Right to Commute | Right of Wild Way | Right for Memories
Transportation as Negotiation of the Urban Landscape

Near Future City : Landscape Architecture Studio, Spring 2022
Instructor: Lorena Bello Gómez

Commuting to work, sensing the place, and memories of the city are the essences of the journey travelling to, out, and within Mattapan, valued in proposal’s ‘Right of Way.’ The project proposes ‘The Right to Commute’: joining Mattapan Square to Forest Hills Station (Orange Line) with Surface Light Rail trolleys to close the loop and provide more options in traveling. The application of the rail supports the ‘Right of Wild Way’ in integrating the tracks into roads and pedestrain walkways, as well as vegetation beds with permeable surfaces. Lastly, the new route takes the Mattapan Trolley, an icon of the city, trolley to use in the city, as its capacity and speed suits better, while keeping the history, enhancing the ‘Right for Memories.’

Mattapan Square will serve as a transportation hub and leads the light rail trolley into the city. Side walks are extended in place of the old street parking, turning into terraces to support the local economy and swales with shade from street trees. The center roundabout reclaims the space for pedestrians, giving glory to the community's sculpture, also facilitating plants and storm water management. Compacting the intersection forms a legible space which highlights the commuter’s memories of the city.

Annual to daily maintenance will need to be performed to sustain the system. With care, the benefit is given back, from the citizens to infrastructures and to the city, the quality of lives would be risen. The negotiation of the Urban and the Landscape is The Near Future.