Creating Connections
The current state of Moll de la Fusta encourages traffic to flow in one direction only. Pedestrians and cyclists in particular, are faced with the decision of which path they will take at either end of the street. Once the decision to walk along the water, the boardwalk above, or alongside the buildings it is rare and unlikely that they will cross back and forth the multiple lanes of traffic to fully experience the area. There is a series of vertical barriers and changes in elevation which discourage or make impossible this type of zigzag path across the lanes of traffic.
The current state of Moll de la Fusta encourages traffic to flow in one direction only. Pedestrians and cyclists in particular, are faced with the decision of which path they will take at either end of the street. Once the decision to walk along the water, the boardwalk above, or alongside the buildings it is rare and unlikely that they will cross back and forth the multiple lanes of traffic to fully experience the area. There is a series of vertical barriers and changes in elevation which discourage or make impossible this type of zigzag path across the lanes of traffic.
The proposal focuses on creating new and easily accessible paths which connect the various highlighted areas, including Placa del Duc de Medinaceli, the waterfront, estatua de Colom and the square which extends from the Post Office to the Green space on Moll d’Espanya. The proposal aims to integrate the fabric of the city with these current points of connectivity and access/egress. The steep vertical barriers which denied accessibility, are now smooth and gentle transitions at various levels and allow for different views of the port and city.
Enhancing & Encouraging Green Environments
Green space in Barcelona is scarce, about 10% or approximately 18m2 per capita. The green space is unevenly divided and not easily accessible to everyone, with a large portion of it located in Park Montjuic. The impermeable surfaces of the city extend along the entire length of the waterfront and port until the beach.
The proposal aims to increase the permeable surface area and provide a green area which invites everyone to use it as they wish. The increase in green space and corridors would decrease storm and rainwater runoff in the area and could include several methods for harvesting the water to support the vegetation. The intent is to encourage biodiversity, create new microclimates and encourage responsible water management.
Public Access
The city has already done a good job of promoting mixed modes of transportation through implementation of shared biking, bike lanes, large pedestrian pathways and vehicular routes. The focus of this seems to be largely about the efficiency and safety which is also important. These arteries of the city however encourage only these things and have not created a place for lingering, enjoying or experiencing.
The city has already done a good job of promoting mixed modes of transportation through implementation of shared biking, bike lanes, large pedestrian pathways and vehicular routes. The focus of this seems to be largely about the efficiency and safety which is also important. These arteries of the city however encourage only these things and have not created a place for lingering, enjoying or experiencing.
The proposal has identified and stressed the various access points and inlets/outlets of the artery and how one could connect these points in a manner which invites new ways of experiencing the waterfront and edge of the city. It enhances the view of the city with the elevated green corridors and creates a type of “front yard” to the city which people can enjoy the journey as they pass from one point to the next or spend time in between using a low cost and low maintenance strategy.
No comments:
Post a Comment