rethinking-public-places-blog

[rethinking-public-places-blog]

Final

[rethinking-public-places-blog]

Final

Vision

The University of Maryland has exemplified its commitment to sustainability and green living by implementing many sustainable technologies, green spaces, and environmentally friendly initiatives over the past years. From the innovative installation of sphagnum moss into the RecWell pools to treat the water, to the reduction of almost 6 million takeout containers due to the revamped Dining Services, to the 808,676 pounds of recycled waste over the past year it is clear that UMD strives for excellence in sustainability. UMD has even implemented green spaces to create sustainable living and improve the health of the students. But they have fallen short in achieving the full ability of these green spaces. The Terp’s campus is centered around the iconic Mckeldin Mall and mimics the more identifiable Mall in the center of Washington, D.C.

  The addition of the White House to D.C. perpendicularly to the mall created a central node at the Washington monument. This node serves to join the two branches of government, the Capitol building and the legislative branch to the White house and the executive branch. UMD also has another green space that runs perpendicularly to the main Mckeldin Mall. This space is known as Mayor Mall and is not located in same space and shares no common areas. Mayor Mall lies just in front of both the Business and Architecture schools. The difference between the organization of D.C. public green space and that if UMD is that the perpendicular organization serves to unite branches of government. UMD’s lacks reasoning and only serves as competition for open space. Mayer Mall should be reorganized and redesigned to implement practical uses for college students. 

Congruent with the Universities green initiative, the redesign of this space can be done very cheaply. By not removing the current sidewalks, the large green space in the middle can be improved. On the North end of the largest green space would be a two level structure. Mimicking the materiality of the new apartment building down the road, Terrapin Row, a combination of brick, concrete, and wood would be used. The top level would contain a fountain for a focal point like in the picture below (Image 1). This fountain brings natural noise of water and attracts small birds to enhance the natural aspects of the out door space. The image below is a plan view of Mayer Mall and depicts the red level on the North side to be level with the ground north of it and the orange being a foot lower (Image 2). The remaining green space would then be lowered by 1 foot to create a descending space. The black X’s indicate seating areas (Image 3) that are durable and they would contain outlets for charging stations where electricity would be drawn from the surrounding buildings. The grey space on the south end would be a set of steps to bring the space back to level ground. Near the seating areas there would also be wooden benches that mimic the large wooden stairs at Terrapin Row apartments (Image 5).

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Image 4

Image 5

Terrapin Row- materiality

Implementation

•Approvals -  The first step to approval would be determining this project as a renovation of the area and not a new construction project. This would allow the Department of Campus Projects to be the supervising campus entity. The Department of Campus Projects facilitates the planning, design, and construction services for renovation projects. The department is a UMD community entity and is directly structured around the campus initiatives, needs, and wants.  

• Funding -  Funding could be provided by the Department of Campus Projects. This department is allotted a budget of $5 million every year from the University.

• Long-term maintenance/upkeep - Facilities Management of UMD would be in charge of upkeep and maintenance. The facilities management department, where they weed, mow, and keep the space looking nice, already controls the space. The only additions would be maintaining the functional water fountain and removing the cushions from the seating areas during the winter.  

• Marketing- Poster

Final Reflections

1./2./3. In class we spoke about a sense of space and how it contributes to the success of the space. Mayer Mall lacked characteristics that gave the pedestrians a sense of space. The long straight, barely bent, sidewalks pushed the students through the space and left no areas to stop and observe. The redesign of the space that I have proposed gives the students a sense of space by sensibly placing nodes of seats with a product that people search for now-a-days (outlets). Keeping nature in tact I was able to create different levels in the space that felt natural to the pedestrians while also including focal points, like fountains, to assure the sense of space. Out of the entire class this topic has proved to be enlightening. Anyone can throw green initiatives into a space and make it look pretty, but if people don’t feel a sense of space they are likely to ignore the area all together.

Trump’s first 100 days brought a decline in focus of sustainable practices. I hope that our near future does not suffer due to the impact the government has had on the EPA and its funding as I believe that our cities are striving for open, usable, green space. With budget cuts to the EPA, funding to implement green spaces will be harder to come by. Even with the preservation of the current natural landscape, like the Chesapeake Bay, the government is hindering the ability of these departments to continue. Large green spaces are going to suffer, as will our resources, and overall health as a population.

Master Plans have a large ability to implement sustainable communities. Currently master plans are guidelines that establish overall ideas of the community that should be followed. But, there are always ways around them. Establishing master plans as codes, or even laws, would ensure their efficiency in implementing green initiatives and creating sustainable communities. Becoming a politician and becoming elected into city, county, or state office is always powerful. Many challenges face politicians. These politicians have the means to implement master plans into law, though they tend to go with what will get them re-elected, it only takes one to step outside of the box. Backing is always hard to come by. Having large amounts of people support ideas that might be cost heavy immediately is difficult when the pay off is in the future.   

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Part III

Mayer Mall Analysis

Thursday March 30, 2017 1:30pm-2:00pm

45 degrees, partly sunny

While observing the space of Mayer Mall at the University of Maryland I have recorded the following data.

The area receives plenty of air and potentially sunlight. The birds hang around the trees and chirp. Subtle conversation can be heard through mid-day as students are active on campus.

The space was fairly empty from 1:30 until 1:50 when, what I can assume is a class, let out. The rush of people from the business school lasted for a short while as they transitioned from Van Munching to either their cars or to their next class not in the area. The rush of about 100 people lasted for only a few minutes. Prior to this class letting out, a few people used the space. Two people stopped in front of the Business school to converse while 3 individuals passed them, two of which headed into the architecture building. A small group of 5 people left the architecture school and walked through Mayer Mall and towards University Commons apartments.

Interactions within the space are minimal. Most conversations happen between students leaving the same building. A few conversations happen from past acquaintances crossing paths in the area. These conversations last briefly and do not keep the subjects within the area for more than a few minutes.

I believe the space was designed to compliment the architecture of both the Business School and Architecture School. The space also was a product of the school wide initiative to create green spaces and promote sustainability. 

Class is the leading factor for individuals to use the space. The only current function of the area is a transitional highway for pedestrians. Although this space is aesthetically pleasing, the functionality is minimal. The mall competes with the larger Mckeldin Mall but fails to entice students to use the open space for activities and relaxation. 

Redesign

To start, the area should be redesigned to contain multiple levels to incorporate separate functional areas. The Mall receives ample lighting throughout the day, which provides a great space for tables and chairs. This area should be between the architecture and business schools to provide a central location for both students.

Though this area provides ample green space, the area highlighted should be redesigned to include multiple levels. This can be achieved while still providing plenty of green space. Benches, like the ones pictured below, provide seating areas for people to stop and enjoy the public space whit still providing an area for foliage. Backing these up together and providing a table minimizes the concrete footprint and maximizes the functionality of the area by generating spaces for social interaction. The students in the area could use this space for eating, studying or any other activity. 

The picture below indicates, in blue, the flow of the benches that leads to another circle, that is repeated in the current design, to initiate a center for entrance and transitional space.

The redesign of the space creates a friendly environment and promotes outdoor use of the space. Here sustainability is exemplified through; Livable built environment, where pathways are unaltered to allow students to continue to take their current routes to class; Harmony with nature, by allowing these benches to be constructed without negating the benefits of trees and allowing space for more to be planted; Healthy Community, by promoting outdoor use and walkable environments to increase health conditions; and Participation, by the central placement of the niche to allow students to enjoy the space. These factors are all principles that the APA have created to reflect a sustainable community known as their Sustainable Comprehensive Plan, Principles, and Process.

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Sustainable Placemaking: Building Community Project

PART II

Mayer Mall

In 1998, the majority of the land use in the south campus district was surface parking lots. A collected effort by the university called for a redevelopment of south campus. The aim was to provide additions to Van Munching Hall, a new building for the Behavioral and Social Sciences program, an International Conference Center, multiple new student residential buildings, and a new parking garage. In 1999 the school revisited the district master plan and evolved it into the 2001-2020 Facilities Master Plan. This plan was created to further develop the campus and to adapt to what was needed of the campus at the time. Open spaces, South Commons Student Residences, additions to Van Munching, and the Mowatt Lane Parking Garage became the focal points of the new plan. Soon after, the plan was revisited and it was evolved into the 2011-2030 Facilities Master Plan.

It wasn’t until 2004 that the Mayer Mall began construction. It wasn’t completed until 2009, after three separate phases of construction took place. Before construction, a large parking lot covered the landscape. The campus, as outlined by the 2001-2020 master plan, realized the need for redevelopment of the parking lot into green spaces. At the time, large green spaces were being developed to provide pedestrian connections and to create a network of places connecting the South District to the Campus Core District. The 2011-2030 plan aimed to further push the ideals of the 2001-2020 plan and to create an integrated campus district. These master plans have pushed UMD to become one of the most aesthetically pleasing and walkable campuses in the nation.

Unfortunately, since the adoption of the 2011-2030 plan, time has a progressed and so has the needs of the campus. The 2011-2030 master plan has, as do all master plans, become outdated. The needs of Mayer Mall and its surrounding buildings have also progressed. The development of residential life on south campus has evolved to require an outdoor space to relax and study, as the only closest space is McKeldin Mall. Mayer Mall provides ample space and a perfect location for students living in the surrounding dorms as well as the students of both the Business and Architecture schools.

Mayer Mall already consists of a central monument. The clock tower and accentuated entrance near the south end of the mall by the parking garage provides a focal point as well as a transitional space from off campus to on campus spaces. These two signifiers are aesthetic as well as functional. Further development of the mall would both provide functional spaces for students as well as accent the architecture of the surrounding buildings. 

Class Topics

 Mayer Mall provides an exemplary space that was created to increase green space but is under utilized. People need a sense of space, and what Mayer Mall achieves is just that but at a literal sense. It is wide open and provides only a single area of social interaction, which is situated at the far end of the mall further from the majority of pedestrian traffic. The space needs to integrate nodes of relaxation and areas that provide adequate seating and resting. Those who use it as a highway from class to class could be enticed to use the space for other reasons if an array of tables and benches were situated within the mall. Creating lower levels for areas of tables could insinuate a picnic area or an area to study, which could be shaded from trees. The area could easily be renovated to resemble pedestrian filled areas that are scattered about in NYC. New York City removed an entire street from the use of cars to implement a sense of space for pedestrians to utilize. In a sense, UMD needs to do the same thing. Removing, or altering these paths that currently act as pedestrian highways to create nodes of social interaction could benefit the area and the students.  

 A few years ago the university adopted the Facilities Master plan 2011-2030. This plan aims to “organize landscape and open space, together with campus architecture, in ways that promote community and social interaction, facilitate outdoor learning, contribute to the regional environment, and provide spaces for recreation”. This master plans attacks areas of campus that are under utilized, such as Mayer Mall. UMD has taken steps to provide a guideline to future development of the campus, just as cities and towns do with their master or general plans. This master plan also allows UMD to analyze current areas of campus and create possible changes. Though the new master plan provides an outline for new development, just as they do for municipalities, Mayer Mall was only completed 8 years ago. This area could be easily overlooked as it was already a product of a previous master plan. Mayer Mall could become an outdoor space for social interaction as a result of this plan, it just needs to be brought to the attention of the school first.

References

 "Executive Summary." Facilities Management. University of Maryland. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 "Integrating Campus Places: Multiple Projects/ Divers Stakeholders/ Layered Landscapes in the South District 1998-2014." Integrating Campus Places:Facilities Management. University of Maryland. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 "Potomac, MD." Donovan-Feola-Balderson Landscape Architecture. Donovan Feola Balderson & Associates, Inc., 2015. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 "Sustainability Goals." Sustainable UMD. University of Maryland, Web. 06 Mar. 2017.

 The. "Facilities Master Plan 2011-2030." Facilities Management. University of Maryland. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 "Tree Appraisal of McKeldin Mall Oaks." Facilities Management. University of Maryland, Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 "University of Maryland Office of Sustainability." Sustainable UMD. University of Maryland, Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

Photo Credits

 Department of Resident Life Main Page. By Drl. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 Division of Administration & Finance. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 2011. College Park. Flickr. By University of Maryland Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

 2014. Interview: Is University Reading In America Like In Movies. Oi. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

[rethinking-public-places-blog]

Public Spaces

The National Mall: Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. is one of the most important and iconic public cities. From 1790 and the design process between George Washington and Pierre L’Enfant, the architect of DC, the city has continued to implement the ideal of connecting the powerful governmental entities to the people and the public. This core characteristic was derived from the constitution and the quest of out forefathers to create a country ran by the people. 

The National Mall was influenced by the city of Paris to incorporate large avenues to which a clear view was created from one end to the other with monuments and important buildings at the end. This ideal intended to allow citizens to orient themselves and navigate easily throughout the city. 

The Mall itself represents and ideal public space with an open green area at he center and public attractions at its perimeter. Just beyond these public museums reside private companies, commerce, and entertainment. No other place in the world successfully combines government buildings, public space, and private companies better than Washington, DC. 

Grand Army of The Republic Memorial: Washington, D.C.

Among the worlds successful public places, you should find the city of Washington, DC and the area surrounding the National Mall. From the overall planning of the city in 1790, by Pierre L’Enfant, to the zoning laws of today DC has succeeded in creating a public atmosphere that is pleasing to the eye. 

Judiciary Square, in particular provides a walkable community just a few blocks from the National Mall. The Grand Army of The Republic Memorial is located in a open area only accessible to pedestrians. The immediate area contains public attractions, such as museums, as well as private companies, like restaurants.

This area is an ideal moment for cities that should be replicated throughout all cities.

Connections

Not far removed from the 2017 election of President Trump, it seems ideal to speak on his $1 trillion plan to upgrade the nations infrastructure. 

Trump’s proposal to upgrade the nations infrastructure is what the nation needs. Most of the roads and bridges across the United States are damaged and are in need of vital reconstruction or maintenance, and both sides agree. The problem, as it is in almost any problem, is funding. A major outlet for his plan is to “lure private investors’, per politico.com, to provide the required capital. The left hesitates to support his plan because they fear the private sector would take advantage of the opportunity and focus on profit rather than maintenance.

The National Mall, and the surrounding area of DC would be greatly affected by this plan. DC is interconnected through a complex grid of streets and large avenues that require consistent maintenance. A public-private partnership could effectively increase the infrastructure while protecting the public sector and ideals of public connection within the city.