Urban Park

By transforming the abandoned urban infrastructure in Pittsburgh, new life will be breathed into run-down areas, creating vital green spaces, encouraging community involvement, and improving the well-being of urban residents.

WHAT

Park

WHERE

Pittsburgh

WHEN

2024

Software - Autocad, Sketchup, Lumion, Illustrator, PhotoShop

The park's design prioritizes creating a space that encourages physical activity and connection to nature, promoting improved mental and physical health for residents. Social interaction and community gatherings are fostered through design strategies that create opportunities for people to connect. Sustainability is a core principle, with the project incorporating strategies to minimize environmental impact and showcasing the value of self-sustaining landscapes. These strategies include resource conservation and promoting a healthy ecosystem within the urban environment.

As the city gets denser, we need to find more space for nature. Frequently, urban areas have restricted ground-level space dedicated to conventional parks. By creating green spaces above existing infrastructure, elevated parks optimize land utilization. In complex cities, proposing urban parks acts as a connector to create more secure, more pleasant public access, connect people to transportation, and effectively link open areas and other amenities in the neighborhood. Adapting existing infrastructure is critical to redesigning the city in a climate emergency. Utilizing previously unconsidered park sites adds safe and accessible recreation. This project aims to establish and design an elevated park to bring new nature into the city without occupying ground-floor space.

Conceptual Sections

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Site Plan

The project employed a strategic approach of dividing the overall area into four distinct parts.This facilitated a more focused analysis of each section's unique characteristics and potential. The 33rd Street Railroad Bridge Park will offer a variety of programmed spaces, including seating areas, gardens, and art installations, incorporating regions designated for relaxation, education, and cultural activities. The project will acknowledge the potential for a phased development approach to ensure accessibility and long-term success.

PLANS

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SECTIONS

Creating a new green space increases residents' access to nature, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable city. The park becomes a focal point for social interaction and community events, fostering a stronger sense of place and belonging. Access to green space and opportunities for physical activity contribute to the overall well-being of urban residents. The 33rd Street Railroad Bridge Park serves as a model for sustainable urban development, transforming an underutilized space into a vibrant public amenity that improves the quality of life for Pittsburgh residents.

EXPERIENCE: Being connected to nature helps people feel safe and mentally or physically restored.

PERFORMANCE: Designing landscapes that support biodiversity, promote ecosystem services, and contribute to overall environmental health while 107 prioritizing integrating natural systems and ecological processes within the urban fabric.

SYSTEMS: The site will go beyond sustainability by designing systems that contribute positively to the environment, actively restoring ecosystems, and promoting regeneration.

CULTURE: Incorporating adaptive reuse of existing structures and landscapes to preserve cultural heritage and reduce the environmental impact of new construction can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, functional areas.