Pettsburgh: Reimagination of Pittsburgh
Exploration of culture and identity in Pittsburgh’s social, political, and ecological contexts, leading to collaborative design interventions connecting event, housing, and infrastructure into a network of proposals
Fall 2022 | Studio Praxis I | Teammate: Zihan Dong, Ziyi Feng | Section Professor: Ala Tannir, Jared Abraham | Instructor: Heather Bizon
The project envisions a future scenario for the city of Pittsburgh marked by rapid population growth and the adoption of advanced technologies that drive urban densification. In this speculative context, flying electric cars and drones replace conventional automobiles, transforming the three rivers, the Ohio River, the Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River, into primary transportation corridors. These aerial highways are regulated into distinct zones based on traffic types. Existing infrastructures are reimagined as pedestrian corridors and public gathering spaces, shifting the focus of ground level activity toward community engagement. Public transportation adapts to the city’s unique topography, replacing buses and automobiles with monorails and cable cars, referencing historic precedents such as the Monongahela Incline. To illustrate this vision, a series of visualizations were created depicting key neighborhoods, including the North Shore, the Monongahela Incline, and the Strip District. Although geographically close, these districts exhibit distinct identities, inspiring the development of varied dwelling types and infrastructures designed to meet the evolving needs of a future Pittsburgh.
The overall city plan illustrates how each neighborhood incorporates distinct infrastructures and dwelling types, all interconnected by transportation networks consisting of monorails and cable cars. In response to population growth, many neighborhoods, including the Monongahela Incline and the Strip District, have introduced new residential developments. Existing structures and infrastructures in the North Shore, such as stadiums and highways, have been reimagined as central hubs for community spaces, strengthening social interaction and public engagement.
Northshore
The project addresses the issue of urban flow segregation created by existing highways and large-scale buildings, with the objective of developing a public network system that integrates existing public architecture with new infrastructures. The design emphasizes the creation of multi-story transportation hubs accommodating cable cars, monorails, biking trails, and pedestrian circulation, while simultaneously providing shared spaces that foster public interaction and connectivity.
Monongahela Incline
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In response to population growth and limited land availability, the Monongahela Incline has been developed with new residential units and transportation stations for suspended monorails and cable cars. Each residential unit incorporates integrated drone delivery systems that enable drones to drop off and collect packages, eliminating the need for residents to travel physically for deliveries or pickups.
Strip District
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Similar to the Monongahela Incline, the Strip District incorporates new residential units constructed atop existing buildings to address the growing demand for housing. This development creates a blurred boundary between the new dwellings and the original structures, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the two. For example, when an existing building functions as a laundromat, automated washing services or vertical shafts are integrated to allow residents to conveniently drop off laundry.
