Superblocks
A superblock or “citizen space” is the concept of repurposing streets currently occupied by vehicles within a nine block radius into mini-neighborhoods where pedestrians can freely walk around. The concept is taking off in Barcelona and other European cities. Road signs, bus routes, and other city infrastructure will need to be manipulated to accommodate the superblock. The superblock will create more accessible and public space that the city desperately needs. This would also increase the amount of green space in San Francisco.
There are many benefits of a superblock in the Hayes Valley area. Traffic is a really big issue in San Francisco. Based on a recent study, half of San Francisco’s congestion problem is caused by ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. The width of the streets in Hayes Valley are already very thin. Two way traffic comes to a halt when a ridesharing service stops in the middle of the street. The extra congestion is also affecting air quality as well. San Francisco has seen fluctuating air quality from good to moderate on a weekly basis. Air pollutants may contribute to the leading causes of premature death in the city including ischemic heart disease; lung, bronchus, and tracheal cancers; cerebrovascular disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; hypertensive heart disease and lower respiratory infection. Air pollutants carry carcinogens that affect health negatively. Other issues superblocks can help solve are sedentary lifestyles and road accidents.
Open Market
As a result of the superblock, Hayes Valley will have more open space and therefore more opportunities to fill this space. These types of areas already exist around Patricia’s Green (the central park in the neighborhood) and are used for events such as fitness classes, craft fairs, and pop-ups for brands. Open air space has definitely made the neighborhood more unique, and there is an opportunity to use the space created by the superblock to provide an enriching experience for everyone.
Many of the businesses and events in Hayes Valley tend to cater to those who can afford them. Most notably, the lack of affordable dining in the area has made it difficult for the everyday person to partake in the exciting dining scene of the neighborhood. Furthermore, the areas around the neighborhood (in the Western Addition neighborhood) have become somewhat of a food desert, so access to food is also important in this regard.
We believe an open market focused on food will serve as a socio-economic balancer. This concept is borrowed from the open markets of Southeast Asia, where rich and poor alike enjoy a bite to eat. Food stalls can be set-up in the pedestrian areas of the superblock where vendors can serve fresh meals daily. For those without easy access to fresh produce, a farmers market can be set up at some of these stalls as well. Taking a queue from the Heart of the City Farmer’s Market in nearby Civic Center, a nonprofit could also be established to provide more affordable produce for lower-income customers in this space. Ultimately the open market could provide a more casual neighborhood feel that allows people of all socio-economic backgrounds to come together through food.
Building Empathy for the Homeless
While Hayes Valley is now a gentrified neighborhood full of dining, entertainment, and residences, there are many homeless individuals who call this area home. This is partially due to its proximity to areas where social services are available in Civic Center. It is also a relatively safe area where the homeless can find rest and perhaps a helping hand in the form of donated food and money. However, due to the relative safety and affluence, these individuals unfortunately stick out more and are often targeted by those with less empathy for the poor.
There is a clear opportunity to build awareness to the homeless neighbors and create a more welcoming atmosphere. As our proposal includes creating more accessible open public space, this also creates more reasons to beautify the space through art displays with homelessness being a key component. So much of Hayes Valley, specifically in the park at Patricia’s Green features art installations; however, much of this art doesn’t have an underlying social context. Why not include a message for social good?
We cite immersive public art displays such as Clarion Alley in San Francisco’s Mission District as an influence. This is an alleyway accessible by pedestrians that covered entirely by murals. Most of the murals are commissioned by non-profits to bring awareness to a social issue. In this way, Hayes Valley art could be a more dynamic version of this while still retaining the cleaner artistic aesthetic of the neighborhood. For instance, instead of murals Hayes Valley could feature outdoor sculptures that tell the story of the neighborhood and build empathy for the homeless.
Presentation
Sources
http://www.sfindicatorproject.org/indicators/view/40
http://www.sfexaminer.com/study-half-sfs-increase-traffic-congestion-due-uber-lyft/
Hi Alex and Daniel, I like your ideas very much. Super blocks seem to be the gateway to a way to living a more evolved life (not held hostage by passenger cars).
How to realize them with minimum inconvenience to residents and businesses remains a challenge.