Professional Design Realization
Academic Design Speculation
Writing Sample 2 Reclaiming the Right of Way Columbia University Urban Design Team Members: Julie Marin Hannah Allawi Minyoung Kim Eri Suzuki
Eri Suzuki
Assoc. A.I.A. I LEED GA I M.S.AUD I B.Arch June 2012
RECLAIMING THE RIGHT OF WAY Hannah Allawi Minyoung Kim Julie Marin Eri Suzuki
A
A
SECTION A-A: ACCESS TO RAILWAY RIGHT OF WAY (R.O.W.) FROM WITHIN THE COMMUNITY IN 2017
RECLAIMING THE RIGHT OF WAY
A Performative, Generative and Green Corridor for Kumasi and its local communities Hannah Allawi, Minyoung Kim, Julie Marin and Eri Suzuki
This project reveals the tremendous potential of Kumasi’s seemingly forgotten railway right of way (R.O.W.). It is a speculation on how Kumasi’s disappearing railway corridor could become a green multipurpose spine within the densifying city of Kumasi. The strategic introduction of ecological, economic and cultural improvements and opportunities could transform this corridor into a vital, performative, and empowering infrastructure, benefiting the city of Kumasi from the local to the regional scale. The railway R.O.W. plays an important role in Kumasi’s urban fabric for locals using this corridor as a safe, quick and convenient pedestrian and bicycle path. This corridor connects them to important educational and economical hubs, while avoiding the congested road network. However, this R.O.W. is threatened by serious problems such as erosion and encroachments of various kinds which have started interrupting its continuity after the discontinuation of the rail service about a decade ago. The key advantage of the railway R.O.W is the leverage that the Traditional Authority, the Ghana Railway Development Authority and the City of Kumasi have over ownership and usage. The R.O.W. cuts through the urban fabric of Kumasi making it an ideal place to plug in the city’s infrastructure systems and much needed public amenities. Our proposed strategy illustrates how the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (K.M.A.) could lead the revitalization efforts by providing a clear vision for this amenity, and by involving neighboring communities, commerce, industries and institutions into the reclaiming and revitalization process, without relying on external resources. The physical transformation of this corridor is expected to build equity and resilience within the city and help guide regional and national developments. A first step of this project, to be initiated by K.M.A., is to acknowledge the corridor’s value and to improve its existing conditions. This can be done by ensuring accessibility at several points, and installing lighting along the corridor to add a sense of security for the users. By providing an alternative non-motorized transportation route for the city, these simple actions could alleviate some of the traffic congestion that exists on the major city roads. In the following pages, we depict three scenarios of the next steps to uncover the various possibilities for the R.O.W. development. This proposal addresses critical issues of landscape, built-fabric, and infrastructure systems along the railway R.O.W. In terms of ensuring landscape development, bio-diversity and native vegetation suited to the fertile soil of Kumasi could be re-introduced along the railway corridor to help this space gradually grow and define its role as a green spine traversing the city: providing a pleasant and shaded walkway above ground and stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion below ground. Plants such as bamboo, mango, and palmoil trees have the potential to trigger small scale market activities and new agro-industries that could become new economic generators. At intersections of this corridor with major roads, we predict an increase in mixed-use and higher density developments to accommodate the rapidly growing population. As these improvements take place the city could take advantage of the R.O.W. by simultaneously overlaying infrastructure systems and public amenities to properly service neighboring communities. Using the R.O.W. in the manner suggested here will also ensure that the option of bringing back a railway service to Kumasi is not jeopardized. These changes will redefine the corridor as a productive and performative armature that will help achieve a better quality of life for the City of Kumasi.
kumasi’s railway r. o, w. as a strategic space with potential impact on economy, transportation and economy Markets Central Market Suame Magazine Sunshine City Project Industry District Poverty Pockets Green-Belt KNUST Civic & Culture Educational Palace & Zoo
CENTRAL MARKET AGRICULTURAL LAND Hub of commerce
Landscape remediation
EASTERN BYPASS
Transportation hub
3 2
DESTINATIONS
1
The R.O.W. provides access to jobs and education. “...if the current pattern of vehicle ownership continues, in a matter of just about ten years; the traffic situation will deteriorate to levels unparalleled in the City’s history.” 1 POR
CONGESTION versus
CONNECTION
AIR
T
TRANSPORTATION The R.O.W. provides connection to important transportation arteries.
RIVERS Multiple streams intersect with or run parallel to the R.O.W., which offers fertile soil.
TOPOGRAPHY “ The abandoned railway corridor is the most convenient way for me to get to University”_conversation with a student in February 2012
GETTING AROUND IN THE CITY OF KUMASI
The R.O.W. is mainly located in low areas, which makes it a strategic space for landscape remediation.
OPPORTUNITIES ALONG THE R. O. W.
CONGESTION OF THE KUMASI ROAD NETWORK
STRATEGIC LOCATION OF THE R.O.W.
Recent rapid increase in population and growing vehicle ownership have put tremendous pressure on the existing road network causing bottlenecks and congestion at the center of the city and unpredictable travel times. This has resulted not only in important economic and productivity losses but also has negative impacts on the environment (noise/pollution) and quality of life in Kumasi. Increased accidents create a sense of unsafety and impact law and order.
The national railway system built by the British in the early 1900s was used to transport natural resources as well as passengers. Today, the abandoned railway infrastructure and its continuous R.O.W cut strategically through Kumasi’s congested fabric, connecting important nodes of the city such as the Central Market, Central Business Districs, the University, and industrial districts. We propose to revitalize this forgotten corridor by providing an alternative route for pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles.
kumasi’s railway r. o. W.: opportunities and threats OPPORTUNITIES
A variety of small commerce and industries benefit from the current usage of the R.O.W.
The community can integrate their enterprises along the rail infrastructure and benefit from upgrades of the R.O.W. and increase of usage.
THREATS
EROSION
ENCROACHMENT
Encroachment disrupts the R.O.W. and in some cases contributes to the poor condition of the rail tracks.
A. KUMASI STATION
B. RAILWAY YARD
C. RAIL + ROAD
CONNECTING PATH
PETTY TRADE
LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Erosion is a major problem to the R.O.W. due to insufficient structure and erosion control in the landscape.
D. RAIL + HOUSING
The R.O.W. provides a convenient way to avoid road congestion.
GARBAGE BURNING
Residents often burning garbage due to its accumulation after a flood, hence polluting the environment.
E. RAIL + STREAM
INTERRUPTION
Shacks and constructions are put on the rail interrupting the use and safety of this corridor.
F. RAIL + VEGETATION Rail Line Formal Activity Informal Activity Waste Dumping Area Vegetation Stream
R.O.W.: OPPORTUNITIES
R.O.W.: THREATS
Currently, people of all ages use the corridor as a walkway and bikeway to commute to institutions, markets, and work places. Some microfinanced small scale industries and petty trade already see the benefit in serving this population, and locate along the corridor.
Although the railway track itself is raised, the R.O.W. lies in topographically low points throughout the city, making it susceptible to flooding and erosion. The intersecting rivers are generally polluted as open sewers and refuse is carried into them by occasional flooding. Since the railway service was suspended, encroachment of informal activities has started taking place directly on top of the railway tracks. Unless steps are taken to make this a useful and protected corridor, this unique amenity potential will be completely lost over time.
steps to developing the r. o. w.
2012
2012
2017
2020
2012
2012
2020
2017
2020
PROTECT THE RAILWAY R.O.W. Formal Activity Informal Activity Right Of Way Defunct Railway
The landowners of the R.O.W. include Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and the Traditional Authority. They can implement the initial steps of the reclaiming of the R.O.W. Currently the rail is not in use and the eroded landscape poses a threat to the maintenance of the railway track and the R.O.W.
RESTORE THE RIGHT OF WAY AS A GREEN CORRIDOR
Painted Sleeper Vegetation
KMA can kickstart the revitalization of the R.O.W. by painting the rail at certain intervals to redefine the R.O.W. as a continuous space. KMA can also plant a diverse range of vegetation along the R.O.W. for which neighboring communities can be made responsible. It is important to involve neighboring communities* , private businesses and institutions in the process of planting. The same local actors can be involved for the maintenance of the R.O.W. and the generation of new industries along the corridor. as has been proven successful in Kumasi’s Community Resource Management Approach
*
Airport R.O.W Access and Connection
ACTIVATE AND CONNECT WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS With the introduction of bamboo along the R.O.W., bamboo micro-industries are expected to emerge. These could range from simple charcoal production or fencing to more formal bamboo processing. As developments are attracted to capitalize the R.O.W., Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly will be able to collect taxes. This money can be invested into further upgrading of the R.O.W. with lighting and other infrastructures, as further discussed.
PLUG IN INFRASTRUCTURE Recurring Infrastructure Linear Infrastructure
As investors recognize the corridor’s unique value, developments along the right of way are expected to increase. At that time, KMA could begin to collect taxes from the leased land, which could be invested in progressively improving the adjacent infrastructures. GRDA may also wish to connect to the revitalized national railway system to a light rail system. Whereas heavy rail infrastructure would necessitate the clearing of the entire R.O.W., a light rail system could be a local service.
How could the r. o. w. become a much needed ecological corridor for fauna and flora?
CURRENT CONDITION
A Mango tree provides a social spot, shadow and delicious fruit.
Bamboo roots prevent erosion and purify water. Its wood can be made into charcoal or scaffolding.
Palmoil trees prevent erosion. Shadow created by the trees can make the streets more pleasant.
JOB-GENERATING, NATIVE PLANTS
Green Belt Area
KUMASI’S GREENBELT
FLOOD CONTROL Bamboo grows well in flood plains, on river banks, and on steep hillsides. It can control landslides and prevent washouts, and thick culms keep flooded rivers within their natural courses and slow the speed of flowing rivers.2
BAMBOO NURSERY At some points in the R.O.W., rivers converge at topographically low land creating suitable places for bamboo nurseries and cultivation.
CLEANING WATER Bamboo is used in some parts of the world for cleaning sewage. It also soaks up heavy metals. It is a potential answer to polluted rivers in Kumasi.3
SECTION B-B: INTERSECTION RIVER AND R.O.W IN 2017 BIODIVERSITY Kumasi’s railway R.O.W. can play an important role in water retention and landscape remediation, given its mainly low topographical condition. Landscape improvements to the corridor can begin with the planting of bio-diverse native vegetation to mark the edges of the right of way and stabilize the soil of the corridor, which is very fertile. Amongst various plants, bamboo, mango and oil palm trees can generate jobs, small scale market activities and new agro-industries that could become new economic generators.
Bamboo processing can be a job creating industry that will also help prevent further loss of trees in Kumasi. Palmoil trees can be planted along the line to create a sense of continuity for the corridor and mango trees can be planted at rest stops and gathering spots to provide shade as well as fruit. Besides providing spatial quality, these plants offer economic and ecological benefits such as fruit vending and soil remediation. This green spine will create a new identity for Kumasi and help attract further development of economic activities discussed in the next scenario.
SOIL REMEDIATION Bamboo provides excellent erosion control because of its extensive interlocking root systems, which bind together 85% of the soil approximately one foot below the surface where it is planted.2
B BAMBOO NURSERIES
BAMBOO GROWING AREA
B
REMEDIATED STREAM PUBLIC BAMBOO PARK
Mango Trees
WATER COLLECTION BASIN
Bambusa Vulgaris Palmoil Trees
BAMBOO PROCESSING AREA
Remediated River
PUBLIC MANGO PARK
Vegetation Bamboo Nursery
A VIGNETTE OF LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT
BAMBUSA VULGARIS
Bamboo is nature’s fastest growing woody plant, with some species achieving the phenomenal growth rate of one meter a day. Bamboo provides shade, an acoustical barrier and a wind break. A bamboo tree matures in just three years.Thereafter harvests are possible every second year for up to one hundred and twenty years.3
BAMBUSA VULGARIS LIFECYCLE AND POTENTIAL 20m
65.6ft
15m
49.2ft
10m
32.8ft
5m
16.4ft
0m
0ft
Nursing Planting Month 1-4 Month 5-6
Remediating From Month 6~
Harvesting After 3 Years~
Benefiting Each Year
How could the r.o.w. ATTRACT ECONOMIC AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTs?
Airport Boankra Dryport
CURRENT CONDITION
Second Ringroad Railroad Road Network
KUMASI’S ROAD NETWORK
COMMERCE This important transportation node will attract small and mid-scale commerce and can become a market for the locally processed bamboo products.
POROUS PAVING The right of way can be paved at some points in order to improve accessibility and to emphasize the reclaiming of the corridor.
SECTION C-C: INTERSECTION EASTERN BYPASS AND R.O.W. IN 2017 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Intersections of the railway R.O.W. and major roads provide opportunities for development of high density and mixed and commercial real estate, light industry and housing. Existing residual spaces along the R.O.W. could accommodate these new types of development as the corridor will provide multiple options of alternative transportation, increased visibility, good environment and access for new businesses, as well as direct access to other major commercial and institutional nodes of the city. Run-down industrial zones along the corridor
can be revitalized to attract new types of eco-tech industries, including new bamboo industries, that can generate employment opportunities for the local population.
C
AIRPORT RELATED DEVELOPMENTS
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY C AIRPORT PASSENGER CONNECTION
Existing Housing Proposed Housing Tro-Tro Station Commercial Activity Bamboo Processing
EASTERN BYPASS COMMERCIAL HUB
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
SHARED SPACE
Pedestrians and cyclists share this space, which is essentially a corridor for alternative transportation.
TROTRO STATION
As the Kumasi Airport expands its operation, this intersection of the right of way and the Eastern Bypass becomes an important node of shared transportation.
EFFECT OF THE EXPECTED AIRPORT EXPANSION ON THE R.O.W.
Expansion to an international airport is expected by 2017.
Our proposal suggests a connection for passengers to the R.O.W.
new infrastructures that the right of way can accomodate
Tamale
Tamale Accra/ Tema TRIGGER 3
Kumasi
KNUST
TRIGGER 3
Tema Accra
KNUST
Takoradi Takoradi Extent of Urban Sprawl (KMA) Proposed Light Rail Phase 1 Proposed Light Rail Phase 2
Proposed rail (GRDA) Dysfunctional rail Functional rail
CURRENT CONDITION
GHANA RAILWAY
KUMASI PROPOSED LIGHT RAIL
COMMUNITY KIOSK
This kiosk could provide public toilets, and access to drinking water collection as well as access to the services offered in the service center.
SERVICES Public facitilities can provide services such as micro financing, internet acces, Bantama women’s center kiosk.
SECTION D-D: IMAGE OF THE DEVELOPED R.O.W. NEAR THE CENTRAL STATION IN 2020 INFRASTRUCTURE The existing railway strategically cuts through the urban fabric of Kumasi making it an ideal place to implement the city’s infrastructure systems and much needed public amenities. Continuous infrastructure systems such as water, sewer and storm water management, electric, telecommunication and a trench for future utilities could be integrated underneath the pedestrian corridor. As this corridor becomes more intensively used, public amenities such as drinking water, public toilets, waste collection points, internet and
information, education, training, health services, and micro financing services could be plugged into the framework to serve and empower local communities. The strategic location of the corridor makes it possible to impact a large population from all social groups. This multi-purpose corridor can truly become a transformative, generative and performative infrastructure benefiting the future growth and development of the City of Kumasi.
AIRPORT
MARKET
D
D FIRST RING ROAD
Solar-Powered Lighting
SECOND RING ROAD
Pedal-Powered Waste Collection Community Kiosk Pocket Park Tro-Tro Station
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Light-Rail/Station
REFURBISHED BUILDINGS The storage buildings bordering this space have a huge potential to become commercialized.
REVITALIZED KUMASI STATION The city of Kumasi could implement a light rail system in the right of way, and revitalize the former railway station.
PUBLIC PARK
A public park for Kumasi’s citizens and visitors is an added value in terms of quality of life and ecological upgrade.
TRENCH
Infrastructure such as fiber optics, electricity, water management, and telecommunication can be integrated in the future.
WASTE COLLECTION* PUBLIC PARK
TROTRO STATION
STREET LIGHTING
CONTINUOUS PATH
COMMUNITY KIOISK
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
TRENCH
LIGHT-RAIL
FIGURE GROUND MAP: PROPOSED TRANSFORMATION
BIBLIOGRAPHY Books: Adarkw, Kwasi Kwafo. Future of the Tree: Towards growth and development of Kumasi. Kumasi, Ghana: University Printing Press (UPK) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2011. Busquets, Joan and Correa, Felipe. Catalunya Continental: rail infrastructure as the backbone for development. Boston:Harvard University Graduate School of Design, 2008. Kasardra, John D & Lindsay, Greg. Aerotropolis: The way we’ll live next. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011. Websites: Brice, David. “Essential renewals must pave the way for ambitious expansion strategy.” Railway Gazette, Published June 25, 2008 http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/essential-renewals-must-pave-the-wayfor-ambitious-expansion-strategy.html’ Shyam K Paudel (INBAR, China) & Solomon Ayeh (BRRI). “Bamboo School Building: Transfer of Technology Model (TOTEM)”. International Network for Bamboo and Rattan. Last accessed April 7, 2012. http://sheltercentre.org/sites/ default/files/CON_BambooSchoolBuilding_INBAR.pdf “Railway Technicial Webpages.” wikipedia, Last accessed March 18 2012, http://www.railway-technical.com/track. shtml. United Nations Industrial Development Organization. “Manufacture of bamboo panels and boards-Kumasi Logging and Lumber LTD.” Industrial Investment and Technology Project Profile. Last accessed April 7, 2012. http:// www.unido.org/fileadmin/import/11817_GHA009KUMASILOGGINGANDLUMBERLTD.pdf “Ghana Railway Company to clear illegal structures along railway lines.” Ghana Railway Development Authority. Published Mar 10, 2011. http://grda.gov.gh/news/articles/43/Foreign/general/2011/Mar/10/Ghana-RailwayCompany-to-clear-illegal-structures-along-railway-lines/ “Reconstruction and Expansion of Ghana Railway Network.” Ghana Railway Development Authority .Last Accessed March 16, 2012. http://grda.gov.gh/aboutus/about_us “Ghana Right of Way to be cleared.” Railways Africa. Published Jan, 31. 2011. http://www.railwaysafrica.com/ blog/2011/01/ghana-right-of-way-to-be-cleared/ “New Lines in Ghana.” Railways Africa. Published Feb 28, 2011. http://www.railwaysafrica.com/blog/2011/02/newlines-in-ghana/ “Rail Transport in Ghana.” Wikipedia. Last accessed Mar 15, 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_ Ghana. “Reconstruction and Expansion of Ghana Railway Network.” NIT Holdings, China. Last accessed Mar 15, 2012. http://nitholdings.com/nit_activities.htm “Rehab for Ghana’s Kumasi Line.” Railways Africa. Published Mar 13, 2012. http://www.railwaysafrica.com/blog/2012/03/rehab-for-ghana%E2%80%99s-kumasi-line/ Footnotes: 1 Kwasi Kwafo Adarkw and Michael Poku-Boans. “Rising Vehicle Ownership, Roadway Challeges and Traffic Congestion in Kumasi,” in Future of the Tree: Towards growth and development of Kumasi, (Kumasi, Ghana: University Printing Press (UPK) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), 201. 2 “Erosion Control and Soil Remediation,” ouche, Last Accessed May 5, 2012, http://www.ouche.org/fall2010pnca/ material/design-strategies/erosion-control-and-soil-remediation/. 3 WorkInProgress. “The Royal Tree: Kumasi, The Garden City of West-Africa,” Last accessed April 26, 2012, http:// www.workingoncities.com/WOC_royaltrees.pdf. * photo waste collection by Jarrod Ball
Eri Suzuki suzueri@gmail.com 54 Rainey St. PH 15 , Austin , TX , 78701 201.927.1539