LSA 600 | WALKING SEQUENCE | SYRACUSE, NY
In our first studio class, we were introduced to finding sequences in the landscape. Located in Downtown Syracuse, NY, this sequence is a walk that someone may find themselves on. In addition to locating a sequence, we were asked to inventory the physical condition, scale, feelings, pace, visuals along our sequence, and anything else that initially stood out to us. After a site analysis, we were asked to think about changes that could make the sequence more cohesive, inviting, and invoke specific feelings that we wanted users to feel.
Initial observations found that the pace and scale were not consistent throughout the entire sequence. The beginning and end of the sequence felt fast-paced, and large in scale. E. Onondaga St. had a small, intimate feeling that encouraged a slower pace and was more enjoyable. I wanted to carry that feeling out throughout the entire sequence.
I also found that E. Onondaga St. had very little vehicle traffic and was already a one-way road for vehicles. I proposed making it a pedestrian street so that the corridor could be enjoyed by users of the surrounding facilities. It was also proposed that Montgomery St. would become a pedestrian street. Improvements to making Columbus Square more welcoming to sit and spend time was done through the installation of trees and seating options. A proposed mixed-use building with a walk up coffee stand was also proposed for a currently vacant building.
The overall goal of this design was to promote community use through the installation of pedestrian streets, make a part of Downtown Syracuse feel smaller in scale so that people would not feel the need to rush through, and provide a gathering space for the surrounding businesses and workers.
Map of the sequence
Columbus Square with more seating and tree plantings
Intersection of E. Onondaga St. and S. Warren St.
re-design of E. Onondaga St. as a pedestrian street
Showing the connection from E. Onondaga St. to Columbus Square and Montgomery St.
Intersection of Montgomery St. and E. Jefferson St. showing pedestrian street on Montgomery and proposed mixed-use building
looking N on Montgomery St. on the proposed pedestrian street
Hotel Syracuse
Plymouth Congregational Church
looking NE on E. Onondaga St.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral on the right
Onondaga Historical Association
looking N on Montgomery St.
A Sunday Morning Routine
This model and video were created to show the movement of a person going along the designed sequence.
The marble symbolizes the person, initially waking up and having a slow start to their day. When the marble hits the zig-zag section, it is as if their morning coffee is starting to kick in. The clear section causes the marble to fall into an up and down motion as if they were at a morning church service. Then the sequence brings the marble to the spiral and large group of people. These sections represent the mingling and socialization with the community and friends after the church service.