Utilization of the previous transect research/analysis was further developed in terms of locating, investigating, and designing open spaces throughout the Cleveland Industrial Valley, acting as a crucial buffer zone between the urban center and suburban regions of greater Cleveland. The industrial transect was divided into 3 primary sections (A, B, and C as shown above) due to each region having its own unique characteristics with regards to open space.
Region A: the west side of the overall swath was attributed to have a paradoxical relationship in terms of existing open space and connection. Although a crucial highlight of the area (Interstate-71) acts as a link for the rest of Ohio and Cleveland, it was found to break the immediate relation between local residential communities and adjacent park spaces and zoo.
Region B: the central river section was perhaps the most prominent due to its extreme diversity of land cover and land use, as well as its strong industrial ties to Cleveland’s past. Viewed as the ‘adaptable/re-definable’ swath of the region, it was found to be strongly influenced by the river, which was deemed to be the spine of all production and diversity in the immediate surrounding areas, and was prime for revitalization.
Region C: was associated with residential decline and an area in need of both anticipation and new ideas. It, too, had the imposition of a major interstate artery, but now in a North/South fashion as opposed to East/West. As learned from Region A, distinctions of separation and linkage were distorted and in need of repair. In addition, there were several low-income neighborhoods (one of which recently was deemed the 3rd most struggling region in the country) that were in a state of dilapidation and were at risk of being completely isolated within the industrial district, ensuring their future decline.
Both regions B and C were selected for a weekend design charette, during which ideas would be developed (in terms of open space) on how to re-activate these areas as not only successful, but also desirable, locales of life.
After a revisit to Region B for a better sense of scale of the industrial yards was gathered and taken into account. In addition, several disconnected bike paths were discovered, as well as a future proposition for a 400ft train station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR). With all these newfound factors, it was realized that the immediate industrial area of the Steelyard Commons was prime potential for further development in creating connections, utilizing the spinal influence of the river, commercialization of the Steelyard Commons, and historical connection of the Industrial Cleveland/Ohio Erie Canal area. Being careful to not design a park space that was alienated as an island within the Industrial lands, adjacency to Steelyard commons was established by linking the broken bike paths and creating a new park hub that contained a venue area, pedestrian/bike bridge, and inlet water sculpture, all while utilizing the industrial surroundings as a unique backdrop to the new, natural landscape.
Region C was then further developed from the happenings of the new and improved Region B, designing installations throughout the connected bike path loop (8 miles) that was created. Within this bike loop concept, several declining neighborhoods were considered by attempting to involve them in the process of design and promotion. As a part of the recycled steel beam installations along the new path, the children of the local communities would be able to create personal artwork that would then be displayed, thus creating a destination and a draw for the community to become aware of the new, positive changes in the area. In keeping with the industrial theme, the several installations also include recycled shipping containers as aesthetic enclosures, as well as additional wall space for art and expression.
Region C was then further developed from the happenings of the new and improved Region B, designing installations throughout the connected bike path loop (8 miles) that was created. Within this bike loop concept, several declining neighborhoods were considered by attempting to involve them in the process of design and promotion. As a part of the recycled steel beam installations along the new path, the children of the local communities would be able to create personal artwork that would then be displayed, thus creating a destination and a draw for the community to become aware of the new, positive changes in the area. In keeping with the industrial theme, the several installations also include recycled shipping containers as aesthetic enclosures, as well as additional wall space for art and expression.
