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Better Block YMA

The document describes The Better Block design, which uses temporary demonstrations and community engagement to envision how areas can be transformed into walkable, vibrant neighborhoods. It involves temporarily revising an area using pop-up shops, food vendors, and public amenities to showcase a "complete streets" approach. The goal is to encourage community stakeholders to re-imagine how the space could be used through hands-on experimentation over a short time period, such as a weekend. Guidelines provided include identifying suitable locations, involving community groups, programming public events, highlighting business opportunities, and gathering feedback to promote long-term change.

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Sandra Mae Cabuenas
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40 views

Better Block YMA

The document describes The Better Block design, which uses temporary demonstrations and community engagement to envision how areas can be transformed into walkable, vibrant neighborhoods. It involves temporarily revising an area using pop-up shops, food vendors, and public amenities to showcase a "complete streets" approach. The goal is to encourage community stakeholders to re-imagine how the space could be used through hands-on experimentation over a short time period, such as a weekend. Guidelines provided include identifying suitable locations, involving community groups, programming public events, highlighting business opportunities, and gathering feedback to promote long-term change.

Uploaded by

Sandra Mae Cabuenas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

What is THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN


is A DEMONSTRATION TOOL
acts as a living CHARRETTE so that communities
can actively engage in the complete streets
build-out process
revisions an area to
show the potential to
create a great walkable,
vibrant neighborhood
center.
THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

What is a CHARRETTE
a method of organizing thoughts from experts
and the users into a structured medium that is
unrestricted and conducive to the creativity and
the development of many diverse scenarios
any collaborative session in which a group of designers
drafts a solution to a design problem

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

AREAS TO ADDRESS when developing a Better Block


1. SAFETY

2. SHARED ACCESS
3. STAY POWER
4. 8-80 AMENITIES

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

SAFETY (Real and Perceived)


safe to cross the street
safe to stand on the
sidewalk
safe to linger in the area
Visible (open sightlines)
No debris, graffiti,
overgrown landscaping,
etc.

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

SHARED ACCESS

bring more people into the area by various modes


of transportation
amenities that allow people to linger in the space
(seating, tables, etc.)

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

SHARED ACCESS
pedestrians have easy and clear access to
the area
bicycles feel welcome in the area
easily accessible from neighborhoods
way-finding signs that direct people into
and out of the area
allow one lane of vehicle traffic so that
residents could see a complete
street that allowed all modes
of transit
THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

STAY POWER
Encourage
people to visit
the area and
have them
linger

FOOD OPTIONS, PLACES TO EAT OUTDOORS

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

STAY POWER
maps, bulletin boards, games, or other amenities
prominent identity of the area (arts district,
cultural district, historic area)

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

STAY POWER
people-friendly aesthetics:
planters to help divide the street
temporary street lighting
recycled Christmas lights to help
provide more ambiance.

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

8 80, dog-owners
look at amenities that create invitations for
children, seniors, and dog owners on a block

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
Identify best possible Better Block locations:
locations with a block of buildings that have good
pedestrian form, but lack a complete street are
preferred
Typically areas built pre-war have good
possibilities.
small commercial corridors that are nestled into
neighborhoods.
Proximity to a neighborhood
THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
Provide the community information on the project
Assemble team:

grassroots community activists


non-profit groups
Businesses
artists, and DIY(do-it-yourself)ers
College students
urban planning/architect associations
young business professionals
local groups
Mayor, council members, city staff
Etc.

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
Latch the Better Block to an existing event
Ex:
develop food events, art crawl, fun run, bike rides, and
more that celebrate a communitys identity while
aligning the effort with a Better Block area.
provide plenty of seating, things to read (maps, build
simple kiosks to use as community boards, food/drink).
Chess boards, et cetera.
Print out and post the story of the block (its history, its
present, its future as a neighborhood place)
THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
Develop and install temporary
pop-up businesses to show the
potential for what could be if the
street had a more inviting
presence.
Examples:
a cafe with outdoor seating to
highlight the ability to re-utilize
the space given to cars
a kids art studio so families could
be involved
a flower/gift market filled with
local craft goods
a book drive collection, and create
your own small bookstore as well
with what is collected.
THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
work with existing local businesses to help fill
the storefront with product.
place as many local products as possible in
each of the shops

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
Work with area property
owners to allow access to
vacant spaces for a
weekend. (actively
marketing their properties)

Track sales to show the


increase in area business
(potential for increased tax
revenue is a citys largest
motivator for change)
THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
spotlight how traffic slows but people still have easy
access and come out

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

GUIDELINES...
Invite artists to perform in the street.
Music is a key component to having an exciting
street.
Bring a soundscape
to the block :
- ex. Use a guitar
amplifier and
playing tracks from
an iPod, or inviting
DJs, drum circles,
et cetera)

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

Is it possible here

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

Is it possible here

THE BETTER BLOCK DESIGN

Is it possible here

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