PRECEDENT IMAGES VISION The central Bench in Boise, Idaho is a lively community in motion. To continue enhancing this area, the connectivity of all systems throughout the community will be focused on creating links between transit, bicycle, and pedestrian routes within, as well as outside the bench. The plan will create energized and livable neighborhoods that will be connected to quality open spaces. Walkability and mobility within the bench area will be addressed by finding solutions to existing barriers.
SANTA FE TRAIL
HIGH LINE TRAIL
TRANSIT OPTIONS
ART
Key goals include: Connectivity, walkability, improved transit, and finding opportunities for more green space, while maintaining the safety and public welfare of Central Bench residents.
PROGRAM From our analysis we determined some key factors that need to be addressed for any design decision. These include disconnected uses, strong barriers, and a large amount of vacant spaces. Along with our overall vision for the Bench, looking at these issues will help form a program for the open space/connectivity of the Central Bench. By developing and implementing these program elements we believe our vision of creating friendly, well connected open spaces can be achieved. Users • Refugee Community • Commuters to/from Downtown • Greenbelt Users • Families Living within the Bench • Neighborhood Residents • Visitors to the Central Bench ELEMENTS • Inner district bus route • Transit center for commuters • Bike rentals • Therapeutic and Community Gardens • Improved Pedestrian and Bike infrastructure • Options for new parks • Recreation Center • Improved Mobility • Dog Park
The Santa Fe Railway shows the possibilities of integrating a mixed use path with an existing and functional railroad system. The railroad system and right-of-way along Franklin Rd. could be blended in a similar way.
The High Line trail in New York is a prime example of reclaiming an old and deteriorating rail line and turning it into a vibrant path connecting to city to it’s past. The trail spans about 1.5 miles and was modeled after the Promenade Plantee, a 3 mile long trail along an abandoned railroad in Paris, France
These illustrate a few transit alternatives that we may deal with. Namely: Bus rapid Transit, Commuter Rail, and multi-use paths. There are going to be situations where the paths are going to have to cross some of the streets without disrupting traffic too much, but also keeping users safe
Art and sculpture can be used as a connector to tie different areas together, as well as connecting the new development to the existing and industrial uses.
DESIGNING A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BOISE CENTRAL BENCH
OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY LAEP 4100 - 10/28/2015 - PROFESSOR: CAROLINE LAVOIE - T.A.: TANYA RICE - TEAM: NATHAN CLARKE - BRYAN WILSON - JASON PARKINSON - JARED HIATT
CONCEPTS
CONCEPT 1
EXISTING PARKS
PARTI EXPLORATION
PROPOSED PARKS EXISITING RAIL LINE GREEN BELT TRAIL EXTENSION EXISTING GREENBELT CANALS CONNECTION FROM THE GREENBELT PATH THROUGH THE INDUSTRIAL CORE
BOISE RIVER
ZONED AS MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH POTENTIAL FOR GREEN-SPACE.
CURTIS
PUBLIC STREETS
ORCHARD
I - 84
MORRIS HILL
BOISE JUNCTION
N
TRANSIT CENTER ROOSEVELT
FRANKLI
PARTI
EMERALD
LATAH
BOISE TOWN SQUARE
BO GR IS EE E R N IV BE E LT R
IRVING
THE INT. MARKET
THE DEPOT
FRANKLIN
ALBION
ORCHARD
PHILLIPI
CURTIS
KOOTENAI
OVERLAND
The main focus of this concept is to build upon plans already in place in the Central Bench to improve the railroad right-of-way with a bike path and green space on Alice Road, near the Depot. Improvements to the right-of-way will extend form the Depot West through the central bench and terminate at the Town Square Mall. Better bike and pedestrian circulation is essential to help revitalize the bench. This circulation will be improved in many areas throughout the bench to accommodate the growing bike populations and help alleviate vehicular congestion, while also providing more linear park space for residents. It will also soften the transition between the industrial park and surrounding areas. Extending the Green Belt is also one of the priorities from this plan, but assuming that the existing rail spur through the industrial zone cannot be used. Bike lanes and sidewalks will be added and improved on existing streets throughout the industrial park and will improve connections and functionality to the key nodes of the area. As circulations improves with all modes of transportation the International Market will become a vibrant center for the
area, the nodes on Orchard St. will thrive, and the hospital will have a greater influence and be able to serve more people in the area. Stronger public transportation connections will improve the access and mobility for local and adjacent communities. Boise is currently looking at options for mass transit to bring folks from outlying communities through the bench to Downtown. With those in mind, we looked at options for transit centers within the district that would accommodate either a commuter rail system, or bus rapid transit system. An improved inner district bus system is also needed to improve circulation and help integrate residents from around the area, create a sense of neighborliness, and promote the cultural diversity of the area.
DESIGNING A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BOISE CENTRAL BENCH
OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY LAEP 4100 - 10/28/2015 - PROFESSOR: CAROLINE LAVOIE - T.A.: TANYA RICE - TEAM: NATHAN CLARKE - BRYAN WILSON - JASON PARKINSON - JARED HIATT
CONCEPTS
CONCEPT 2 EXISTING PARKS PROPOSED PARKS EXISTING RAIL LINE GREEN BELT TRAIL EXTENSION EXISTING GREENBELT CANALS
PARTI
CONNECTION FROM THE GREENBELT PATH THROUGH THE INDUSTRIAL CORE
BOISE RIVER I- 84
ORCHARD
ZONED AS MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT WITH POTENTIAL FOR GREEN-SPACE.
CURTIS
PUBLIC STREETS
EMERALD
LATAH
BOISE TOWN SQUARE
BO GR IS EE E R N IV BE E LT R
IRVING
MORRIS HILL
TRANSIT CENTER
BOISE JUNCTION
N
ROOSEVELT
FRANKLI
THE INT. MARKET
THE DEPOT
FRANKLIN
ALBION
ORCHARD
PHILLIPI
CURTIS
KOOTENAI
OVERLAND
The main focus of this concept is to continue the Greenbelt through the Central Bench along the existing rail line that passes through the tank farm. This will help reinforce a blending of uses by establishing a walkable, pedestrian friendly route through the core of the Bench. It will also link the Greenbelt to potential destination points throughout the Central Bench by eliminating a powerful barrier. The users of our site are not only the residents who live within the Bench but also commuters who travel here to work on a daily basis. Many of these residents/stake holders from our site visit mentioned how they would want a route linking downtown to the Central Bench. The concept of having linear greenspace connecting to the Greenbelt would establish a safe, walkable, pedestrian friendly route for people to get around the Bench. It would also allow easy access from downtown while drawing people into the Bench. Currently there is a termination point of the Greenbelt on Orchard. By extending the Greenbelt, it gives opportunities to physically link four potential key nodes and create destination points rather than terminating abruptly.
Four key nodes: • Emerald & Orchard • Franklin & Orchard • The Boise International Market • Vacant lot South of St. Alophonsus These areas have the potential to be revitalized, creating a sense of place for the Central Bench. This will help blend the variety of uses, cause the area to feel like a community as well as provide more green space opportunities. Benefits: • Eliminates seclusion by drawing people into the Bench • Reinforces characteristics of the Bench and creates links rather than barriers • Vehicular circulation does not change by creating bike lanes • Maintains productivity from industrial areas • Creates a unique characteristic for the Bench that is functional and aesthetic
DESIGNING A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BOISE CENTRAL BENCH
OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY LAEP 4100 - 10/28/2015 - PROFESSOR: CAROLINE LAVOIE - T.A.: TANYA RICE - TEAM: NATHAN CLARKE - BRYAN WILSON - JASON PARKINSON - JARED HIATT