Urban Design: Creating a Whole that is Greater than the Sum of its Parts
“Public and private sectors must work together.”
Urban design planning for Livable South Downtown is based on public and private sectors sharing a common vision for the city and working together to maximize community life and minimize environmental impact. Public spaces, streetscapes, buildings, green infrastructure and economic viability are building blocks for a livable community, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
A key message that emerged throughout the Livable South Downtown planning process is that well designed connections and public spaces are needed to allow people to experience the whole of South Downtown as well as the individual neighborhoods that make the area so special.
While we create connections and public spaces that enable people to enjoy neighborhood life, there is an increasing need for these places to become urban environments that minimize impacts to nature and maximize sustainable use of our resources. South Downtown is not only an area of anticipated growth but also an opportunity to address the challenge of global climate change. Sustainable infrastructure design, as an integral part of the streetscape and public space planning for South Downtown, can have positive influence on the larger climate and environment.
Livable South Downtown Public Realm Recommendations
The Livable South Downtown Report includes a Public Realm chapter that outlines a strategy for steetscape and open space investment on public rights of way and adjacent private development. The Public Realm recommendations complement the Livable South Downtown zoning and land use reommendations and are consistent with the following urban design goals identified in Phase I of the project:
- Develop a system of connections and public spaces that will form an amenable environment for new residential life and commercial activity in South Downtown.
- Reinforce the unique character of neighborhoods through appropriate height and scale of future physical development as well as appropriate mix of uses.
- Maintain views of the water and visual connections to landmarks and other significant places.
- Coordinate Livable South Downtown urban design with other Center City planning efforts, i.e., ensure that South Downtown connects with the rest of the Center City.
- Integrate sustainable principles and practices into South Downtown’s approach to urban design and planning
Concept Designs for Streetscape and Public Space
The following concepts developed by DPD staff and design consultants are based on Livable South Downtown public realm recommendations, previous neighborhood planning and insights from community members. They suggest both practical solutions to urban design issues as well as opportunities to maximize the use of streets, public spaces and private development:
- Little Saigon
- S. Washington Street and 2nd Avenue S.
- S. Jackson Street
- 6th Avenue S. (coming soon)
- Railroad Way S.
Other South Downtown Urban Design and Planning Work in progress:
- Streetscape inventory and improvement recommendations
- King Street Station renovation and area planning
- Hing Hay Park expansion
- Yesler Terrace planning (Seattle Housing Authority)
