alleys as blue-green lungs
Sarah Ferreter, UW Scan| Design Master Studio, fall 2008
alleys as blue-green lungs The alleys contrast the more traditional streetscapes in downtown with a very intimate, small scale space. The greater part of the alleys today are under-utilized, and some feel dirty and unsafe. Post Alley is the positive exception. At the moment the alleys lower the quality of downtown, when they actually have potential to do the opposite. The alleys may become the new blue-green lungs of downtown by putting focus on sustainability. Alleys may work as small ecological systems of their own; introducing more greenery, taking care of drainage and filtration of water and separating waste. The blue-green theme may be combined with art and temporary events, so the alleys also become ‘creative’ semi-public spaces. Not all alleys must be transformed, as there’s a need for continued functionality for service and access, but some alleys may have a more attractive atmosphere in the future. Recently, the city has started the Clear Alleys Program that facilitates the removal of large dumpsters, freeing up space for more pleasant activities.
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Heide Martin, UW Scan| Design Master Studio, fall 2008
VISION: •
t ra n sfor m som e of t h e a l l e y s i nto b l u e - g re e n l u n g s
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c re ate g re e n corri d ors a n d offe r opp ort u n i t i e s for d a i l y
cont a c t w i t h n at u re . i n se rt n at u ra l d ra i n a g e e l e m e nt s to a d d re s s l o c a l i z e d hyd ro l o g i c a l i s s u e s .
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u p g ra d e l i g ht i n g a n d p a v e m e nt m ate ri a l s , ret h i n k w a ste
stora g e a n d co l l e c t i on s y ste m s , a n d pro v i d e s p a ce for a rt i n st a l l at i on s a n d te m p ora ry ev e nt s .
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i nt ro d u ce a c t i v i t i e s a n d u se s t h at e n h a n ce t h e d o w nto w n
e x p e ri e n ce a n d m a ke t h e a l l e y s s afe , a c t i v e a n d m u l t i fu n c t i on a l i n a l l se a son s a n d t i m e s of d ay.
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com b i n e se rv i ce fu n c t i on s a n d
u p g ra d i n g , l i g ht i n g ,
ROW
w i t h a g e n e ra l
Typical alley today
a n d g re e n e l e m e nt s
GEHL ARCHITECTS • SEATTLE PUBLIC SPACE & PUBLIC LIFE • RECOMMENDATIONS - PUBLIC SPACE PROGRAMS
The following pages may be seen as a toolbox of ideas for the potential blue-green alleys. As inspiration we have chosen to represent some of the University of Washington Masters Students’ ideas for alleys generated during their studio course in fall 2008. (see www.courses.washington. edu/gehlstud )