he brighton hub engaging the community through an inviting and convenient space bridging the neighborhoods of perry south and california-kirkland with the support of in cooperation with members of the Charles Street Area Council LARCH 414 Pittsburgh Studio Fall 2012
the objective Members of the Charles Street Area Council and I worked together over a 15 week period to defi ne the problems in their community. Together, we were able to work towards a multitude of solutions to design a greater atmosphere and environment for residents and visitors. community interaction safety the brighton hub 2 job opportunity walkability environmental education healthy central space mission statement The Brighton Hub is designed to encourage the Perry South and California-Kirkland neighborhoods to come together, as well as create a destination for residents and visitors. The space bridges the gap between two communities while providing convenience and amenities for residents within a short walking distance. The unique and interesting design implementations will teach guests and community members how to live sustainbility, rebuild their economy, and inspire them to return again and again.
brighton hub location centralized along brighton road and north charles street in pittsburgh s northside, this site acts as a gateway to the residences of north charles street and california avenue, and a bridge between the perry south and california-kirkland neighborhoods north charles street brighton road irwin avenue brighton place riffl e way california avenue the brighton hub welcomes visitors from all over the greater allegheny area, and focuses on the walkability and convenience of the perry south and calfi fornia-kirkland residents 3
brighton hub as a hot spot What Currently Brings People to the Area? Brighton Road Bus Stop Commuter Path to Downtown Propel Charter School, Northside Public transit is a popular use of transportation for the residents of Perry South and California- Kirkland. Brighton Road s bus loop runs nearly 24/7, making the bus stop on the corner of Brighton Road and North Charles Street a commonly used spot by pedestrians. Brighton Road acts as a connection between northern Pittsburgh and downtown. Many commuters choose to use this road as opposed to the parkways that run along the border of Northside. This causes heavy traffi c during morning and evening rush hours through this specifi c intersection. The Propel Charter School was recently established in Northside to accommodate children in grades K through 6 living around the city of Pittsburgh. This is the 8th school in the Greater Pittsburgh area and only school within the city limits. There is limited bus transportation for students, creating dense vehicular traffi c during the beginning and end of the school day. What Keeps the Residents Away? Crime + Safety Poor Conditions for Pedestrians Lack of Amenities Members of the Charles Street Area Council emphasized the increase in crime around this specifi c area in recent months. Shootings occured less than a city block away during the duration of this project. Teenagers, the main concern, do not have places to positively engage themselves and cause trouble daily. Community members voiced their frustration about the maintenance and upkeep of the North Charles Street and Brighton Road intersection. The city of Pittsburgh has limited focus of this area, which has led to cracked, uneven pavement and overgrown vacant lots. Pedestrians view this site as an unfortunate eye-soar. Commercial and industrial buildings once overwhelmed this specifi c area, but the once urban setting eventually vanished after the downfall of Pittsburgh s industrial era. Most buildings still exist, but are vacant or on the city s demolition list. A familyowned barber shop is one of few businesses that continue to prosper in this site. Irwin Ave, N Charles St Intersection Brighton Rd, N Charles St Intersection Brighton Rd Existing Buildings 4
existing lot inventory residencies urban garden northside coalition for fair housing men s barber shop autobody shop western pennsylvania conservancy radio station vacant building cluster Existing Buildings Existing Green Lots Road Network There is a strong balance between vacant lots and buildings within the site area. The hardscape, including buildings, sidewalks and roadways, seem to overpower the presence of outdoor space and vegetation. Color, materials and specifi c site design can encourage visitors and residents to do a double-take of this environment and re-examine the potential design opportunities at hand. Additional buildings providing amenities to the public can enforce community awareness of their surroundings. 5
the brighton hub goals 1 TO REVITALIZE and establish a destination for users that promotes unity between neighbors and adjacent communities, a short walk for residents, and convenient access to public amenities 2 TO INTRODUCE a safe and enjoyable atmosphere that excites residents and visitors, while allowing them to relax and immerse themselves in a sociable outdoor environment 3 TO EDUCATE the community of an array of opportunities ranging from environmental restoration to healthy eating choices, creating a sustainable and healthier environment for residents 6 a community hub is proactive in enabling a range of services to improve the quality of life for the whole community - Exeter Community Initiatives, 2012
+ + + buildings commuters public transit + + environmental education stormwater infi ltration + + + convenience job opportunity participation residents, visitors, commuters, students = the brighton hub 7
the master plan phases three design approaches have been constructed to ensure the success and productivity of this urban hub 1 revitalize 2 introduce 3 educate 8 not to scale N
revitalize 1-2 years reconstruct the gateway of north charles street to accommodate visitors through amenities such as an eatery and bus sheltar Phase One [Revitalize]: north charles sreet The initial phase is designed to excite visitors and residents traveling through the area with colorful plantings and an interesting and unique space. The space will be reconstructed to serve pedestrians while crossing between the Perry South and California-Kirkland neighborhoods, a sheltered bus stop, and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating for group gatherings or private relaxtion. The sheltered bus stop will provide safety from both oncoming traffi c and climate. Lighting will also be placed nearby to ensure safety when traveling after dark. Native, low-maintenance vegetation provides a pleasing environmental aesthetic as people come and go, welcoming residents and making a dent in visitors memories. The ghost sign created many decades ago still remains on the vacant residence, which will be renovated into an urban green grocer or other amenity suitable to nearby residents. N brighton road not to scale cafe/eatery an indoor and outdoor eatery along brighton road and adjacent to a popular bus stop encourages residents and visitors to enjoy their wait or a relaxing afternoon stormwater demonstration area for environmental demonstration lessons for charter school students who attend class within a short walking distance brighton road bus stop a bus shelter and space offset from brighton road allows bus goers to safely wait in an interesting environment while traveling to their destinations 9
revitalize urban eatery + stormwater demonstration 10
introduce 2-5 years introduce additional amenities, eateries, and retail shops through urban infi ll to create a main street along brighton road Phase Two [Introduce]: Visitor interest will promote the second phase of design. Current residents will move out of the area for a small amount of time in order to create an urban outdoor plaza along Brighton Road and implement infi ll between existing buildings along Riffl e Way. Brighton Road will eventually become a Main Street. Although Brighton Road is a major connector for commuters, a raised roadway will calm traffi c and promote a pedestrian friendly environment. Urban infi ll will include affordable housing and job opportunities for the community. Brighton Place between California Avenue and Brighton Road will be fi lled in to accommodate the outdoor plaza and on-street parking will be enforced along California Avenue, Brighton Road and Riffl e Way. Commuters and visitors will be able to park and immerse themselves in the space, gaining a similar experience as nearby residents. Elevated vegetative beds will line California Avenue and Brighton Road to limit noise from traffi c. riffl e way not to scale brighton road N 11 california avenue urban infi ll existing and new buildings created for eateries, service, convenience, and retail raised roadway differing material on a raised surface slows traffi c and creates safer pedestrian access vegetative buffers elevated vegetation beds screen vehicular traffi c and limits noise pollution from passing cars, while also implementing stormwater fi ltration outdoor plaza open space for gathering with others, relaxing, or waiting for a bus from the brighton road stop
introduce The Sustainable Cities Institute defi nes urban infi ll as new development that is sited on vacant or undeveloped land within an existing community, and that is enclosed by other types of development (2012). In relation to the Brighton Hub, urban infi ll will be constructed on lots that are currently being used as parking areas. Parking will be redesigned along Brighton Road, California Avenue, and Riffl e Way. conceptual diagram of urban infi ll design existing structure areas of urban infi ll urban infi ll 12
introduce Urban infi ll introduces a redevelopment plan to accommodate residents and visitors using the area. Eateries, retail, services, and affordable housing create these multi-story buildings for a convenient and easily accessible environment. These lots are also a reintroduction to the area after many of the commercial buildings were demolished after Pittsburgh s industrial period. housing - floors 3 and 4 single family multi-family affordable townhomes apartments service - floor 2 dentist insurance doctor laundromat coalition for fair housing law architecture fi rm additional housing urban infill verticality assessment convenience/amenities - floor 1 restaurant bank salon cafe boutique local artisan shop boutique green grocer teen center library breadworks barber shop convenience store This assessment allows the existing amenities and services to continue to exist with the implementation of the Brighton Hub, with exception to the autobody shop which can be relocated nearby. 13
introduce urban outdoor plaza 14
educate Phase Three [Educate]: 3-10 years educate by implementing stormwater infi ltration and pollution control through strategic streetscape design and environmental demonstration areas The third and fi nal phase promotes environmental sustainability and uniformity within the site. Any person passing through the site will be able to acknowledge a balance between urban density and the environment. On-street parking will be designated by bioretention areas along Brighton Road and California Avenue. Vegetation will fi ll these areas to fi lter pollutants and infi ltrate stormwater. The existing vacant lot along North Charles Street has great potential to become a meadow ecosytem and demonstration area for residents and the adjacent charter school. The space will also feature a grassy terraced overlook for visitors to enjoy. Trees and dense plantings will line the streets to promote uniformity within the hub. Vegetation will act as a welcoming for all people and encourage visitors and community members to stay. N not to scale north charles street irwin avenue 15 meadow ecosystem demonstration area serves as an educational facility for residents and the charter school additional parking serves as a student drop-off area for the adjacent charter school and extra parking for visitors terraced overlook for environmental demonstration teaching for charter school students and other visitors bioretention design sunken planting beds line the roadways and parking areas to welcome rainwater and fi lter pollutants through the ground streetscape design urban trees and low-maintenance plantings line the sidewalks for an aesthetically pleasing entrance into the center Signage will ensure that residents and visitors know where they are and the design intention.
educate terraced overlook + meadow demonsration 16