sTREETWALLS + CROSSWALKS
Walking and Biking
The existing street network lacks sufficient protected bike lanes and they are difficult to identify, which makes them unsafe for bikers and pedestrians. In particular, due to lack of safe infrastructure, women bike at rates significantly lower than men. We provide protected bike lanes, street lighting and seating. Low maintenance green walls add beauty and a connection to nature that absorbs toxins in the air, while buffering the sounds of traffic. The added tree canopy along Santa Monica Boulevard provides shade for vendors, pedestrians and people waiting for the bus.
Safety and Security
We incorporated Jane Jacobs’ ‘eyes on the street’ principle. While there are dedicated retail and/or office spaces on the ground floor, facing the street, none of the spaces are occupied. This undermines pedestrian safety. We added lighting and vendor kiosks for additional day and evening occupants along the sidewalks, which would increase social and economic activity at the street level and provide a greater sense of safety and security. Mirrored surfaces along Santa Monica Boulevard enhance self-awareness by making us reflect on our individual behaviors and act in more socially desirable ways which ultimately deters crime.