City market : creating an urban oasis in the Circle City

Abstract

Downtown Indianapolis is rich in historic and contemporary architectural styles. Great attention was paid to the tiniest of architectural details, giving the city of Indianapolis a most unique and impressive downtown. Although this city has great potential, statistics show that chronic diseases such as obesity. asthma, diabetes, heart disease and depression are highly prevalent, and on the incline. Lack of proper nutrition, poor diet and exercise are contributing factors to this widespread epidemic, however the urban environment around us is the key component. With the increasing prevalence of sprawl, the vehicle-dominated metropolis is stricken with traffic congestion that strains patience and degrades air quality. The design of our urban centers and public spaces do not create the need, the desire or the opportunity for people to walk, let alone promote active types of exercise. Urban spaces are left derelict and commercial structures have become unused, catering to the declining health of the people, the environment, and the economy. In Indianapolis' Mile Square, lost space and lack of detail in-between the beautiful buildings, has created a missing link that segregates the downtown core. As an alternative, healthy communities can act as a paradigm for improving the physical and social environments that increase the quality of life for all people who live, work and play there. Urban spaces found within these communities can act as an underlying framework that promotes health and wellness, offering the benefits of more walking, more social interaction and psychological respite (www.environment.emory.edulwhololmsted.html) Frederick Law Olmsted recognized the connection between health and human circumstance and brought those ideals to the forefront in American design philosophy. He profoundly understood that the parks and campuses he and colleagues designed were for human well-being-cultural, physical and social (www.environment.emory.edu/who/olmsted.html). Bringing pieces of the natural environment back into urban spaces can foster community wellness and can enhance people's ability to function effectively, both physically and mentally. Most recently his ideas are being explored in more specialized settings such as medical institutions. through the implementation of therapeutic gardens. These spaces promote healing and restore sense of peace, however, they stop at the institution's edge and they are not carried out into the community where stresses of urban life deplete human well-being. It is necessary to engage in activities that restore -spent energy" (Beveridge 34). Case studies include Paley Park and Bryant Park in New York City. Even though these spaces possess different characteristics, they all hold common ties of providing open space that caters to the renewal and restoration of mind, body and spirit.This study looks at the historical background, relevant theory and major design issues and trends related to healthy urban environments. For my specific study, I redesigned the City Market in downtown Indianapolis. This master plan incorporates many ideas and design considerations related to healthy urban design and also looks to create a more dynamic City Market that can promote different types of physical activity and social interaction. Applying some of William Whyte's design principles for urban spaces to the existing large gathering spaces, small intimate spaces and alleyways, this new City Market will ultimately become an urban oasis for healing, comfort, and respite that will restore a sense of pride and rejuvenate the community.