Preserving Pedestrianism in Mobility Hub Design: Achieving Harmony between Streets for People and Mobility Opportunities: A Pittsburgh Case Study
In the United States we have designed our roads, communities, and lives around personal vehicles, increasing the odds that those without access to them will suffer economically and socially. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s mobility hubs will address the environmental and social consequences of America’s overwhelming dependence on cars as the city’s evolving transportation landscape now includes the emergence and prioritizing of alternative transportation options for residents in-transit. Though expanding mobility options in Pittsburgh will bring an increase in services, there is the potential of a compromised pedestrian experience as confusion arises from a lack of consensus on dedicated space for incoming technologies. Historically, new transportation infrastructure has come at the cost of pedestrianism and walkability, and incoming transportation technologies could exacerbate existing flaws in the allocation of the public right of way. The purpose of this project is to create a site-specific mobility hub design that emphasizes a pedestrian prioritized streetscape. The final product will be the culmination of current thinking and design strategies for a design in Pittsburgh. The summarized literature and design guidance will inform pedestrian oriented design strategies that preserve pedestrianism by supporting and augmenting the historic function of streetscapes, while acknowledging that part of what gives streets their value is how they function as a public space. Thus, defining appropriate solutions will require preserving the pedestrian sociability, experiences, safety, and magic that make the streets great, while meeting the demands of a city with new mobility and transit goals.
Advisors/Committee
