Branching Out: Rethinking Detroit

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Branching Out

ANDREAS TSEVIS ROBERT FARIA


Problem Statement Over several generations the neighborhoods which lie within the site have seen a steady decline, not only in incomes and population, but in self pride as well. There is a distinct level of socio-economic segregation along Woodward Ave. which in its current state lacks coherence from one side to the other. Overall, there are three issues that stand out the most within the site; Livability, Connectivity with itself and the surrounding area, and Community Pride amongst residents


Background Research

• •

Limited connectivity across site Bounded by major roads • • • • •

Woodward Ave. 6 Mile Rd. 7 Mile Rd. 8 Mile Rd. Railroad Tracks


What creates Successful New Urban neighborhoods? The Residences of Uptown, Park Ridge IL. minimizes travel time and expenses drastically with goods and services within walking distance of your home.


Public transportation Complete streets Storm water management Pedestrian friendly environments

Above: Barcelona, Spain Mass transit safely interacts with pedestrians. Left: Cermak Road and Blue Island Sustainable Streetscape Encourage Mass Transit as well as alternative transportation


Concept From seed to sapling, adolescence to maturity, and eventual death, a tree moves through its life cycle, but it always leaves behind a seed. Much like a tree goes through its life cycle, our site and The community Within it has gone through a cycle of its own. From humble beginnings, a rise to prominence, and ultimately a state of fragmentation and disconnect. But, like a seed, many residents, businesses and community programs are waiting to reconnect and start anew. This neighborhood has the potential To develop into a community which reaches out to a diverse range of people just like a tree branches out from it’s trunk. Our goal is to provide the framework, planning, and consideration necessary for these seeds of the community to grow, and develop into a healthy neighborhood which branches out from its past, to the present and into the future.


Putting Pen to Paper Metaphorical Trunk: • The backbone of our site • Main circulatory route focus on pedestrian • Incorporate Public and private transportation • Complete streets but a connection of a greenway system

Other design elements branch off of the main trunk • Minor roads • Pathways and trails

Colors signify land uses: • Homes • Businesses • community services


Master Plan Development How are we going to create the trunk? Where are the existing Circulatory Connections? Why are they there? How can we improve the connectivity of existing infrastructure? Red – Exterior Connections Blue – Interior Connections Yellow – New Connection


Primary Streets The metaphorical trunk of the tree takes the form of lively mixed use streets, where pedestrians and public transportation interact.

Designed to facilitate pedestrian flow throughout the site.


Secondary Streets Smaller residential streets provide further connectivity across the site, and add limbs to our Metaphorical trunk.

Streets will accommodate many forms of transportation, not solely the automobile as in years past.


Green Space


Program Elements •

Community Services • • • •

Circulation & Connectivity • • • •

Urban agriculture Opportunity for local grocers

Parkland and Recreation • • •

Rapid Transit System such as light rail Increase accessibility Travelers to area Residents to travel faster to other areas

Local Food Source • •

Community Center Post Office Fire & Police Stations Library

Green spaces Athletic fields Trail system

Built environment • • • •

Commercial Structures Mixed use high density Row Homes Medium Density Single Family Homes Low Density


Master Plan •

Community Services

Circulation & Connectivity

Local Food Source

Parkland and Recreation

Built environment

N


Master Plan community services

N


Community Services


Master Plan Circulation & Connectivity

N


Circulation Light Rail •

Light Rail and Pedestrian Circulation

Rain gardens and trees help separate bicyclers from walkers.

Raised planting beds buffer pedestrians from Light Rail.

Travels through high and lowdensity areas, consisting of mixed use and housing


Circulation Light Rail


Circulation Complete Street •

Area consist of one-way vehicular traffic.

Bike lanes and pedestrian walkways are split up by rain gardens and tree lines.

Cross walks are elevated to slow traffic and make walkways more user friendly


Circulation Complete Street


Circulation Pedestrian Greenway •

Designed strictly for pedestrians.

Rain gardens and trees were incorporated to address storm water management.

Useful in moving people productively through the site without the use of vehicles.


Circulation Pedestrian Greenway


Connectivity woodward under pass


Woodward Underpass • • •

Connect to Palmer Park Facilitate pedestrian travel across Woodward Ave. Reach out to outside communities and increase visitors onto the site.


Woodward Underpass • • •

The design safely moves pedestrians on and off site. Water feature creates calming noise and movement to attract people to the area. Handicap accessible


Master Plan Local Food Source

N


Urban Agriculture Local Food Source

• •

Located directly behind homes for easy access Organized community interaction


Master Plan Parkland & Recreation

N


Master Plan Parkland & Recreation


Parkland & Recreation Branching Out Park


Branching Out Park Show images


Branching Out Park


Master Plan Built Environment

N


Cross Section Built Environment Potential of what site could look like: • • • • •

Mix of modern & contemporary architecture Complete streets Pedestrian only walkways Mixed use buildings Row Houses


High Density Built Environment

Mixed Use & Commercial • • •

Connection to Palmer Park & Woods Woodward Ave. Heavily Traversed Spread Density Across Site


Low Density Built Environment

Pocket Neighborhoods • • •

Lower Density Surrounded by mixed use higher density living Designed around central parks Pedestrian greenways


Thank You Questions?


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