Illustrative neighborhood redevelopment

Abstract

Urban planning is implemented under many theories and purposes. But often times, due to difference in public preferences, plans can become inconsistent and lack harmony with other neighborhoods. Design theories may become muddled in other design theories. Sometimes, even basic design principles are undermined or ignored completely. The city of Buffalo, New York is distinguished by several major characteristics in area planning. However, those plans have been threatened by inconsistent planning from the past sixty years. Only in recent years have plans been sought for more concise methods to preserve the past and establish newer, progressive plans. The Illustrative Neighborhood Redevelopment Project is a visual example of how to bring urban and basic design principles together to revive a commercial corridor. This project utilizes an urban design movement known as new urbanism, which celebrates the proximity of an urban community by establishing a coherent, customized design plan for the subject neighborhood. This project also utilizes a comprehensive color pattern for all of the buildings and infrastructures. While color is often used for individual structures and its interior designs, it is very rarely considered for entire communities. It may serve as a helpful additive to bringing consistency to neighborhood redevelopment. The subject neighborhood is the Grant-Ferry Marketplace in the Upper West Side of Buffalo, New York. This commercial district contains the basic design principles of new urbanism design, and is currently experiencing a slow but steady revival as an international business district. The urban setting, combined with color theory became useful tools for bringing atmosphere to the neighborhood's new cultural identity.