Green Buffalo.
Site Overview
Buffalo Bayou has in more recent years become increasingly populated with pedestrians, park-goers, and nearby traffic. After its renovation a few years ago, it became a much more popular attraction amongst the city of Houston.
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The implementation of running trails, pet amenities, and even a restaurant all had a part in the dynamic change in demographic. The park is popular with many young professionals, who would likely share the same interest in its natural presence.
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The Green Buffalo Transit System aims to be low-impact towards the park itself. Creating a very industrial appearance with many materials like concrete would almost be sure to have a negative reception to the park and the people who visit and care for it. This system of travel is merely hoping to take the desires of the visitors and meet them. If the system of travel could get you to where you want to go faster, and allow you the see the park at a different angle then the goal will be met.
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The well-being of the park is at the top of the priority list for the project, will any harsh outcomes being strongly avoided. The specific intersection of Waugh Dr. and Allen Parkway brought many insights during research, and is almost like the "hub" of the entire project.
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Figure 1: Study of traffic and pedestrian flow at Waugh Dr. and Allen Parkway
Upon investigation, the team found that normally the most populated time at the park is in the middle of the day. Occasionally during warmer months this may be different with a highly populated afternoon, but overall most visitors come in the middle of the day for both weekends and weekdays. The Green Buffalo Transit System could likely even bring more visitors during the morning and afternoons, keeping the park attendance at a constant high throughout the day. Since people who work downtown may use the system as a means of commuting sustainably, this may bring a whole new demographic to the park at different times.
Vegetation remains naturally abundant along the bayou even after massive flooding events. Some areas a very well shaded and could be ideal docking station spots. Using shaded spots along the bayou could lower cost of the docking stations as well by needing to implement less shading strategies. The possible use of replanting strategies could help as well. The most dense areas of vegetation could also provide materials like wood that are needed for structures like the docking stations.
Figure 2: Vegetation study at Waugh Dr. and Allen Parkway