Editorial & News
Features News Events Competitions
Employment
Jobs Talent Finder Active Employers
Community
People Firms Blogs Forum Work Updates
Academia
Schools School Blogs Forum
About
About Archinect Advertising Contact Us Newsletters Privacy Policy
Archinect
Kexin Zhao

Kexin Zhao

Tucson, AZ, US

anchor
3 more images  ↓

The New Old Pueblo - Downtown Tucson New Urbanism Developmet

The concept of the green finger, a vast network of green space, was developed as a means of connecting Tucson’s natural amenity, A Mountain, to the man-made downtown area. The network of green space strengthens the idea of the “dog bone” by creating a link between the major nodes, A Mountain and downtown. The green finger presents an opportunity to introduce new, mixed-use urban development between the nodes, while also providing an urban trail system that weaves across a revitalized Santa Cruz River and through the barriers of I-10. The master plan proposes a significant change in land use within the site, restoring natural systems, while also providing space for mixed-use development. The plan proposed taking what is currently a brownfield and transforming it into active, public spaces by introducing a soccer stadium, a variety of residential units, and a lively village center. Reintroducing water into the Santa Cruz River and day lighting the surrounding washes creates an amenity for users, while celebrating what was once lost. Using the concept of the green finger as an organizing principle, intersections are formed between natural and man-made systems, historical and new developments, various modes of transportation, and social activities. 

 
Read more

Status: School Project
Location: Tucson, AZ, US
My Role: responsible for site analysis, concept development, final plan and detail design for villeage center and mixed-use residential area

 
The mixed-use community combats urban sprawl by keeping the neighborhood compact and amenities within walking distance. In order for blocks to be comfortably walkable, the blocks in this area are designed to be about 200’ x 200’ with a maximum block size of 300’ x 300’. Buildings here will range from two to four stories high. The first and second floors contain commercial and retail venues for restaurants, offices, and stores. The other floors are residential. Each building has its own...
The mixed-use community combats urban sprawl by keeping the neighborhood compact and amenities within walking distance. In order for blocks to be comfortably walkable, the blocks in this area are designed to be about 200’ x 200’ with a maximum block size of 300’ x 300’. Buildings here will range from two to four stories high. The first and second floors contain commercial and retail venues for restaurants, offices, and stores. The other floors are residential. Each building has its own courtyard, green roof, and each block will have a semi-public green space shared by 4-6 neighboring buildings. For every 1,000 people, 2.5 acres of green space will be allotted.
The development of the master plan was largely based on designing a model for sustainable living. Within this model emphasis was given to three main areas: the natural systems, the concept, and circulation. Diagrams demonstrating these systems are further discussed in the following pages. In addition to the master plan, which represents an overall schematic plan for the site, the area was also divided into five focus areas for further detailing. Focus areas include the TCC Complex, Village...
The development of the master plan was largely based on designing a model for sustainable living. Within this model emphasis was given to three main areas: the natural systems, the concept, and circulation. Diagrams demonstrating these systems are further discussed in the following pages. In addition to the master plan, which represents an overall schematic plan for the site, the area was also divided into five focus areas for further detailing. Focus areas include the TCC Complex, Village Center East, Village Center West, Stadium District, and Water. The specific designs of each focus area will be presented in detail in subsequent chapters.