Micro Interventions on a Macro Scale
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How can we use the same flexibility and response speed we experience via the Internet and mobile communication in our cities’ public spaces?
Jennifer R. Lea
Copyright Š April 2011 by Jennifer R. Lea
All rights reserved. This book or any portion there of may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This project was created in response to an urban design competition brief. Printed in the United States of America ISBN 0-0000000-0-0 Chicago, IL For more information go to www.inspdesign.com
Micro Interventions on a Macro Scale
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“To accomplish revitalization, thinking must extend beyond infrastructure and purely physical elements. Integration with the community and providing experiences through program and network will provide a more holistic response.�
The mission of Interchange is to reintegrate underutilized areas within Chicago’s “Emerald Ring” system of boulevards and parkways via creation of a new “program delivery system.” This new system is designed to generate community activity and connections, establish opportunities for local commerce, allow for investment in neighborhoods, and increase awareness and social interaction. Interchange is a network which connects amenities and time-based programs, including mobile “architectural” solutions, with locations throughout the Emerald Ring corridor. Due to its transient and mobile nature, this system has the capability of providing access to goods, services, and activities that may not normally be available in these areas. The Interchange system utilizes zoned neighborhood representatives (Ring “Liaisons”) and leverages the use of social networks in conjunction with a web-based community forum (the Ring “Network”). The Liaisons provide direct links to the community, and other connected zones around the Ring who then can promote local neighborhood involvement and investment in the programs and activities to be offered. The Network creates an identity and awareness of Interchange locations and programs being offered, including providing a virtual channel to create hype, anticipation, and publicity.
The “Ring” Map
Boulevards: Diversey Pkwy Logan Blvd Kedzie Blvd Palmer Blvd Humboldt Blvd Sacramento Blvd Franklin Blvd Hamlin Blvd Independence Blvd Douglas Blvd Marshall Blvd 24th Blvd California Blvd 31st Blvd Western Blvd Garfield Blvd Drexel Blvd Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Oakwood Blvd
Demographics - Race http://www.radicalcartography.net/chicagodots_race_big.jpg
Map of Food Deserts in Chicago
Parks:
Demographics - Income http://www.radicalcartography.net/index.html?chicagodots
Lincoln Park Humboldt Park Garfield Park Douglas Park McKinley Park Gage Park Sherman Park Washington Park Midway Plaisance Park Jackson Park
The “Zone” Map The Zone Map divides the boulevard system into 5 zones, each approximately 5-6 miles in length. These zones better target neighborhood members and offer a way to establish local representation. Breaking this large system into more manageable “zones” allows for better programming, participation, and communication.
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at 31st Street
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5
Zone 2 Zone 1
24th & California
Logan Blvd
Western & Garfield
Zone 3
Zone 5
MLK Jr. Dr.
Zone 4
Midway Plaisance
Mind Map of System
location Strategy Network interchange
Time
Issue/Need communication
Users
Key Factors: • Rate of Change in current society • Impact of Technology and Social Media as a way to organize • Community Participation as a critical element • Advantage of Program and Temporary Use over More Permanent Solutions
Building AWARENESS through site specific branding and information kiosks. HYPERLINKS allow for multiple ways to get information about activities and events.
How can we use the same flexibility and response speed we experience via the internet and mobile communication in our cities’ public spaces?
Outdoor Theatre
Mobile Book Exchange
Information Kiosks
Community Garden & Marketplace
Park Gym (in a container)
Bridging Gaps between Space and Time Above are examples of solutions that could bring different types of amenities into these community areas.
A major portion of the “Emerald Ring” system runs through neighborhoods that have suffered decades of crime, disrepair, and neglect. In addition, many areas within this “jewel” of Chicago are underutilized; people are not aware of its existence, history, or possibilities. Development of the Ring’s parkway and boulevard system can be a key to the revitalization of these neighborhoods. To accomplish revitalization, our thought process must extend beyond infrastructure and purely physical elements. By empowering those who live within these zones opportunities to contribute, enhanced community integration and involvement can be achieved to produce a greater and longer lasting impact. Enabling supportive social experiences and networking throughout the Ring will also help provide an identity for those involved and create public awareness which results in a more holistic response.
Example solutions at left include: Outdoor Theatre Information Kiosks Park Gym Mobile Book Exhange Community Garden & Marketplace
Barcode system can provide quick access to internet data via a mobile device
“as personal mobility INCREASES, the power of an architecture program to organize form DECREASES” ~from E-bodies, E-buildings, E-Cities (William Mitchell. 2002)
“as the programming of contemporary life accelerates, the programming of contemporary public spaces cannot keep pace...” ~ from ‘Architecture and Dispersal’ (AD, Vol. 78, Issue 1)
Micro Interventions on a Macro Scale
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+
+
+
+
+
How can we use the same flexibility and response speed we experience via the Internet and mobile communication in our cities’ public spaces?
Jennifer R. Lea