The second installment of Architecture on Tap has come and gone; hopefully you didn’t miss it. Part two centered around infrastructure as a part of our Exploring Urbanity series.
The guest speakers of this round were Wanda Dye: founder and director of RE gallery + studio and assistant professor in Architecture at UT Arlington; and Patrick Kennedy, CNU AICP: Partner – Urban Dynamics and Planning.
Although there are many layers of infrastructure in relation to a city, the discussion focused mainly on transportation as well as the pedestrian experience. The new Klyde Warren Park that bridges over Woodall Rogers is getting built quickly and soon it will hopefully erase the disconnect between uptown and downtown. Harwood street which used to cross over Woodall Rogers has been cutoff and yet still remains one way, towards downtown. Could making this a two way street and/or adding bike lanes from downtown to uptown promote safer commuting for those who live and work in either?
The typical response to higher gas prices is to enlarge streets and highways. Albeit my commute shaved a minute or two, the pedestrian experience is diminished with arterial barriers inhibiting that which they meant to promote. Irony IS a two way street…literally.
Dallas is investing many efforts in enhancing the current infrastructure, and we as design professionals need to actively maintain the conversation for the sake of the future of Dallas, and it all starts with a beer and fun conversations at a local bar.
Be sure to join us next time!
Luke Archer
JHP Architecture / Urban Design
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