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Moving Forward: The Role of Landscape Architects in Transit - Third Avenue Transit Corridor

2:45 - 3:45 pm
Location: Lynnwood Convention Center - Room 2A
Speakers: Matthew Porteous, ASLA; Nancy Chan, ASLA; Rob Kish

Description:

The landscape of the Seattle is rapidly changing and will continue to evolve as 60,000 more residents and 50,000 additional jobs are projected over the 10 years to come. The Downtown Seattle Association, the Seattle Mayor’s office and regional transit agencies agree that transit improvements are a priority for sustainable urban growth.

Transit presents a unique opportunity to create a more humane urban experience.  It is increasingly important that transit systems are multi-functional as the City densifies; they influence neighborhood identity and connect communities, and so must be democratic in nature. With more than 42,000 transit riders each day, Seattle’s Third Avenue is one of the busiest transit corridors in the country.

In this session, we will discuss the role of landscape architects in transit projects throughout history. Using the context of Third Avenue, we will explore and discuss strategies and challenges to increase transit functions, improve pedestrian safety, and elevate the quality of the streetscape and pedestrian experience while creating a stronger identity downtown.

The focus will be on the evolving role of the Landscape Architect as the primary player in defining, humanizing and balancing the demands of social responsibility, safety, mobility, CPTED, and environmental obligations. HSW-Yes

Learning Objectives:
  • Exploring role of Landscape Architects in Urban Transit Projects
  • Explore challenges and opportunities with multi-agency projects with federal funding
  • Discuss the impacts of changes to the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel
Speaker Bios:

Matthew Porteous, ASLA
Principal, HEWITT
Matt’s particular expertise lies in master planning, urban design, and landscape design with integrated and sustainable systems. Over the years he has partnered with dozens of communities and architectural and engineering firms designing a diverse range of urban projects including civic and campus public spaces, mixed-use/ residential, commercial, transit, and education. His passion lies in the activation of civic infrastructure and pedestrian-focused streetscapes that create vibrant community additions.

Nancy Chan, ASLA
Landscape Designer, HEWITT
Nancy’s passion lies in the creation of vibrant urban spaces through the utilization of urban design and placemaking principles. Her experience with mixed-use residential projects in swiftly-densifying Seattle neighborhoods and as part of the Third Avenue Transit Corridor design team has shaped her perspective about the future of the Landscape Architect profession.

Rob Kish
Landscape Architect, HEWITT
Rob’s interest in open spaces and transit stems from the depth of their impact on urban perception of and satisfaction with city life. He looks for opportunities to introduce materials, technology, and sustainable elements in innovative and educational ways to capture and inspire public imagination. His perspective is informed by his experiences living in Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; Providence, RI; Charlotte, NC; and Boston, MA.