Atheer Al Farsi - Portfolio

URBAN DESIGN & PLANNING PORTFOLIO Atheer Al Farsi

Atheer Al Farsi +968 90666185

atheer.alfarsi@hotmail.com

Muscat, Oman.

linkedin.com/in/atheeralfarsi

Portfolio: https://issuu.com/atheeralfarsi/doc s/portfolioaf21?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

SKILLS

PERSONAL STATEMENT Passionate about shaping vibrant, livable cities, I translate my recent University of Cincinnati experience into forward-thinking urban planning and design, aiming for positive, lasting impact on individuals and communities.

Proven ability to research and analyze diverse data sources, collaborate effectively in teams, and compile comprehensive documentation. My expertise extends to deciphering demographic data to identify urban trends, assessing social and environmental impacts of plans, and integrating design and aesthetics into practical solutions.

EDUCATION BACHELORS DEGREE IN URBAN PLANNING College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati, OH. GPA 3.4 2019 – 2023

Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop

EXPLORATORY STUDIES College of Arts and Sciences University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati, OH. 2018 – 2019

ArcGIS AutoCAD SketchUp Microsoft Word

AWARDS MINISTRY OF OMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLORSHIP Full Scholarship 2018 – 2023 DEAN’S LIST Spring 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023 Summer 2021, 2023 Fall 2020, 2022 TED X Al Sahwa Schools 2017 Toastmasters International 2017

GENERAL EDUCATION DIPLOMA Al Sahwa Schools. Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

2016 – 2017 EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS A -level Standard Qualification One year chosen project that developed my management and writing skills Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2015 – 2016 OXFORD ROYALE ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAM Oxford, United Kingdom Completed a certificate in Mathematics, Leadership & Teambuilding, Politics and International Relations Summer 2015 INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION Al Sahwa Schools. Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

2013 – 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PUBLIC REALM Introduction Street Configuration Street Activity How It Works Movement Options Neighborhood Experiences Site Recommendations

2 3 5 7 9 11 14

CONNECTING ST. BERNARD: FOSTERING COMMUNITY &COHESION Urban Design Analysis High Density Vs Low Density SWOT Analysis Issues and Opportunities Site Vision

17 18 20 22 23

REVIVING ENGLISH WOODS About the Neighborhood Site Analysis SWOT Analysis Site Suitability Final Proposal

27 28 30 31 32

SAFER CITIES BY DESIGN From Crime to Vibrancy Importance of Feeling Safe About the Neighborhood Design Interventions Final Proposal

36 37 39 43 47

PUBLIC REALM

COLLEGE HILL - POPULATION 16,039

COLLEGE HILL TODAY

CINCINNATI, OH

OBJECTIVES

College Hill’s current spatial layout shows a strong foundation but fragmentation is obvious. Due in part to the UDUD district regulations and historic Economic trends, the development of large Parking lots and high-traffic roads has created disconnection and an over-reliance on cars.

As a result, College Hill is now a sea of open surface parking lots, limiting walkability, and making non-automotive travel inconvenient and disconnected from the neighborhood.

OUR VISION FOR COLLEGE HILL IN 2050 In 2050, College Hill will be a vibrant and dynamic community, serving as a thriving cultural arts Destination for both residents and visitors.

Through the successful implementation of BRT and the road closure of the northern half of the business district, the neighborhood will become a more walkable, accessible, and inviting place.

2

STREET CONFIGURATION OUR SITE:THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (SMALL-SCALE)

SECTIONS HAMILTON AVE. Activation of Alleyways Transformation of a section of the road into a public pedestrian area BRT berm adorned with smart lighting W NORTH BEND & HAMILTON AVE. BRT stop platforms Conversion of roads into public walking zones Sidewalks adorned with trees BRT berm adorned with smart lighting 3

TRANSFORMATIONS

W NORTH BEND X HAMILTON AVE.

AMBROSE AVE. X HAMILTON AVE.

4

STREET ACTIVITY

W NORTH BEND RD

HAMILTON AVE

5

6

CEDAR AVE

HOW IT WORKS ZONING Phased expansion of the Form-Based Code based on current zoning policy, proximity to transit stops, and desired urban form.

Integration of TOD policies into Density Incentives areas giving eligible properties undergoing redevelopment reduced parking requirements and potential tax incentives

ROAD ALTERNATIVES Redirection of traffic around the closed section of Hamilton Avenue.

Maintained accessibility to parking facilities.

Encouraging public transportation usage by providing convenient bus routes.

7

COLLEGE HILL LARGE SCALE MAP

BUS ROUTES Alterations to routes 17 and 41.

Seamless transitions from regular to rapid transit services.

Relocation of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) stop.

Conversion of Hamilton Avenue into a one-way street.

CONNECTIVITY Redirection of traffic around the closed section of Hamilton Avenue.

Maintained accessibility to parking facilities.

Encouraging public transportation usage by providing convenient bus routes.

8

MOVEMENT OPTIONS

P

P

P

P

9

10

NEIGHBOURHOOD EXPERIENCES

ELECTRIC SHUTTLE The Electric Shuttle service offers convenient accessibility throughout the entire neighborhood and fosters increased connectivity.

Residents can easily request a ride through a user-friendly app, completely free of charge.

This initiative ensures that the area remains accessible to all.

ALLEYWAY Transforming alleyway spaces.

Rotating artist installations.

Enhancing the perception of safety.

Creating social and cultural hubs.

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SMART LIGHTS The light posts positioned along the center of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line illuminate in a distinctive manner to enhance safety.

As the BRT approaches, these light posts transition to a vibrant red color, alerting pedestrians and motorists of its imminent arrival Light posts return to emitting a bright white light, ensuring a clear and well-lit environment for everyone’s safety when the BRT passes.

MURALS Promoting and uplifting local artists.

Celebrating the history and culture of the neighborhood.

Coloring in the blanks through aesthetic enhancement.

12

TRAILS Pedestrian trails are crucial in enhancing walkability and creating safe and accessible routes for pedestrians.

The current lack of well-designed, secure trails and routes, limits the community’s ability to navigate the area on foot.

This implementation would improve safety while also promoting active transportation and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

13

SITE RECOMMENDATIONS

A Bus Stop Plaza Additional Public Green Space

B

C

Additional Public Green Space

Additional Public Green Space

Maintain Community Institution

Mixed Use Development

Mixed Use Development Mixed Use Development

Connection to Southern portions

Community Market Place 14

PROGRAMMING

A

E

B

F

C

G

D

H A. Spaces for Art/Commercial Sale B. Public/Private Art Studio Space C. Permanent Planning Office D. Local Food and Drink E. Hollywood Theater Renovation F. Educational Museum Spaces G. Organizational Gathering Spaces H. Artists Residents

15

CONNECTING ST.BERNARD

URBAN DESIGN ANALYSIS ST. BERNARD - POPULATION 4,070

CINCINNATI, OH

LEGEND

LEGEND

The top left map shows the figure ground of St. Bernard which shows the major division between the northern and southern part of the village.

The top right map shows the land use in the neighborhood which is mainly industrial (shown in purple) and residential (shown in yellow) The bottom map shows the linkages between major and minor streets. The three circles represent a 5-minute walk shed showing how walkable each area is (in blue) All maps were done through GIS with data collected from CAGIS. LEGEND

17

HIGH DENSITY VS LOW DENSITY

1”=200’

HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL The goal here was to look at a highly dense residential area and compare it to a low density residential area. An elevation was created to show how closely the houses were.

The two cross sections are two major streets in the area that shows how wide the roads and sidewalks are as compared to the low-density area. A SketchUp model was made to give you a realistic idea of how the area is like.

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1”=20’

1”=200’

LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL The figure ground and SketchUp model shows how spacious and less dense the area is as compare to the high-density residential area. The cross sections show the sidewalks are smaller but the road has more lanes. Both the high density and low-density area have no steep hills as shown from the elevations created.

19

SWOT ANALYSIS

A SWOT analysis breaks down the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the area you are planning for. This ensures that a proposal addresses all pieces of the puzzle when thinking of a new plan for a community. Just because something is seen as a weakness or a threat, does not make that thing inherently bad, but it may be a hindrance to growth or expansion. Such as half of St. Bernard being land for industrial or manufacturing purposes, that does bring in money and jobs, but it makes it difficult for residents to utilize that land.

20

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ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Below are illustrations I created on InDesign showing the different issues and opportunities in St. Bernard. This helped me identify the next step of this project which is designing for the site. By looking at the different issues and opportunities I was able to know what should be done next and what the village of St. Bernard needs.

22

SITE VISION ELEVATIONS

Park & Apartment Building

Pharmacy & Grocery Store

New Businesses replacing the Old Strip Mall

Ludlow Park

23

THE MILL CREEK PARK The vision was to create a Green Bridge from Ludlow Park that goes over 175 into Ross Run bordering Spring Grove Avenue. This Green Bridge will connect the industrial side to the residential side of St. Bernard. This project will have multiple different uses: a playground, somewhere to talk along the creek, benches will create a place to sit, tables will create a picnic area, and an open field to play sports.

24

THE NEW PLAZA For this project, the plan is to remove the dollar stores and convert it into a big grocery store with everything you need at good quality. Break down the old Plaza and parking lot to create a new attractive plaza with a green parking lot at the roof. The empty parking space on ground floor will be turned into a mini park with benches also accessible to the houses near the Plaza. New local coffee shops will be at the Plaza and many new shops.

25

REVIVING ENGLISH WOODS

ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD ENGLISH WOODS - POPULATION 398

CINCINNATI, OH

English Woods used to be a vibrant neighborhood with over 700 units. It was recognized for its modern housing and redevelopment back in the eighties and early nineties. Today, the only standing units left are Marquette Manor, an abandoned market, and a few houses along Sutter View.

English Woods is currently lacking basic necessities such as a grocery store, a bank, or even access to health care. Residents living in English Woods have to leave the neighborhood to get access to such basic day-to-day necessities. The map below shows how far a current resident of English Woods must travel to get access to a school, library, church, grocery store, and a hospital.

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SITE ANALYSIS CLIMATE & VIEWSHEDS MAP

TOPOGRAPHY MAP

The coldest months in English Woods are around December and January with the tempreture reaching 30 Farenheit. Summer reaches up to 72 Farenheit English Woods can get really windy at times with strong winds mainly hitting from the south west. Tree canopy covers a large amount of the neighborhood creating great views as well as an excellent neighborhood to take a hike at.

The map on the right shows the elevation of the neighborhood with the middle area being the flattest and also the highest point. Steep edges surrounds English Woods as shown in the map. Snow covers the entire neigborhood during cold and snowy seasons and may accumulate more in areas of steep hillside.

28

SOIL MAP

ROADS & TRANSPORTATION MAP

The main method of transportation is by car, followed by bus. There are plenty of bus stops throughout the neigborhood that go all the way to downtown. Stairs that go from the middle of English Wood all the way down to Baltimore Pike Cemetery is currently in bad condition and needs repair.

29

Urban Land Udorthents Complex covers the majority of the site which is suitable for building and vegetation. However, vegetation is sparse due to the thick layer of clay found in this soil type. The edges of English Woods consists of Eden Flaggy Silty Clay Loam which is higly unsuitable for building, cropland, planting, and harvesting.

SWOT ANALYSIS

With every site comes major opportunities but also weaknesses. English Woods has great potential in becoming a vibrant neighborhood attracting many to visit and live here. One of the greatest strengths of the site is its rich ecology and its great views.

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SITE SUITABILITY

The most suitable area to build residential homes is around the middle and inner corners of the neighborhood shown in dark grey. As for commercial, it is least suitable around the very edges of English Woods where the hills are too steep. Finally, Public parks are suitable around the middle area mainly but also further extends to some corners of the neighborhood.

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FINAL PROPOSAL LAND USE MAP Commercial Apartments Multi-family Mixed Use Single-family Detached Green Space/ Park Preserved Hillside/ Open Space P Parking Pedestrian Trails

SITE PLAN

32

CROSS SECTIONS FLAT AREA- COMMERCIAL

46’

12’

11’

24’

11’

12’

46’

Commercial

Sidewalk

Street Parking

Two Lane Road

Street Parking

Sidewalk

Commercial

HILLSIDE-SINGLE FAMILY HOUSES

46’

12’

10’

11’

24’

Single-family House

Berm

Sidewalk

Street Parking

Two Lane Road

SOUTH TO NORTH

WEST TO EAST

33

11’

10’

Street Sidewalk Parking

48’ Berm

46’

The final proposed site plan brings in new residents into the neighborhood by providing multiple new housing options including apartments, single family detached, and mixed use housing.

Each residential unit is located just a short walk away from the park/ green space. There are two multi family blocks and two single family, each with it’s own shared common green space. The concept behind this is to promote socialization in order to create a tight diverse community.

Walking trails are added throughout the neighborhood improving pedestrian networks.

Moreover, units are set back largely in order to create larger side walks for pedestrians safety.

34

SAFER CITIES

BY DESIGN

FROM CRIME TO VIBRANCY

BEFORE

What makes one community safe while others have high crime rates is a topic of much discussion. In order to assess how well cities’ built environments foster “vibrancy,” this project examines the role that urban planners must play.

Cities play a central role in promoting a shared culture of security issues in public spaces. Therefore, it is critical to consider how urban development affects residents’ feelings of security in cities. Even if they are insufficient to curb the phenomenon of crime, design interventions can nevertheless have a significant impact. Both the risk of harm and the dread of becoming a victim of crime can be reduced by maintaining an open and clear space and making wise use of the built environment.

Research suggests that in particular neighborhoods, more crimes occur near businesses, like theft and burglary. But they also found that businesses that are open for longer hours, like cafes, tend to have less crime than others. Also, neighborhoods with a lot of vacant land tended to have high crime rates. This is not surprising, since a lot of vacancy is associated with poor health of a neighborhood.

The old model of urban planning supported large scale renewal projects in the 1950s and 1960s where cities were built “around the automobile.” Over-the Rhine (OTR) is one example of a neighborhood that became home for many displaced African-American residents forced from a neighbouring district by the construction of a new interstate highway.

Over the years, many African-Americans living in OTR were pushed out of their homes. “I feel like we are a part of Over-the-Rhine that has never been able to feel like they’re a part of the development that’s going on,” Hancock, a resident of OTR said.

Jane Jacobs said that the way to develop a city is to focus on the small-scale, develop neighborhoods organically, and focus on the mixing of commercial and residential. “The idea is to have local initiatives and small-scale [activities] that are intended to encourage people on the street, milling about at all hours of the day and [generating] a lot of pedestrian traffic.”

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IMPORTANCE OF FEELING SAFE Feeling safe in an area makes a big difference to who uses a public space, and what they do there. While evidence suggests that most of us will choose the quickest or easiest walking route, many people will go out of their way to avoid areas they feel are unpleasant or dangerous.

EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH Feeling Safe

Stress Reduction

Social Connectedness

Enhances Mental Health

Sense of Belonging

Increased Heart Rate

Reduced Physical Activity

Fear

Feeling Unsafe

Anxiety

PERCEPTION VS REALITY Studies at Penn conducted a controlled experiment on greening some vacant lots with parks or other such “nice spaces,” while leaving others vacant. That study found that the crime rates didn’t differ dramatically between those areas that were greened and those that were left vacant. However, there was a huge difference in the perceptions of crime between residents of areas where vacant lots were greened, and those in other neighborhoods that didn’t see such improvements.

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WHY PEOPLE PERCEIVE SOME CITIES AS SAFER THAN OTHERS There are reasons why places like Boston have tended to think of themselves as relatively safe compared to say, New Orleans. Besides obvious criminal activity, a wide range of studies suggest that perceptions of safety are conditioned by other obvious and less obvious factors that effectively signal community safety.

The infamous “broken windows” theory outlined by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling suggests a close connection between neighborhood conditions and actual crime as well as perceptions of it. “Social psychologists and police officers tend to agree that if a window in a building is broken and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken,” they wrote. “This is as true in nice neighborhoods as in rundown ones.”

A good system

A “window” is broken

No measures More “windows are taken get broken”

A broken system

Factors in addition to crime that might act on the perception of safety: - Higher rates of poverty - Higher rates of unemployment - Higher levels of homelessness - Higher shares of population that are non-white - Lower levels of education - More working-class economic structures

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ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD OTR OVER THE RHINE - POPULATION 5,426

34% of residents here live in POVERTY, above the city-wide average of 26.3%

CINCINNATI, OH

HOUSEHOLD INCOME OTR Median Household Income - $51,566 US Median Household Income - $70,784

TOP 5 Neighborhoods in Cincinnati with the highest CRIME

#1 Neighborhood in Cincinnati with the highest number of VACANT BUILDINGS

#1 Neighborhood in Cincinnati with the highest HOMELESS population EMPLOYMENT

EDUCATION ATTAINMENT Less than High School 7.2% High School or Equivalent 12.3% Some College 11.6% Associate’s Degree 2.9%

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White Collar

91.9%

Blue Collar

8.1%

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 32.6%

CRIME IN OTR

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DEGRADING FACTORS

Neighborhoods with a high prevalence of vacant buildings and parking lots can significantly impact our perception of safety. These elements can contribute to a sense of decay and neglect, making individuals feel more vulnerable and at risk.

Vacant buildings, often shrouded in darkness and lacking signs of life, can serve as potential havens for criminal activity. Their presence can instill fear and apprehension, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.

Similarly, expansive, poorly lit parking lots can create an atmosphere of isolation and exposure.

Moreover, the lack of pedestrian activity and potential hiding spots for potential offenders can further heighten feelings of vulnerability.

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ELEVATING FACTORS

Our perception of safety in a place can be influenced by several physical factors. Lively areas, such as entertainment districts and galleries, can be perceived as safe because they are typically bustling with activity. People feel secure in these environments due to the increased presence of others who can potentially intervene in case of an incident.

Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, can also contribute to a sense of safety. The open layout and natural beauty of these spaces can make people feel less confined and more at ease.

Additionally, the presence of medical centers can enhance the perceived safety of an area. These facilities are associated with help and support, which can provide a sense of reassurance to those in need.

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DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

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LIGHTING

Darkness triggers our fear response because it reduces our ability to see potential threats. This lack of visual clarity can heighten our anxiety and make us more susceptible to feeling unsafe, even if the actual risk remains unchanged. OTR has many streets with no lighting as shown in red.

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NO LEFTOVER SPACES

CURRENT ALLEYWAY IN OTR

AFTER

Avoid producing dark and/or leftover spaces. Areas that do not support a sense of ownership and responsibility can lead to neglect, vandalism, and illegal activities. Dark alleyways can be converted into a living piece of art.

IMPROVED SIDE WALKS- PRIORITY TO PEDESTRIANS

CURRENT STREET CONFIGURATION IN OTR

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AFTER

E F F E C T I V E T R A N S P O R T A T I O N S Y S T EM

CURRENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN OTR

Having effcient transportation systems means people can take the streetcar or bus to get to their desirable destinations without having to walk long distances or use their cars. Accessible, reliable, and safe transportation connects people to health care, work, learning, social activities, and civic engagement opportunities.

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FINAL PROPOSAL

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Atheer Al Farsi atheer.alfarsi@hotmail.com +968 90666185