Right-of-way

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to attempt to resolve urban voids left behind by the space of the freeway The study involved the interpretation of changing character, constant motion, adapting presence and other characteristics in order to define the freeway and the context within and around these paths of travel The recognition that traffic. vehicular, or pedestrian brings life and activity to areas with central nodes and along major arteries of flow gave particular insight to the potential of inhabiting these large voids of lands that separate the city and urban landscape. While attempting to bridge communities and fill gaps, the investigation realized the important distinction between the temporal values of the freeway and the permanent society along side these high speed avenues. The different character of each changed the programmatic functions to be placed as the solution. For the permanent neighborhoods surrounding the freeway. which currently illustrate the lack of connection and sense of lifelessness and decay, a regional park scape was created to introduce a new natural activity. full of meaning and life. This greenbelt. running along the urban scars, would link larger sections of the right·of.way by a bike path and walking trail producing supplementary activities for the nature preserve and recreational space. At the vast spaces of unused land within the freeway intersections, large "follicles" would create a node for social gathering and a node for connection between temporal and permanent, islands of community. and individuals with shared experiences at these intersections. A roadside motel was carefully studied for potential possibility and a drive-in theater was proposed as another possible pragmatic space. The realization that purpose gave meaning and an experience for individuals to connect and share created an opportunity to rethink what is destination, space. and the potential qualities of human inhabitation within the voids of the freeway