Reactivating Public Spaces through a System of
Transit-Oriented Produce Vendors
The re-activation of public spaces through the introduction of micro-spaces with the purpose of collective use, utilizing these designated points to fit the community's needs.
This project aims to address the needs of a community through a Chicago-centered lens, taking into consideration micro-segregation, public transport negligence, street vendor culture, and walkability.
Urbanist Conflicts Facing the Chicago Community
Neighborhood Micro-Segregation
Economic inequality isn't just limited to neighborhoods; it's part of the places you visit on an everyday basis.
This form of micro-segregation affects the ways in which we interact and perceive our neighbors.
Public Transportation Negligence
The places in which diverse groups of people co-exist with one another include transit spaces and public green spaces.
Our CTA transit system is neglected, leaving many to feel unsafe and wary of their own neighbors.
Street Vendor Culture
Street vending is an entrepreneurial endeavor for many immigrant Chicagoans, yet the city does not hold the infrastructure to support them.
The lack of legitimization can lead to harassment from unruly pedestrians or police officers.
A limited support system weakens the potential success of these vendors.
Walkability and Car Pollution
The concept of the large weekly grocery trip is a contemporary phenomenon present in American society.
Our infrastructure inhibits us from efficiently walking to a local shop and acquiring what we need for the day.
The carbon emissions from these unnecessary car trips have put a strain on our environment and created a disconnect in the cities in which we live.
Modular Produce Shelving
A transit-oriented network of produce vendor stalls deployed across CTA stations.
This system has the intention of re-selling leftover produce from surrounding grocery stores, farmers' markets, and community gardens at a discounted price.
Localized Zoning and Storage Hubs
In an effort to strengthen local economies, this concept aims for each zone to be self-sustained within a 2-mile radius, creating a total of 16 different hubs across the city.
Workers will be sourced from the surrounding communities to strengthen social ties and allow for shorter commutes.
Analyzing Suitable CTA Stations
Underpass and small plaza CTA stations offer the most favorable amount of space for the introduction of the produce vending units.
The overpasses provide a natural barrier to the elements while the small plazas provide just enough space to compliment the small scale of the produce vending units.
The California Blue Line station was utilized in this case study as it is one of the most transited stations in the system and is located in one of the fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods in Chicago. Models showcase existing infrastructure and opportunity spaces.
Walking paths were put into consideration when deciding on the scale and placement of the structures. It is important for the structures to be compact and spread out to prevent overcrowding.
Modular Base and Storage Structure
Base
made up of interlocking plywood panels and an insertable plywood flat base with cutouts for the storage towers to be inserted,
Cubes
formed with wooden rods held together through multiple joints which allows for quick assembly and maintenance.
Sacks
cotton fiber sacks which offer air circulation, and flexibility, are lightweight, washable, and easily replaceable.
