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Direct Design Assistance: Bridging Highway 36, North Saint Paul, 2004
The city of North Saint Paul is currently cut in two by Highway 36. Located at grade, the highway acts as a barrier between residential neighborhoods and the downtown. Many residents consider it unsafe to allow their children to cross the highway, even at the traffic lights that exist in the current configuration. The Department of Transport is planning to rebuild this section of highway, eliminating the traffic lights and providing new vehicular and pedestrian bridges. The Design Center was asked to provide some ideas and images of how this new configuration could help reconnect the two parts of the city. These are being used by city officials to encourage discussion with the residents, and in efforts to raise additional funds for improvements.
In consultation with city officials, the Design Center prepared three posters. One illustrated the current conditions and the proposals for rebuilding the highway. This also identified possible challenges and opportunities for improvement. The other two developed themes for tying the north and south sides of the highway together. The first, building on environmental assets, used a strategy of "green streets" and colorful plantings to create a favorable image of North Saint Paul for those passing on the highway, and to make pleasant, walkable environments for residents and visitors to the city. The second used art to make links across the highway by adding sculptural elements and suggesting modifications to proposed structures. It also highlighted 7th Avenue, the city's main street, and suggested a civic sidewalk and parade bridge to connect local events to the new city hall.
The posters were displayed and used as a focus for discussion at the inauguration of the new City Hall and at the city's Ice Cream Social in August 2004.
Download: Poster (2795 KB)
Outcome: The posters were displayed and used as a focus for discussion at the inauguration of the new City Hall and at the city's Ice Cream Social in August 2004.
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1 Ralph Rapson Hall, 89 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, |