Shaping a quality public realm Matthew J. Bell, FAIA Professor- Univ. of Maryland Principal- Perkins Eastman Architects
How to shape a quality public realm Good design principles Role of density in achieving community goals Role of ANC Commissioners in PUDs How can they best represent the public interest in this process?
How to shape a quality public realm Embrace history Support housing diversity Provide convenient and accessible retail and transit Design connected, multi-modal streets Introduce green infrastructure Deploy buildings to define the public realm
Embrace History
Housing diversity and choice Housing for all stages of life in one community (avoid monoculture) Physical integration means economic integration Social equity More housing, more choice
Housing diversity
Chevy Chase DC Conn. And Nebraska Van Ness Woodley Park Cleveland Park Chevy Chase DC Conn. and Nebraska Van Ness Woodley Park Cleveland Park Conn. Ave: Retail, housing and transit
commercial Single Family Duplex Apartments
Coverage & density
Reversed fg
Green Infrastructure
Defining the street
Design multi-modal streets
Turning Radius Crossing Distance* Increased Crossing Distance** 5 m (16.4 ft = 196 in) 10.8 m (35.4 ft = 424 in) 0.8 m (2.6 ft = 30 in) 10 m (32.8 ft = 392 in) 15.7 m (51.5 ft = 617 in) 5.7 m (18.7 ft = 223 in) 15 m (49.2 ft = 591 in) 22 m (72.2 ft = 866 in) 12 m (39.4 ft = 472 in)
Walk-able towns and villages
Defining the street
How to shape a quality public realm Walk-able urbanism –Interconnected streets and neighborhoods –Buildings that define the public realm –Neighborhood retail within 10 minute walk –Access to transit choice –Safe and green streets
The ANC
Role of ANC Commissioners in PUDs? How can they best represent the public interest in this process? The ANC
How can ANC’s best represent the public interest in this process? Ask a lot of questions Understand what public benefits are possible Discuss in the context of “interests,” not “positions”
How can ANC’s best represent the public interest in this process? What will this place be like? –Picture? Precedent? How is the public environment designed? How does the design relate to our neighborhood?