Independence & Massachusetts Ave
The Independence & Mass Ave project is an urban redesign initiative aimed at improving pedestrian safety, optimizing traffic flow, and enhancing public spaces at the intersection of Independence Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue SE. The project addresses key challenges such as poor walkability, inefficient traffic management, and underutilized public areas. Proposed solutions include enhancing existing infrastructure, introducing an underground road system, and redesigning courtyards to create a more accessible, functional, and community-driven urban environment. Due to NDA restrictions, technical drawings and specific data cannot be shared.
My Contribution
As an Intern, I worked on the Independence & Mass Ave project alongside a team of four, focusing on redesigning the intersection of Independence Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue SE to improve pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and public space utilization.
My contributions included visiting the site to analyze existing conditions, creating detailed drawings to document challenges and propose solutions, and presenting our design interventions to stakeholders. Our proposed solutions ranged from enhancing pedestrian infrastructure to introducing an underground road system and redesigning courtyards for better community engagement. Due to NDA restrictions, technical drawings and specific data cannot be shared.
The Team
Jason Abbey
AIA | Principal
Brooke Ryan
Designer
Judy Tramm
Architectural Designer
Sanjana Pawar
Design Intern
Mapping the Past: The Evolution of the Site
Why are we doing this?
The Independence & Mass Ave project aims to address critical urban challenges at the intersection of Independence Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue SE. The current site prioritizes vehicles over pedestrians, with unsafe crosswalks, narrow sidewalks, and poor traffic flow creating a disconnected and inefficient space. Additionally, underutilized public areas, confusing signage, and a lack of cohesive urban identity diminish the area’s potential. By redesigning the space, we seek to enhance pedestrian accessibility, optimize traffic circulation, and create inviting public spaces that foster community engagement. This project envisions a more functional, vibrant, and people-centric urban environment for both residents and visitors.
What are the Problems?
The Independence & Mass Ave project addresses issues like poor pedestrian safety, inefficient traffic flow, underutilized public spaces, and lack of urban identity. Narrow sidewalks, missing crosswalks, and confusing signage make navigation difficult, while congestion worsens due to poor lane configurations and on-street parking. To identify these problems, we conducted site visits, documented traffic patterns, analyzed pedestrian movement, and used urban planning tools to assess zoning, accessibility, and land use. These insights helped us develop targeted solutions to create a safer, more connected, and engaging urban space that balances pedestrian needs, vehicle flow, and community interaction.
Mapping the problems and zoning for the site.
Proposed Solutions
Underground Road System
To reduce surface-level congestion and improve traffic flow, we proposed an underground road system. This would reroute high-traffic lanes below ground, minimizing vehicle interference with pedestrian areas. By separating pedestrians from heavy traffic, this solution aimed to create safer, more walkable spaces while maintaining efficient transportation routes.
Enhancing Existing Space
Our first solution focused on improving the existing pedestrian and public spaces. This involved widening sidewalks, adding safe and accessible crosswalks, upgrading materials, and integrating seating, shade, and greenery to create a more welcoming environment. By prioritizing pedestrian movement and urban aesthetics, this solution aimed to transform the intersection into a vibrant, community-friendly space while maintaining existing infrastructure.
Redesigning Courtyards
The third solution focused on redesigning courtyards within the blocks to enhance community interaction, green spaces, and accessibility. By optimizing underutilized spaces, we introduced landscaping, seating areas, and better connectivity between public and private zones, ensuring a more cohesive urban environment that supports both residential and mixed-use areas.
Final Proposed Solution
After evaluating feasibility, we adopted a combined approach of enhancing existing spaces and redesigning courtyards. These interventions provided the most practical and effective balance of pedestrian safety, traffic optimization, and public space usability without the high costs and complexities of underground construction. This final solution ensures a functional, accessible, and inviting urban environment that meets the community's needs.
