design principles of Universal Design, a shelter should be 9’ long and 5’ wide3. The existing shelter is only a little larger than 4’ wide (49”).

San Francisco NextBus (GPS Technology) & WiFi • Real time next bus displays indicating when the next bus will arrive along with a push-to-talk system for visually impaired7.

• Passengers are able to make informed decisions by knowing exactly how much longer they have to wait.

• WiFi enables passengers to view real time next bus information online from from their wireless enabled device and provides passengers a more convenient commute.

• Also features: 75% recycled materials used for steel frame & 40% post industrial recycled materials for red polycarbonate roof reduce maintenance costs & resist problems7.

Design Recommendations / Further Study

While the installation and maintenance of modernized shelters might require a upfront capital investments, cities are looking to private, outdoor advertising companies to help alleviate the cost of the project and are getting them installed free of charge.

Fall 2009

Surgeon General’s recommended ≥30 minutes of physical activity just by walking to and from public transit1.

Best Practices

Cost Implications

PD450 SUNY at Buffalo

29% of Americans who walk to public transit achieve the

Works Cited 1)Besser, L., Dannenberg, A. (2005). Walking to public transit: steps to help

meet physical activity recommendations. American Journal of Preventive

Medicine, 29 (4), 273-280. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov

3) Easter Seals Project Action. (2006). Toolkit for the assessment of bus stop

accessibility and safety. Retrieved from http://projectaction.easterseals.com 4) Lombardi, C. (2009). Solar bus shelters for San Francisco. Retrieved from http://news.cnet.com 5) Environmental Leader. (2006). Chicago pilots solar bus shelters, rubber

sidewalks. Retrieved from http://www.environmentalleader.com 6) Urban Solar Corp. (2009). Solar lighting for transit. Retrieved from http://

www.urbansolarcorp.com/ 7) Roth, M. (2009). Mayor Newsom and MTA cut ribbon on new solar bus

shelters. Retrieved from http://sf.streetsblog.org 8) Buffalo Rising. (2008). NFTA maps, new ideas. Retrieved from

http://archives.bu_alorising.com

Issues to be considered for Further Study

1) Universal Design versus Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements: Universal Design involves designing for all, not just individuals with disabilities.

2) Heated bus shelters / heated seating: Potential to provide a more comfortable bus commute during Buffalo’s cold, wintery season.

3) NFTA bus route maps: According to an article in the Buffalo Rising, current NFTA maps are unclear8. A potential redesign to make maps more legible might make transit passengers feel more comfortable in their commute.

4) Futuristic bus stops such as the “Eyestop” by MIT’s Sensible Lab are an innovative way to look at bus shelter redesigns9. The shelter includes a touch screen for interactive trip planning, community notice board, tourist information, & grafitti.

Cities like New York10 and San Francisco7 have signed advertising contracts with businesses like Cemusa and Clear Channel. In return for control of the advertising or a portion of ad revenue, these companies agree to install and maintan the shelters free of charge.

R. Chetti

9)MIT Sensible Lab. (2009). Eyestop: PPT. Retrieved from

http://senseable.mit.edu/eyestop/ 10) New York City Department of Transportation. (2009). Pedestrians &

sidewalks, CSFF coordinated street furniture: identity and amenity.

Retrieved from http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/

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Raymond Chetti University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Urban Planning

Portfolio of Works

1239 America Ave West Babylon, NY, 11704 direct: +1(631) 943 - 6208 e-mail: rjchetti@buffalo.edu