Utilizing a series of compelling before and after renderings, Amanda Gruen walks through Union Studio Architects' plan to improve the pedestrian and transit experience in downtown Providence's Kennedy Plaza.
"Not unfamiliar with daring urban design endeavors, Providence, RI is gearing up for a $20 million transformation of Kennedy Plaza, a major transportation hub and park dating to 1848 in the city’s downtown," says Gruen. "The overhaul designed by Providence-based Union Studio Architects was announced in late April and call for upholding the plaza’s principal position as a public-transit terminal, preserving the 2002 intermodal station."
"The new Kennedy Plaza scheme calls for building a public marketplace and new parks in area that was once dedicated to the bus transit center," she explains. "By reorganizing bus access through the square, the city hopes to improve pedestrian safety and provide an easier transit experience."
FULL STORY: PROVIDENCE CONSIDERS PLAN FOR A MORE PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY KENNEDY PLAZA

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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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