SIDA ZHANG
Drifting landscape

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore a systematic method to stimulate and maximize the use of the urban space in the context of urban densification, expanding urban space usage in the dimension of time and space. In this context, urban space is reclaimed as the notion of overlap between public and private space in urban figure-ground. 

The research focuses on Providence as a study area that encompasses different transects of the urbanized American city and faces typical densification issues. It has strategically turned the issue of densification into opportunities for improving social interactions and space utilization. The “Driftscape” principle with its three dimensions: boundary, temporality, and connectivity has been proposed as a flexible strategy that rethinks the potential dimension behind existing areas and doubling their uses, which questions the power of the conventional “right of way,” provides a new understanding of the utilization of urban space.

 


Larger scale space and density analysis

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Larger scale space and density analysis

City Density Comparison and Providence public lots usage

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City Density Comparison and Providence public lots usage

Design Principle

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Design Principle

Design Principle-Blurring boundaries

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Design Principle-Blurring boundaries

Design Principle-Temporary Uses and Site Connection

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Design Principle-Temporary Uses and Site Connection

Proposed Districts in Providence

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Proposed Districts in Providence

Purposed Space Strategy and Site Layers

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Purposed Space Strategy and Site Layers

Federal Hill Space Analysis and Participants Flow, Site Planning

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Federal Hill Space Analysis and Participants Flow, Site Planning

Federal Hill Site Design

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Federal Hill Site Design

Space Boundary Blurring and Temporal Uses Application

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Space Boundary Blurring and Temporal Uses Application

Inner Community Drifting Space Community Engagement and Space Drifting

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Inner Community Drifting Space Community Engagement and Space Drifting

Inner Community Drifting Space

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Inner Community Drifting Space

Downtown Space Analysis and Participants Flow, Site Planning

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Downtown Space Analysis and Participants Flow, Site Planning

Inner Downtown Drifting Space Participants Engagement and Space Drifting

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Inner Downtown Drifting Space Participants Engagement and Space Drifting

Space Drifting with Space Usage Changes and Occupations

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Space Drifting with Space Usage Changes and Occupations

Inner Downtown Drifting Space

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 Inner Downtown Drifting Space