UL Lafayette: CDW: I-49 Connector: Urbanism and Architecture

				I-49 Connector: Urbanism and Architecture


				BACK \| NEXT TOPICS introduction public process case studies alignments garden urbanism alt. street links public realm neighborhoods lighting sound study public art conclusion recognition	The urbanism and architecture of the I-49 Connector in both alignments, RR-4 and EA-1, operate in several ways. The general rule was to clearly define the urban field of the city from the linear green space. The Workshop proposed an "architectural wall" of buildings that clearly delineates the city's fabric from the gardens. This architectural wall was used as a buffer to the neighborhoods with a commercial district between the connector and the residents. This buffer would include a 30-foot setback of green space from the service road. In the downtown area, constructed architecture has a minimum height of three stories and a maximum of four. This restriction allows the architectural edge to become a visual barrier and sound deflector for the I-49 Connector. Where distance or circumstances denied this zone, sound walls were designed for sensitive sites such as churches and schools. Other areas of urban design were needed in the downtown areas and the north end. Downtown, efforts were focused on linking the I-49 Connector to the downtown are by building up the definition of major street walls, including Jefferson, Johnston, and Congress Streets. The I-49 Connector's linear green space would be joined with tree-lined streets to Jefferson Street and the new parks planned for downtown. This linear green space also established a connection to the Multi-Modal Depot, which ties all of Lafayette by public transportation. Near this zone is a proposed new entertainment district, building on the atmosphere generated by Grant Street dance Hall. Where space allowed, the Workshop used a layered system of buildings, open spaces, or gardens to set up a buffer zone between the I-49 Connector, downtown, and the traditional Lafayette neighborhoods. The Mall and suburban development are located in the northern portion of Lafayette. Here, object-oriented (stand-alone) buildings provide challenges for the continuity of the city's fabric. By orienting parking to the rear of the buildings and controlling access to service roads, the Workshop could develop the space between the buildings as green space. In this flat and object-driven landscape, a rhythm of buildings and gardens will establish an abbreviated architectural wall.
					Model view of I-49 facility and new commercial district

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Document last revised Friday, April 23, 2004 12:20 PM