Cities around the continent are reclaiming the previously unwelcoming confines of underpasses for active, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing uses.
According to an article by Megan Barber, "many cities are turning transit underpasses into public parks, replacing trash, overgrown weeds, and dark passageways with art installations, funky lights, and pedestrian thoroughfares."
The article presents seven prominent examples of underpasses that have been transformed into attractive public spaces, including a blurb and some fetching photography. Some of these examples have been recently completed, others have long histories, and some are still in planning or design phases.
- The Wabash Lights in Chicago
- The I-5 Colonnade Bike Park in Seattle
- The Underline in Miami
- The Bentway in Toronto
- Burnside Skatepark in Portland
- Underpass Art Parks in Washington, D.C.
- Sabine Promenade in Houston
And because Barber asked for examples that the post missed, what about the Underpass Park in Toronto, which was awarded the ASLA's 2016 Professional Award of Excellence?
Read the full story: 7 ugly urban underpasses now functioning as public parks
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KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello