PROJECT
FLUICITY
FALL 2022
FALL 2022
URBAN DESIGN
AIA Urban Design Merit Award (2023) / Adobe Digital Edge Finalist (2023)
ARCH 202A
Preserving the identity of the former 710 Freeway and adopting an iconic fluid form, Fluicity transforms the space of the removed freeway into a dynamic urban landscape, fostering a vibrant and accessible community inspired by the concepts of walkable cities sustainable practices.
Preserving the identity of the former 710 Freeway and adopting an iconic fluid form, Fluicity transforms the space of the removed freeway into a dynamic urban landscape, fostering a vibrant and accessible community inspired by the concepts of walkable cities sustainable practices.
PROMPT
Develop a city, in a future without the context of cars, over 'the ditch,' the northern terminus of the 710 Freeway in Pasadena, California.
The design will need to develop and connect into a circulation network (streets, paths, etc.) for both the upper (street) level and lower ('ditch') levels of the New Arroyo. The city must also blend with neighboring sectors.
PROMPT
Develop a city, in a future without the context of cars, over 'the ditch,' the northern terminus of the 710 Freeway in Pasadena, California.
The design will need to develop and connect into a circulation network (streets, paths, etc.) for both the upper (street) level and lower ('ditch') levels of the New Arroyo. The city must also blend with neighboring sectors.
CONCEPT
The removal of the freeway introduces a question on how to fill it in. I decided to approach the ditch similar to the New York Highline: preserving the identity of what was once there in another form.
My design originated in keeping the fluid shapes of what freeway intersections look like. This developed the shape of the paths throughout my city.
Trajectory was another element I wanted to retain. Freeway intersections were all about getting citizens in the direction they need to head. Therefore, the upward direction of these paths was influenced by the bridge that used to span across my site.
CONCEPT
The removal of the freeway introduces a question on how to fill it in. I decided to approach the ditch similar to the New York Highline: preserving the identity of what was once there in another form.
My design originated in keeping the fluid shapes of what freeway intersections look like. This developed the shape of the paths throughout my city.
Trajectory was another element I wanted to retain. Freeway intersections were all about getting citizens in the direction they need to head. Therefore, the upward direction of these paths was influenced by the bridge that used to span across my site.
WAVES WITHIN THE ROADS
Fluicity is shaped to direct pedestrians and bikers to their respective destinations. Towards the middle of ditch resides corporate spaces as well as access to large commercial stores. Surrounding the ditch are residential spaces, granting a close proximity to the parks, grocery outlets, and local retail stores.
At the epicenter of heavy traffic, smooth circulation is a must. Walkway paths are easily divided depending on speed and direction. Designated bike paths provide a fast and sustainable method of transport without the worry of running into walking pedestrians.
WAVES WITHIN THE ROADS
Fluicity is shaped to direct pedestrians and bikers to their respective destinations. Towards the middle of ditch resides corporate spaces as well as access to large commercial stores. Surrounding the ditch are residential spaces, granting a close proximity to the parks, grocery outlets, and local retail stores.
At the epicenter of heavy traffic, smooth circulation is a must. Walkway paths are easily divided depending on speed and direction. Designated bike paths provide a fast and sustainable method of transport without the worry of running into walking pedestrians.
THE WALKABLE CITY
As seen in the city plan above, the shape of the roads behave similar to freeway intersections, mimicking a fluid shape. The buildings also are influenced by curved layout. Plan is designed to allow walkable distances to retail spaces, grocery outlets, parks, etc. This will improve the overall health of the city population.
In the heart of bustling traffic, ensuring seamless movement is essential. The design incorporates distinct walkway paths tailored to different speeds and directions. Additionally, designated bike lanes offer a swift and eco-friendly transportation option, separate from pedestrian foot traffic, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for all.
THE WALKABLE CITY
As seen in the city plan above, the shape of the roads behave similar to freeway intersections, mimicking a fluid shape. The buildings also are influenced by curved layout. Plan is designed to allow walkable distances to retail spaces, grocery outlets, parks, etc. This will improve the overall health of the city population.
In the heart of bustling traffic, ensuring seamless movement is essential. The design incorporates distinct walkway paths tailored to different speeds and directions. Additionally, designated bike lanes offer a swift and eco-friendly transportation option, separate from pedestrian foot traffic, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for all.
A LANE FOR EVERY SPEED
I predict that since this would be a major intersection of commute, the paths would need to support the trajectory in three different directions. Triangulating a center point, the merging roads will form a new city center.
A LANE FOR EVERY SPEED
I predict that since this would be a major intersection of commute, the paths would need to support the trajectory in three different directions. Triangulating a center point, the merging roads will form a new city center.
RIBBON FOR ROADS
The opportunity for vertical space opens with the presence of the ditch. Stacking program allowed me to reach the assigned densities without taking much land.
To provide sunlight to lower levels, paths are reduced to the minimum width and the major roads are stretched like bands, leaving openings or skylights. Walkways merged between levels, following similar shapes to that of a ribbon.
RIBBON FOR ROADS
The opportunity for vertical space opens with the presence of the ditch. Stacking program allowed me to reach the assigned densities without taking much land.
To provide sunlight to lower levels, paths are reduced to the minimum width and the major roads are stretched like bands, leaving openings or skylights. Walkways merged between levels, following similar shapes to that of a ribbon.
CLOSE TO THE ESSENTIALS
Stores of all types are strategically positioned to guarantee walkable distances from residential neighborhoods. Commercial stores taking the large spaces available near the bottom, while restaurants and small retail stores are located near the surface.
VIDEO TRAILER
Aside from creating the typical drawings and models, I created a video trailer featuring my city block Fluicity. The prompt was to create a video showcasing the concept, the vision, and the making of this project.
