(Re)Vitalizing Urban Form: Market Station MArch Design Brief constantly in flux. Rhizome networks develop according to certain principles, the first two being connection and heterogeneity, which are seen in urban acupuncture projects as connections that previously did not exist and the mixing of uses and cross-programming.4 Past models of urbanism put forward by modernist groups like the Congrès Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) are in essence inflexible hierarchical systems, and unlike the later attempt to construct a new model of urbanism by the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) which typically operates as separate enclave entirely unto itself, urban acupuncture projects try to work within the disconnected urban landscape to create new modes of operation, connection, and flexibility.
Urban-Think Tank: modular stairs (left), Metro Cable (right), Caracas, Venezuela
Dallas, until recent years, has been greatly influenced by modernism’s model of urbanism: establishing master plans, distinctly separating functions, automobile oriented development, and expanded highway construction. As early as the 1950’s and 1960’s modernism’s approach to urbanism, and impact on the urban form throughout the world, was already drawing heavy criticism. Jane Jacobs looked at growth and change that happens within a city, and the vitality and urban life that cultivates. Critically important to the life and success of a city is the city street and daily street activity. A mixture of uses along a street coupled with pedestrians, loitering residents, and other activity help to create safe streets, because eyes are always on the street.5 The famous image of
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