The city of Indianapolis is using its hosting duties for the 2012 Super Bowl to rework one of its main streets into a new public space.
The Architect's Newspaper looks at the plans to redesign the street and cut down the amount of auto traffic it carries.
"Currently four lanes with two parking lanes, Georgia Street will be reconfigured into two driving lanes with some parking and a large center median with plantings, kiosks, and street furniture. Beyond the average boulevard reconfiguration, the new streetscape will include innovative sustainability, climate control, and programming features.
A wide boardwalk will run down the center covering a deep rainwater collection channel that will allow water to percolate into the ground rather than being shunted into the sewer system. Overhead, a cantenary system will support a system of adjustable shades that will help mitigate hot Indianapolis summers. Supported by poles that also serve as lampposts, the system will also be used for themed events and can be animated with special event lighting and projectors. 'Lighting can really change the experience of a space. It can bring the scale down to the level of the pedestrian,' said Bill Browne, principal of Ratio Architects, the project's designers."
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