DESIGN NAME: The Beautiful Brooklyn
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Urban Development
INSPIRATION: A crucial means of public transit connecting Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan, the L Train was in need of repair and scheduled for suspension. While Brooklyn was temporarily disconnected from Manhattan, the design team saw the opportunity to research Brooklyn's own urban potential. The borough's unique urban life inspired the proposal of three development zones along the L Train route. Once the train service resumes and connects the zones, they will together serve to support and celebrate Brooklyn's vibrant urban activities.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The design team proposes three mixed-use zones at critical locations along the existing L Train route. For each site, the proposal incorporates unique urban elements in proximity to the train station in the area, such as the Newtown Creek waterfront, the railyard at Broadway Conjunction, and the main street axis traversing the Canarsie neighborhood. Each zone will feature buildings, spaces, and structures to support a set of programs specifically tailored to its history, location, and character of urban life.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The three sites are selected along the L Train route for their potential to become a "string of pearls" of activity. At Newtown Creek, an open waterfront walkway connects three nearby stations. At Broadway Conjunction an elevated corridor provides an overlook to the rail yard and the park beyond. At Canarsie, two anchor buildings frame the pivot point between the L Train terminal station and the local neighborhood. Together the three developments will compose a visual assertive image of Brooklyn while supporting each neighborhood in unique ways.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project was designed in 2018 in response to the upcoming L-train suspension.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Through our study of the three selected sites, we identified different types of spatial relationship between the train stations and the urban space. We connect the train stations to distinct urban elements of each site, such as public park, water front, and street axis. Each development plan features a zoning change and is phased over the years as to continue along with the improvement of the L Train and other trains in Brooklyn.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Each site is provided with a zoning strategy specifically tailored to its development potential. For Newtown Creek, new zoning includes commercial and mixed use, and a Special Purpose District for water-related recreational and institutional activities (such as museums of industrial history) connecting the three L-train stations. For Carnasie, the new plan involves commercial and mixed use zoning around the station, with a focus on providing office spaces for commuters. For Broadway Junction, we propose a Special Purpose District incorporating the whole railyard and elevated corridors connecting commercial and office spaces.
TAGS: urban, urban development, New York City, Brooklyn, public transit
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The objective of this urban design proposal is to create a series of local centers that draws from Brooklyn's open urban topography and diverse character. The final vision of the project is an urban "string of pearls" across Brooklyn that serves as a counterpart of Manhattan's concentrated skyscrapers. Current high activity level locations in Brooklyn are mapped and social media trends associated with each neighborhood are documented. Based on the research, specific public programs and urban amenities are provided to ensure the welcoming communal nature of the developments.
CHALLENGE: The main challenge is to create a proposal that helps grow and celebrate Brooklyn's current urban characters instead of imposing an encompassing design on top of existing communities. The ideal of the project is the balance between visual assertiveness and conscious connection to local history and reality.
ADDED DATE: 2021-08-18 01:52:52
TEAM MEMBERS (3) : Shiyan Chen, Erin Kim and Iven Peh
IMAGE CREDITS: All images: Shiyan Chen, Erin Kim, Iven Peh
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