RECONNECTING THE WEST SHORE
[ GSAPP | Advanced Studio IV ]
[ GSAPP | Advanced Studio IV ]
LOCATION
The Hudson Valley, New York State
YEAR Spring 2022
ADVISOR(S) Pedro Rivera, Ubaldo Escalante
COLLABORATOR(S) Sebastian Bielski
Keywords | Urban planning, GIS, transportation, social inequities
YEAR Spring 2022
ADVISOR(S) Pedro Rivera, Ubaldo Escalante
COLLABORATOR(S) Sebastian Bielski
Keywords | Urban planning, GIS, transportation, social inequities
Decades of disinvestment from the regional transportation system has led to intense transit-based inequities across the Hudson Valley. In order to transform the accessibility of the valley’s west shore, this proposal looks at reactivating the historic western shore passenger rail line to reconnect cities that are now disconnected. This regional rail service would create a permeable transportation network, reduce locals’ carbon emissions by transitioning away from dependency on cars, and regenerate local economies and opportunities through transit-oriented development.
This proposal aims to establish a sequence of mobility hubs along the rail line that would serve as a critical connection between several transportation systems and create a more cohesive and equitable metropolitan system. The Newburgh hub transforms the surrounding urban-scape to encourage the use of more sustainable transportation systems. By favouring public transit and human-powered modes of transportation, the design of the Newburgh hub serves as a guide for communities in transportation transition.