Urban Laboratory: Oakland 2050, Fall 2013 by Lee Yan Shun

OAKLAND 2050 >> 1

2<<

CONTENTS 1 OVERVIEW Studio Structure Methodology

6 7

2 SCOPE Site Selection

3 ANALYSIS: 3 THEMES Town and Gown Density and Mobility City and Landscape Conclusion

18 32 46 54

4 VISION Framework Proposal 3 Visions Urban Experience Transit Phasing Masterplan User Experience 5 PROJECTS: CORRIDOR GREEN STRATA Claire He CMU CROSSING Abigail Mitchell TRACT Kim McDonald GATEWAY Eugene Wong

58 61 68 72 75 76 78 82 88 94 104 120

PROJECTS: CENTER NEW HOUSING Emily Puhnaty DENSIFY MODULAR Nana Choi BATES BLOCK Bumyeol kim

130 136 140 146

PROJECTS: EDGE NORTH ALMONO Yan Shun Lee URBAN GROWTH Ben Finch RIVERFRONT Donald Chow & Jae Han Bae

158 162 166 168

>> 3

OVERVIEW

4<<

>> 5

STUDIO STRUCTURE This book documents the work completed by the Urban Laboratory Studio under professors Rami el Samahy and Jonathan Kline, as a part of Carnegie Mellon University’s Architecture School in the Fall of 2013. The first portion of the book describes the work of the framework team, introduces the site, the challenges and the studio’s vision for Oakland’s future. The second half presents particular issues or focuses in the neighborhood.

1 ||

The purpose of the Framework team is to design the structure of the studio in order to integrate the various area of focus into a cohesive proposal. The framework is formed not only based on the various design interventions, but also to act as guidelines for the various projects. The framework anticipates changes within Pittsburgh by 2050 and proposes a vision for Oakland. Design interventions will thus consider future changes in Oakland. The design process has been informed by historical and demographic analysis, current institutional and commercial activities and housing potentials. The Pittsburgh 2025 Plan was also studied to have a better sense of the city-wide development in Pittsburgh in the next decade. In addition, site visits and local conferences also influenced the framework design. 6<<

OVERVIEW

1 || Oakland is an important part of the ‘city link’.

METHODOLOGY WORKFLOW The Urban Laboratory is an urban design studio with a group of twelve students, investigating and designing a future plan for the Oakland neighborhood in Pittsburgh 2050 The studio is first divided into three groups where a series of site studies are carried out using three different perspectives, namely 1) Density and Mobility, 2) Town and Gown and 3) City and Landscape. Under these three lenses, major urban interventions are proposed. The Framework team used these three preliminary exercises as reference, and with additional research, investigation and analysis, proposes an overall vision for the studio. The team also works in close collaboration with the other students, ensuring that each individual project aligns with the overall framework intentions. The end result is to design a unique plan for Oakland that is multifaceted, feasible and sustainable and of benefit to both the occupants and institutions.

WHO The framework group consist of three students from the Urban Lab. These students work in collaboration with the studio and under the guidance of Professor Rami el Samay and Professor Jonathan Kline.

WHAT The framework group sets up the goals, structure and organization of the studio in order for a single cohesive urban design proposal for Oakland.

WHERE The urban design proposal is developed for the Oakland neighborhood which is the academic and healthcare center of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s third largest “Downtown.”

OVERVIEW

>> 7

STUDIO SCHEDULE 01

ANALYSIS

PHASE ONE

INITIAL PERCEPTIONS SYSTEMS ANALYSIS economic|social SYSTEMS ANALYSIS physical PHASE TWO

URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORKS

URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK making connections URBAN DESIGN PROJECT area of focus PRECEDENT STUDY benchmarking MID SEMESTER schematic design

URBAN DESIGN PROJECTS

PHASE THREE

8<<

OVERVIEW

INTERIM design development

FINAL DRAFT representation FINAL REVIEWS DOCUMENTATION OVERVIEW

>> 9

SCOPE

10<<

>> 11

SITE SELECTION SITE ENTRY

Bigelow Boulevard

I-579

OAKLAND

Squirrel Hill Tunnel

Parkway East

12<<

SCOPE

SITE SELECTION

EAS

CHA TEA U

NOR

IST

HIL

SHA

ICT

POI

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

DU Q HEI UESN GH TS E

ID DYS

HOR

TH S

HIL

FRIE

HI LL

CH AN M

C RI

RT Y

NDS

BLOOMFIELD H LIS

IBE

HIP

FINEVIEW

Y ALLEGHEN

GARFIELD

IME

SPRING HILL

LAWRENCEVILLE

HIGHLAND PARK

LAR

PERRY

N GARDE

LMARSHAL D SHADELAN

SPRING

NORT H HEIG VIEW HTS

S GHT

HEI

MORN

N NTO STA

INGSID E

SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS

BRE

EZE

OAKLAND BLUFF SQUIRREL HILL

MO WA UNT SH ING TO N

LEN

ARLING

TON

MT. O LIV

O ZH

KNO XVI LLE

ILLE

BEECHVIEW

GREENFIELD

KSV

SOUTHSIDE ALMO

BAN

TO W

HAZELWOOD

ST. CLAIR

BROOKLINE

HAYS

SCOPE >> 13

SITE SELECTION SITE BOUNDARY

UPMC OAKLAND CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

CARLOW UNIVERSITY

PANTHER HOLLOW

PHIPPS CONSERVATORY

14<<

SCOPE

LDING CONDITIONS

SITE SELECTION EXISTING BUILDING CONDITIONS

Good Conditions

Average Conditions

good average poor mix of good and poor *indication of general conditions only, individual conditions may vary

Poor Conditions

Mix of Good and Poor

Information via 2008 - 2009 CTAC Survey. PGHGIS “PGHSNAP”

SCOPE >> 15

ANALYSIS 3 THEMES

16<<

>> 17

1 ||

18<<

ANALYSIS

THEME 1:TOWN & GOWN

This section examines Oakland through its evolving institutional and commercial interface. Major institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are growing, expanding Oakland’s importance as a regional economic driver and a commuter employment center. At the same time the Oakland 2025 plan calls for Oakland to become more diverse residential neighborhood by densifying student housing and diversifying housing options. Options for the town and gown interaction to evolve and hybridize physically, socially and economically are considered.

2 ||

The area got its name from the abundance of oak trees found on the farm of William Eichenbaum, who settled there in 1840. Oakland developed rapidly following the Great Fire of 1845 in downtown Pittsburgh, with many people moving out to suburban territory. By 1860, there was considerable commercial development along Fifth Avenue. In 1868, Oakland Township was annexed to the City of Pittsburgh. Twenty-one years later, Mary Schenley gave the city 300 acres in Oakland for a park. Officials bought another 100 acres from her for “Schenley Park.” Mary Schenley gave another gift: land for Schenley Plaza. Cathedral of Learning is now the fourth-tallest educationally purposed building in the world, it remains the world’s second tallest university building, the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere, and the second tallest gothic-styled building in the world. As such, it is a powerful symbol of the user’s institutional focus.

1, 2 || Oakland as viewed from the Post-Gazette helicopter, 19491

1http://pgdigs.tumblr.com/page/8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland_ (Pittsburgh)#Oakland_History

ANALYSIS >> 19

INSTITUTIONS OF OAKLAND INSTITUTIONAL PRESENCE IN PITTSBURGH As the academic and healthcare center of Pittsburgh, Oakland is home many prestigious institutions, including University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, who are also the leading economic drivers of the region. Geographically, Oakland is in a strategic location that has the potential to link these institutions together in order to create a knowledge community.

At a city scale, Pittsburgh is also one of the largest college towns in the United States, with more than 68 public and private instutions, in addition to the many healthcare institutions sprinkled around the city. As such there is a rich and diverse knowledge base concentrated in Oakland. 20<<

ANALYSIS

INSTITUTIONS OF OAKLAND OAKLAND LISTINGS AND STARTUPS

3 ||

4 ||

3 || Institutions in Oakland 4 || Creating a sustainable relationship between institutions and businesses

With a large source of knowledge and ideas, start-up companies and drivers have been observed to pop up in the neighborhood. These small businesses are still in their early stages but shows a lot of potential and suggests that there is demand for related infrastructure. ANALYSIS >> 21

INSTITUTIONAL EXPANSION INSTITUTIONAL MASTERPLAN 2025 The four main institutions in Oakland are University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow University and Univeristy of Pittsburgh Medical Center. They are social and economic drivers of the neighborhood and have been growing over the years. The following diagrams illustrate how they will continue to expand in the future years.

1890

2013 22<<

ANALYSIS

INSTITUTIONAL EXPANSION HISTORICAL FOOTPRINTS

ANALYSIS >> 23

USERS OAKLAND DEMOGRAPHICS

OT H

IAN

3.2

9.2

28 .3%

AC K

1 6.5

71.1% WHITE 16.5% BLACK 9.2% ASIAN

11 .6%

ITE

.2%

N 6.6

HOUSEHOLD SIZE, OAKLAND

24<<

ANALYSIS

RACIAL DIVERSITY, OAKLAND

71 .1%

USERS INSTITUTIONAL USERS

USERS STUDENTS Needs: Affordable housing options Proximity to institutions Access to transit Affordable dining options

PROFESSORS Needs: Single-family housing options Parking Proximity to institutions Neighborhood amenities

INSTITUTIONAL STAFF

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Needs:

Affordable housing options Access to transit

Single-family housing options Parking Neighborhood amenities Access to parks

ANALYSIS >> 25

INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL PRESENCE AGE GROUPS With a large student body in the neighborhood, there is a large residential population that is young and transient, with an average period of stay of four years. In addition to the high presence of student residents in South Oakland, a close corrolation is also observed between rental rates and occupantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; age. As such it is deduced that there will be an increasing demand for low-cost, high density housing.

18-24 POPULATION CENTERS

26<<

ANALYSIS

INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL PRESENCE RENTAL RATES Town and Gown | 48.500 | Oakland 2013

MEDIAN RENT

OAKLAND $681

Median Rent Price

Information via City-Data.com

$0 - $300 $300 - $400 $400 - $500 $500 - $600 $600 - $700 $700 - $800 $800 - $900 $900 - $1,000 $1,000 +

ANALYSIS >> 27

COMMERCIAL EXPANSION

NORTH CRAIG

FORBES AND FIFTH

The existing business activities are mainly located along Fifth Avenue and Craig Street but they are sparse and lack organization.

28<<

ANALYSIS

ZONING OPR-C: provide a district where an intensive concentration of mixed uses that accommodate office, retail, housing, institutional, classrooms, and student housing of all types while encouraging continuous retail business frontage at street or similar pedestrian level, with additional retail, office, classrooms, institutional, and residential uses as the primary uses of upper stories of buildings.

EMI: Accommodate educational and medical institutional uses, such as hospitals, colleges and universities, within the urban context; Promote and enhance the development and expansion of medical and educational uses; and minimize the adverse impacts that can result when institutional uses are located near neighborhoods

H RM-M

OPR-B

RM-VH

R2-L

R1D-VL

RM-H

OPR-D: encourage the redevelopment of the Boulevard of the Allies as a grand boulevard and an entrance to Oakland and Schenley Park as well as an attractive connection to Downtown.w

PO R1A-H EMI

OPR-B

R1D-L

OPR-B: encourage retail and restaurant uses in the ground R1D -VL floors of buildings and a variety of residential andR1D-L office-like uses on the upper floors of buildings

LNC RP

R1A-VH

-L

D-

R1 R1A-H R1A-VH OPR-C R2-H OPR-A

R1A-H

R2-H

R3-M

R2-V

RM-H R1A-H EMI

LNC

OPR-D

H GI

OPR-D R1A-VH

R3-M - Residential ThreeUnit, Moderate Density; 1,800 sq.ft. per unit

SP-1

OPR-A: encourage limited retail and restaurant uses in the ground floors of residential-like structures and to maintain the existing residential scale and character of the street in order to address potential impacts of commercial development in a residential area

R1A-VH

R2-H - Residentail Two-Unit, High Density; 750 dwelling units per acre

R1A-H

-H R1D RM-H - Residential Multi-Unit, High Density

R1A-H - Residential Single-Unit Attached, High Density

ANALYSIS >> 29

MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT UI RM-H

LNC OPR

RP EMI H City of Pittsburgh Zoning Districts1

R1A-H

OPR - Oakland Public Realm 1.1 CP/RP - Planned Unit Development

1.2

SP - Specially Planned 1.3

EMI -Educational/Medical Insititution 1.4

City of Pittsburgh

NDO - Neighborhood Office 1.5

Zoning Districts1 OPR - Oakland Public Realm 1.1

P - Parks District 1.7 1.2

1.3

NDI - Neighborhood Industrial District 1.9 UI - Urban Industrial District 1.10

NDO - Neighborhood Office 1.5

HC - Highway Commercial District 1.11

H - Hillside 1.6

LNC - Local Neighborhood Commercial District 1.12

GI - General Industrial District

UNC - Urban Neighborhood Commercial District 1.13 1.8

Single - Unit Attached Residential

NDI - Neighborhood Industrial District 1.9

Single - Unit Detached Residential

UI - Urban Industrial District 1.10

Two - Unit Residential

HC - Highway Commercial District

1.11

LNC - Local Neighborhood Commercial District 1.12

30<<

GI - General Industrial District 1.8

EMI -Educational/Medical Insititution 1.4

P - Parks District 1.7

UNC - Urban Neighborhood Commercial District 1.13

ANALYSIS

Single - Unit Attached Residential

40ft

CP/RP - Planned Unit Development SP - Specially Planned

H - Hillside 1.6

Three - Unit Residential Multi - Unit Residential

scaled

by 20

HOUSING TYPOLOGIES The zoning code allow parcel owners to densify by increasing its floor to area ratio in order to accomodate for the rising neighborhood population.

R1A Residential Single-Unit Attached

R1D Residential Single-Unit Detached

R2 Resident

R1A Residential Single-Unit Attached

R1D Residential Single-Unit Detached

R2 Resident

Residential Units Sub Categories 2 R1D-VL - Residential Single-Unit Detached, Very Low Density R1D-L - Residential Single-Unit Detached, Low Density R1A-M - Residential Single-Unit Attached, Moderate Density R1A-H - Residential Single-Unit Attached, High Density R1A-VH - Residential Single-Unit Attached, Very High Density

RM-L Residential Multi-Unit, Low Density (3 Stories)

RM-M Residential Multi-Unit, Moderate Density (3-4 Stories)

RM-HResiden High Den

RM-L Residential Multi-Unit, Low Density (3 Stories)

RM-M Residential Multi-Unit, Moderate Density (3-4 Stories)

RM-HResiden High Den

R2-L - Residentail Two-Unit, Low Density R2-M - Residentail Two-Unit, Moderate Density R2-H - Residentail Two-Unit, High Density R2-VH - Residentail Two-Unit, Very High Density

R1A Residential Single-Unit Attached

R1D Residential Single-Unit Detached

R2 Residential Two-Unit

R3 Residential Three-Unit

R3-M - Residential Three-Unit, Moderate Density RM-M - Residential Multi-Unit, Moderate Density RM-H - Residential Multi-Unit, High Density RM-VH - Residential Multi-Unit, Very High Density

RM-L Residential Multi-Unit, Low Density (3 Stories)

RM-M Residential Multi-Unit, Moderate Density (3-4 Stories)

RM-HResidential Multi-Unit, High Density (5-9 Stories)

RM-VHResidential Multi-Unit, Very High Density (10 Stories and above)

ANALYSIS >> 31

5 ||

32<<

ANALYSIS

THEME 2:DENSITY & MOBILITY

This section examines Oakland through its increasing density and mobility. Currently, a variety of stakeholders are considering the implications of building a light rail line from Downtown to Oakland paired with an intentional upzoning of the major business corridor. The effects of a new transit infrastructure are considered, along with possilibilities as to how urban mobility can evolve. Userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concentration and movement are also considered to make recommendations that will serve the rising population.

6 ||

5 || Evening rush hour traffic on Parkway East 6 || Model of Oakland transit and users density

ANALYSIS >> 33

DENSITY LANDUSE

GREEN SPACE ACADEMIC

INSTITUTIONAL

NON-STUDENT HOUSING STUDENT HOUSING

COMMERCIAL

OFFICE MEDICAL

34<<

ANALYSIS

DENSITY HOUSING

Households perHouseholds acre per acre

Information via Allegheny Information County viaCensus Allegheny 2000 County Census 2000

0-5

5 - 20

20 - 50

50 - 100

100 - 250

250 - 525

ANALYSIS >> 35

DENSITY EVENTS CALENDAR St.Paul Cathedral WQED Studios Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Heinz Chapel Bellefield Hall Peterson Events Center Cathedral of Learning Charity Randall Miller Gallery Carnegie Mellon University Kresge Theater Carnegie Museum Frick Fine Arts Library Schenley Plaza Phipps Conservatory Pitt Book Center University of Pittsburgh UPMC Montefiore Carlow University Schenley Park Pittsburgh Playhouse

36<<

ANALYSIS

DEC

NOV

OCT

SEP

AUG

JUL

JUN

MAY

APR

MAR

FEB

JAN

Children’s Festival

U.Pitt Games

Children’s Festival

Spring Semester

Fall Semester

Children’s Festival

Farmers’ Market

Spring Semester

Fall Semester

Toastmasters Club

Spring Semester

Fall Semester

WYEP Summer Concerts

ANALYSIS >> 37

USERS CHARACTERISTICS

80%

The population in Oakland increases fivefold during the day. Eighty percent of this population is affiliated to the institutions.

38<<

ANALYSIS

VISUAL FORM

Landmarks Landmarks Major PathsMajor Paths Major NodesMajor Nodes Minor NodesMinor Nodes Edges

Edges

Major Institutional Major Institutional Districts Districts Major Open Major SpaceOpen Districts Space Districts Major Residential Major Residential Districts Districts Major Business Major Districts Business Districts

ANALYSIS >> 39

MODE OF TRANSPORT DAILY TRIPS BY AUTOMOBILE

Northside

East Liberty

Shadyside

Downtown

Squirrel Hill

Uptown

Southside

5,001 - 10,331 Trips 2,001 - 5000 Trips 21 ~ 41% Trips by Public Transit 13 ~ 20% Trips by Public Transit

Information via Oakland Transit Connector & Downtown Pittsburgh to Oakland Connector

40<<

ANALYSIS

TRANSIT CIRCULATION NODES

Designated Bus Lane Individual Bus Routes Bus Stops Major Transit Nodes

Information via Pittsburgh Port Authority, Google Maps

ANALYSIS >> 41

MODE OF TRANSPORT PARKING 74.5% number of 18,413 spaces owned by institutions and/or parking garages

Public Garage Semi-Private Parking Permit Parking Free Street Parking Metered Street Parking Above Ground Garage Underground Garage

74.5% number of 18,413 spaces owned by institutions and/or parking garages

Public Garage Semi-Private Parking Permit Parking Free Street Parking Metered Street Parking Above Ground Garage Underground Garage

via Pittsburgh Parking, Parkopedia, Google Earth, Pittsburgh Residential Permit

42<<

ANALYSIS

MODE OF TRANSPORT INSTITUTIONAL SHUTTLES

Carnegie Mellon Shuttles Carnegie Mellon Escort Service

University of Pittsburgh Shuttles

ANALYSIS >> 43

MODE OF TRANSPORT BIKE ROUTES & 10 MINUTE BIKESHED

On Street Bike Routes On Street Bike Routes Bike Trails Bike Trails

44<<

ANALYSIS

MODE OF TRANSPORT 10 MINUTE WALKSHED

ANALYSIS >> 45

8 ||

46<<

ANALYSIS

THEME 3:CITY & LANDSCAPE

This section examines Oakland through its urban and natural interface. The unique topography and ecology play an important role in shaping the neighborhood. Ways to activate Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edges as well as better access to nature are considered.

8 ||

7 || Schenley Park 8 || View of Junction Hollow behind Carnegie Mellon University

ANALYSIS >> 47

TOPOGRAPHY

The topography of Oakland is highly diverse.

48<<

ANALYSIS

TOPOGRAPHY CIRCULATION DISCONNECT

ANALYSIS >> 49

TOPOGRAPHY OPEN SPACE & USER ACTIVITIES

OR ID R R O C IDOR R H R T O IF C F AND IFTH S AND F F ES BE RB OR FO

E E D GE N DG A ED L D K N A A O L H K T A U O O H S SOUT

50<<

ANALYSIS

W E Y T AY A WA G E T D A N G A L D K N A A O L K OA

ANALYSIS >> 51

TOPOGRAPHY GREENSCAPE DIVISIONS Oakland is currently divided into 4 zones, 1) Central Oakland, 2) the Hill, 3) Riverfront and 4) Panther Hollow. Although each of these zones have distinct characteristics, they are inconsistent and vague. As a result the peripheries are often not perceived as a part of Oakland.

THE HILL

CENTRAL OAKLAND

PANTHER HOLLOW RIVERFRONT

52<<

ANALYSIS

USER CONCENTRATED TERRAIN The location of existing activities is highly imbalanced and is concentrated in central Oakland, leaving the periphery underused.

TOPOGRAPHVIC WALL Central Oakland and the peripheries are separated by a steep â&#x20AC;&#x153;topographic wallâ&#x20AC;? which make access between the two zones challenging.

NEED FOR PERMEABILITY In order to improve accessibility between central Oakland and the peripheries, it is necessary to study the prevailing movement of people and create point of linkage to permeate through the topographic wall.

ANALYSIS >> 53

CONCLUSION FUTURE DEMANDS

BETTER ACCESS

54<<

ANALYSIS

HOUSING OPTIONS

DENSIFICATION

PROJECTIONS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH As institutions, commerce and residents will continue to densify in the future, they will leverage onto each other for a sustainable growth, creating a wellbalanced community

CONNECTING ACTIVITIES The institutions and businesses located on the major business corridor will be connected by an efficient and well conncected multimodal transit system, allowing users to access a wide variety of programs with ease.

ACCESS TO NATURE Acknowledging the unique topography of Oakland, users will be able to access and appreciate nature while being at close proximity to a large range of urban programs.

ANALYSIS >> 55

VISION 56<<

4 >> 57

58<<

VISION

FRAMEWORK PROPOSAL OAKLAND 2050 The overall goal of the Urban Design Framework proposal is to envision the future of the Oakland neighborhood in 2050. Oakland is home to various institutions, including universities, museums and hospitals, making it the academic, healthcare and cultural center of Pittsburgh. By taking advantage of this latent institutional resource as a catalyst, the Oakland community can achieve sustainable growth. Occupants will be able to live, work and play within this â&#x20AC;&#x153;knowledge communityâ&#x20AC;? with better connectivity throughout the neighborhood and to the rest of the city. In order to accomplish this, the framework proposes a better transit system that efficiently moves people in and out of the neighborhood along the Fifth and Forbes corridor, while reconnecting green amenities along Junction Hollow and the waterfront corridor that continues up the North Hills. Housing will be densified as well as ample open and public space for occupants to enjoy. These urban strategies are proposed with the intention of allowing Oakland to continue to thrive in density and diversity, with a developed system of infrastructure that supports the various economic and social activities. Underutilized and undermaintained portions of the neighborhood will be revitalized. As a result, residents and visitors alike will be able to access the rich resources in the neighborhood with ease. The proposal is guided by three urban principles: Access, Restitch and Activate, and are further described in the next section.

VISION >> 59

FRAMEWORK PROPOSAL SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Leveraging institutions to strengthen and densify a sustainable living community

INSTITUTIONAL

60<<

VISION

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

3 VISIONS

BALANCE

Balance aims to organize programs and activities in the neighborhood so that different communities can coexist in harmony with equal ease of access to goods and amenities.

ACTIVATE

Activate identifies existing vacant and underutilised areas and explore ways to densify them in order to further drive institutional and economic activities.

RESTITCH

Restich explores missing â&#x20AC;&#x153;green linksâ&#x20AC;? in the neighborhood and provide possible solutions to transform them into connective tissue of the neighborhood, providing a more attractive interface between communities.

VISION >> 61

9 ||

62<<

VISION

9 || Waterfront development activates lower Oakland

VISION >> 63

10 ||

64<<

VISION

10 || A new approach to the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge condition balances the population and activities.

VISION >> 65

11 ||

66<<

VISION

11 || Public transit restitches unconnected part of Oakland into a holistic urban fabric.

VISION >> 67

URBAN EXPERIENCE VISUAL FORM EXISTING

68<<

VISION

VISUAL FORM PROPOSED

Landmarks Major Paths Minor Paths Major Nodes Minor Nodes Institutional Districts Major Open Space Districts Major Residential Districts Major Business Districts

VISION >> 69

URBAN EXPERIENCE 3 MAJOR ZONES

RR DIDOO I RRRR O O CC

EEDD GE G E

70<<

VISION

CENTER CENTER

PROJECTIONS INTERDEPENDENT DISTRICTS The three districts will have its own character but attains a simbiotic relationship so that institutions, businesses and users are interdependent. The edges between the three districts will also start to blend into each other to create a holistic identity for Oakland.

URBAN STREET READING The curved form of Forbes Avenue and Fifth Avenue creates a visually linear but physically off-axis reading of the two major avenues. This characteristic is acknowledged and will drive the design for major urban reading of the neighborhood.

LANDMARKS FOR WAYFINDING The three zones are integrated into each other and create three major portals into Oakland where they intersect. Along with the existing Cathedral of Learning, a series of â&#x20AC;&#x153;double landmarksâ&#x20AC;? are designed to emphasize the experience of entering Oakland. VISION >> 71

TRANSIT

PRECEDENT PROJECTS Medellín, Columbia The public transportation system of Medellín, Columbia was used as a precedent of successful combination of metro, bus rapid transit, and gondola lift systems into an integrated transit strategy to spur growth and create an increased standard of living in the city. The transportation system was implemented as a key component of mayor Sergio Fajardo’s “Medellín, Commitment of all the Citizens” plan in which largescale urban projects were developed as a catalyst for social, cultural, and environmental improvement. Metro De Medellin

Medellín’s public transporation system consists of three main components: METRO DE MEDELLIN Subway system serving 553,000 passengers a day METROCABLE Gondola lift system integrated with the rest of the transit system that carries commuters up steep mountainsides to residential communities and serving 30,000 passengers a day METROPLUS Bus Rapid Transit system with a projected ridership of 7,000 passengers per hour per direction

http://www.mirm.pitt.edu/contactus/campusshuttle.asp http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6221/6432088363_895866768f_o.jpg http://www.cmu.edu/police/shuttleandescort/

MetroCable

Metroplus

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/1036936.jpg

72<<

VISION

http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Nantes-BusWay.png

PRECEDENT PROJECTS Charlotte, North Carolina The light rail public transportation of Charlotte, North Carolina was used as a precedent for transit-oriented development along a new rail line inserted into the existing urban fabric. Opened in 2007, the light rail system known as Lynx was built to focus growth and increase density in a city with an expanding population size.

Lynx

The Lynx system currently spans 9.6 miles, serves 16,000 passengers a day and cost $473 million to build. Development adjacent to the line in the few years since its construction include 1,400 new housing units and 700,000 square feet of office and retail space. The project is undergoing expansion, with additional rail lines being added throughout the metro region to serve more neighborhoods.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3324525042_88872415dc_o.jpg

New Development Along Rail Line Lynx Station

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-6165-p1130877.JPG

http://www.nationalcorridors.org/df3/df03282011a.jpg

VISION >> 73

TRANSIT MAJOR ROUTES AND NODES

Bus Rapid Transit Commuter Rail Riverfront Streetcar Oakland Underground

74<<

VISION

PHASING 2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

OPEN SPACE

HOUSING

COMMERCIAL

INSTITUTION

2015

VISION >> 75

OAKLAND MASTERPLAN 2050

OAKLAND GATEWAY

URBAN GROWTH

TRACT

WATERFRONT

12 ||

76<<

VISION

GREEN STRATA

OAKLAND CROSSING

DENSIFY MODULAR

BOULEVARD BLOCK

NEW HOUSING

NORTH ALMONO

VISION >> 77

USER EXPERIENCE I go to school at University of Pittsburgh and I live in the student dorms at Oakland Gateway. The view is great and it is so close to the waterfront, which is where I like to do my daily morning jog. The promenade boardwalk is beautiful and it connects to Panther Hollow as well. Between classes I like to shop and eat in the stores along the Fifth business corridor.

I am retired and have a lot of free time. I go to the hospital occasionally for check ups but I spend most of my days reading in the parks or public plaza. My favorite spot is the public plaza that straddles between Fifth and Forbes. I have difficulty getting up from low seating so I prefer not to sit on the grass. The benches in the plaza is perfect for me. It is also a great spot for people watching because a lot of people prefer to walk across the plaza instead of the streets. 78<<

VISION

I live in a duplex in South Oakland with my partner and we are currently working on a start up company in Oakland, collaborating with students from Carnegie Mellon University. Our office is a small rental space on Forbes Avenue but most of the collaborating work actually happens in the public squares. There are lots of benches and is usually part of social gatherings or picnics.

I work downtown so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend a lot of time in Oakland. I am usually very busy so I tend to stay home in the evenings after work, doing gardening in my backyard. On the weekends I would go for brunch at the local restaurant and go for a stroll at the waterfront promenade with my husband.

I am homeless and I frequent the parks alone. I use the public squares all year round and I prefer them over the parks. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have a preference with the grass, the ground or benches. After I drop my children off to school in the mornings I go to my daily yoga class on Forbes Avenue. After that my yoga buddies and I like to grab a quick bite at the streetsdie cafes and have a chat. On the weekends a group of us will bring our children to the parks for picnics or just a relaxing afternoon.

VISION >> 79

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PROJECTS

5 >> 81

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CORRIDOR GREEN STRATA CMU CROSSING TRACT OAKLAND GATEWAY

Claire He Abigail Mitchell Kim McDonald Eugene Wong

The Oakland corridor runs along Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue and continues up Craig Street, restictching existing businesses and extending them to adjacent neighborhoods. The two bookend projects become two of the major portals into the reconfigured Oakland, with walkable streets and an abundance of open public spaces between the two avenues. PROJECTS >> 83

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FLOW The existing streets along the Fifth and Forbes Avenue lack visual cues which make navigating challenging. Better landmarks and wayfinding devices are needed.

DIRECT INTERFACE Institutions take up most of the street fronts along the major avenues but often fail to provide quality public space. There is a need for institutions to give back to provide users a better street facade.

UNDERUTILISED POTENTIAL The existing businesses cluster around the North end of the two avenues, leaving the South end empty and underutilised. There is much potential to extend the business corridor towards the South where future developments are expected to occur.

PROJECTS >> 85

CORRIDOR IDENTIFYING ISSUES

Unwelcoming building facades Unwelcoming building facades

Lack of continuous building setback

Lack of continuous buildings setback

DifficultyDifficulty in gauging distance from landmark in gauging distance from landmark G

Lack of visualLack cueofto Halket Street visual cue to halket D

Lack of neighborhood identity Lack of neighborhood identity

Underemphasis o

Lack of empha

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FIFTH AVENUE

Lack wayfinding to open Lack ofofwayfinding to open spacespace

EN S AV RBE

FO J

Raised buildings are unwelcoming

Raised buildings with high wall

Lack of continuity between districts

Underutilised street corner

A serial vision of Forbes Avenue to identify urban problems along the main corridor.

Underutilised street corner

on public realm

asis on public realm

PROJECTS >> 87

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GREEN STRATA Claire He Acknowledging the increasing amount of institutions along the Forbes and Fifth Avenue, Green Strata is a system of vegetated spaces that explores strategies in how institutions can give back to the street life. Existing green spaces will be preserved, and a series of green spaces at different scales and levels will be inserted. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;green systemâ&#x20AC;? caters for both institution and residential users and create a visually appealing interface between zones.

PROJECTS >> 89

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POSSIBLE EXPANSION SITES parking garages surface parking rooftop parking

Magee Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital

Based on the previous analysis from the Urban Lab and the strategies to bottle-neck incoming private vehivles at transit hub sites, Oakland 2050 should see a drop in its car traffic within the central zone and corridor. By taking surface parking from Magee Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital (1/3 of total parking area) to the hub, the lot could become a public plaza.

Added new interventions could keep the existing tradition of selling goods at the hospital by include occassional markets distributing produce from the new urban farm on the hill across the Gateway.

PROJECTS >> 91

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POSSIBLE EXPANSION SITES terracing out strategies

Because of the sloping topography of Oakland, stretching out to the higher density of institutional establishments, many of the existing underground parking lots terrace out to become publicly accessible surfaces. This is an opportunity for open spaces or restaurants to activate into seating area.

preserving existing green spaces

One possible reasoning to preserving existing areas for the public is to justify its condition by putting public transit stops within its program. If institutions must build over the the lot, setting up rules demanding for courtyards could help the public negotiate back territory. Subway stations could also argue for light access to retain a skylight and couryard above ground.

PROJECTS >> 93

12 ||

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CARNEGIE CROSSING Abigail Mitchell As Carnegie Mellon University grows and plans its expansion into Oakland, it is in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interest to consider integrating the program of the institution with more community focused development which will ultimately support the transit stop proposed for the Forbes and Craig St. intersection. This site has the potential to be the Eastern portal for the city to access world renowned museums and universities. The mixed-use program on the site will provide the density and attraction necessary to support a thriving transit hub.

12 || View from Carnegie Mellon University

PROJECTS >> 95

SITE LOCATION

Carnegie Crossing consists of a five-block area between Forbes and Fifth Avenue and Criag St. and Neville Ave. At this point, three major institutions converge as well as two proposed transit lines.

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TRANSIT ISSUES Currently in Oakland, more than 20,000 people live in the neighborhood. Of those 20,000 people, 45% of the residences are students. Students 15% of the jobs in the city of Pittsburgh are located in Oakland. This percentage equals approximately 55,000 employees. Over half of these employees are associated with one of the medical or educational institutions in this area.

~ 55,000 employees On a typical business day, the total population swells to

approximately

100,000 people...

only 20% of the people live in Oakland

= 10,000 e

This means that approximately 80,000 people travel into Oakland each day.

commuters PROJECTS >> 97

SITE PLAN

HOTEL

STUDENT HOUSING

TEPPER QUAD CARNEGIE CROSSING

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SITE STRATEGY DIAGRAMS

OPEN SPACE On the site, open spaces radiate from the transit core, providing a variety of public and semi-private gathering spaces.

SITE CIRCULATION The redesign of the site allows access to the area from many points, connecting with the surrounding residential and institutional buildings

PROGRAM The development area around Carnegie Crossing includes academic buildings, retail space, housing, a hotel and office space.

PROJECTS >> 99

VERTICAL CIRCULATION DIAGRAM

Since the site is located above a main transit hub, vertical circulation becomes an important aspect of how different masses above ground relate to each other below ground.

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13 ||

13 || Transit courtyard

PROJECTS >> 101

SECTION

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PROJECTS >> 103

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OAKLAND TRACT Kim McDonald Oakland Tract is a macro-level intervention of the existing traffic patterns and streetscape along the corridors of Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue. Acting as the physical and social connection between the two transit-oriented developments at the East and West ends of the Fifth and Forbes corridor, Tract creates a cohesive, dynamic, and integrated urban fabric throughout the entire neighborhood. Tract addresses two distinct problems within Oakland: transit through the neighborhood and a lack of a public realm. The implementation a below-grade LRT system throughout Oakland, as envisioned in the 2025 master plan, allows the surface streetscape to be reclaimed and improved. Both Fifth and Forbes will become two-way streets past Craft Avenue. Though ultimately slowing traffic, this not only fosters a reliance on public transit and biking, it also stimulates the stree-level commerical and retail space along the corridor. In addition, the implementation of a two-way cycle track on both avenues - as well as selected cross strees - increases accessibility, while also improving safety. A final major transit development is the restriction of vechicular traffic on McKee Place and Atwood Street between the block of Fifth and Forbes. By making these two block instances exclusively pedestrian and bicycle traffic, Oakland has the opportunity to host active public spaces. Moreover, Tract proposes a series of systemic inteverntions along Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Atwood Street, and McKee Place. These include the planting of trees and shrubs, replaced street lamps, a kit of urban furniture, replaced sidewalks, and the installation of an inlaid wayfinding vein that runs the length of the corridor, connecting the two proposed transit developments at either end. As an urban intervention on Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Craft Avenue, Atwood Street, and McKee Place, Oakland Tract operates on a number of different scales to impact not only the physical aesthetics of the neighborhood, but also the individual users and residents.

PROJECTS >> 105

LOCATION CONTEXT

Within Pittsburgh, Oakland acts as a vital gateway between the Downtown district and the East End residential neighborhoods including Highland Park, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and East Liberty. Forbes Avenue and Fifth Avenue are the primary means of transportation between these sectors. 106<< PROJECTS

TARGETED USER GROUPS

COMMUTER TYPE “A”

COMMUTER TYPE “B”

COMMUTER TYPE “C”

Oakland as a through-way to destination

Oakland as an end destination

utilizes Oakland as a home & destination

lives in Squirrel Hill

lives in Highland Park

lives on Atwood Street

works at PNC Tower Downtown

works at Magee Women’s Hospital

attends University of Pittsburgh

drives single-passenger vechicle

uses public buses

bikes or takes public buses

annual income of $92,000

annual income of $57,000

no annual income

NEEDS: efficient transportation through site

NEEDS: efficient transportation to site commerical district safe & accessible pedestrian connections

NEEDS: efficient transportation within site commericial district safe & accessible pedestrian connections entertainment

SOLUTION: LRT system improved pedestrian system open public space

SOLUTION: cycle track improved pedestrian system open public space

SOLUTION: LRT system

PROJECTS >> 107

PROPOSED INTERVENTION

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VISION: cycle track Through the improvement and redevelopment of transit lightfunctional masts and urban space, Tract creates a cohesive, reworked and roadsintegrated urban fabric throughout Oakland. dynamic, transit shelters This map highlights where the interventions will occur. street parking - bike & car wayfinding vein

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MOVEMENT:

INTERACTION:

cycle track light masts reworked roads transit shelters street parking - bike & car wayfinding vein

urban furniture tree groves shrub plantings green space commercial spill-out

PROPOSED INTERVENTION

INTERACTION: FIFTH AVENUE

INTERACTION: FORBES AVENUE

PROJECTS >> 109

WAYFINDING VEIN Running along the sidwalks of the block of Fifth and Forbes, this matte black inlay will not only visually and phyiscally connect the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;portalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; site and the transit development at Craign, but it will also undulate form based on program. For instance, at crosswalks, the vein pulses towards the edge of the curb, while on block interiors, the vein shapes inward toward local businesses.

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TREE PLANTINGS As an urban environment, Oakland has a distinct lack of greenry. Tract proposes thoughtful plantings of Littleleaf Linden trees and Columnar Siberian Crabapple trees. Planted along the corridor in an alternating pattern, these trees will mitigate effects of urban heat island effect, as well as improving the aesthetics of Oakland. The trees used along this corridor are to be native to Western Pennsylvania.

PROJECTS >> 111

LIGHT MASTS As a key component in the safety and nighttime aesthetics of a place, the corridor of Fifth and Forbes demands an updated street light system. Tract proposes the installation of Phillipe Starck designed light masts that pivot at sunset to illuminate the streets.

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URBAN FURNITURE Despite the relatively high use of public transit, Oakland hosts no infrastructure to faciliitate comfort in waiting for buses. Tract integrates a series of Juampi Sammartino designed benches that are avaliable in single sections, as well as row benches. These pieces of urban furniture mimick the linearity in the concrete pavers, while also incorporating landscape elements into their design.

PROJECTS >> 113

TREE PLANTINGS Acting as corridors that link educational, medical, and residential program, McKee Place and Atwood Street demand an accessible and functional connection. Along these streets, Tract implements ornmanetal trees to create a distinct urban fabric in Oakland. These trees will exist several ways, including in-ground planting, planting in terraces, and incorporated into the urban furniture.

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SHRUB PLANTINGS With ambitions akin to th tree plantings, Tract implements native shrubs and flowering bushes into the public realm to, again, create a continuous urban fabric.

PROJECTS >> 115

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MCKEE PLACE PLAZA Presently operating as a two-way cross street between Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue, McKee Place physically connects the hospitals and educational buildings located along Darragh Street with the commercial district running along Forbes. McKee further runs through a residential area of the neighborhood, ultimately operating as transit-oriented thoroughway. Nevertheless, McKee has the potential to serve its users in a more dynamic manner. Tract redevelops the block of McKee between Fifth and Forbes to become entirely pedestrian with bike traffic. In order to mitigate the slope of the site, Tract implements a series of green terraces that act as micro plazas and create a distinct urban fabric within Oakland. Moreover, these terraces further allow for commerical and food vendors to have outdoor â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spill out space.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

white cement pavers

two-way cycle track

wooden retaining walls

dynamic wooden seating

PROJECTS >> 117

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ATWOOD STREET PLAZA Similar to McKee, Atwood Steets operates as a transit-oriented connection between medical, educational, and residential program. Nevertheless, the one-way street is utilized primarily for on-street parking. Tract intends to redevelop this land to become an occupiable urban space. Through the integration of a biforcating wooden vein that mimics the wayfinding element along Fifth and Forbes, Atwood becomes a vital pedestrian connection between the major drivers in Oakland. The Atwood Street Plaza also formally integrates large areas for public seating and gathering. These areas, which are designated by changes in ground material and elevation, may serve as public gathering spaces for individuals, public events, and even provide rentable space to surrounding commercial businesses.

white cement pavers

two-way cycle track

wooden biforcating wall

gathering public spaces

PROJECTS >> 119

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OAKLAND GATEWAY Eugene Wong Highly visible from the South Side and Downtown and in close proximity to local institutions such as Magee-Women’s Hospital, UPMC, and Carlow University, Oakland Gateway is currently largely underutilized as the primary entry point into Oakland’s residential, medical, educational, and cultural districts. As the main portal into Oakland where many transportation systems converge, the site has the opportunity to be a major transit oriented hub of mixed use development. As institutions continue to expand, commercial space is desirable with class-A office space vacancy at less than one percent. Housing would also support these institutions as mixed-use development would provide much-needed amenities and services to the existing communities nearby. To establish the Gateway Portal as an anchor and icon for Oakland’s western edge as a distinguished point of entry to the area from Downtown, this new development will provide amenities for the nearby residential communities in the form of a major transit station, employment opportunities, open space amenities, and supporting retail.

PROJECTS >> 121

SITE SELECTION

W C O L M R P A U C / T EE T I P AG M

IA NT

E D I S

SITE AREA: APPROX. 8 ACRES (325,000 SQ FT.)

The North Portal Site is a large, irregularly shaped area bounded by Fifth Avenue, Craft Avenue and the Boulevard of the Allies. References: base image from Google Earth

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OAKLAND GATEWAY

PROJECTS >> 123

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DE BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES

FORBES

BLVD OF THE ALLIES

MEDICAL HOSPITALITY RELIGIOUS

FIFTH

RESIDENTIAL EDUCATIONAL

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USER GROUP PROFILES

RESIDENTS Young Professionals Graduates and college students Retirees & elderly

COMMUTERS office employees hospital employees university employees

TRANSIT ORIENTED MIXED USED DEVELOPMENT

VISITORS Market District Shoppers Restaurant customers Hotel Guests Gallery Visitors

PROJECTS >> 125

EXISTING CONDITION

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

TOWER 1

65 % OPEN AND GREEN SPACES

RESIDENTIAL HIGH RISE 36 STOREYS (approx. 450 feet) total area: 375,000 s.f. approx. 288 units

TYPE 1A: STUDIO (500 s.f.) TYPE 2A: 1 BR (624 S.F.) TYPE B: 2 BR (950 S.F.)

CIVIC GALLERY MULTIFUCTIONAL 3 STOREYS total area: 22,000 s.f.

PARKING

TOWER 2

UNDERGROUND

MIXED USE HIGH RISE

3 STOREYS

30 STOREYS (approx. 360 feet)

total area: 65,000 s.f.

total area: 398,000 s.f.

FIRST 20 FLOORS: OFFICE TOP 10 FLOORS: HOTEL

CAMPUS BUILDING MID RISE

6 STOREYS

TOWER 2 RETAIL

total area: 58,000 s.f.

MIXED USE HIGH RISE 3 STOREYS total area: 78,000 s.f.

1ST FLOOR: MARKET DISTRICT EXPRESS 2ND AND 3RD: HOTEL AMENITIES & SKY TERRACE

126<< PROJECTS

OFFICE BUILDING MID RISE

8 STOREYS total area: 164,000 s.f.

SITE PLAN

PROJECTS >> 127

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PROJECTS SCOPE>> 129

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CENTER NEW HOUSING DENSIFY MODULAR MODULAR APARTMENTS

Emily Puhnaty Nana Choi Bumyeol Kim

The center part of Oakland becomes a densified residential district with a variety of housing options for permanent and transient residents alike, balancing the previously tense relationship between the two populations. Boulevard of the Allies which used to segragate the two main residential zones reclaims its character as a boulevard, no longer be congested, but activated as a open green space with bustling commercial activities. Wide sidewalks also allow users to enjoy the streetscape while having easy access to Panther Hollow. PROJECTS >> 131

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BALANCE CORE Poor conditions of student rental properties in precinct 1 create a negative image of residential Oakland to visitors. Inserting new apartments of a higher density to the precinct condenses student residents closer to the institutions and amenities of the Fifth and Forbes corridor while relieving rental pressures on the rest of the community, thus enabling homeownership and promoting Oakland residency for additional demographics.

ACTIVATE SOUTH Currently separated from the rest of the center by the heavily-trafficked street Boulevard of the Allies, the southern precinct is also separated from the new riverfront development by the topographic wall, making the area an underutilized backside to the community. Activating this area will enable a visual connection of the center with the riverfront and downtown while creating value in the south.

RESTITCH EDGE The topographic wall additionally separates residences from Shenley Park, the large public open space to the east. Creating access points down to Junction Hollow and re-orienting housing along the edge will increase connection between the two zones. PROJECTS >> 133

CENTER CURRENT CONDITIONS

LOCATION

CENTER

PATHS

FIFTH AVE FORBES AVE

The residential center of Oakland, despite consisting of buildings of a similar typology, can be understood as three distinct precincts divided by the major transit corridors of Boulevard of the Allies and Bates Street. The large number of commuters traveling through the neighborhood by car, particularly on the Boulevard of the Allies, divide the neighborhood and discourage a sense of community at the pedestrian scale. Students are the main occupants of the precincts most adjacent to the institutions and the Fifth and Forbes corridor, while homeowners and older residents tend to occupy homes in the southernmost precinct and along the eastern edge. The topographic wall creates a third major edge wrapping around the center, separating it from Shenley Park to the East and the riverfront development to the south.

EDGES

1 2

BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES

BATES ST

3 PARKWAY EAST SECOND AVE

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AGE

OWNERSHIP

% of Population age 18 - 24

Information via Allegheny County Census 2010

0% - 5% 5% - 10% 10% - 25%

Residential Property Ownership

Information via Allegheny County Census 2010 Homestead tax exclusion claims

25% - 50%

Renter

50% - 100%

Homeowner

DENSITY

MEDIAN INCOME

Median Income Levels

Information via Allegheny County Census

$0 - $10,000 $10,000 - $15,000 Households per acre

Information via Allegheny County Census 2000

$15,000 - $20,000 $20,000 - $30,000

0-5

$30,000 - $40,000

5 - 20

$40,000 - $50,000

20 - 50

$50,000 - $60,000

50 - 100

$60,000 - $75,000

100 - 250

$75,000 - $100,000

250 - 525

$100,000 - $200,000

PROJECTS >> 135

CENTER PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS

Increased use of public transit and decreased dependency on cars, as emphasized in the masterplan, will enable better pedestrian connection within Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central residential district.

Interventions within the district can be categorized as three geographical zones relating to the three vision plan goals they are most focused on achieving. Balance is emphasized in the zone directly adjacent to the Fifth and Forbes Corridor, restitch along the eastern edge, and activate in the south. Together, they work to form a cohesive neighborhood of increased value, density, walkabillty, and access to public space.

BALANCE

RESTITCH ACTIVATE

136<< PROJECTS

BALANCE

Balance between the town and gown relationship is achieved by increasing the density of housing along the main Fifth and Forbes corridor. Increasing studio and 1-2 bedroom options in the neighborhood will better serve the student population and allow them to be located directly adjacent to the institutions, transit, and amenities. By increasing the scale of student housing in this zone to better match that of the demand caused by the universities, the pressure of rental needs will be alleviated from the rest of the neighborhood.

New housing strategically infilled within existing urban fabric PROJECTS >> 137

RESTITCH

Restitch is implemented through the expansion of the street grid down to Junction Hollow in key locations and the infilling of townhomes in strategic locations adjacent to these connection points. Increasing pedestrian access from the residential zone down to the Junction Hollow trail enables better connectivity between Central Oakland and Shenley Park. Adding recreational facilities along the trail promotes more frequent use of the space.

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ACTIVATE

The southernmost zone is activated by minimizing the Boulevard of the Alliesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bisection of the residential district by minimizing car traffic and increasing pedestrian access across the Boulevard. New development along the edge, with views of the riverfront development and the skyline of downtown Pittsburgh, will create single family homes of a higher quality in Oakland, thus raising the value of the district and promoting professionals working in the neighborhood to stay to live and play.

PROJECTS >> 139

Aerial View of Proposed Massing

Current North-East Section of Oakland

Proposed North-East Section of Oakland 140<< PROJECTS

DENSIFY MODULAR Nana Choi Central Oakland is already a heavily student populated region that we foresee to continue to be popular with students. This phenomenon is inevitable due to the proximity of major educational institutions such as University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. However, it does not mean that the neighborhood needs to be strictly gown oriented. The proximity to institutions pose a potential to attract a new type of residents into the area - young professionals and young couples who work in the institutions or graduated from the institutions and work in the surrounding area. In order to attract a new type of residents into the neighborhood, it is important to increase the quality of living in the area. Currently, the quality of housing stock of the site is poor but ironically, the prices are high due to the continuous demand from students looking for places to live. This project offers an alternative type of housing within the heart of Oakland. Using pre-fabricated modules as housing units, this new development strives to offer both affordability as well as an attractive lifestyle.

transitional zone Potential Residents S.Oakland

Students

depressurize densify

Central Oakland

Young Professionals

Two-Person Family

Target Market

Low Income Proximity to Amenities Group / Single Person

Medium Income Proximity to Amenities Single Person

Medium Income Proximity to Amenities Familiy

PROJECTS >> 141

SITE PLAN

Public Open Space Semi-Public / Private Open Space Private Open Space

142<< PROJECTS

MODULE TYPES

TYPE: 600 sq. ft. studio

TYPE: 900 sq. ft. 1 bedroom

TYPE: 1,140 sq. ft. 2 bedroom

TYPE: 4,050 sq. ft. co-housing

TYPE: 750 sq. ft. commercial

TYPE: 90 sq. ft. circulation

PROJECTS >> 143

MULTI-UNIT APPLICATION Module Assembly

1 person/unit

2 persons/unit

16 persons/unit

15 Studio Units 8 One-Bed Units 11 Two-Bed Units 5 Co-Housing Units

125 persons/bldg.

144<< PROJECTS

MIXED-USE APPLICATION Module Assembly

commercial

1 person/unit

2 persons/unit

5 Commercial Units 1 Studio Units 6 One-Bed Units

13 persons/bldg.

PROJECTS >> 145

Oakland 2013

146<< PROJECTS

Oakland 2050

MODULAR APARTMENTS Bumyeol Kim The site is located as the gateway of Central and South Oakland residential areas. The project proposes the means to develop underutilized public space and provide residential and commercial spaces. In order to utilize the space, the project introduces new traffic system and flow. This traffic system helps to get rid of some streets and merge the blocks. The new blocks provide more spaces and enable people to have better access to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;abandonedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; park in the site. The residential apartments and houses facilitate various housing typologies to meet the different needs of future residents in Oakland. The apartments are composed of different sizes of modules which make different sizes and types of apartments. The commercial stores provide amenities for people living in central and south Oakland in which lack such places like restaurants or grocery stores.

PROJECTS >> 147

Steady Population Growth in Oakland

College Students Young Professions Single-Person Households Family Households

148<< PROJECTS

Future residents and their demands

Each resident has various demands and needs. As a result, they seek different types of housing in order to solve the needs.

PROJECTS >> 149

SITE ANALYSIS

Current site blocks does not respond to surrounding town fabric.

150<< PROJECTS

Traffic Flow

Before

Proposed

PROJECTS >> 151

Proposed Traffic System

152<< PROJECTS

PROJECTS >> 153

UTILIZABLE AREA

Proposed Traffic System aloows to utilize more space.

154<< PROJECTS

PROPOSED PLAN

PROJECTS >> 155

156<< PROJECTS

Section 1” = 50’

PROJECTS >> 157

158<< PROJECTS

EDGE NORTH ALMONO URBAN GROWTH OAKLAND RIVERFRONT PLAN

Yan Shun Lee Ben Finch Donald Chow & Jae Han Bae

Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge proposes a new way of approaching the slopes, inserting new programs to balance the densifying activities in upper Oakland. The projects along the edge activate the previously underutilised riverfront but restitch disconnected trails along the hillside and Junction Hollow to create a cohesive pedestrian path bordering Oakland and extends towards Downtown and the Almono site. PROJECTS >> 159

160<< PROJECTS

MISSION INSERT NEW PROGRAM Directly adjacent to the major corridor of Fifth and Forbes Avenue, alternative programs are inserted on the slope to balance the emphasis on institutions and businesses, while drawing the existing population of Oakland into the currently underutilised sites.

NEW DEVELOPMENT The edge is one of the most undeveloped zones of Oakland, mainly because of its topographic differences. The hill slopes and riverfront strip will see a drastic change, and will be filled with a large variety of activities.

CONNECTING MISSING LINKS Many historical trails have remained and are found along the edge. However most are not maintained and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lead to a specific destination. These trails will be reconnected and revitalised to form walkable paths that the public can use to enjoy the trails, the new development and beautiful views by the riverfront.

PROJECTS >> 161

ELIZA FURNACE TRAIL

JUNCTION HOLLOW TRAIL

IN SW T

ND E

E AV

162<< PROJECTS

A AY E RKW

NORTH ALMONO (NOMO) Yan Shun Lee The exisiting site is an open parking lot that provides both monthly rental spaces and a UPMC shuttle parking lot. The site also the start of the Eliza Furnace trail which connects Oakland to Downtown Pittsburgh. Most major paths merely border the site but does not deposit users directly to it, making it very inaccessible and inconvenient. The large volume of usage of the site demands a better interface where people can take advantage of its strategic location to enjoy both the amenities on the edge and central Oakland with ease.

PROJECTS >> 163

EXISTING SITE SERIAL VISION 2

7 2

3 5

164<< PROJECTS

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHENLEY PARK The site is located at the end of Junction Hollow where it meets the riverfront. The project proposes to activate the site as an extention of Schenley Park where it is also used as a storm water management site for runoff from the neighboring slopes.

SOUTH OAKLAND

GREENFIELD

ALMONO

JUNCTION HOLLOW TRAIL

MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS

ELIZA FURNACE TRAIL

INB

SW ST

EA WAY

K PAR

E AV

Junction Hollow Trail is connected to Eliza Furnace Trail through the site, where users can access Downtown and Schenley Park with a smooth transition. The previously paved site is transformed into a public plaza with seating where users can enjoy.

BALANCING TRANSIT MODE The new site becomes a public plaza with parking spaces where users are encouraged to switch their mode of transport and take advantage of the commuter rail, bike and walking trails, as well as a river connection from the riverfront to South Side.

PROJECTS >> 165

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URBAN GROWTH Ben Finch In urban planning food is a non-item. Architects only design spatial or logistical solutions to accommodate shops, supermarkets, and the supply of produce and removal of waste, partly because the clients do not ask for anything else. As the world struggles with growing food demand and the increasing cost of energy, cities must deal with the gargantuan effort it takes to feed its population. The Urban Growth Project aims for the design of a social infrastructure by which communities can expand and engage in the act of agriculture by creating a model for the cohabitation of people and agriculture within an urban environment. The unutilized hillside is full of young plant growth and garbage and provides for an opportunity to create a strong new visual significance to Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance. The plotting of a framework for an ecological system will help to balance the hillside and prepare the site for the insertion of a cohousing development. The activation of the hillside through the housing will help to restitch the connections between Oakland, Uptown, Southside and the Hill District.

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FOOD SYSTEM

Soc ial Re

eating food

leisure

food spaces

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food trading

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space

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soil

ion diat me e r +

CO2 + other GHG emissions

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food growing

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tion percep public

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access to fresh food

The dynamics of food within society can be divided into four categories: the consumption of food, the production of food, the distribution of food, and where food is eaten. Each of these categories can be applied to four relevences: Environmental, Economic, Social, and Spacial.

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A 40 acre urban forest bordering between Oakland and Uptown provides an opportunity for agricultural developement.

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FLOW DIAGRAM FOR AN INTEGRATED FAMILY FARM SYSTEM The integrated family farm system was proposed by the second annual seminar on “Maximum FLOW DIAGRAM FOR AN INTEGRATED FAMILY FARM SYSTEM Production form Minimum Land” held at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from The integrated family farm system was proposed by the second annual seminar on “Maximum 5–9 February 1981. The strategy efficiently utilizeAgricultural the basicUniversity, naturalMymensingh resources of solar Production form Minimumwas Land”toheld at the Bangladesh from 5–9 February 1981. The strategy was to efficiently utilize the basic natural resources of solar energy, atmospheric nitrogen, rainfall and farm population skills in order to increase food production energy, atmospheric nitrogen, rainfall and farm population skills in order to increase food production per unit of timeper and per unit of area, taking advantage of all available resources and avoiding waste unit of time and per unit of area, taking advantage of all available resources and avoiding waste through a system of recycling. through a system of recycling.

Urban / A

“Urban Agricultu Effective mappin agriculture are m

Source: Farming the City, C

Source: Nielsen and Preston, 1981 Source: Nielsen and Preston, 1981

Food Surplus

Food Surplus Biogas

Family

Fish/Ducks

Biogas

Milk/Meat/Eggs

Family

Fish/Ducks

Milk/Meat/Eggs

Food Fiber

Water

Multipurpose crops Food

Work

Agricultural n

Sunlight / dayli Nutrition / ferti Soil / substrate Micro-climate / Space Loading capaci Labor (intensive Market

Fiber

Urban needs Water

Work

Multipurpose crops

Pond Plants/Fish

By-product Residues Water Plants Effluent

Multipurpose animals

Water Water Water storage

Pond Plants/Fish

By-product Residues Effluent

Water PlantsDigestor

Graphic: Developed from figure 213 (Nielsen and Preston, 1981)

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Water

Excrement Excrement

Public green de Ecosystem serv Education (nature, food pr Therapeutic wo Appropriate job Water storage Climate control at building and Water improvem Waste treatmen

Multipurpose animals

Chart: Farming the City, CIT

connections

FOOD SYSTEM The hillside forest is young growth, having previously had several different developments on it over the last 150 years. Currently, it has deteriorated to almost nothing, with a housing projects at the top, and deteriorating and decreasing houses down along Fifth Avenue.

ZONES

TYPE

AREA

PROPOSED

ZONE 1

Wooded Hillside

40 Acres

Agricultural Zone

ZONE 2

Vacant Lot

5.30 Acres

Market Zone

ZONE 3

Small Developments

2.85 Acres

Roadside Peripheral

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ZONE 5 ZONE 4 ZONE 3 ZONE 2 ZONE 1 ZONE 0

Permaculture 0 The Home Center Houses, Community Center 1 Integrated Greenery Highest maintenance: raised beds, green house, compost 2 Perennials Less frequent maintenance, weed control: perennials, bee hives, orchard 3 Main Crops For domestic and trade: irrigation and weeding, high carbohydrate plants 4 Semi Wild Use for forage: mushrooms, forest greens, honey, timber, chicken roam 5 Wild No human interventions: for soil strength and regeneration PROJECTS >> 173 Saturday, November 23, 13

SECTIONS

Fifth Avenue

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burrows street

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Circulation

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ZONE 5 ZONE 4 ZONE 3 ZONE 2 ZONE 1 ZONE 0

ZONE 2 AGRICULTURE ZONE 1 ARGRICULTURE CO-HOUSING UNIT COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECTS >> 177

Rendered Views of Proposed Massing

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(ORP) OAKLAND RIVERFRONT PLAN Donald Chow | Jae Han Bae Pittsburgh’s history is rooted within the river. The images of steel factories lining the rivers of Pittsburgh was an iconic image of America’s industrial age. The steel mills and factories have long gone and with them, Pittsburgh’s connection with the river. The Oakland Riverfront Plan is a plan to activate the river front of Oakland and to re-connect its population back to the river. Our site is currently occupied by the Pittsburgh Technology Center, a successful brownfield redevelopment site. Though the current usage of the site is providing jobs, its program and isolation make it grossly underutilized. Working within the constraints of the existing program on the land, we are introducing mixed-use properties that will provide retail and medium-high density housing. The site will be flanked by two undisclosed landmarks that frame the boundary of the site and provide context for the transit and retail nodes. Massing of the site is determined by not only sunlight and view parameters but by maximizing the pedestrian level experience.

1|| Current North-East Section of Oakland

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TYPE A

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SITE PLAN

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