PROJECT 4 : STREETSCAPES PROJECT VISION

This last project is the one where you generate an overall vision to better the environment of the square, using the experience of the first three sketch-exercises, our class materials (film/readings) and the field trip. This vision of an improved street/square vision needs to boldly engage the site using industrial design elements to impact urbanity in the neighborhood. It is suggested that you use a straightforward program for daring high end design results. You are not bound by the elements you designed previously and you should use the class discussion about our sketch projects throughout the semester to generate some of the elements that you did not engage with previously.

Please remember that time is short and you should focus all your efforts onto the site: By this Tuesday, the 18th, you need to have a clear program outline for the kind of project you are engaging and sketches for the overall and various parts.

Use the criteria below as your guide and to maintain a strong project integrity .

          Key criteria:

  • Overall design. Concept (s), location, situation, orientation etc.
     
  • Catalogue of parts. Create a catalogue of the several parts that compose your improved street environment, keeping in mind that this is an industrial design studio. Example: Lighting, seating, waste disposal, surface/pavers textures, planters.
     
  • Magnet. An element or elements that serve as a magnet to draw in people in the neighborhood, both visitors, by passers and residents alike. This may be a singular design element. Example: Fountain or an outdoor market.
     
  • Malleability. Define to which extent the new square will provide for flexibility for different users and at different times of the day so as to increase the activity levels of the square. Think of how different but straightforward configurations are incorporated into your design to provide for a variety of uses. Example: Stairs are also seats, a summer fountain becomes a glazed in winter area.
     
  • User definition. Who, and at what times of the day and/or season does a user occupy the square. Behavioral patterns and pedestrian support. Example: Bus shelter combined into a stationary street vendor. 
     
  • Business. What sort of business can generate an improved central square. What business condition at the site perimeter could be suggested to further strengthen the viability of the entire urban space. Example: A street vendor at day gets transformed into a small movie theater at night.
     
  • Shelter/enclosure. The design needs to provide for sufficient enclosure to provide for a level of comfort without losing the visual advantage of our sites compromising security issues related to a large city. Example: Sun shading or rain shading device, overhead canopy of trees, low fence element.
     

Project due: December 4th, final project review with visiting critics.

It is important that you follow the following layout, using 4 boards, each 33h"x24w", leave a space for a 2" border on the bottom. Work off of the boards throughout the project. Your model should be placed in the site model. A text of 2-3 paragraphs (max 100 words) is required at presentation. Models of each of your street object are highly recommended.

Large plan of entire space to scale of 1/2"=1'-0" Enlarged plan of design Elevations,  sections,  perspectives (or model photos) Perspectives, diagrams, catalogue of design pieces.
2" Title block 2" Title block 2" Title block 2" Title block