Semester Publication

Borderland Transition

Fall Semester 2018





Impressum

Akademie für internationale Bildung (AIB)
gGmbH
Adenaueralle 7 und Wilhelmstraße 27
53111 Bonn / Germany
www.aib-studyabroad.org
[email protected]

AIB Program Coordinator

Ture Petersenn

Course Instructors

Bruno Röver (Architect and Adjunct Faculty)
Eva Neumann (Teaching Assistant)

Photography Workshop

Erica Quinn (Instructor/Academic Advisor,
Stuckeman School at Penn State University,
PA,USA)

Guest Critics

Anna Weber, RWTH Aachen
Natascha Rohde, (Dipl.-Ing.), Head, Depart-
ment of Land Use Planning, City of Aachen
Nils Jansen, City of Aachen
Marina Thelen (RWTH Aachen)
Dr. Daniela Karow-Kluge, Department of
Urban Development, City of Aachen
Stephanie Brandt (Dipl.-Ing. MArch Architect)

Special thanks to

The City of Aachen, Department of Land Use
Planning, for providing AIB with the design
project and supporting the students
The Heimatverein of the City of Vaals for wel-
coming us in Vaals and for providing working
space and information for the students.

Students

PennState University
Michael Beattie
Benjamin Chronister
Jonathon Demi-Ajayi
Cristina Frass
Victoria Frydrych
Julian Huang
Kyle Johnson
Haoran Luo
Ned Moore
Jonathan Ringenbach
Zoe Roane-Hopkins
Cara Santoleri
Logan Staley
Kara Swanick
Gina Walter
Thomas Wert
Hannah Winn

Borderland Transition Borderland Transition

In the Fall Semester 2018 seventeen under- Siebzehn Studentinnen und Studenten der
graduate students from the Pennsylvania Landschaftsarchitektur der Pennsylvania State
State University Department of Landsca- University, Department of Landscape Ar-
pe Architecture participated in a study abro- chitecture absolvierten im Herbst 2018 ein
ad program at the Academy of International Auslandssemester bei der Akademie für inter-
Education in Bonn (www.aib-studyabroad. nationale Bildung in Bonn
org). (www.aib-studyabroad.org).

In their design studio “Borderland Transiti- Im Rahmen des Entwurfsstudios “Border-
on” they worked on the border area between land Transition” beschäftigten sie sich mit der
Vaalser Quartier and Vaals. Grenze zwischen Vaalser Quartier und Vaals.
They first analyzed the current condition, re- Nach Untersuchung der aktuellen Situation
searched on the history of the place and de- und Auseinandersetzung mit der Geschich-
veloped conceptual approaches for it before te entwickelten sie Konzepte für den Ort und
they finally created landscape architecture de- schließlich landschaftsarchitektonische Ent-
sign proposals for future developments. würfe für eine mögliche Umgestaltung.

Border Events

What is a border? We see physical
borders in both manmade and natural
forms: walls, fences, streams, mountains.
Social and political borders are a strictly
human creation - we arbitrarily draw them
along the landscape to acheive specific
social and political intents. They are also
ephemeral and in a constant state of
change. On a natural geologic timescale
they are mere snapshots of a specific time.
Ultimately, borders are not true
boundaries or dividers. They are events.
The geography of a border and the
geopolitical intent that surrounds it are
not important, the events that take place
along the border are what is important.
The border separating Aachen and Vaals
- Germany and the Netherlands - has a
deep, rich history. This history is shared
by all the people living in and around the
border zone, as is the future.
The event that is the border is celebrated,
highlighted, and shared by all in this
project. A paving pattern derived from the
historic Rotbuche hedge unites a series of
nodes recognizing historically important
places and events. It also connects people
to places that allow for new events to
take place: play, gathering, relaxation,
education, restoration. It emphasizes
the existing spatial qualities along the
border. New functions like stormwater
management, ecological restoration, play
and exercise, and community meetings
take place in an area that is too often seen
purely as a division. The question should
no longer ask what a border is, but what a
border can be.
Benjamin Chronister

View down the path along Grenstraat

TEXTURES + TRACES

Textural and contextual analysis along the border Border permeability Physical definition Political definition
BORDERS AS EVENTS

Possible events
happening along
the border wall
in the public spacel

Community Play Public space Education

MOTIFS Museum and public flex space
Landgraben
Historic Rotbuche Paving textures
Fagus sylvatica

NODES + SEQUENCES
Ecological restoration
Landscape appreciation

Historic restoration
Education

landgraben rotbuche
Community

Education
Historic restoration

VAALS Historic restoration
Education

rotbuche AACHEN Pathway along the stream
Playground area
landgraben

Play
Education
Landscape appreciation

Three country point

BELGIUM

Landgraben-form play

An Aachen Oasis

The Aachen Oasis aims to enhance
the atmosphere created in the Aachen
community. As it greatly contrasts from
the lively, commercial, and upbeat
feelings of Vaals, this park highlights
the relaxed, calm, and private ambiance
of Aachen. With both man-made and
natural elements, the landscape makes for
accessible, fun, and peaceful spaces for
visitors and residents to enjoy. The design
includes a border history museum, a day
care, playground, and the relocation of
the Kiosk to make for the built elements
of the site. In place of the existing Kiosk,
the design proposes new residential
development in the lot where it once laid.
The natural elements of the design include
extensive walking trails throughout the
site, which connect to walking trails along
the stream at the end of Grensstraat. It
also includes a large pond, abundant
fields of green, and panoramic views of
the countryside. This borderline parks
hopes to show all of opportunities and
benefits that come with the identity
and character found in Aachen, and the
contrasting relationship it has with Vaals.
Cara Santoleri

Bird‘s eye view of the site

SITE STUDY

The site study conducted focused on the people of each side of the border. It asked what the people were
doing, where they were doing it, and who was doing it.

west of the border activity map east of the border

DESIGN CONCEPT

Similarly, the design concept focused on the possibilties of each side. While, the west side of the border seems
to be „complete“, the east side of the border has much more potential than what it currently shows. The design
concept asks what could the people be doing, where could they be doing it, and who could be doing it.

activity map east of the border

MASTER PLAN A1
A
gazebo

meadow
day care
playground
pond
open lawn space
plaza
border history
museum
relocation of
Kiosk

proposed residential
development

SECTION A - A1

road border history museum plaza space
with seating

VEGETATION & MATERIALS TREES
Silver Birch
1 : The design proposes an addition of an
abundant amount of vegetation, within the plaza London Plane
space, and throughout the meadow. The species
proposed are all native to area. Field Maple
MEADOW MATERIALS
Cornflower Chamomile Pea Gravel Pavers

Bugloss Lavatara

Pennisetum Tall Fescue

RECREATION & AMENITIES

2 : Rendering shows the relationship between the
playground, walkway, and pond.

3 : Rendering shows the large open recreational field. 4 : Rendering shows the plaza space in relation
to the bus stop.

vegetated playground path day care
hill

Cultural Mosaics

Border towns are places of high cultural
diversity and cultural exchange. According
to the European Commission, border
towns within the EU cover about 40%
of the EU territory, account for 30% of
its population, and produce 30% of its
GDP. Moreover, these regions host over
2 million cross-border commuters, who
depend on the fluidity of borders in order
to sustain their daily lifestyles. This is the
case within the towns of Aachen and
Vaals, whose close proximity has allowed
the creation of a community with many
opportunities for cultural exchange.
The project, “Cultural Mosaics,” aims
to display the cultural diversity found
within this region by creating a series
of spaces within the two towns, which
provide a variety of public amenities and
emphasize people’s connection to nature.
The bond between people and nature is
a common factor across cultures all over
the world; plants are a precious asset for
humans in terms of food, medicine, and
aesthetic, cultural and spiritual value.
Our connection to nature is a factor that
unites us- and one that this project aims to
emphasize. The proposed public spaces
aim to reconnect the residents of Vaals
and Aachen with their natural landscape,
as well as display the variety of cultures
present in the region through the use of
plant life. Some examples of proposed
spaces include greenhouses, public
community gardens and new pathways
that reconnect people to the local forest.
Through these spaces, Aachen and Vaals
can strengthen the connections of their
residents to their landscape, as well as to
each other.
Cristina, Frass

Display of plants that are closely linked to a variety of cultures present in Aachen and Vaals.

People Profiles

OUsLerDGEroRupR: ESIDENTS UCseOr MGroMupU: TERS UFsAerMGrIoLuIpE:S UTsOerUGrRouISpT: S

Age: Total People: Time on Site: Age: Total People: Time on Site: Age: Total People: Time on Site: Age: Total People: Time on Site:
109 (On Aver- 17 (On Aver-
50+ 20’s-40’s 55 (On Aver- VARIES 30 (On Aver- VAR-

Site Presence: 20+ Site Presence: 5 Site Presence: 10+ Site Presence: 7+
52% Min. 26.2% or less 13.75% Min. 8.05% Min.

Usage of Usage of Usage of Usage of

0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100%

32% 10% 13.3% 11% Tee/ thee

11% 42% 23% 28%

14% 0% 27% 27%
30%
12% 13.3% 9%
0%
2% 0% 10%

21% 3% 13.3% 14%

8% 15% 0% 11%

Usage Description: Usage Description: Usage Description: Usage Description:

The older residents of the community were by far Commuters were the second largest demographic Families were the most even demographic in Tourists were the least present demographic on
the most present demographic group within the on site, as well as the demographic to spend the terms of their activities. They were also the second site. They were often recognized because they
site. They were also the demographic who stayed least amount of time within it. Their main two ac- demographic with the most amount of time spent were taking pictures or stopping to read the sign
longest within all the four spaces examined. Talking tivities consisted of walking and biking. However, on site. Children seemed to be one of the causes at the border landmark. However, with the excep-
was the most common form of interaction, as they stopping to shop along their trajectory was also a for this, as they would stop to look into windows tion of those who were consuming food, tourists
would unite in groups of up to 5 or 7 people to talk relatively common occurrence. Many of them were and shops. did not stay long amounts of time within the site.
young people, students and workers.

Site Analysis: Recording Resident‘s Space Usage and Testimo- Concept: Spaces that showcase cultural diversity

SPACE AVAILIABILITY

PROPOSED SPACES

Concept: The Mo- EXISTING SPACES

Current Border Condition

A Community Id- Proposed Border Condition

Final locations for a culutral mosaic landscape-Existing and Proposed

Application of Concept: Creating Spaces that incorporate plants and showcase their global culutral signifi-

Site One: A public garden that displays culturally significant plants from various peoples
Site two: A community garden, playground and resting spacenear Vaals‘ church
Site three: A forest pathway with lighting fixtures

Give and Take

Vaals and Aachen have their own
distinctive and opposing characteristics.
Vaals’ urbanity and activity contrast starkly
against Aachen’s calm and quiet lifestyle.
The abrupt change at the border between
developed Vaals and private Aachen
gives off the appearance that Vaals is the
“superior” city that Aachen should aspire
to be. While there are some characteristics
of Vaals that should be adopted by
Aachen, Aachen itself has several positive
characteristics that should be adopted by
Vaals. Rather than one city changing to
fit the mold of the other and blurring the
border, the cities should exchange their
good qualities with one another to create
a more cohesive border.
This idea helped shape Give and Take.
The goal of the project is to create a
smoother transition between the two
countries by exchanging design elements
from Aachen and Vaals. This exchange
forms two new complimentary landscapes
located across from one another on
the border. The Vaals inspired design
is located in Aachen, while the Aachen
inspired design is located in Vaals to
emphasize the concept of exchange. The
Vaals inspired landscape borrows the city’s
design of streetscapes, storefronts, and
plazas while framing the beautiful views
of the surrounding fields. The Aachen
inspired design borrows the city’s use
of hedges, smaller intimate spaces, and
building programs. The new exchanged
landscapes result in a less abrupt change
in scenery at the border while enhancing
the positive characteristics of both cities
and providing citizens with new exciting
experiences.
Gina Walter

Vaals Inspired Plaza

Phase 1: Analysis: Studying Color

Vaals Transition
COopmppolsimiteesntary
Transition

Aachen IVraealaslized that green and red happen to be opposite and complimentary colors on the colorAachen
Studies of color lead me to the conclusion wheel, and began to view Vaals and Aachen in the same way. What one city lacks, the other city
that Vaals has a warmer red color palette while has. For example, Vaals has public active experiences, while Aachen has quiet calm ones.
Aachen has a green and gray color palette.

Vaals‘ public lifestyle versus Aachen‘s secluded Vaal‘s open and active streetscapes versus Vaals‘ views of historic architecture versus
lifestyle. The two balance each other out. Aachen‘s separated bike and pedestrian paths. Aachen‘s abundant landscape views.

Phase 2: Concept

After completing my site analysis, I knew I did not want to lose the characteristics of the cities, but I did want to create a smoother transition
between them, as the existing abrupt change between the two countries is off-putting. I came to the conclusion that using exchange as means of
transition was the best solution, as it highlights the cities‘ characteristic, creates complimentary experiences, and does not blur the border.

Existing: No Transition Option 2: Transition through Exchange

There is currently no transition between the
countries. The change is far too harsh.
Option 1: Gradual Transition

A gradual transition that mimics the color Exchanging strong design elements between the two countries allows both cities to gain
wheel would blur the border too much. something they currently lack, highlights the great distinctive qualities of the cities, and leads
to a more cohesive border.

Phase 3: Design Aachen‘s new Vaals-inspired plaza Vaals‘ new Aachen-inspired gardens

Location

Pedestrian path Maastrichterlaan
Bike
Steps down to fields View of fields
Pedestrian
Vaals Inspired Design Plaza Steps down to fields Borrowed from Aachen 2n1ds1t&fblo3uorilddr iyfnlooggoar rsetsuiddieon&tiagl ym
Kerkstraat Entry garden
Aachen Inspired Design Maastrichterlaan SeFaotiunngtawinall
Kiosk Pedestrian
Maastrichterlaan Bike
Kerkstraat Maastrichterlaan 2n1ds1t&fblo3uorilddr imfnloguosreruemsidential
Grensstraat
Vaals Aachen
Mama Mia Plaza

sh4o3sptbosur&iieldrseinsgtasurants Yoga lawn

2n1ds1t&fblo3uorilddr icfnloogfofer eresshidoepntial

sh4o4sptbosur&iieldrseinsgtasurants Tree grove (no access) Outdoor cafe seating

0 10 20 30 05 10 15 20 05 10 15 20

The sites are located across from one another Aachen‘s new landscape includes stores and Vaals‘ new landscape includes a museum,
at the border. The Aachen inspired design is cafes with outdoor seating and a large plaza coffee shop with outdoor seating, yoga
in Vaals. The Vaals inspired design is in Aachen. with a fountain and views of the fields. studio and gym, housing, gardens and lawns.

Plaza STOREFRONTS STREETSCAPES INTIMATE SPACES HEDGES & VEGETATION
Super Market BUILDING PROGRAMS
Beemderlaan Borrowed from Vaals

Seffenterstraat PLAZA WITH A VIEW

Koperstraat Maastrichterlaan

Kerkstraat Aachen Inspired Design Vaals Inspired Design

VaalAs achen Maastrichterlaan
Mama Mia Kiosk

0 20 40 60 80

Above: A larger context plan shows the
difference between Vaals and Aachen and how
the new landscapes will bring a piece of each
city to the other side.

Right: These diagrams show specifically which Aachen Vaals
design elements are used in each landscape to
achieve the exchange concept. 05 10 15 20 05 10 15 20

Aachen‘s new Vaals-inspired plaza Vaals‘ new Aachen-inspired gardens

Vaals inspired plaza. Buildings frame the view of Aachen‘s landscape. The Aachen inpired gardens in Vaals is a relaxing publice space.

05 10 15 20

Section depicting the elevation change between the Vaals‘ plaza and field. The Aachen inspired cafe is unlike any existing outdoor seating in Vaals.

Trash to Treasure

Trash to treasure aims to create beautiful
and functional spaces designed
by implementing micro solutions
depending on specific needs. The
project began by mapping the trash
found throughout the community to see
which spaces contained the most and
which were left neglected. This lead to
thinking about what type of activities
happen in each space based on the
types of trash found there. Because the
micro solutions are meant to impact
the community as a whole, a broader
range of spaces had to be examined.
These spaces were chosen based
on the characteristics of being trash
filled, abandoned, and lacking proper
safety features public spaces should
have. Some micro solutions that will
be implemented in many of these sites
include better lighting, public seating,
children‘s play areas, and artistic
features made from recycled materials.
Though each space is unique and does
not always require the same types of
micro solutions, they share the same
goal of making the community a more
vibrant, safe, and unique destination for
locals and visitors to enjoy.
Hannah Winn

Three Countries Point Trail Perspective

Analysis Site Plan

Behind Parking Lot Section
Behind Parking Lot Perspective

Telephone Booth Transformation

B
B
O
A
R
D
E
R

E
X
H
I
B
I
T

Micro Solutions Diagram

SITE FIXTURES COMMUNITY GARDEN FOCAL FEATURE PLAYGROUND
Site fixtures such as seating, lighting, and recycling A community garden can be established A focal feature will be installed in order A playground will be installed on site to
bins will be implemented in this space. This allows to provide fresh produce to local residents to give the space character and make it provide a space for children to run and
the space to be used during the nighttime and for as well as creating community connection. a place of interest for people to gather. explore. Because Vaals does not have many
community gatherings. This could also act as an educational This could happen in the form of a play areas, this will become a gathering
opportunity regarding urban farming fountain, splash pad, or art installation space for local residents
made from recycled garbage.

Urban Border
Between Aachen and Vaals

When you think of the word „border“,
what comes to your mind first?
The design ideas started from looking
for various perspectives to understand
the site, including photography, sound
recording, people watching, etc. As ideas
involved over time, a focus on the local
communites became the project core, and
then drives the design outcome, which
hopes to reveal the site from many senses.
Eventually, a landscape design extends
from the boundary of Germany in Aachen
to that of Netherlands in Vaals. It consists
of several naturally friendly dwelling spots
for locals and visitors. The initiative is to
improve urban relaxation/recreation and
a stronger urban ecological role of the
cities. It strengthens the urban landscape
experience for those approaching
either side of the site. It offers a unique
opportunity to unimpeded travel from
the residential zone in Aachen to the
commerical heart of Vaals, then leads to a
moment of tranquility.
These structures and programs, with
the master planning of other program
elements, create an ever lasting
impression of the border zone and
transform it into an artistic spectacle: the
celebration of the open border, urban life,
and nature.
Haoran, Luo

Project Sign “Transitioning Dots„

Site Understanding

Through Photography

Through Sound

Market in Netherlands (upper left); Forest in Germany(upper right)
Dutch street(lower left); German street (lower right)

Through Discoveries

„Second Look“ series looks into scenes that were not found on the first time visit. Through the series, hidden corners and vacant nearby
land were discovered, which later included in design and other program suggestions.

Design Generation

Vision Plan

3 4 6 9
2 5 8

1 7

N 28.5m 1 35 10
2 46
0m 79
8 10

Ellipse Plaza

high-tech wind pavilion
underground museum
interactive pool

meadow filed

wind pavilion during daytime and night-time laser print of canopy generating electricity through wind
from below
Water Garden
Entrance of Commercial District

Playgound Meditation Garden

Section accross Commercial Street Section accross Meditation Garden

The Border As A Portal

Transitioning between Germany and the
Netherlands has a similar effect to being
transported to a completely different
environment within a short distance. The
imaginary boundary creates an opening
to the new in terms of laws, languages,
design qualities and much more. Within
the immediate site, there are already
individual qualities each country has,
making their appearance different. The
goal is to use those qualities to design
and emphasize each side‘s experience.
Characteristics such as the Dutch sides
bright colours, ornate site fixtures, mixed-
use buildings, and red brick paving
are condensed and applied within the
Dutch side of the site. The German
building typologies are emphasized
using examples of building strategies in
Vaalserquartier and their materiality. This
results in a high contrast on either side
giving residents variety and freedom to
circulate between countries for unique
experiences.
The design also pays close attention
to pedestrian circulation with routes
implemented that allow residents to cross
the border. A desire line is created behind
the kiosk to emphasize the historical tram
roundabout as well as connect to Vaalser
Straße. Opposite this, is an entrance to
a trail system with linkages to the Dutch
side as well as play and fitness equipment
spread throughout. And finally, right by
the historical wall, there is a hidden path
between houses on the German side that
leads to a secret garden which uses an
abandoned plot of land. This has a link to
the Dutch style plaza with an underground
parking lot. The secret garden is a
historical reference to the smuggling of
items illegally across the border.
Jonathan OluJimi, Demi Ajayi

Site Bird‘s Eye View

Site Plan

Existing Conditions
Space Relationships
Transition Potential

Dutch Plaza Plan Underground Parking Section

Trail System
Trail Entrance & Museum Plan

Kiosk Plaza

Gateway - 196A

Gateway: 196A removes the idea that a
border is a divide. Instead, it suggests
the notion of a border as a threshold
to another place. The design achieves
this through addressing the opportunity
for history, culture, ideas, and social
interactions to pass through the gateway –
giving and receiving from the landscape.
Through extensive analysis, it was
concluded that the main transportation
and amenity corridor of Vaalserstrasse
possessed several strong qualities
but ultimately provided several key
opportunities to solve through design.
The design implements six intervention
solutions to focus on one common goal:
Activate the effective usable space of the
streetscape - in turn - the surrounding
region. Each of the six proposed situations
achieves this through unique ways by
extending usable space through program
and function but still builds into the overall
narrative of the design. It unites the
character of the redefined Vaalserstrasse
streetscape and allows for this central core
to serve as a threshold for Germany and
Netherlands. Looking towards the future,
Gateway: 196A anticipates to encourage
other situations within the surrounding
region to use its design concept as a
precedent and ultimately build into the
larger existing geographic network.
Jonathan Ringnebach

The Gateway - 196A Museum

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL COMMEMORATION GARDEN

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MMIIXXEEDD--UUSESE BBUUSSKKIOIOSSKK GGAATTEEWWAAYYMMUUSSEEUUMM

MIXED-USE BUS KIOSK GATEWAY MUSEUM

SSPPAATTIIAASTRLLEETTTSCYYAPPPEAOONALLLYOOSISGGYY || AACCTTIIVVAATTEEDD

SECTION A - A‘

GATEWAY - 196A MASTERPLAN POLLNATOR MEADOW
GREEN ROOF
SECTION B - B‘
SECTION C - C‘

Urban Synthesis

The Urban Synthesis is a combination of
landscape architecture and architecture
that aims to achieve an urban utopia in
the city. By creating a green building
ribbon at the intersection between
Aachen and Vaals, the Urban Synthesis
provides interaction opportunities for
people from both sides of the city. In the
current society, people live, play, and work
in separate locations. More recently, in
advanced companies like Google, they
have nearly blended work, live, and play
into a fun and enjoyable environment.
Employees at Google not only work for
efficiently, but they also have healthier
lifestyles and happier psychological states
in comparison to people who work in
other places. The Urban Synthesis overall
aims to make the people happier and
break the boundaries between living,
working, and playing.
Julian Huang

Aerial Persperspective

Design Processes „Casual collisions are what we try and
create in the work environment. You can‘t
HEMKrAuKidicvkaatrtAz ction POLSKI SKLEP Husar Drogisterij schedule innovation, you can‘t schedule
Nobis PIrjisNnsataCellioannnfeGIrtDialelliHaFooucskeink Troje GrGiereksnswJainrkkaesl idea generation and so when we think
De 3Landebnerlaan our facilities around the world we‘re
Am really looking for little opportunities for
engineers or for creative people to come
ALDI Vaals together.“

s.Oliver Outlet Ia Eurokiosk Sparkasse - David Radcliffe
M
a Site Context Inecrease Circulation
m
am
M

0,333 inches

Green Belt and Activity Attractions Increase Space Availability

Design Process + Computation

Growth and the Future Community

Transversed

Crossing streets, crossing borders,
crossing time. The Vaalerquartier
experiences all of these tranversals daily.
„Transvered“ offers a design solution to a
site that requires multifaced consideration.
Inspiration was drawn from the memory of
the tram tracks that is still present today in
the area surrounding the Euro Kiosk. T
he design uses the circular form to
enhance pedestrian safety and influence
the site in a subtle way that will echo
through time, if ever the site were to
change. Rather than drawing attention,
or stregthening, the borderline on site,
this design purposely ignores the division
and focuses on the streets and plazas as a
whole.
Creating a Border Museum, moving the
Mamma Mia to a more safe (and fun)
location, and adding additional seating
near the kiosk are examples of how this
design accomodates existing program
and character. New additions to the site
are a proposed cafe and office building
that is equipped with an exhibition hall
that allows for flexible programming.
Introducing new programming and
office spaces will draw more people to
Vaalserquartier but provide interstitial
spaces where they can mingle and
become part of the existing community.
Open cafe seating, a treed plaza,
playground open to the views of the fields
will draw people to spend time outdoors
and provide other options for outdoor
activity than currently available on site.
Kara Swanick

a. c.
f. b.
d.
e.
Focal Points for Design
NOTABLE SPACES + USES

New and Old Programs
Create Convivial Spaces

for All Types of Activity
Tree Plaza Adds a Sense
of Coverage Away from

Street

Commmunity Gathering A Permeable Border
at Mamma Mia

Changes in Paving Indicate Drivers Watch
Carefully for Bikers and Pedestrians

Future Fifty

With the development of fully autonomous
cars, the future of transportation is about
to change. Fifty Future reimagines what
an ideal streetscape will be in the next fifty
years as new forms of transportation are
implemented. Once autonomous cars hit
the streets, the need for private ownership
of cars will go down. As the car is in
constant motion picking people up and
dropping them off, the need for storage of
these cars will decrease. Forms of storage
include: on street parking, surface parking
lots, and parking garages. These spaces
that are currently used for storage of large
masses of metal will now be given back
to the pedestrian. Parking garages can
be converted into office spaces, retail
spaces, or apartments. Parking lots can
become parks for the community or space
for development as density in the area
increases. At the street level, more focus
will be given to pedestrians. Driving lanes
will become thinner allowing more space
for sidewalks, street vegetation, and green
infrastructure. The layout of the street
depends on its daily car density. High
transit streets will have specific lane types
to ensure people do not inhibit traffic flow.
Residential streets will have a more open
layout, giving freedom to residents, as
the autonomous car is able to maneuver
around pedestrians and other obstacles
in the street. Overall this plan will create a
more comfortable and open environment
for the pedestrian at the street level.
Kyle Johnson

active pedestrian streeetscape

the autonomous car

2 way lanes 1 lane each direction thinner lanes

gaps for crossing controlled speed designated lanes
parking garage transformation

existing parking garage phase 1 final phase
parking lot transformation final phase

existing parking lot phase 1