Essay 18.2
Walkable Communities & Signature Green Space Inviting Public Realms Create Communities
Hines’ Aris Market Square in Downtown Houston
ZIEGLER COOPER
160
Number of Acres at Buffalo Bayou Park
LINEAR PARKS Urban linear parks are hardly a new thing. However, in relation to the cycle of urban development, it is perhaps quite remarkable that, worldwide, more than two dozen major new urban linear parks projects have been created in the last 20 years. In a class of international projects from London to Seoul, one of the most successful is Houston’s Bayou Greenways project. The 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, originally created in 1929 is now a vital thread in the fabric which connects downtown to the Galleria and other vibrant, surrounding neighborhoods. The city plans to further develop this system to provide 20 miles of trails
High-density urban living plugs into the linear park system of Buffalo Bayou
along this major waterway.
THE URBAN FABRIC MASTER WEAVERS
Architects are challenged to design a
beautiful,
safe,
functional,
and
Until recently, the missing element to
creating
a
vibrant,
sustainable
resilient component of the public realm.
downtown
community
was
the
The mass of a building provides shelter
residential
component.
High
rise
and stability, but too often is made
living now brings people to the streets
waterways,
to be a monolithic barrier between
to visit restaurants and
roadways, tunnels, and byways, so it
form and function. In the hands of
local stores outside of the workday.
could be said that a city’s natural and
an experienced architect, the form
Walkable
man-made infrastructure is the warp, or
provides the opportunity to enhance
upon the residents; their activities,
longitudinal thread, of its urban fabric.
the interaction between the street
their eyes, to make the street exciting,
What, then, would be the fabric’s weft
and the building’s ground floor. Well-
interesting and safe every day, not just
- that part which weaves in and out to
designed, this street scene becomes a
during community and public events.
create the texture and character of the
compelling experience for residents,
Linear Parks, like Buffalo Bayou, bind
fabric? A city’s character is influenced
workers and visitors, as at the entrance
communities
greatly by its architecture.
to Aris Market Square, on the cover.
opportunities for urban living.
Our cities have developed around an
infrastructure
2
of
community
and
to shop at is
contingent
create
attractive
AN INVITING PUBLIC REALM Creating a community that works and keeps working for everyone means that an enormous number of willing participants, both private and public, must take hold of a vision and have the will and capital to see it through. A
sustainable
urban
community
must be people-focused rather than catering
to
automobiles.
Walkable
districts have clearly defined shopping places and provide comfortable, safe, and purposeful activity. Compelling architecture is a vital component of a more pleasant and engaging stroll. A lively mix of urban living has developed around Houston’s entertainment venues, Caydon’s 2850 Fannin is a 27-story apartment high-rise located directly opposite to the new Midtown Park
theaters and parks, and is evident at Caydon’s 2850 Fannin in Midtown.
The street scene at 2850 Fannin in Midtown boasts retail and shopping options, with access to the Metro Light Rail system 3
TREE-LINED STREETS
shade of a tree in the midday sun. With projects like Catalyst Houston, below, creating more street activity, a canopy
Houston has been counted among Tree City, USA communities for 30 years.
of trees provides shade and offers a sense of permanence, and tranquility.
One of the signature goals of Houston’s
Beyond shade, trees improve air
long range planning is to create grand,
quality by conversion of greenhouse gas
tree-lined avenues. For many years,
emissions to valuable oxygen, and help
Houston’s downtown tunnel system has
mitigate storm water runoff. Tree-lined
sheltered workers from searing summer
streets also increase safety by creating
heat. New development is inviting
a physical barrier between pedestrians
As Founding Principal of the firm and
them back onto the streets to enjoy an
and automobiles, as seen along Texas
leader of the Urban Architecture Studio,
al fresco dining experience under the
Avenue at Catalyst Houston.
Scott’s design experience reflects his
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SCOTT ZIEGLER, AIA
belief that beautiful architecture enriches people’s lives and expresses the spirit of our time through art, craft and technology. As Residential Practice Area Leader, Scott plays an active role in shaping the urban landscape through his published writings in professional journals on the subjects of sustainable urban growth strategies and high-density mixed-use developments. Ziegler Cooper Architects 700 Louisiana, Ste 350 Houston, TX 77002 t: 713.374.0000 The tree-lined streets along Texas Avenue at Catalyst Houston
POCKET PARKS: SECRET GARDENS FOR RESIDENTS A
park
is
an intimate urban garden. It reinforces pedestrian activity by affording access to public transportation for residents, and echoes the building’s extensive
typically
array of street access to restaurants
accessible to the public and frequently
and clubs in the Downtown Houston
created on a small, irregular piece of
neighborhood.
land. In the case of Hines’ Aris Market
During the months of temperate
Square, right, the developer had to
weather, pocket parks provide a place
stitch together seven adjacent parcels of
for enjoying a regeneration of urban
land in order to create the development
wildlife and they add great quality of
site. An awkward space then became
life to the community.
4
www.zieglercooper.com
The private park at Aris Market Square