CUTS
Lookout Mountain GA + TN
2018/2019 UGA College of Environment + Design Studio Project
1
9
Introduction
Credits
Intro Statement
Project Description + Background Information
Participants Involved in Producing This Project
Project Description + Process Description
11
13
14
Scope
Application Site
Systems Process
Incorporated Project Zones
Lookout Mountain Boundary
System Selections per Semester
15
17
21
Timeline
Demographics
Existing Publications
Project Tasks Order Over Two Semesters
Who Are the People of Lookout Mountain?
Regional Publications on the Topic
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25 Strava
27
Analysis
Description + Images of Options
Description + Reason for Use of Software
Exploration + Research Prior to Design
Alternative Transportation
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3
29
30 SWOT
Typologies
Analysis of Other Successful Projects
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
Categorizing Potential Design Elements
44
59
Design
61
Community
Collection of SiteSpecific Studies
Designing the Future of Lookout Mountain
Individual Projects Related to the Community
79
97
147
Precedent Studies
Site Analysis
41
Environment
Conveyance
Conclusion
Individual Projects Related to the Environment
Individual Projects Related to Conveyance
Summary + Lessons Learned
149
Connectivity Phasing Collective Map of the Phased Steps
CONTENTS
3
INTRO
1
2
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
DESIGN TEAM
Professor: Doug Pardue Project Manager: Rachael Shields Fall Semester Graduate Students: Chenlu Li Erika Schroeder Jacob Schindler Keely McDonald Kelsey Brooks Lucy Robertson Mary Mathis Matthew Dean Yakun Wang Zitao Cui Zongying Peng Spring Semester Undergraduate Students: John Adeyemi
Ziao Tan
Alex Armstrong
Avery Tew
Sydonne Blake
Ailin Yang
Carolyn Bresnahan
Liangwei Yu
Tyler Britton
Zhexin Yu
Triston Haymaan Jordan Fraser Hunter Kim Jon Qualls Graham Powell Nathan Rhineheimer 3
CREDITS CARL VINSON INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate
LYNDHURST FOUNDATION Benic “Bruz” Clark, President & Treasurer Macon Toledano, Assistant Director
THRIVE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP Bridgett Massengill, President & CEO
CITY OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA David Bennett, Mayor Jimmy Campbell, Planning Committee Kenny Lee, Planning Committee Fred Thompson, Planning Committee Cindy Whitaker, Planning Committee Bill Chapin, Advisory Citizen
CITY OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TN Walker Jones, Mayor
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TRAIL NETWORK DISCUSSION
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STUDIO CRITIQUE: ECOLOGICAL TEAM
GIS ANALYSIS
6
ROUTE CONNECTIVITY
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DEMOGRAPHICS STUDY
INDIVIDUAL TYPOLOGY DESIGN
8
INTRODUCTION STATEMENT This book was a collaboration between the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design, with financial support provided by the Lyndhurst Foundation. The Lookout Mountain project began with the Urban Outreach Studio, taught by Professor Doug Pardue. It is offered to students as a final design studio in the Master of Landscape Architecture program. The studio’s objective is to allow students to engage with a community in a collaborative design relationship. The project was continued the following semester by fourth-year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture students with a similar studio description. The studios combine realworld community improvement of connectivity and unity with the approach of an academic environment. A university setting allows for experimentation that may not be achievable by an independent design firm. This project was initially suggested to Professor Pardue as simply helping Lookout Mountain, Georgia, improve its connectivity. However, with a city separated by the Georgia-Tennessee line, the purpose expanded beyond state, county, and city boundaries. This meant the project would consider not only Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, but an entire portion of the Chattanooga Metropolitan area set forth by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County / North Georgia Transportation Planning Organization. The studio named this region the Chattanooga Urban Trail System or CUTS. It was essential to consider more than just the cities of Lookout Mountain because connectivity is a regional affair. Residents and tourists enjoy the entire region including and surrounding Lookout Mountain and need connection options to its entirety. It is a difficult site in which to achieve connectivity due to its steep topography and limited buildable area, but it is not impossible. Lookout Mountain is a truly unique setting with amazing natural areas and history largely because of the topography. It is close to Chattanooga but yet offers a sense of seclusion and quiet respite from the city. Lookout Mountain attracts an uncommon collection of tourists: those pursuing its kitschy amenities and fairyland theme, and those seeking a spectacular view or an exploration of the mountain’s robust trail network. Additionally, its one-of-a-kind atmosphere attracts wealthier individuals with the financial means to aid in the improvement of the community. The academic process involved tackling the problem with a systems level approach, using CUTS as an overall system accompanied by a variety of sub-systems. Systems are found in every design project, and a systems-level analysis is needed to understand a project of this scale and complexity. The systems are all intertwined 9
and when separated, allow elaborate multifaceted problems to be understood in manageable bits. Lookout Mountain then becomes an application area of design implementable throughout the entire CUTS region. The idea of an application area leads to the concept of typologies or a standard set of design characteristics that can be used as a template and are applicable to many situations. A good example of a typology is a bus stop design; design standards are created that allow bus stops to be built in many locations of varying size and site conditions while still having a cohesive design. As Lookout Mountain is an example site, the typologies designed are meant to apply to the larger regional area of CUTS in addition to several implementation sites on the mountain. Typologies allow designers to design a large area cohesively and in a timely manner. Lastly, the second-semester students designed individual projects with set locations on Lookout Mountain. These provide a variety of design suggestions for specific locations that are not necessarily offered with the typologies. The project was an extensive undertaking aimed at providing Lookout Mountain with the help community leaders asked for as well as challenging students to think deeply and critically about a complex problem that is arguably faced by every city. It is the hope that the presented ideas, designed over months of collaboration and iteration, can provide helpful inspiration to residents about possible design opportunities and indicate implementable connective solutions.
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TENNESSEE CHCNGA-TPO BOUNDARY [CUTS focus area] CHCNGA-TPO Chattanooga-Hamilton County/North Georgia Transportation Planning Organization
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN [cuts application area]
ALABAMA
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THRIVE 2055 REGION [CUTS study area] thrive 2055 Thrive Regional Partnership is a nonprofit organization that sustains responsible, inspired growth across the greater Chattanooga region.
SCOPE OF
PROJECT GEORGIA
* going beyond state, county, + city boundaries
CHATTANOOGA METROPOLITAN AREA
12
PROJECT APPLICATION SITE Lookout Mountain, Tennessee + Georgia
TN GA
13
SYSTEMS PROCESS SYSTEM SET 1 ECOLOGY
SOCIAL
ECONOMIC
SYSTEM SET 2 SEMESTER 1
SEMESTER 2 ECOLOGY
ECOLOGY WATER
RECREATION
RECREATION
SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM & CULTURE
ACCESS ECONOMY TOURISM
WELLNESS
14
SEMESTER 1- 2018 SEMESTER 2- 2019
AUGUST
Received problem statement with an objective of using Lookout Mountain as a singular application of a larger more connected regional system
SEPTEMBER
Site visit to Lookout Mountain to get a sense of the place, analyze existing routes, and meet with local officials
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
Broke into teams to analyze and design from different system perspectives
DECEMBER
Designed individual typologies and gathered materials for the creation of this book
JANUARY
Received work from semester one students and learned about the project
FEBRUARY
Site visit to Lookout Mountain and broke into groups of systems
MARCH APRIL MAY
15
Used GIS to analyze the site and looked at the project from a CUTS point of view
Presented draft work to Lookout Mountain and refined systems
Designed individual project sites located around Lookout Mountain
Organized the book for print
TIMELINE SEMESTER 1 - GRADUATE STUDIO The graduate students had an objective to focus on system-level analysis and design for the entire CUTS region. They looked at two sets of systems (see page 14). Secondly, they designed typologies that could be used throughout the region. The typologies were not sitespecific, so they could be used as templates for a series of implementations.
SEMESTER 2 - UNDERGRADUATE STUDIO The undergraduate students were tasked with taking the analysis and draft designs created during the previous semester and synthesizing and prioritizing the information. These students had a similar requirement of looking at multiple levels of systems. For the second set of systems, they divided the work into eight systems for more specificity. Lastly, they provided site-specific designs for individual projects around Lookout Mountain.
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DEMOGRAPHICS Median Age: 38.7 Median Income: $51,340 Average Home Value: $163,800
TN Population (2014): 1,893 100% Urban 0% Rural Population Change Since 2010: -5.3% Median Age: 45.3 Years Median Income: $117,119 Average Home Value: $595,836 Races: White Alone 96.1%
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE
1.26 sq mi 17
2.66 sq mi
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
Population (2014): 1,591 71% Urban 29% Rural Population Change Since 2010: -1.6% Median Age: 42 Years Median Income: $99,390 Average Home Value: $371,425
GA
Races: White Alone 93.9%
Median Age: 36.4 Median Income: $56,183 Average Home Value: $184,300
“City-Data.” Retrieved December 18, 2018, from http://www.city-data.com/
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PERCENTAGE
Demographic Summary: The two cities of Lookout Mountain are minimally diverse in income and race. The income and home values are significantly above state averages and the Chattanooga Metropolitan Area. The people of Lookout Mountain also experience higher commute times than the country average. This project aims to consider these findings to create a more inviting environment for everyone.
PERCENTAGE
COMMUTE TIMES
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20
The map on the left, taken from the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Booklet, shows the long trails in the CUTS region. Many of these trails are too long for most tourists. Shortening these trails could potentially increase usage.
The map on the right shows that the Durham Rail Bed Multi-Use Route goes through the Lula Lake Land Trust. It is too long for most people to hike the whole length. This route should be divided into shorter lengths and set up with systematic entrances and exits.
EXISTING PUBLICATIONS 21
According to the large property tract assessment map above, the South Cumberland Plateau contains more privately held forest lands than public lands. In addition, unlike the public lands, which are gathered together, the private lands tend to be scattered throughout the region. Thus, an organization is needed to join private owners together to better utilize the land.
The map above shows the different trails of Lula Lake Land Trust. There are two gates, one to the north and another to the south. Tourists might prefer more access gates for shorter and more direct hikes.
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ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION When planning for infrastructure improvements, it is important to consider all potential forms of transportation. The dominant form of transportation is typically the automobile. All other methods are then referred to as alternative transportation methods. Several examples that were considered throughout the design process are shown here.
BIKES ELECTRIC BIKES
source: salsacycles.com source: newsheel.net
HOVERBOARD
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS GOLF CARTS
source: burkholdergolfcarts.com
source: zeoxhoverboard.com
source: walmart.com
ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD
MONOWHEEL
source: wevolveskateboards.co
GONDOLA
source: shop.monoheel.se
BIKE SHARE
source: 8d.com source: blog.rwgenting.com
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BUS
source: commons.wikipedia.org
WALKING
CAR SHARE
source: architecturepeople.com
WHEELCHAIR
source: zipcar.be
RIDE SHARE source: amazon.com
source: blog.lyft.com
SELF-DRIVING CARS LIGHT RAIL
source: marrioninstitute.nyu.edu source: rubiconline.com
TRAM TRAIN
source: alibaba.com source: pngimg.com
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STRAVA GLOBAL HEATMAP
What is Strava?
Strava is a resource for people to track their health activities. Strava tracks and analyzes activities, provides a way to share and connect with the rest of the Strava community, and offers resources to explore or compete in activities.
REGIONAL BIKING HEATMAP
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Why Strava?
Strava has created an open-source mapping program with some of its activity tracking data. These maps indicate the level of activity like a thermal heatmap; the brighter the color, the more it is used. In this project, our team analyzed Strava data on biking and walking for the region to locate areas for possible trail and sidewalk expansion. We focused on finding areas that have walking or biking activities but may not have the infrastructure in place to fully accommodate these activities.
REGIONAL WALKING HEATMAP
Images from www.strava.com/heatmap Additional information from www.strava.com/about
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27
ANALYSIS 28
PRECEDENT STUDIES
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SW OT Defining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for a project site quickly shows where the design process can begin, what it should improve, and what it can take advantage of. The concepts are visually represented to show individual locations, those that apply to all of Lookout Mountain, and those applicable to all of the Thrive region. The SWOT analysis was produced for five individual, but connected, systems of importance to Lookout Mountain. This allowed the SWOT analysis to be specific and easily organized for design purposes.
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SWOT Analysis
Infrastructure + Transportation
2
Scenic Highw ay
2 3 4 5 3 5 6 7 8 9 2 3 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 5
4
2
Re d R
10
id in g Hoo
4
d
a Tr
il
4 1 1
TN GA
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6
5
6
L ula L ake Rd .
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unicity quality of being singularly unique and united in identity
Strengths 1. Robust Existing Trail Network 2. Proximity to Chattanooga 3. Strong Sense of Community Identity 4. Low Traffic Counts 5. Open to Innovative Strategies 6. Financially Stable 7. Unity 8. Strong Political Will 9. Stable Population
Opportunities 1. Alternative Forms of Transit a. Electric Scooters b. E-Bikes c. Circulator d. Elevator 2. Sidewalk Gap Completion 3. New Street Typologies 4. Leverage Tourism Money to Support Infrastructure 5. Clarify Street Network 6. Leverage College Population 7. Growing Trail Network 8. Leverage State Highway GDOT Funding
Weaknesses 1. Few Sidewalks 2. Minimal right-of-way space 3. No Current Public Transportation 4. Lack of Routes Up and Down Mountain 5. Topological Constraints 6. Limited Space on the Mountain 7. Cost of Implementation/Funding 8. Lack of Nodal Hierarchy 9. Lack of Housing/Diverse Housing 10. Confusing Traffic Circulation Network 11. Perception of Outsiders 12. Aging Population 13. Island Effect
Threats 1. Vehicular/Pedestrian Conflicts 2. Stagnation 3. Tragedy of the Commons 4. Resident/Outsider Conflicts 5. Potential Lack of New Residents 6. Conflict with Wild Lands
1 1 5 6 1 2 3 4 7 8
THRIVE 2055 32
SWOT Analysis Recreation
ay
2
Scenic Highw
2
1 Re d R id in g Hoo
1
d
a Tr
il
1 4
2 4
1
2
3 4
Lu
l a La ke Rd .
3 33
TN GA
4
Strengths 1. Existing Recreation Fields Baseball Fields in TN Soccer Fields in GA 2. Viewsheds TN / GA Connected Trail Network Extensive Existing Trail Network Diversity of Trail Types and Users
Opportunities 1. Viewsheds Informal Trails Sidewalks to Connect Gaps 2. Power Line Easements
Weaknesses 1. Limited Access from One Trail to Next Topographic Constraints Lack of Sidewalk Connections East/West Connections 2. Difficult-to-Access Trails
Threats 1. Development Limiting Recreation Areas 2. Private Ownership Restricting Access
12 1 2 1 2
THRIVE 2055 34
SWOT Analysis
4
Ecology
2
1 Scenic Highw
2 1
ay
3
Re d R
2 1
id in g
1
Hoo
d
a Tr
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1 2 TN GA
1
1
4
1 L ula L ake
1
2
Rd .
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3
Strengths
Weaknesses
1. Abundant Forest Resources 1. Varied and Unique Terrain Challenges 2. Abundant and Diversified Wildlife the Construction of Infrastructure 3. High Diversity of Vegetation 2. Scattered Animal Habitats Makes It 4. Existing Creeks Difficult to Manage the Protection 5. Unique Ridge-and-Valley Geographical Area Region
Opportunities 1. Increase Public Protected Land 2. Possible Ecological Corridors 3. Leveraging the Trail System to Improve Ecological Habitat
Ridge-and-Valley Region Appalachians between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau that are characterized by long, even ridges with long, continuous valleys in between
Threats 1. Invasive Species Threaten the Growth of Native Species and Balance of Local Environment 2. Water Quality Deteriorating Due to Expansion of Cities and Human Activities 3. Endangered Species’ Habitats Being Threatened
5 2 3
THRIVE 2055 36
1
SWOT Analysis Tourism + Culture
4
Re d R
2 2 5 2 1 2 3 4
ay
4
Scenic Highw
3
1
id in g Hoo
3 a Tr
il
4
d
3
4 3
1 3
1
4 4
1
1 3
L ula L ake Rd .
37
4
TN GA
Strengths 1. Proximity to a Large City 2. Existing Fairytale Theme 3. National Park 4. Unique + Desirable Natural Aesthetics + Views
Opportunities 1. Connecting Existing Attractions 2. Large Economic Revenue 3. Creating New Scenic Lookouts 4. Revitalization of the Town Centers
Weaknesses 1. Incomplete Sidewalk System 2. Inaccessibility 3. Poor Connection Between Attractions 4. Division Between Town Centers 5. Lack of Demographic Diversity
Threats 1. Lack of Funding 2. Skepticism Toward Tourists 3. Potential Increase in Local Traffic 4. Lack of Attraction Awareness 5. Lack of Tourism Network
5
THRIVE 2055 38
SWOT Analysis Wellness System
2
3
ay
1
Scenic Highw
3
Re d R
5
3 4 4 1
id in g Hoo
2
d
a Tr
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2
1 4
2 2
2 TN GA
1
4 1
L ula L ake .
39
Rd
1
3 3 2
Strengths 1. Existing Recreation Facilities 2. Viewing Places 3. Low Traffic Volumes 4. Abundant Natural Beauty
Opportunities 1. Trail Connections 2. Viewing Route 3. Shared Streets 4. Programing in Town Centers 5. Trails of Multiple Levels of Difficulty 6. Regional Wellness Advocacy
Weaknesses 1. Few Sidewalks 2. Many Steep Streets 3. Separation of Points of Interest 4. Food Desert
Threats 1. Lack of Funding for Wellness 2. Traffic Hazard 3. Lack of Health Awareness in City Governments
3 6
THRIVE 2055 40
Generating + Organizing Typologies typology analysis or classification based on types or categories
Generating categories of potential typologies is the first step in the brainstorming process used to produce design recommendations. The “universal” group comprises elements that should be considered for the entire mountain.
STEP 1: ECOLOGY
Landcover / Tree Canopy Wildlife Corridor / Vegetated Bridges Streams + Flood Area Threatened Species Rocks + Water Protected Land Buffer Zone
PATH
Sidewalks Low Slope Streets Sidewalk Gap Beacon Shared Roads Boardwalk Tourist Loop
RECREATION
Fitness Stations Water Access + Interactions
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SHUTTLE
Bus Shelters Maps ADA Access Tourist Shuttle
BIKE
Bike Share Bike Escalator Bike Loop
COMMERCE
Fruit Stands Shops + Restaurants Points of Attraction
GONDOLA
Ticket Booth Marketing Gift Shops Access Points Postcard Viewfinder Base of Structure Use
CULTURAL
Fairyland Civil War Churches / Institutions
UNIVERSAL
Tactical Urbanism Picnic Areas Viewshed + Vistas Resting Places Emergency + Safety Devices Interpretive Signage/Wayfinding Parking Wifi Lookout Destination
STEP 2: INSIDER
Fruit Stands Rainwater System Fairyland Churches/Institutions Horse Trails Fitness Stands
insider residents of Lookout Mountain
BOTH
Water Access + Interactions Shops + Restaurants Base of Gondola Structure Use Shared Roads Emergency + Safety Devices Interpretive Signage Points of Attraction Picnic Areas Civil War Resting Places Tactical Urbanism Threatened Species Pedestrian / Bike Connection Overlooks Bike Escalator Wildlife Corridor / Vegetated Bridges Town Pedestrian / Bike Loop Protected Land Buffer Zone Sidewalks Sidewalk Gap Beacon Streams + Flood Area Low Slope Streets Food Forest ADA Access Bus Shelters Lookout Destinations Viewshed + Vistas Landcover/ Tree Canopy
OUTSIDER
Wifi Access Points Bike Share Wayfinding Gift Shops Maps Tourist Shuttle Postcard Viewfinder Parking Aviaries Marketing Boardwalk Ticket Booth Museum Gondola System Rocks + Water Planetarium
outsider tourists visiting Lookout Mountain
Reorganizing the elements from Step 1 to compare benefits for residents versus tourists can lead to the discussion of what types of funding will be needed or priorities that Lookout Mountain would like to focus on.
42
STEP 3: INSIDER
BOTH
OUTSIDER
Landcover/Tree Canopy Schools Covenant College
Streams + Flood Area Threatened Species Low Slope Streets Overlooks Points of Attraction Viewshed + Vistas Lookout Destinations
Parking Rocks + Water
Horse Trails Fruit Stands Fitness Stations Churches/Institutions
Shared Roads Access Points Resting Places Sidewalk Gap Beacon Interpretive Signage Water Access + Interactions Protected Land Buffer Zone Shops + Restaurants Bus Shelters Tactical Urbanism Picnic Areas
Tourist Shuttle Postcard Viewfinder Gift Shops Marketing Wifi Maps Wayfinding
Grocery Stores
Food Forest Bike Escalator Base of Structure Use Wildlife Corridor/Vegetated Bridges
Gondola System Aviaries Planetarium Ticket Booth Museum
Fairyland Rain Water System
ADA Access Boardwalk Emergency + Safety Devices Sidewalks Pedestrian/Bike Loop + Connection
Civil War Connection up the Mountain
Reorganizing the elements once more by dividing them into development time periods reveals what can be done easily and implemented quickly and those elements that will take more time to achieve. 43
EXISTING
SHORT TERM
LONG TERM
SITE ANALYSIS
BOTH
44
Stormwater is the water from falling water. Impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, and roads prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. The portion of water that is not absorbed into the ground is what is known as stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff picks up and carries a wide variety of pollutants and litter which flows into waterways, rivers, lakes, and oceans. The stormwater runoff issue in Lookout Mountain, GA area is significant. Not only because of its special location but also its lack of management of the site. The site I have chosen is in front of the Fairland Elementary School. It is located at the intersection between Lula Lake Road and Rock City Trail. Due to its surroundings, there is a large amount of impervious paving like parking lots, driveways, and lower elevation. The island itself will collect significant of storm water during rainy season. The slope analysis clearly shows that water around west side of the school will tend to drain through the school parking lot and the island in front of the school. In this case, the island not only can become a place where water collects but is also a focal point for the Fairland Elementary School, which would serve an educational purposed and act as a signature arrival gateway. The plan before and after provides the design which integrate pedestrian circulation, collecting stormwater and educational bridge. The island itself has a sidewalk around it which provides a safe experience for pedestrian to cross the road. The rain garden inside the island provides educational feature for students. Students will have access to the bridge and a view of the rain garden. The island also serves as a landing feature for pedestrians who want to cross the road.
45
WELLNESS
46
Ochs Gateway Trailhead
BUILDING FOOTPRINTS 47
GAP ANALYSIS
Point Park
Guild-Hardy Trailhead
Sunset Rock Park
Lookout Mountain Elementary School
TRAILHEAD STRUCTURES GAPS SIDEWALKS Lookout Mountain Park
AVG. DAILY TRAFFIC *STRAVA data underlay
Glen Falls Trailhead
Powerline
8,910
5,310
Town Center 1,850
1,260
720 3,500
Chalmers Center
Durand Dr.
Fairyland Elementary School
Rock City East One-Way
PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE on Lookout Mountain is currently concentrated at 50
Covenant College
the Town Center location of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, the neighborhood surrounding Point Park in Tennessee, and intermittently along Lula Lake Road, between the two Lookout Mountain town centers. This graphic identifies the gaps in pedestrian infrastructure and opportunities for mitigating the disconnect between key locations. This map also shows the various structures on Lookout Mountain, allowing us to identify residential areas and determine whether these neighborhoods have safe and wellestablished walkable routes to key locations. The base layer, developed from Strava heat maps, reveals routes currently being utilized by runners, walkers, and bikers. That data, along with the gaps identified, should help inform the prioritization of pedestrian infrastructure development.
48
RECREATION over
42 MILES
of existing hiking trails and
22 MILES
of existing biking trails
Easy Moderate Difficult Data collected from: rootsrated.com, alltrails.com, npplan.com, and trailforks.com
TRAIL DIFFICULTY
49
The easy trails are shown in green. Many of these trails were developed along old roadways or railroads and move with the contours of the slopes, giving a leisurely hiking and biking experience to users. The moderate trails are in blue. These trails have sections that are easy and others that are more strenuous and require more skill than the easy trails. The black trails are the difficult. Many of these have steep climbs. Though most are short distances, they are the most strenuous and require the most amount of skill to traverse. These trails are all hiking-only because the slopes are too steep for biking.
WATER CROSSINGS
The region around Lookout Mountain has a large number of perennial and ephemeral streams. Given the extensive trail network of the area, this requires numerous crossings and provides opportunities for trail users to interact with the stream and stream ecology. Each dot on the map indicates areas where the trails cross a stream. Some trails run alongside streams, providing additional interaction opportunities.
50
TRAIL TYPES
Walking Walking / Biking Paved Multi-Use Blueway Trailhead Trailhead + Parking
Data collected from Thrive Regional Partnership, National Parks Service, Lula Lake Land Trust, Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Feasibility Study
The Lookout Mountain region has an extensive existing trail system that accommodates a variety of users. Many of the trails are within the National Park area; others are in conservation lands; and Covenant College also has trails around its campus.
51
EVENT
ROUTES
Parade Route 50m Race Route 10k Race Route Ironman Route
Data collected from Wildtrails.org, Ironman.com, lookoutmountain.com
Some of the existing trails and roadways are used for annual events. Lookout Mountain parades march along Lula Lake Road from Fairyland Elementary to the Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, town center. Lookout also hosts a 10K event that runs on trails behind Covenant College and a 50-mile race that uses trails in the National Park, Covenant College, Lula Lake, and further south. The Chattanooga Ironman bike race runs just to the east of Lookout Mountain.
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GAPS
Sidewalks Trail Gaps Access Constraints
Some of the trails in the area have limited parking or walking access. Highlighted in the gaps map below are areas that lack connections or have limited access. Some of these gaps may be due to terrain constraints, but others could be fixed.
53
OPPORTUNITIES
Sidewalks Trail Expansion
Data collected from Strava Global Heatmap
By analyzing the Strava Global Heatmap data, we were able to highlight some unofficial trail routes that are already in use. These routes could easily be formally incorporated into the existing trail systems since they are filling gaps in user needs.
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ECOLOGY ANALYSIS Lookout Mountain is situated just outside the densely urban center of Chattanooga, Tennessee. One of the unique features of the area is a large portion of land that is protected and conserved. From an ecological standpoint, this creates many of its own opportunities and constraints. The ecology group looked at the findings from the ecological analysis to define some potential design solutions for the area that are specific to ecology. We had the following goals before starting the design: • Increasing awareness of the ecology around the Chattanooga region and Lookout Mountain • Increasing habitat preservation of threatened or endangered species found on Lookout Mountain • Getting people to interact more with the preservation and conservation efforts • Attempting to bridge the ecological gaps between the large areas of conservation land to provide additional habitat and corridors for species to prosper
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We addressed these goals in the following ways: • Identifying areas around the mountain where nesting boxes and habitat conservation can focus on protecting three threatened bird species: the peregrine falcon, barred owl, and ovenbird • By designating areas that could be used for education and programming on ecological topics • By identifying locations for overlooks, to allow visitors to see and experience some of the protected species • By providing locations for open source information gathering through photo frames • By indicating areas for a pollinator planting network along waterways and powerline corridors to connect the large conservation areas
The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction. - Rachel Carson
ECOLOGY SPATIAL ANALYSIS / DESIGN CONSERVATION LAND LOOKOUT BOUNDARY CUTS WILDLIFE POLICY EXISTING CORRIDOR PROPOSED POLLINATOR CORRIDOR STREAMS OWL HABITAT PEREGRINE FALCON HABITAT OVENBIRD HABITAT BLACK BEAR HABITAT PHOTO FRAME HUB BIRD OVERLOOK
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CURRENT TRAFFIC COUNT TREND SHOWN AS PERCENT CHANGE 100%
Negative Trend
90%
Positive Trend
80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 5%
In the past ten years, traffic counts on Lookout Mountain have decreased, whereas traffic counts in the surrounding region have increased. This potentially shows that fewer people are visiting the mountain. If this trend continues, it could negatively impact the economy. TDOT. “Annual Average Daily Traffic Maps.” accessed November 16. https://www.arcgis.com/ apps/ webappviewer/index.htl?id=075987cdae37474b88fa400d65681354. GDOT. “Traffic Counts in Georgia.” accessed November 16. http://geocounts.com/gdot/.
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DESIGN 60
COMMUNITY
REGION: POTENTIAL PROJECT LOCATIONS
Locations for potential project sites include town centers along the CUTS network, existing trailheads, and prominent intersections of CUTS and roadways.
Creative community engagement is utilizing local artistry to aid in meeting the needs of the community in a creative and beautifying way. 61
Locations for potential project sites in Lookout Mountain include the two town centers, dangerous intersections, connections to schools and tourist sites, and existing prominent trailheads.
Creative community engagement takes art and uses it to help define gateways, foster connectivity, and increase safety.
CREATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN: POTENTIAL PROJECT LOCATIONS
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GATEWAYS Art pieces can be installed at trail entrances or other important gateways around Lookout Mountain to further delineate the entry into a unique space. The larger circles indicate gateways that can be completed soon; the smaller circles would be completed in the future because to coordination with the National Park Service would be required. Art at trailheads or in other natural areas: • Created from all-natural locally sourced materials • Pays homage to the natural setting and the history surrounding the location • Should not obstruct the trail or existing trail signage • Could potentially provide habitat to native wildlife
EXAMPLES OF NATURE–INSPIRED ART
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Olga Ziemska, artpeople.com
Andy Goldsworthy, usaartnews.com
Patrick Doughtry, sickwork.net
Thomas Dambo, thomasdambo.com
Spencer Byles, frenchforestsculptures. blogspot.com
Villa Montalvo, Flickr.com
“THE OBJECT OF ART IS TO GIVE LIFE SHAPE” Jean Anouilh
CREATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
GUILD TRAIL ENTRANCE : POSSIBLE INSTALLATION LOCATION
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ARTISTIC CONNECTIVITY
Art can help connect the threads of the community together and solve existing connectivity issues in a fun and creative way. Lookout Mountain Town Centers These are the main hubs for community art that may have multiple art installations on display. Yellow Brick Road The length of sidewalk connecting Lookout Mountain, Georgia and Lookout Mountain, Tennessee could become the “yellow brick road.” This is a fun way to connect the 2 cities while incorporating the fairy tale culture of the community. This spine of Lookout can be where the communities hold events together.
Art Installation Location Each location would include 1 or 2 art pieces that invoke the spirit of the community.
Potential Art Trail The nodes of artwork create a network that can go from the Town Center of Lookout Mountain, Georgia all the way to the Incline Railway in Tennessee.
Painted Street Walk The one–way street conversions, existing and recommended, can also be unified by whimsical art defining the walking lane. The rendering presents the idea of a fairy path painted on the walk.
IDEAS FOR ART & EVENTS: ART EVENTS
Murals Parades Mosaics Art Fair / Festival Sculptures Art Walk Pop-ups Temporary Art Installations Sidewalk Art Art Competitions Light Art Furnishings Functional / Interactive 65
ROCK CITY TRAIL FAIRY PATH
CREATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
LULA LAKE YELLOW BRICK ROAD W/ ART INSTALLATION LOCATION
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COMMUNITY
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Navigating Lookout Mountain has always been a challenge. Ascending the mountain requires a significant amount of energy, and a variety of different approaches have been tried.
Left: First inclined rail line on Lookout Mountain c. 1887; color-added Source: RailGa.com
From toll roads to inclined rails, entrepreneurs have sought to commercialize on tourists and residents between Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain.
Right: A streetcar passes beneath the second inclined rail line on Lookout Mountain c. 1930 Left: Historic Rail Lines c. 1895 Source: RailGa.com
Left: Bike route along old rail line trail today. Source: Google Maps
Primary Ways Up Lookout Mountain Over Time
1850-1895
1889-1933
1928-1932
1932-Present
HISTORICAL TRANSPORTATION
Today, the rail history of Lookout Mountain is primarily recognized through the Incline Railway. The other lines are only recognizable along portions of the historic trails such as Guild, Hardy, and Bluff, which follow the old rail beds.
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Making History Transparent
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HISTORICAL TRANSPORTATION
Using etched transparent panels embedded in signs along the Hardy-Guild Trail will provide hikers and bikers the opportunity to learn about the history of rail transportation on Lookout Mountain.
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SAFETY
PAINTED INTERSECTIONS & CROSSWALKS All towns have intersections that pose various safety concerns for the community. Lookout Mountain has the added challenge of numerous blind corners and strange intersections because of the topography of the land. Intersection or crosswalk art is a fun way to alert drivers that something is coming. The graphics highlighted show the intersection of Red Riding Hood, Lula Lake, and McFarland, as well as the trail entrance on Scenic Highway. Both of these areas pose different safety challenges. The intersection of Red Riding Hood, Lula Lake, and McFarland is a busy intersection on the mountain that has a bit of a zig-zag. The Scenic Highway trail entrance is around a blind corner and currently just abruptly ends at the road. If sidewalks or a crosswalk are installed, drivers will need to be alerted that there are pedestrians ahead. This could be done with some fun crosswalk art. As with the other art installations, these should also incorporate the culture or history of Lookout Mountain into the designs.
EXAMPLES OF INTERSECTION & CROSSWALK ART:
Multnomah County STRYVE Program, multco.us
Artist Christo Guelvo, Photo: Rafael Peter Martinez, cristo-guelov.net
Matt Burton, Baltimore Sun, baltimoresun.com
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Anne Tracy- The City Repair Project, cityrepair.org
RED RIDING HOOD, LULA LAKE, AND MCFARLAND INTERSECTION
CREATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SCENIC HIGHWAY TRAIL ENTRANCE
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COMMUNITY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
WHY DENSIFY
• Form-based height controls to preserve character + livability of Lookout Mountain at a height below tree-canopy level • Local governments should provide developers additional density units in exchange for affordable units on site • Transit - oriented development (TOD) suggests development is within 1/2 mile of transit • Affordable housing within walking distance of transit would have minimal impact on infrastructure or traffic • Typical DUA to support a bus system is 5. However, tourist counts impact the capability + could justify a bus route
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TN + GA = Population: 3,182 Acres: 2,508.8 Households: 1,617 DUA: .64
Wheaton, L., et al. (2015). “Density and Development Supporting Transit and Livable Communities.” Retrieved December 1, 2018, from http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/owd/horizons_files/d_ PPP_CDOT_PlanningHorizons_093015_REV.pdf.
affordable monthly costs do not exceed 30% of household income
DUA density of dwelling units per acre
BENEFITS
• Denser population needed to support desired amenities • Increased population to sustain an alternative transit system • Increased accessibility • Reduced costs to provide services • Shorter trip distances • Decreased vehicle miles traveled (VMT) + automobile dependency • Increased fitness + health • Less per capita traffic congestion, accidents, + emissions • Decreased expenditures on vehicles, fuel, + roads
TN GA
D ynamic Walkabl E Efficie N t S ustainable D I verse T ransit Supportive Communit Y Popula n: 1,292 p Acres: 1tio eople ,7 Household02.4 DUA: .44 s: 754
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
90 people ,8 1 : n io t Popula 06.4 Acres: 8olds: 863 Househ.07 DUA: 1
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COMMUNITY
Suggested Parcels 20 Acres Town Center/Commerce
4 Acres Entrance
owned by local governments current amenity node non-natural area
owned by local governments close proximity to entrance
2 Acres Town Center
owned by local governments amenity node non-natural area
14 Acres Rock City
current amenity node non-natural area ability to encourage development
54 Acres Future Development
plan currently in progress parcel size
583 Acres Covenant college / future development plan currently in progress parcel size acquirable parcels able to encourage development
159 Acres Covenant College
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acquirable parcels able to encourage development parcel size proximity to college
One way to encourage social interaction is to set up a physical network of social elements and spaces. The network should spread to provide social activity to the surrounding region. The social spaces can be recognized by a common color and signage for people to then search for throughout the greater Chattanooga area.
trail games interactive art
neighborhood common areas
social network group activities story telling social media social exploration unexpected encounters regional connection
bars
outdoor theater projected on rock-face
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT / SOCIAL
social oriented seating
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TOPOGRAPHIC SEATING
The organic shaped seating is inspired by the natural rock formations scattered throughout Lookout Mountain. The furnishings are crafted from poured-in-place playground rubber. The shapes fit a diverse set of bodies and uses.
SOCIAL 78
ENVIRONMENT
Project Goal
The area surrounding Fairyland Elementary School has a large amount of impervious paving like parking lots and driveways, and also has lower elevation sections. Currently, the front of the school features a grassy island that collects significant storm water during the rainy season. The slope analysis to the left shows that water around the west side of the school tends to drain through the school parking lot to the grassy island . This project aims to transform this island to a place where water collects in a rain garden teaching space that can become a focal point for Fairyland Elementary School students and teachers as well as a signature arrival gateway.
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Project Statement
The stormwater runoff issue in Lookout Mountain, GA area is significant. Not only because of its special location but also its lack of management of the site. The site I have chosen is in front of the Fairyland Elementary School. It is located at the intersection between Lula Lake Road and Rock City Trail.
FAIRYLAND ELEMENTARY 80
The rain garden design integrates pedestrian circulation, collecting storm water and providing an educational bridge. The island safely has a sidewalk around it allowing pedestrians to cross the road. 81
Light Rain
Moderate Rain
Heavy Rain
The rain garden inside the island would be educational for students. They will have access to the bridge and great view of the rain garden. The island also serves as a landing feature for pedestrians who want to cross the road.
FAIRYLAND ELEMENTARY 82
People, wildlife, and communities depend on clean water. Economic improvements like increased property values result from watershed improvements, which are often less costly than building expensive treatment plants and wastewater facilities. Investment in “green” stormwater infrastructure allows communities to stretch their investments further by combining community, environmental, and economic benefits into their stormwater control measures. The linear flow of water means that infrastructure improvements addressing water flow are particularly suited to incorporation into similarly linear mobility spaces such as trails, streets, and sidewalks. As the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams is directly tied to activities upstream, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, are united in their responsibility, a responsibility resulting from their geographical locations atop Lookout Creek, Chattanooga Creek, and West Chickamauga Creek.
To protect and improve the water resources of Lookout Mountain To build lasting relationships to water resources through increased visibility, awareness, and appreciation To unify the two towns of Lookout through a palette of cohesive design solutions
Leverage planned improvements already underway to cut costs. Enhance community identity by incorporating local materials and symbols into water infrastructure. Create learning and play opportunities for children and adults. Develop design solutions emphasizing simplicity and frugality.
“Green Infrastructure Cost-Benefit Resources.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 26 Sept. 2017, www.epa. gov/green-infrastructure/green-infrastructure-cost-benefit-resources.
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TREE TRENCHES
ff
no
r ru
te wa rm
S to
WATER
Tree trenches are a network of trees connected through underground stormwater infiltration structures. Although the pit only appears aboveground at structured intervals, the storage area runs beneath the entire pathway with staggered check dams to slow water and encourage infiltration. These trenches can be designed to fill with up to four feet of stormwater runoff, depending on the rockiness of the native soil. Small fences are encouraged for deeper pits to prevent pets and people from stepping into the pits, which can be deceivingly deep when saturated. During large events, an underground pipe can redirect any overflow to storm sewers. Additionally, the trees offer shade to pedestrians and enhance the streetscape. Tree trenches are proposed for those areas slated for street improvements, new development, and especially the town center of both towns of Lookout Mountain.
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TYPOLOGICAL COMPONENTS Typologies of water-related design elements offer a template that is scalable to the neighborhood, community, and region and beyond in multiple applications. These typologies are malleable. Different components may be added or subtracted where necessary to build new typologies suited to each particular situation. Take, for in-
stance, the boulder. The development diagram below illustrates boulders used as a simple footbridge to cross a stream where it intersects with a trail. Boulders are also shown reiterated throughout the region as seating in a community park or landscaping features in neighborhood rights-of-way.
LANDSCAPING FEATURE PARK SEATING
STREAM CROSSING
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OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea quercifolia)
FLOWERING DOGWOOD (Cornus florida)
TULIP POPLAR (Liriodendron tulipifera)
EASTERN REDBUD (Cercis canadensis)
CAROLINA JESSAMINE (Gelsemium sempervirens)
AMERICAN BEAUTYBERRY (Callicarpa americana)
PLANT SPECIES into waterways, less water waste, and less cost. Many publications discus the best plants for Lookout Mountain, Tennessee and Georgia, a few of which are shown above. For successful establishment, plant small species during dormancy, or November through March for our planting zone. Planting during dormancy will also ensure that plants develop healthy root systems.
United States Congress, Southeast Tennessee Development District, et al. “The Southeast Tennessee Green Infrastructure Handbook.� The Southeast Tennessee Green Infrastructure Handbook.
WATER
Native trees, grasses, and perennials play a vital role in the success of green infrastructure projects. They are uniquely adapted to the weather patterns, pests, soil, and rainfall of this region of the country. They also offer benefits to native wildlife and pollinators not afforded by non-native exotics. Native plants require less maintenance and irrigation and fewer pesticides than exotics, which means fewer pesticides washing
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BUILDING SCUPPERS Building scuppers will best serve wherever there is a need for water infiltration and ceremonial fun. Instead of traditional gutters and downspouts, rainwater can be harvested and celebrated while contributing attractive features, learning opportunities, and water infiltration. Below is an example of a proposed scupper that incorporates granite boulders and native plantings.
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Pet waste is one of the biggest polluters of developed areas and can make water recreation unsafe through the introduction of parasites and bacteria. Encourage pet owners to scoop their poop with sleek waste receptacles. The rendering above depicts waste recycling receptacles that convert dog waste into renewable energy. The lamp post is powered by methane released as the waste decomposes. This technology is currently in use across Europe as municipalities struggle to find exciting methods to encourage pet owners to clean up dog waste and raise awareness of the negative impacts dog waste can have on water resources.
DOG WASTE SOLUTION WATER
Peters, Adele. “Don’t Throw Out Your Dog’s Poop: It’s Now A Valuable Natural Resource.” Fast Company, Fast Company, 27 Apr. 2015, www.fastcompany.com/3045245/dont-throw-out-your-dogs-poop-its-now-a-valuablenatural-resource.
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ENVIRONMENT
Problem Statement
The intersection of Lula Lake Road and Pied Piper Street is a prominent crossroads on Lookout Mountain that is expected to see increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic in the future. Thus, it is critical to build a safe multi-use path system along the road. In addition, the creek under the road is the origin of the main creek through the residential area, which causes serious erosion and flooding problems in the area. The new design aims to provide a more safe, functional path that includes a flooding control system for the creek.
One Side Pedestrian Path Creek Under the Road
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Runoff into Yard
Unclear Pedestrian Cross
Shared-Use Path (Short Term)
Express Bike Lane (Long Term)
LULA LAKE / PIED PIPER ST
Safer Crossing
Non-bike Path
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LULA LAKE / PIED PIPER ST
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Lula Lake Rd.
Lula Lake Rd.
Lula Lake Rd.
Lula Lake Rd.
Lula Lake Rd.
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Lula Lake Rd.
Lula Lake Rd.
Lula Lake Rd.
LULA LAKE / PIED PIPER ST 94
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LULA LAKE / PIED PIPER ST
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CONVEYANCE 97
SAFETY CHALLENGES ON LOOKOUT
Lookout Mountain has some unique safety challenges on its roadways due to its topography. The roads on the mountain have numerous blind spots as well as complicated intersections. The map below shows some areas that could pose both motorist and pedestrian safety concerns. The most critical areas are the two town centers and the Battlefield Trail entrance on Scenic Highway. All of these areas should incorporate some traffic calming and user alerting techniques to increase pedestrian and motorist safely.
BATTLEFIELD TRAIL ON SCENIC HWY
TENNESSEE TOWN CENTER
GEORGIA TOWN CENTER
SCENIC HWY & EAST BROW ROAD
VISUAL INFRASTRUCTURE Signage Rumble Strips Painted Art Crosswalks Speed Bumps Painted Art Intersections Raised Intersections Crosswalk Lights Raised Crosswalks Modifying Traffic Patterns Curb Extensions / Bump Outs Change in Paving Materials
DANGEROUS LOCATIONS
TRAFFIC CALMING & ALERT TECHNIQUES
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Lookout Mountain has a discontinuous sidewalk network and lacks crosswalks at prominent intersections. In addition, scant signage can cause confusion for tourists and residens alike. Safety issues are most important on the busy thoroughfares of Lula Lake Road and Red Riding Hood Trail as well as at the entrance to the City Rock Trail.
PHYSICAL DESIGN • Continued sidewalk support PROGRAM • Slow down traffic speed • Create artistic safety events POLICY •Make sure safety issues are addressed by government
Lookout Mountain is first and foremost a community where people live, work, and go to school. Thus, the safety of residents is paramount as they go about their daily lives. Likewise, safety is important for tourists as they visit the mountain and surrounding attractions. Ensuring that a community has adequate sidewalks is one essential way to address safety, particularly on busy thoroughfares. Wayfinding is also a crucial infrastructure issue for tourists so that they can navigate the trail network and sometimes confusing road system on Lookout Mountain. Similarly, lane markings and signage on roadways can remind drivers to slow down and be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near trail crossings.
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DANGEROUS LOCATIONS
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DANGEROUS LOCATIONS CREATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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CONVEYANCE
The network of trails in and around Lookout Mountain is quite extensive and serves a large variety of users. Many of these trails are located in the National Park and other conservation lands. These trails accommodate hikers and bikers with a range of skill level and difficulty. Unfortunately, some of these trails have limited access due to lack of either parking or walkability. The biking trail network on Lookout Mountain is limited and lacks a logical loop for riders on the Upper Truck Trail. Additionally, the communities surrounding Lookout Mountain have little to no direct access to the trail system. Community members from St. Elmo and Flintstone must drive to a trailhead. Some residents have created their own “unofficial� trails from their community to the existing trail network. These unofficial trails are easily identified from the Strava Global Heatmap data. This project strives to increase accessibility to the recreation network surrounding Lookout Mountain by increasing connectivity, expanding the biking network, adding connections to neighboring communities, and improving the safety of hikers crossing Scenic Highway to access the Hardy Trail.
Lookout Mountain Trails by the Numbers Photo from RootsRated.com
42.1 Miles of Hiking 22.1 Miles of Biking
1 0
16 Trailheads 3 103
Connection to St. Elmo Connections to Flintstone Difficult-to-Access Trailheads
Existing Trail Network Trailhead Less Accessible Trailhead Hike Hike/Bike Greenway
Lake Lula
Flintstone
ACCESSIBLE RECREATION
Rd
St. Elmo
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Expanded Trail Network - Short Term 42.4 Miles of Hiking 30.7 Miles of Biking
Convert Bluff Trail to hike/ bike from hike only
St. Elmo
Convert Jackson Gap Trail to hike/bike from hike only
Lula La ke Rd
Add connector trail from Fairyland Elementary to Lula Lake Rd and Scenic Hwy near Covenant College
Add connector trail from Lula Lake to Moonshine Trails through powerline easement, identified through Strava data
Flintstone Convert portion of Moonshine Trails to hike/bike from hike only
Trailhead Less Accessible Trailhead Hike Hike/Bike Greenway Added Hike Added Hike/Bike Converted Hike to Hike/Bike
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Expanded Trail Network - Long Term
Add connector hiking trail from Hardy Trail to Shingle Trail through unofficial hiking trail identified by Strava data
St. Elmo
Lake Lula
Add connector trail from Flintstone to Lula Lake Trails through an unofficial bike trail identified by Strava data
Flintstone Trailhead Less Accessible Trailhead Hike Hike/Bike Greenway Added Hike
43.9 Miles of Hiking
Added Hike/Bike
32.2 Miles of Biking
Converted Hike to Hike/Bike
ACCESSIBLE RECREATION
Rd
Add connector trail from Rock City to Glen Falls Trail by an unofficial hiking trail identified by Strava data
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Trail Crosswalk Network
This crosswalk is used to connect trails that pass over vehicular roads. The animal tracks bring attention to the diverse wildlife that could potentially be seen on the trails. In the map above, the orange markers show locations where this crosswalk can be used on trails crossing over roads. The image below shows a perspective of the crossing at Hardy Trail over Scenic Hwy. The crosswalk leads to a glass–bottom observation deck that designates the beginning of the newly added connector trail to Shingle Trail.
Trail Connector Rumble Strips
Eye–Catching Color
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Lookout Mountain Crosswalk Design
Rumble Strips
Recommended Bike Routes to Trailheads Trailhead Existing Trail Proposed Trail Bike Route
ACCESSIBLE RECREATION 108
CONVEYANCE The proposed plan for implementing walkable surfaces in the residential and town center areas of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, is separated into three phases that follow preexisting plans to make Cinderella Road a one-way drive with a designated lane for pedestrian and bike traffic. The phases are represented in the diagrams on the following page. Providing walkable surfaces between Town Center, Rock City, and the neighborhood that lies between presents some challenges in terms of navigating natural barriers, drainage swales, utility infrastructure, and private property. The proposed plan suggests the use of costeffective materials like decomposed granite for constructing those surfaces and utilizing the existing spaces within the road grid that offer safe, passable surfaces and can serve as connectors to the rest of the pedestrian network. Shown below are character examples using the proposed route on Red Riding Hood Trail west of Cinderella Road suggested in Phase 2 of the plan. The graphics illustrate interventions that can be used elsewhere on Lookout Mountain.
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TYPOLOGY
One-way streets are already being implemented in Lookout Mountain and can be effective in creating safe pedestrian routes using existing infrastructure.
TYPOLOGY Decomposed granite is a cost-effective and simple material that can be used for establishing semi-permanent footpaths.
TYPOLOGY WALKABILITY
Covered swales can be constructed where necessary to maintain stormwater management and connect footpaths.
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d. eR La k Lul a
Cinderel la
Rd.
PHASE TOWN CENTER
Extending the existing one-way to the remainder of Rock City Trail will provide pedestrians a safe walking route from existing sidewalk infrastructure near Town Center to Rock City and the popular Starbucks located there.
Red Riding Ho
od Tr.
Rock City Tr.
ROCK CITY
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eR Lak Cinderel
la Rd.
Lul a
od Tr.
Rock City Tr.
Rd.
ROCK CITY
d. Cinderel la R
Following establishment of pedestrian infrastructure TOWN CENTER on the western portion of Red Riding Hood Trail, similar infrastructure should begin to be implemented on the remaining portions, eventually extending to the existing trailhead to the north.
Red Riding Ho
ake
PHASE
TOWN CENTER
Lul aL
Once connections between Town Center and Rock City have been established south of the residential core, pedestrian infrastructure should begin to be established internally beginning with the western portion of Red Riding Hood Trail identified in the adjacent map.
d.
PHASE
Red Riding Ho
od Tr.
Rock City Tr.
ROCK CITY
Decomposed Granite Path
CINDERELLA RD. RED RIDING HOOD TR.
Boardwalk Covering Drainage Swale
RED RIDING HOOD TR.
Extend Path to Connect at Existing Sidewalk in Park
ING HOO
D TR.
DEMONSTRATION: PHASE 2 Proposed implementation of footpath typologies on Red Riding Hood Trail
WALKABILITY
RED RID
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CONVEYANCE
113
TOURISM SUPPORT
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TOURISM SUPPORT
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117
TOURISM SUPPORT
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119
TOURISM SUPPORT
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CONVEYANCE
Site Location 6
7 5
8
2
9
6
2
4
7 5
15
8 14
10
13
11
12
4
13
11
12
1
1
3
3
Area between Lula Lake, Scenic Highway, and McFarland Road
Problem Statement Currently, Covenant College students can only access Lookout Mountain by car. Because Scenic Highway and McFarland Road are unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, these roads provide a barrier to movement across the mountain. The proposed Covenant Connector addresses this problem by creating a trail connecting Covenant College and the Lookout Mountain, Georgia Town Center.
Goals and Objectives • • • •
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Establish new pedestrian corridor to Covenant College Provide town with access to trails around Lookout Mountain Create alternative route that avoids McFarland Road Emphasize Town Center as a destination for pedestrians
1
10
16
Trail Development
2. McFarland Rd and Scenic 2. McFarland Rd and Scenic Highway are unfriendly to Highway are unfriendly to pedestrians pedestrians
3.Need Needconnecting for connecting 3. trail trail
4. Fairyland Fairyland School 4. School and and Carter Carter Ballfield provide opportunity Ballfield provide opportunities
Publicparcels parcelsdirect direct 5.5. Public potential development potential development
6.Develop Developnew newFairyland Trail 6. Covenant Connector
COVENANT CONNECTOR
1.Identification Identificationof ofTown TownCenter 1. Center and Covenant and Covenant College College as as important nodes important nodes
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Trail Marker Development
Corten steel plate, etched Wayfinding/ trail blazing Trail map
Potential Trail Blazing System Continue straight
Start of trail
End of trail
Right turn
Left turn
Spur to new trail
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Existing Condition
Proposed Trailhead
Trail marker
5’ wide mulch trail
COVENANT CONNECTOR
To Fairyland School
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CONVEYANCE
The Gateway: Fleetwood - Red Riding Hood
SITE LOCATION 125
Highway 157 is the main entrance from Chattanooga, TN to Lookout Mountain, GA.
ANALYSIS SITE ANALYSIS PROBLEM STATEMENT:
GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To create an iconic entryway at the intersection of Hwy. 157, Mockingbird Lane, Red Riding Hood Trail, and Fleetwood Drive by reflecting the character of Lookout Mountain that provides site-appropriate, safe, and beautiful navigation
GATEWAY ENTRANCE
Currently, the intersection of Fleetwood Drive and Red Riding Hood Trail causes a number of issues for pedestrians and drivers. There is no way to safely cross the intersection, and the 3-way stop signs cause a build up in vehicular traffic. The intersection of Fleetwood Drive, Mockingbird Lane, and Red Riding Hood Trail is a pivotal site on Lookout Mountain for many reasons. Not only is it the main entrance to Lookout Mountain on the Georgia side, it is also the connecting point between Rock City, Fairyland Club, and the town center. The intersection also connects Lookout Mountain to Chattanooga. This site has the potential to harbor both pedestrian and vehicular traffic without conflict.
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Conflict Pedestrian crossing at roundabout intersection creates a pedestrian hazard due to vehicle line of sight. This creates a dangerous blind spot.
Resolution This can be resolved by placing the crossing behind merging vehicles. The use of rumble strips helps slow incoming traffic.
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CASE STUDY: Roundabout Problems & Solutions
Site Application When creating the roundabout site, it would be safer to not have a crosswalk on the Hwy 157 side because incoming vehicles will tend to be faster on this road. The minimum required center circle for a roundabout is 15’R. At the Red Riding Hood-Fleetwood intersection, the ROW is roughly 35’ by 50’. This should be plenty of room to implement a roundabout.
GATEWAY ENTRANCE
EXISTING
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PROPOSED
COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES In general, roundabouts are fairly expensive compared to their full-stop counterparts. A great cost-effective alternative for a roundabout would be an art stop. As the name implies, it is a 4-way stop with a painted intersection. The art can be commissioned or community involved. The art not only acts as a symbol that represents the culture of Lookout Mountain, but also causes vehicles to slow down as they enter the threshold. 129
The Lloyd Ecodistrict intersection is a prime example of the effective use of street art built into the infrastructure.
[...modern roundabouts are safer than other methods of intersection traffic control. After examining 24 intersections that were converted to roundabouts in eight states in a variety of urban, suburban and rural settings, [engineer Bhagwant Persaud] concluded that roundabouts reduced all vehicular crashes by 39 percent and injury crashes by 76 percent. He estimated reductions in the numbers of fatal and incapacitating injury crashes to be about 90 percent.] -National Association of City Transportation Officials study on “The Effects of Roundabouts on Pedestrian Safety”
Studies from NACTO New Fairyland Trail (~5’) Entrance Sign Decorative Traffic Circle Safety Crosswalk
GATEWAY ENTRANCE
PROPOSED
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CONVEYANCE
SITE LOCATION
site location
As Lookout Mountain becomes increasingly popular, the need for a connection between the Town Center and Covenant College becomes essential. Covenant College students have no safe route to walk to get to the town center. Many people already use Diana Lane as a cut-through to the college, so using the existing right-of-way, we are able to create a safe walking route from the Town Center to Covenant College.
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As lo p bet co colle to g read coll we f
EXISTING SITE
Diana Lane and Apollo Road are both characteristic of Lookout Mountain. The roads are two-way, but only 11 feet wide. A standard truck is 6.5 feet wide, so it would be nearly impossible to accommodate heavy traffic in this area. A 40foot right-of-way provides more than enough space to add pullouts to the road, as well as a walking lane with a 1 foot buffer.
The circles on the map above represent the best places to put car pullouts on Diana and Apollo. These locations are in straight sections of the road, so drivers are easily able to pull in, allow the other car to pass, and pull out. Each pullout is eight feet wide and four feet long.
DIANA ROAD CONNECTOR
PULLOUT LOCATIONS
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
As it stands, Diana Road is unable to accommodate two large vehicles.
PROPOSED PULLOUTS
With the proposed pullouts, the drivers are easily able to maneuver around each other, all while having a barrier between them and the 4-foot-wide shared-use path. The proposed pullouts and path still allow for 6-8 feet of room on either side of the right-of-way. 133
PHASED DEVELOPMENT SECTIONS 40’ right- of-way
Current Conditions
11’ existing vegetation
11’ Concrete Road
18’ existing vegetation
With a 40’ right-of-way, there is plenty of space to improve connectivity. 40’ right- of-way
4’ Shared use path
10’ existing concrete road
8’ car pullout
8.5’ existing vegetation
In Phase 2, the addition of a 1-foot path buffer and a crushed aggregate mixed-use path will allow for pedestrians to easily go from the college to town center. The car pullout will be the same crushed aggregate as the path in Phase 2. 40’ right- of-way
8.5’ existing vegetation
4’ Shared use path
1’ planted buffer
Phase 3
10’ existing concrete road
8’ car pullout
8.5’ existing vegetation
Phase 3 implements a concrete sidewalk with a planted 1-foot buffer from the road. The car pullouts will also be converted to concrete in Stage 3.
DIANA ROAD CONNECTOR
8.5’ existing vegetation
1’ Sidewalk Buffer
Phase 2
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CONVEYANCE
Existing Conditions
With the addition of the Fairyland Trail, which would connect Town Center to Covenant College, the intersection of Diana/Apollo & the Scenic Highway becomes a very interesting design challenge. This type of intersection is very typical on the mountain, with blind spots and curves. With the implementation of this design, crossing the street will be much safer and easier.
Connection
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Phase 1
Rumble strips
Phase 1 of the design implements rumble strips, which audibly alerts drivers to pay attention, and a crosswalk that will be painted by students of the college in monthly increments. This will be a visual reminder that this route is a connection to the college. A mixed-use path consisting of crushed aggregate will also be added to connect with the Fairlyland trails.
Sidewalk (crushed aggregate)
Phase 2
Phase 2 takes safety to the next level with a flashing HAWK system crosswalk. The flashing lights along with the rumble strips will make drivers alert to the new conditions at the intersection. In addition, trees will be planted along the new concrete sidewalk implemented in phase 2. Wayfinding signage for pedestrians and drivers will be added as well.
Wayfinding signage
Trees
Hawk system crosswalk
Concrete Sidewalk
SCENIC HIGHWAY INTERSECTION
Student painted crosswalk
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CONVEYANCE 137
Located in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Scenic Trail descends the east side of the mountain. However, the trail ends on Scenic Highway with nowhere for hikers to continue. This creates a dangerous interaction between vehicular and pedestrian traffic. To resolve the issue and prevent future accidents, the swale following the west side of Scenic Highway will be turned into a pervious concrete sidewalk measuring 3’ wide. Once the sidewalk meets a safe straight in the road, it will cross via a crosswalk. Rumble strips and painted symbols will be placed on the highway to alert drivers of an upcoming crosswalk. For the rest of the sidewalk following Scenic Highway, the shoulder will be utilized. This space is wide enough to allow pedestrians to walk safely beside the guardrail. The guardrail will have a four-foot gap for pedestrians to access the sidewalk from the crosswalk. Then, the existing guardrail will act as a barrier between vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This trail connector will create a safe and easy solution to the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles on Scenic Highway.
A bus system would allow hikers to start and end their hikes at an easily accessible trail head. The end of the trail would lead into a crosswalk for hikers to cross and enter the bus waiting refuge. A 4-foot space would be made within the guardrail for hikers to slip by. Rumble strips and crosswalk road painting will notify drivers of the upcoming crosswalk.
Option 2: Connector to E. Brow / Stonedge Rd. This option would turn the existing swale into a pervious paving sidewalk to allow proper drainage while also providing a new connector for hikers headed south. The graphic shown to the left demonstrates safe spaces to install a sidewalk and crosswalk to provide a proper connection to E. Brow/Stonedge Rd.
SCENIC TRAIL CONNECTOR
Option 1: Bus Stop Refuge Area
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SCENIC TRAIL CONNECTOR
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CONVEYANCE
The intersection of Lula Lake Road and Wood Nymph Trail is a key meeting point of two systems with similar complications. Lula Lake Road is a critical connector for bicyclists to access Lula Lake’s trail network and other recreational opportunities, as well as potential future development to the south. Wood Nymph Trail provides an important opportunity for residents to exercise by biking, walking, or jogging around the Lookout Mountain Club golf course. Both of these roads, however, are narrow and are currently dominated by motor vehicles, making them inhospitable to use by pedestrians or bicyclists. It is important to address the issues present at this specific location, but also to recognize that this intersection is indicative of larger, more systemic problems present in much of Lookout Mountain’s connective infrastructure.
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LULA LAKE / WOOD NYMPH
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This proposed solution is a “half-measure” compromise between safety, comfort, and cost. It consists of adding a 4’ stabilized decomposed granite (or crushed stone) path adjacent to the road, primarily for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as a 3’ cleared dirt path alongside it for secondary uses like passing or walking side by side. Together, the two paths form a relatively cheap and useful shared-use path (SUP) that can be enjoyed by pedestrians and bicyclists.
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LULA LAKE / WOOD NYMPH
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This proposed solution is a “full-measure” that prioritizes the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists above cost. It consists of adding a 6’ concrete (or asphalt) path separated from the road by a 2’ buffer. While still narrower than the absolute minimum width recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials this shared-use path would be comfortable for bicyclists and pedestrians and would be wide enough for safely passing and walking side by side.
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LULA LAKE / WOOD NYMPH
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It should be noted that this entire process was an experiment, testing this regionally layered systems method of analyzing and designing for an application site. The approach was to try everything and see what works, which ultimately can be a successful process. However, 28 students collaboratively designing anything is quite a feat, let alone a design problem with this many entangled layers. We learned that this method is great for challenging students to think at multiple scales, but it is difficult to translate back into a cohesive, easily comprehensible document. The goal was never to finish quickly and effortlessly, but perhaps we took on too much. Everyone had ambitious goals for this project, but we fell short of what it could have been. There was such a large learning curve establishing the process and trying to understand the region in one semester; that project had to continue into a second semester. To properly accomplish such an enthusiastic objective, even within two semesters, a more organized and rigorous strategy would have been needed. Additionally, it is difficult to extend projects over multiple semesters with entirely new sets of students. The project could still use at least another semester, but we felt it was time to provide a deliverable to the community. If the goal was to finish the project within a semester, then the far-reaching scope would need to be greatly reduced. 147
CONCLUSION
The method of system layers is not necessarily flawed, but using Lookout Mountain as an application site of the regional context may have been. It is a one-of-a-kind site and not necessarily an archetypal representation of the area. Instead, the studio felt that the site contained two separate design problems that did not coincide as much as we would have liked. The preeminent issue of forming a community outreach studio like this is the struggle to balance what the community desires and what is desirable for an academic setting. If another studio wanted to pick up this project, our recommendation would be to use a traditional design approach but inform the process by what we have realized through systems analysis. The next step is to make something more concrete and ready to be implemented. It is not often that students get to work with a site like Lookout Mountain; we are thankful for the opportunity. The two cities of Lookout Mountain already work cohesively on many levels; we hope that this project can aid in their continuous improvement as well as inspire a more regional connection.
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CONNECTIVITY PHASING 1. Town Center Connection The first recommended step is to connect the two town centers with a shared-use path. Some existing sidewalk already exists and can be incorporated.
2. Rock City Connection The second step is to continue the one-way striping already started on Rock City Trail to connect the Georgia town center to Rock City and the Starbucks.
3. Covenant College Connection The third step is to connect Covenant College to the Georgia town center. This connection is partially on existing streets and partially a created trail.
4. Sunset Rock Connection The fourth step is to connect the Tennessee town center to Sunset Rock. A decomposed granite path might fit this situation best.
5. Point Park Connection The fifth step is to connect the Tennessee town center to the school and Point Park. Some existing sidewalk already exists and can be incorporated into the addition of new sidewalk.
6. Trail Connection The sixth step is to better connect existing trails to provide connectivity for hikers and bikers.
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College of Environment + Design