For my class called Urban Planning, we were put to the test of redesigning a space that we thought we could make better. During these weeks, in our study, we learned a lot about ways to help to contribute to a better city and impact the world with our designs. We had two Fe's which we had guests come on google meets and give us insight from their point of view. One was from a tour of the Chicago Worlds Fair and the other was from a chemical engineer if I remember correctly. During our third unit, we watched many TED talks and have watched videos from the past and revisit to see if things have changed today. For this Ap, we had to choose a space that we could potentially redesign. I choose a location in Englewood at 6126 s Claremont Ave that has been unused for years now. Here's my redesign below.
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| JL 2020 |
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| JL 2020 |
3D Scale model
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e8SmEKbEtA-3VVqLYnOrR3SQc95WhZrt/view?ts=5ed6a950
Total Area= Aproxamitely- 70,700ft^2 and I got this by multiplying the length(200) times width(353.5)
The volume of at least two of my 3D structures=
Silo- The shape of this object is a cylinder and its volume is 785.4^3 ft I got this by following this equation. V=π r^2 h, here's it plugged into the equation π · 5 ^2·10
Center- Included a rectangular prism and a pyramid on top. The rectangular prism was made with 6 panels all across. Here's the equation that I used W.L.H and = 216 cubic ft. For the pyramid, I used a width of 4 a length of 8 and a height of 6. V=L.W.H/3 so that's 8*4*6/ 3 which gave me 64 cubic square ft
A relevant quote from a local neighbor
“That place could turn into a market of stores or a grocery store. Better yet a
community center because that is what these kids need. Also, it could be a garden that teaches youth how to cultivate the area.”
Peter Calthorpe’s 3
- Persevere- The garden I added to my new urban space is an example of a persevering nature in places that need it the most. Not only is it good for the environment it’s good for people’s health and well being as sometimes nature is difficult to find in a big city.
- Bike- A component that I added around the open lot was a bike trail that expanded into a circle. This is important because it allows residents the option of either walking or bringing their bikes and riding them, rather than driving a car down the street. This reduces some carbon emissions while also getting a little exercise.
- Mix- I designed a scale model of a community center that could host people of all ages. This was the biggest thought for me because I saw an opportunity would arise if youth could interact with elders and young adults. Also since this community is predominantly black it would diverse the area and bring different faces together.
2 Spaces that inspired my design
These images below are 2 spaces that caught my eye and they’re both in Chicago. The first image is an overhead of Ping Tom park located in Chinatown. The Last two are images of Grant park skate park before it was made and after. Ping Tom park has a community when you go to the park and makes it walkable to access nature for people. There is also bike paths along the park and it’s located right next to urban living areas. From this location, I learned that a little thing goes a long way in creating a community park.
The Grant Park picture was chosen from May 2011 and July 2019. In the photo, you can see an open grass field and a couple of trees nearby. Fast forward 8 years you have a huge expansion of sidewalks, bike trails and nature brought in the heart of downtown. Not only was this a plus for bikers but it allowed local skaters a place to shred since the making of the skatepark. From this space, again learned that community is factored into creating longlasting worth caring about places.
(4) Google Map Images
Problems encountered along the way
I had one problem along my way and it was what to do with the space that would make it meaningful for everybody. Then I started to think about what do people need and what do people want and I tried to balance the inputs I was given. The solution was to make the idea simple. I used half of the space for a community center, a third for a garden, and another half for the redesigned buildings.
Purpose
- Community Center- Bring in a mix of ages and diverse the community and surrounding area.
- Garden- Provide nature in an urban area that needs to preserve the little it has.
- Building space- Reovationg the buildings can create an economic impact on the area by adding things such as green roofs and solar panels cost are reduced.
- Bike trail- Provides something for all to be free and able to walk or ride around as freely.
- More trash cans- Adding more trash cans helps reduce waste that lands near people's homes and helps hold people accountable who litter.
2 SDG11 targets
11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
This SDG target connects go protecting natural heritage to my garden created on my map in Fortnite.
I would say gardening has been important to African people for centuries and isn't taught as much as today. This is that we mostly rely on a market or food company to supply our food. But this local garden will not only make food to table it will help teach younger generations about the past.
11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
SDG target 11.7 connects to my idea of a community garden and allows an easy accessible way to a green public space that is made for all people. This goal can be met if locals start demanding more parks and green spaces in their areas.
Overall this was my last action project and I thought it was made well. I wanted to do more but time wasn't on my side. I got to incorporate things I learned from this course into my redesigned space. I don't really have much to say but I enjoyed this project. Hopefully, I can use what I learned from my Policy course to talk to my Alderman and make it happen.
Cited source
Fortnite Map Created by J.L
Google Maps Images (4)
