Landscape Architect Articles

UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Students Win University-Level Los Angeles Traffic Median Design Competition08-03-16 | Department

UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Students Win University-Level Los Angeles Traffic Median Design Competition
Alli Rael, LASN

In 2014, the streets of San Jose, Calif., got a colorful upgrade. The city's Downtown Street Life Plan, designed by CMG Landscape Architecture and approved by the San Jose Downtown Association, included art crosswalks as a dynamic and quick way to bring art, color and life to downtown. All were created with Ennis-Flint's DecoMark products, part of the TrafficScapes line. These thermoplastic markings are designed to last 5-8 years. The art at the intersection of 1st and San Salvador Streets was designed by Scape Martinez.

In downtown San Jose, Calif., the Downtown Street Life Plan called for the improvement of connectivity, the enhancement of character and identity, and the promotion of street life. Designed by CMG Landscape Architecture and completed in February of 2014, it offered "?'?N????e'?N,A+ la carte" and location-based placemaking ideas for the city. Murals, seating areas, parklets and planters were just a few of the many suggestions offered up to create delightful, interesting and attractive streets. With approval from the San Jose Downtown Association, art crosswalks were installed to bring some color and personalization within districts.

Asphalt Impressions installed the Ennis-Flint DecoMark preformed thermoplastic markings specified by CMG Landscape Architecture. The DecoMark products, part of the company's TrafficScapes line, are engineered for durability, guidance, aesthetics and traffic calming. They are expected to last from five to eight years.

In line with the goals of the Downtown Street Life Plan, the products are designed to enhance traffic safety at intersections; provide design elements to complement a complete streets community; channel pedestrians across busy areas; promote and revitalize community image; and attract new businesses and developments, all while making an artistic statement.

While several art crosswalks were installed throughout the downtown area, the focus was on three: San Pedro Street, the SoFA District (South First Area), and Paseo de San Antonio. The public was included in brainstorming design ideas for the crosswalks, then an artist was hired. Meetings with the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Transportation ensured the sites were suitable for art, and that the artist had all the relevant information to prepare a design. They then discussed materials with the manufacturer before designing the art for the crosswalk, which had to be approved by the community, the Office of Cultural Affairs, the DOT, the manufacturer, and the San Jose Public Art Committee. Once all the necessary approvals were given, the contractor was hired, materials ordered, permits obtained, and the crosswalks installed. The art crosswalks are surface-applied: adhesive is placed on the asphalt, followed by the design, then the entire piece is heated with an infrared StreetHeat machine.

San Pedro Street
Artist Lacey Bryant (www.laceybryant.com) designed the crosswalks where San Pedro Street intersects Santa Clara and St. John Streets. Bryant reached out to the San Pedro Committee of business and property owners, retailers, residents, the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Transportation for input. The colors and design were inspired by the style and color palette of historic buildings in the area. Key symbols include the California poppy, which hearkens back to San Jose's history as the state's first capital, and the moth, which symbolizes nightlife and change.

SoFa District
The artwork in the intersection of 1st and San Salvador Streets was designed by artist Scape Martinez (www.scapemartinez.com). With input from various local organizations, the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Transportation, Martinez designed a funky and dynamic abstract piece to be experienced both up close and from afar. His goal was to echo the unconventional, artistic and dynamic character of the community.

Paseo de San Antonio
Where Paseo de San Antonio intersects 3rd and 4th streets, artist Corinne Okada Takara (www.okadadesign.com) created a historically inspired crosswalk. Three main images are repeated in the design, which was created with the input of business and property owners, residents, San Jose Downtown Association staff, and the Office of Cultural Affairs. The color blue is representative of the Guadalupe River, the hub of early San Jose transportation and industry. The Chinese knot pattern, in the darker blue strips, honors Chinatown and echoes the curves of public art that weaves down Paseo de San Antonio. The circuitry elements symbolize San Jose's technological role within Silicon Valley, and alludes to the chandeliers in downtown San Jose entertainment venues.

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2016.