UMass LARP Graduate Urban Design Class 2014
MERIT AWARD / BSLA
Student Work
Redefining America ’ s Postwar Urban Renewal Springfield , Massachusetts
This project consists of development strategies for an existing 1960 ’ s urban renewal site called Northgate in Springfield . Scenarios showcase possible future developments in ways that can revitalize Northgate and change it from a “ no man ’ s land ” into a vibrant gateway to the city . The strategies include :
• Tactical short-term interventions such as urban agriculture and transformative urban art
• Green urbanism like urban greenways and recreation , sustainable green infrastructure adaptations and stormwater management
• Alternative transportation reinforcing walking , bicycling , light rail and intermodal alternatives to create robust post-oil connectivity .
• Land use and zoning recommendations preferring mixed-use commercial , housing and integrating education .
• Creating room for the Connecticut River to reinforce resiliency through invigorating natural processes between water and land and to respond to climate change .
The work explores a community service learning strategy within an urban design studio with the goal of revitalizing a city of through sustainable design , planning , and community engagement .
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
141