Streetscape Design and Urban Renewal

Author – Brandon Hall, Owner, Brandon Industries

 

In the 1990’s it was coined “urban renaissance,” but thirty years later, it may also be referred to as adaptive reuse, architectural upscaling, or urban renewal. No matter what name is used, revitalizing city centers and high-density neighborhoods remains significant in American urban areas.

America’s Urban Area Makeover

The first recorded “urban renewal” program dates back to 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Notorious at the time for being dirty and economically depressed, large parts of the city were razed and replaced with parks and new buildings. Neighborhoods around Pittsburgh’s city center were also the focus of the renewal initiative, with mixed results. Known at times as Pittsburgh’s “second downtown,” East Liberty declined further after the efforts to improve, primarily because of significant traffic pattern changes and what locals called the removal of the neighborhood’s charm. Decades later, East Liberty has seen successful urban renewal and is now a sought-after location for businesses and residents. Google moved into an old manufacturing building, and other companies like Duolingo have adapted existing structures to create a hot spot for supporting retail and residential locations.

The investment in downtown areas like East Liberty is characterized and fueled by several factors. Maintaining the personality of the neighborhood or city while focusing on livability improvements is essential to success. Other characteristics and factors related to upscaling aging city centers include:

Population Shift from the suburbs to more accessible urban centers

As awareness of environmental challenges and Net Zero initiatives continue to be significant policy drivers for commercial and industrial businesses, walkable or public transportation-rich city centers are now in vogue. The urban population in the United States increased by 6.4% from 2010 to 2020, and 36 new areas were designated away from rural to urban based on population density growth.

Conversion of commercial or industrial buildings to residential or mix-use facilities

Office and retail properties are experiencing high vacancy issues and value downturns, but multi-family buildings have experienced significant growth over the past few years. Adaptive reuse of these buildings, often in derelict condition, repurposes them into apartments, community centers, and cultural spaces.

Upcycling a building into a memorable destination can preserve the history of the building and its connection to the city. Giving an old building or any other aging infrastructure new life can convert the potential eyesore into a source of local pride and identity. Upcycling can also be less expensive than demolishing the existing structure. The High Line in New York City, a park and walkway once a railroad track, is an excellent example of repurposing old infrastructure into a high-use pedestrian landmark.

Growing green spaces

Sometimes, the best course of action is to raze the existing structure and create a green space. A green space is any outdoor area not paved over, such as parks, athletic fields, and playgrounds. But acres of grass are not the only type of green space. Tree-lined streets, city squares with ample vegetation or flowers, or even walkways lined with grass and plants can be considered green spaces.

Studies indicate that green spaces can help reduce stress, anxiety, and obesity. Providing open areas to walk, relax, or exercise can make an urban area healthier and more attractive to potential residents or new business growth.

Infrastructure improvements for pedestrian activity

Public infrastructure improvements must accompany any urban renewal project. New or improved sidewalks, adding or upgrading lighting for safety and ambiance, pathways through parks, benches, and pet stations are just a few examples of ways to convert a tired urban center into a revitalized downtown neighborhood. This investment is often a precursor to another characteristic of an urban renaissance: renewed cultural activity. Concerts, festivals, art, and theaters are often the byproduct of a dynamic urban center.

Urban design and streetscape products

Successful urban renewal projects include a comprehensive vision for streetscape elements. The character of the downtown area should be reinforced with the choice of light fixtures, signs, and other pedestrian amenities.

Well-positioned decorative street signs and pedestrian pathway signs not only enhance the safety and efficiency of the neighborhood but also may impact the opinion of residents and visitors experiencing the city. In high-density population areas, attractive and secure cluster box units for mail and parcel delivery at multi-family buildings can add to the location’s aesthetic and its residents’ satisfaction.

But lighting may be the most crucial streetscape consideration when renewing an urban area. Style, intensity, and placement of light poles, lamps, and lighted bollards all create a livable and memorable city center or neighborhood.

The Role of Lighting in Urban Renewal

Darkness is not inviting. Creating a welcoming urban center requires well-designed and sufficient lighting. However, improper light application can create glare, overly bright spots, or an inconsistent atmosphere. The proper application of light will enhance safety while highlighting the city’s natural and architectural elements.

Urban lighting design should aid wayfinding for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Lamp posts along roadways and sidewalks must not only provide the necessary light during dark hours but should also be part of the attractive, cohesive design of the urban landscape. Low-profile lighting, such as LED bollards, may light pathways through parks while also complimenting the natural beauty when the sun is up. Streetscape lighting is an essential component in urban design and renewal. Properly applying light impacts ambiance, safety, community pride, and livability.

Economic and flexible solar lighting options

Solar technology advancements now enable high-performance lighting options that are good for the environment. These options also do not require electrical access, which can potentially ruin the aesthetic of a historic park or landmark. Solar bollards are great options to illuminate pathways and landscapes for pedestrian use and safety. Solar post tops with 24 hours of illumination from just 7 hours of charging are ideal for streets, sidewalks, or parking areas.

Streetscape products are an essential part of an urban design plan

Upscaling of urban buildings and pedestrian areas has reinvigorated many American city centers, and the urbanization of the country’s population continues to advance. Creating a sense of place in city centers makes a downtown area livable and attractive to new businesses and residents. Streetscape elements like lighting, mailboxes, signs, and pet stations contribute to the satisfaction of those who choose to live, work, and play in urban areas. Trust the team at Brandon Industries when selecting your streetscape products