Filling the void : reconnecting the urban fabric of Atlanta

Abstract

In order to reconnect the urban fabric of Atlanta, this thesis looks for an integrated solution based on physical, contextual and ecological dimensions. Based on three dimensions, design criteria are developed to give concrete guidelines for the design projects. The design criteria include figure-ground clarity; connection, continuity & corridor; accessibility; identity; diversity & mixture; and multi-functionality. Four case studies are chosen from Boston to analyze how the design criteria can be integrated with each other at different scales. They are the Central Artery/Tunnel project, the Emerald Necklace, the North End, and the park at Post Office Square. Besides exploring how these design criteria were achieved in the precedents, they are also applied to fill the void of the Atlanta Civic Center site. Three scale designs-the district scale, the neighborhood scale, and the intimate scale-are illustrated to show the possible solutions for reconnecting the urban fabric of Atlanta.