City Pathways: part 1
For the last two posts, we explored typologies of public space that are conducive to lingering — urban plazas and parks. However, public spaces are also very important for movement and circulation. This post and the next will focus on different forms of pedestrian pathways in cities, starting with some always-charming historical typologies.
1. Pedestrian Streets
One of the best recognized form of pedestrian pathways is a pedestrian-only street. Many older cities have a history of maintaining some streets for pedestrians after vehicles are invented. The first intentional pedestrian street was built in 1953 in Rotterdam.
La Rambla, the iconic pedestrian street in Barcelona, spans 1.2km (0.75miles) and is extremely popular with tourists and locals. The street appeared in the 1400s and has remained vehicular-free every since (except for the two narrow service roads abutting it). The main draws are the lack of vehicles, lush tree canopy and continuous activities along the street. Design elements such as seating and shade make the space even more welcoming for strolling and gathering.
Avienda Central, a pedestrian street in Panama City is bustling with locals who enjoy the concentration of shops and markets as well as the respite from constant traffic.
More contemporary commercial-focused examples can be found in Santa Monica and Miami Beach. These developments capitalize on outdoor pedestrian zones in order to attract people to shop as they walk down the street. They also feature seating elements, lighting and events to augment the appeal of the pedestrian street typology.
2. Arcades
Pedestrian streets are signified by the lack of vehicular traffic while arcades are delineated by architectural features. Arcades are covered walkways that are located inside of buildings or along the building exteriors. Each is framed by a succession of arches overhead and/or along the sides. They can function as a simple walkway or are lined with shops (and are seen as the precursor to shopping malls).
Piazza and Piazetta San Marco in Venice have both types. Arcades flank buildings along all three sides of the plaza since 1400s and have been lined with shops since the 1500s. The ground floor arcade along the Palazzo Ducal was added in 1400s as part of the Venetian Gothic style, and it serves as an important walkway around the palace every since.
Even though many exterior arcades have been preserved, interior ones are disappearing gradually. In 19th c. Paris, there were more than 140 covered shopping arcades , which were popular leisure destinations. Today only 20 arcades remain as many were demolished to make way for new development.
Similarly in Cardiff, Wales, only a handful of the city’s Victorian arcades are still intact as interesting relics of the past. The arcades are lined with boutiques and specialty stores in order to keep them viable.
In 2012, NYC’s Department of Transportation created a new pedestrian arcade. 6 1/2 Avenue is a six-block pedestrian-only walkway between 6 Ave and 7 Ave through a covered arcade and open lobbies. The arcade connects existing privately owned public spaces.
3. Alleys
Alleys are narrow pedestrian passageways behind or in between buildings. They could be historical pedestrian pathways or service roads. Through cycles of development, alleys have taken on different meanings.
In colonial time Philadelphia, alleys fronted houses and businesses and were the main networks of circulation. Many of the alleys have now disappeared and only a few remain as reminders of bygone eras. Elfreth’s Alley is one example.
On the other hand, many cities still have alleys that are very much part of their neighborhood fabric. Alleys of all kinds traverse the hilly city of San Francisco. For example, the unassuming Jack Kerouac Alley is situated between two landmarks buildings — Vesuvio (the bar frequented by the Beat Generation writers) and City Light Books.
Maiden Lane, with the city’s only Frank Lloyd Wright building, is the haute alley. And the most iconic alley is Filbert Street Steps, along the slope of Telegraph Hill, in between residences and their gardens.
Many alleys, become neglected over the years and end up in disrepair. However, in recent years, cities have been implementing programs to develop the forgotten alleys into more usable and even more beautiful spaces. Chicago implemented its Green Alleys program in 2006, which transformed the alleys through stormwater management, permeable and albedo (light-colored) paving, recycled construction materials and dark sky compliant light fixtures. Melbourne, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Vancouver — to name a few — all have similar programs.
Citizens themselves also join together to activate abandoned alleys. In Seattle, the Alley Network Project uses cost-effective materials and public art elements to activate several alleys near Pioneer Square. During the summer, Wing Luke Museum appropriates Canton Alley into event space.
Midtown Detroit Inc. transformed a 415-feet alley into a much needed community connection, fronting local businesses and residences. They are continuing their effort of appropriating other neglected alleys.
Pedestrian pathways are essential in creating diverse and welcoming experiences for pedestrians. Preserving historic pathways allow a pedestrian-scale fabric to thrive, while transforming derelict pathways facilitate a more vibrant walking culture.
Stay tuned for our next post on infrastructural pathways!
