Permeable Pittsburgh

Permeable Pittsburgh is an idea focusing on transforming the River Avenue District into a multi-use community space that not only connects people to the river, but can also withstand storm water runoff and flooding. Creating spaces that have a more permeable surface than the existing concrete parking lots will assist in the ever going battle of flooding that happens along the Monongahela River. Permeable pavements and surfaces will also encourage more pedestrian flow, as redeveloping this area to not only be more permeable, but also to design the space in a way that will connect people with the River and create an outdoor space that coincides with the area better than the existing parking lots.

Site History

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is known as “The City of Bridges”, and with the building of bridges comes the implication that much water surrounds the city. In this case, Pittsburgh is home to over 440 bridges in total, so the majority of areas in the city are located in the floodplain. Pittsburgh also holds a nickname as "the Steel City" as it is home to over 300 steel related businesses and bridges. Located on the site are the famous industrial Heinz Lofts. The Lofts were built from 1907 to 1958 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Five of the buildings are listed as a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark.

Site Analysis

Site Location and Context

This site is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the River District. The site sits on approximately 45 acres and two well known bridges, the Veterans Bridge and the David McCullough Bridge.

Project Boundary

Pittsburgh's River District is located on the North Shore and is part of a larger plan to connect the pedestrian trail system that runs along the Monongahela River.

Existing Buildings

Two large warehouse buildings are located on the northern strip of the site, along with the famous Heinz Loft Buildings. Small residential buildings are also located sporadically across the site. On the southern portion of the site is the "Light of Life" building.

Existing Vegetation

Due to the immense amount of pavement, there is little to no existing vegetation on the site. Vegetation will help with storm water management and make the space more desirable to visit/live in.

Site Design

Bird's Eye View of Buildings

At the center of this site, there are two main corridors of mixed use buildings, with the first floor being commercial and the upper floors residential. Moving from the center circle and reaching the outer buildings are smaller commercial and office buildings. This site is much more pedestrian friendly, with wider sidewalks and pedestrian-only walkways that line the corridors. A large round-a-bout bus stop is located along one of the main entrance roads to the center of the site.

River Avenue Masterplan

Streetscape Plan

Green Space Plan

Streetscape Section Elevation

Open Space Section Elevation

Site Design Perspectives

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