ERIN A. MCCABE, RLA
landscape architecture
VINE CYCLE
Studio 702, Spring 2014
Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Critics: Trevor Lee, Ari Miller and Judy Venonsky
Vine Street is a sunken expressway and surface road running east to west through Philadelphia. The broad, two-level road creates a barrier between Center City and North Philadelphia and creates a void in surrounding neighborhoods.
Vine Cycle transforms Vine Street into a mobility corridor and amenity by replacing the existing industrial barrier between the expressway and street level with a vegetated structure stretching along Vine. This structure screens noise and pollution as it encircles and protects a new bike route across the city.
Vines planted in a gradient of color brings beauty and identity to the corridor. The structure also provides a dynamic view from the expressway below, improving the perception of Philadelphia for passing drivers.
Ride the Vine is a related, short-term project to build momentum for this longer-term project.