APATX Legacy Project: Urban Design Proposal of Angel Crossing
The Student Planning Association (SPA) at UTA collaborated with the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) to propose the Legacy Project: An Urban Design Proposal of "Angel Crossing." This proposal would create a dynamic space fostering engagement and creativity, hosting festivities and community events year-round for residents, students, and tourists in the City of Allen, TX. As urban planners and designers, their mission is to transform spaces to meet people's needs. The programs they decided to implement at the site respond to the area's food desert status, community needs, and economic growth.
The urban design proposal began with a thorough assessment of a strategically chosen site in Allen, recommended by the city's Director of Community Development. A site visit was conducted to familiarize with established design principles, including landscaping, parking configurations, building setbacks, storefront design, and pedestrian accessibility. The proposal has some standout features. One of them is the extensive 30-foot landscape buffer designed to minimize noise and enhance the overall experience for residents. This buffer will also connect to an adjacent trail system, fostering a sense of community and encouraging outdoor activity. The design also incorporates a courtyard space inspired by Ft Worth's Sundance Square - a versatile area for outdoor dining, community events, and cultural celebrations. Surrounding the space will be a stunning mural that captures the local culture, serving as a landmark and a gathering point for communal activities. A medium-sized dog park is also implemented to recognize the needs of pet owners in the community. The space will cater to residents' pets and provide a serene landscape for owners to unwind and connect with nature. The development will truly maximize user satisfaction.
When asked about their challenges during the planning process, Juan Piña, current president of SPA, said, "As architecture students, we only knew how to plan sites besides finding resources, and getting familiar with ordinances was challenging. However, it took work staff such as Amanda Aman and David Franco to contribute time and shared resources for us to examine as we planned our site." The next step is to inform the community of the development idea. The students plan to conduct community engagement workshops to ensure the vision aligns with the community's aspirations. These sessions will allow them to gather feedback and refine ideas, cultivating a site representing the people's voice. A site that Juan and his team members wish the residents could call home.
This project has been a transformative learning experience for the students/team members, equipping them with practical knowledge beyond architecture studios. "Researching and following city ordinances, knowing where utility easements are placed, understanding how a budget affects design, and presenting to the planning and zoning commission were all experiences that students can take with them and implement in their studios and professional practice," Juan emphasized.
The Student Planning Association (SPA) is a registered and APA-recognized Planning Student Organization with the American Planning Association. For more information: https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/cappa/students/student-organizations/spa