Urban Systems Studio
Academic | Fall 2024
Academic | Fall 2024
Location: Pittsburgh
Software: Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Inspired by Jane Jacobs' "border vacuums", the vision for Manchester and Chateau.
The Connection sPark investigates the transformative potential of removing Route 65 and its impact on the neighborhoods of Manchester and Chateau in Pittsburgh. Drawing inspiration from Jane Jacobs’ concept of “border vacuums,” this project explores strategies to bridge the divisions caused by the highway and reimagines the area as a cohesive urban fabric.
The three guiding principles of the proposal are creating resources, access to the public realm, and an increase in housing.
The proposal divides the site into zones, each designated with specific functions to promote functionality and coherence. Housing plays a pivotal role in the proposal, receiving careful attention to its placement, typology, and affordability. By incorporating mixed-use developments, the proposal cultivates an inclusive, dynamic urban environment that supports both current residents and newcomers. The project creates moments of interaction that encourage connections within and between neighborhoods, revitalizing the area and enhancing its social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
