The Opportunity in the Vacancy

Abstract

Automobile dependence and suburban sprawl have a cyclical compounding relationship. Automobiles require a large amount of space and infrastructure in order to be an effective means of transit. This prompts constructing the urban environment at a lower density, which generates suburban sprawl. The low-density development then requires an automobile for ease of access, which generates dependence. In this way automobile dependence and suburban sprawl build upon each other. This relationship has a series of primary spatial effects and secondary socioeconomic effects on the urban environment. The United States is currently stuck in a system of automobile dependence that perpetuates nearly all cities across the country. But, automobile dependence is more severe than the mere use of a car. It instead, refers to the necessity of an automobile for accessibility within nearly all aspects of daily life. Todd Litman defines automobile dependence in terms of three criteria: 1) reduced transport alternatives, 2) automobile oriented land use patterns, and 3) high levels per capita automobile travel. The three definition criteria were used as the main methodology by dictating the spatial analysis, key goals, and strategy themes. The key design goals of the thesis were 1) to consider destination as well as transportation 2) work to attract suburban inhabitants back into the city and 3) focus on pedestrianizing public space. The themes of this thesis are transit, development, and culture. It is crucial that these three themes work together in a cohesive strategy in order to alleviate the effects of automobile dependence. The design of this thesis concluded with proposals at the city, district, and neighborhood level, with the design at the neighborhood level being the focus.