Part 1 (ideas)
- New Pedestrian Walkway/Bridge: Create a new pedestrian walkway that bridges across the four corners of the intersection. This intersection has a lot of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. However, there is much more pedestrian congestion that vehicle. Also, three of the four corners are plazas with a lot of options for food. I think it would be a good idea to somehow tie these four corners so as to make it more easily accessible to pedestrians.
- Community Day: Community day would be an experience for the local residences and businesses. The food places could potentially offer one or more free designated items on their menu. Local businesses could have a booth or table outside explaining their business and maybe offer business swag or coupons. Also, to better engage students, there would be an Instagram page set up so students (or adults) can take pictures and add a designated hashtag. Pictures of the event would be taken and added, maybe have a photo booth. This would also help promote local businesses.
- Circular Intersection: Another way to help alleviate traffic would be to have a circular intersection. One major complaint by pedestrians is waiting for the traffic lights so they can cross the street. The street lights are set up to handle the heavy vehicle traffic that occurs at this intersection. So pedestrians have to wait a while before crossing. With a circular intersection, traffic would flow and pedestrians would not have to wait as long.
Part 2 (how to present best idea)
Based on feedback and discussions, I have decided to go with the pedestrian bridge idea. The bridge would benefit pedestrian, drivers, and business owners. The bridge would tie the businesses at the four corners and create more of a community than the current divide that seems to exist. It would also alleviate the long pedestrian wait to cross at this intersection as well as the dangers for impatient or distracted drivers. The vehicle traffic would flow much more smoothly. The proposal for this idea would be to the City of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach since both exist at this intersection.
- Idea 1: Deliver a proposal using static sketches and PowerPoint slides.
- Idea 2: Create a PowerPoint slides and incorporate into a video. Instead of static images, the images would be animated to better depict the execution of the idea and the traffic flow.
Part 3 (Presentation)
Project 3: Experiences – Veronica Hernandez
Awesome presentation Veronica! I could totally follow through it from beginning till end. Love the music and the bridge special effects. I think its a neat idea and can see it feasible.
Merging ideas 1 and 3 could be interesting. Doing an underground traffic circle could be cool turning the ground level into a connected walk area/park space between the plazas. One of the things that Jesse mentioned in one of the critique sessions is the that pedestrians don’t like to walk stairs ramps etc. They prefer to stay at a consistent level. Just something to think about in regards to your user experience.