Difference between revisions of "Green Alley Research Center"
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=== Typical Cross Section Design === | === Typical Cross Section Design === | ||
[[Image:Alley - typical cross section image.png|thumb|left|500px|IPCI Designers Guide <small> (see link below) </small>]] | [[Image:Alley - typical cross section image.png|thumb|left|500px|IPCI Designers Guide <small> (see link below) </small>]] | ||
− | [[Image:Alley - typical cross section detail.png|thumb| | + | [[Image:Alley - typical cross section detail.png|thumb|250px|Morton Arboretum]] |
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* [http://www.icpi.org/myproject/DesignProfessionalsPICP-20.pdf Design Professional Guide] | * [http://www.icpi.org/myproject/DesignProfessionalsPICP-20.pdf Design Professional Guide] |
Revision as of 21:18, 14 June 2009
This project is intended to create a model for sustainable alleys of the future for our city and region... yeah, maybe the world. One of our culture's least favorable faces can be found in our alleys. So often an alley is a visible representation of the worst of our culture...the waste, trash, concrete...no life...an urban wasteland. And yet, we long for a more respectful relationship with the earth than our alleys represent. The way we treat the earth in our alleys hurts our whole earth community. What a possibility they represent to bring new life to our alleys and make them a source of vitality and renewal to our community. What new life could the light from the sun bring forth in an alley? The people Africa imagined a different future for their alleys and they now have "alley farms" that help feed their community. A grandmother in one of the poorest, polluted areas of the world...has created thriving green oasis' in the alleys of Jakarta. Our alleys spaces have great possibilities...we need to just envision a new future and make it happen. Who knows where this may lead...all we need is one green alley...and then another.
This is the story of one alley in Detroit. It is between Canfield and Prentis off Second in the midtown section of Detroit.
Contents
Learning from Other's Thinking
- Green Streets are covered in Christopher Alexander's - A Pattern Language. He encourages all low volume roads be paved only with stones for the wheel tracks and leave the rest green...open to the earth below. He states "There's too much hot asphalt in the world." The asphalt and concrete destroy the microclimate...they do nothing with the solar energy that falls on them, they are unpleasant to walk on, nowhere to sit, no where for children to play, the natural drainage is devastated; animals and plants are paved away.
Learning from Other's Work
- Chicago Green Alleys Description of the great work being done in Chicago on greening their alleys. The key is the award winning Chicago Green Alley Handbook.
- Portland's Green Streets - Excellent set of goals and benefits. Also, the 2007 Portland (Maine) Green Streets Tour Map (pdf) gives wonderful examples of what can be done...see the pictures of the Eco-lock pavers. Also, look at the city council resolution it's very good.
- Green Alleys Filter Water - short CNN story on the benefits of greening the alleys in Chicago. Shows how the alleys are playing a new role in cleaning the water before it gets to the Lake Michigan.
- Liverpool Alley Report This little project was part of a Masters Thesis by a man named Matthew Cocks in Liverpool. I'm including it because it shows how he worked with a resistant community to make it happen, and it also took very little money. In essence, he worked with the residents to clean up and green the alley with plants. Take a look at the report.
- Community Greens This project deals with all kinds of shared spaces, including alleyways. Like the project above, this concentrates on adding plant material for beauty. One thing this site mentions, in addition to many others I've read, is that it may be important to put up gates if you are worried about material being trashed or stolen. Just a thought. "The mission of Community Greens is to catalyze the development of shared green spaces inside residential blocks in cities across the United States. We call these green spaces community greens. We believe that the Community Greens approach presents the best opportunity to add usable green space to our cities by converting underutilized backyards and dysfunctional alleys into functional and beautiful shared green spaces that are owned, managed, and enjoyed by the people who live around them."
- Green Alleys Contribute to Sustainable Cities - One woman from Canada writes about loving alleys and what she feels can be done to make them an important element to sustainable cities.
- Indonesia's Green Grandma - Video of a woman from one of the poorest neighborhoods in Jakarta teaches her neighbors about recycling, composting and grow plants....and in the process has greened her alley as part of her life-long teaching on the importance of the environment.
- Story of a Baltimore Alley and much more - here's an alley that was adopted by a women in Baltimore ...the article has a lot resources and examples around the world of greening of alleys activities.
- Vancouver's Sustainable Streets projects...look at the Country Lane example.
- Study of Permeable Pavements going on since 2004 at Seneca College in Ontario. Here is an overview report.
Resources
Overall
Permeable Pavements - Design
- Great little animation and brochure of porous pavement
- Some design ideas for urban areas from Permapave click on '06 - Urban Design.'
- Porous Pavement Overview Nice simple video overview of Porous Pavements
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute websitethat has excellent information for the permeable paver pavement design.
- Permeable pavement overview - excellent overview of the permeable pavement design.
- Permeable pavement FAQs
- Permeable Pavement Comparison Guide very helpful comparison of pavers, concrete and asphalt...oblivious bias towards the pavers, but does address a lot of the issues. just the comparison chart.
- Permeable Paver tech Specs I- Summary of all specs available. Again excellent resource.
- Permeable Paver tech Specs II - detailed drawings and standard tech sheets
- Pavement Design Specs with engineering calculations for design given traffic patterns and vehicle weights
- LEED Guide to Permeable Pavements
- Great summary chart from the British Green Guide...that rates concrete pavers as the best "A" rating among the choices...with and in depth analysis of factors.
- Concrete Paver Information - full set of information from installation, paver thickness, specs and easy utility repair.
- Surface Infiltration Rate Study - Definitive study of water infiltration performance of permeable pavers over time.
- PP Comparison and Overview
- Heat Island Mitigation Paper
Permeable Pavements - Materials
- Reclaimed Pavers
- Detroit reclaimed brick companies Talked to Dwight (or leroy) at Historic Brick Co. on Chene in Detroit. They can get the used pavers ($0.75/ea). Will visit on 7/8. (313) 921-0700.
- Reclaimed Pavers Gavin Historic Brick Company (Ill)
- Reclaimed Brick Pavers from Vintage Brick Salvage (Ill)
- Used Pavers at Old World
- Permeable Pavers
- Paver products from Interlock - Turfstone and Uni-Eco Stone
- GeoSystems Porous Pavement Options also a detailed manual for the installation of Geoblock an interlocking soil stabilization-type system including estimating worksheets.
- Enviro-grid - could be the most economical solution...supports recycling ideas
- Terra-firm's eco-grid product as a soil stabilizer system in the center between the tracks. Made from 100% recycled plastic.
- Green Innovations porous pavement solutions with recycled plastic.
- Invisible Structures Gravelpave2 Product - they also do a lot with storm water management...pretty smart thinking...see Rainstore2. Local contact ... Brian Francis Phone: (313) 881-1777
- Oaks Concrete Products, 51744 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393 - (248) 684-5004, Fax: (248) 684-2726 and Turf-slab
- Enviro-slab $3.22 sf Turf-slab $5.95ea (size 23.6 x 16 x 3.15 D)(30 pieces)
- Technical guys - Dave / Mike) Sales: Scott Palmer Made in Canada.
- Talked to Mike S. at the headquarters in Ontario Canada. he stated the following:
- Good study of permeable pavers at Senaca College in Ontario.
- He said that keeping the silt out of the paver aggregate openings is key. Some people sweep the area annually to keep it clean.
- Digging deep for the aggregate base is key...its the pool that holds the water while it soaks into the natural ground water.
- key benefit is the reduction of cost in the storm sewer infrastructure.
- There are a couple projects using there permeable products in the Detroit area. Call Mike S. in Wixom when he returns from vacation.
- J-drain could be used as a custom way to make all pavers permeable or help at the curb.
- Unilock - has a series of permeable pavers. One of them is Eco-loc.
- County Materials has two pavers: Grass Pavers and H2O Pavers The H2O page had this diagram. Here's the brochure for the H2O Product.
- They are using Terra-firm's eco-grid product as a soil stabilizer system in the center between the tracks. Made from 100% recycled plastic.
City of Detroit
- Municipal Code Alleys are in Chapter 50 - Articles V and VI.
- City Engineering Division responsible for construction and reconstruction of streets and alleys.
- Called 7/9 and was told that the Specification Detail + Detail of Standards (two book series)is being printed (50 copies) and will be available by the July 18th for $25.
- Called 7/21 asked if the books were ready...talked to Lesley Lord..not in ...call on Friday - July 25.
Waste / Recycling
- Recyclean - Matt Naimi ...local recycling company
- Matt suggested the following based on our meeting on 7/24:
- Single-Stream Recycling approach
- with a single dumpster that unsorted recyclables would be placed
- locked
- Trash
- Can handle a compactor
- Will calculate number and frequency of pickup for regular dumpster
- Already handles the Canfield Lofts complex...they have recycling
- Single-Stream Recycling approach
- Matt suggested the following based on our meeting on 7/24:
Lighting
- City of Ann Arbor LED street lighting project with Cree and Lumecon.
- LED City by CREE is an initiative to promote use of LEDs by cities around the world. LED City brochure.
- Lumecon is a Farmington Hills company that distributes the ReLume LED street lamp.
- Solar One - Solar powered street lighting systems
- U of M Professor help to create a solar/wind street light demo at Buhr Park.
Vehicle Bollards
- Alternative Transportation from NYC put together this great summary report on the use of bollards to make pedestrian friendly zones.
- Chapter 5 - Institute of Transportation Engineers discussion of the Fire and Police aspects of restricting access via the use of bollards
- Maxi Force Bollards - removable and fold down bollards...multi color
- Cal Pipe's Retractable bollard - manual and automated bollards
- Reliance Foundry Bollards - more of an historical look
- SecureUSA - historical / removable barrier
- Wausau Tile Concrete Bollards - nice selection
- TrafficGaurd bollards - orange
- Bollards that illuminate
Sustainable Alley Design Considerations
The alley is alive...it is a living system. All great design starts from here and joins with this life, respects it and unfolds with it.
There is an important need to first consider the way the space interacts with the the earths most powerful natural systems - the water, sun, wind and land and our living relatives.
Water
Goals
- reduce the rapid runoff by returning water to the natural water cycles (out of the human water cycles.)
- have the water be cleaner leaving the alley than when it entered
- Prevent toxins and oil runoff
- Garbage
- support natural water storage by reducing the amount of pavement and bare soil
- snow removal?
Actions
- Use pervious/permeable pavements that let the water return to the natural water table.
- Harvest the water from the building's runoff
- Use native plants that have roots that clean the water
- Encourage the growth of microbes that can actually clean the water.
Observations
- We went and observed the alley during a nice rain storm on July 12, 2008. Here is how water made its way to the drains and large ponding areas. We took a video of the whole alley during the rain...watch it here.
Resources
Detroit Average Monthly Precipitation (includes snowfall)
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1.91" 1.88" 2.52" 3.05" 3.05" 3.55" 3.16" 3.10" 3.27" 2.23" 2.66" 2.51" TOTAL 32.89"
Actual 2007 Detroit Monthly Precipitation
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 3.02" 0.82" 3.09" 2.68" 2.56" 3.10" 2.10" 6.61" 1.44" 2.00" 1.77" 3.48" TOTAL 32.67"
Actual 2006 Detroit Monthly Precipitation
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 3.24" 2.71" 3.21" 2.71" 4.6" 3.95" 4.38" 2.05" 1.73" 4.11" 2.9" 3.65" TOTAL 39.24
Actual 2005 Detroit Monthly Precipitation
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 3.40" 3.02" 0.74" 1.66" 1.85" 1.95" 5.38" 1.33" 1.63" 0.13" 4.70" 2.52" TOTAL 33.58"
Actual 2004 Detroit Monthly Precipitation
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1.43" 0.63" 3.29" 0.69" 8.46" 2.86" 2.85" 4.52" 0.65" 2.08" 3.21" 2.91" TOTAL 28.31"
Detroit Average Monthly Snowfall
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 11.9" 9.3" 7.0" 1.7" Trace 0" 0" 0" 0" 0.3" 2.7" 11.1"
NOAA's National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office
Sun
Goals
- Eliminate "heat island" effect that affects our climate and the habitat
Actions
- Green screen using native plants on the south sides of buildings
- Use ground covers (natural and man made) that process the sun energy efficiently and reduce the heat build up.
- Use trees for shade canopy...especially on the south and west sides
- Lighter pavement color can reduce the surface temperatures by 20 - 40 degrees and air temperatures by 2 - 4 degrees.
Observations
- July 29, 2008 @ 9 AM pictures of the sun
- July 24, 2008 @ noon pictures of the sun
- The sun pattern is affected by the height of the buildings on the south side. This is why the center of the alley (near the MCBW) is much brighter during the day.
- A video of sun patterns on the alley
- August 4, 2008 @ 3 PM pictures of the sun
Wind/Air
Goals
- Encourage healthy air movement...prevent wind tunnels
Actions
- Keep an "east-west" air pathway open
- Add natural uneven surfaces
Observations
- The alley runs east-west and has a nice breeze most of the time.
Land and Our Relatives
Goal
- Reduce our waste stored in the alley and sent to incinerator
- Allow the land to breathe
- Give a bird, a bee, a butterfly and a worm a reason to visit the alley ... allow the essential interconnectedness of life to return
- Reduce night light pollution and noise pollution
- Establish a natural canopy system of interdependence
Action
- Study the plant life...the land is bring forth life against all odds (mostly human.)
- Study the garbage and determine the source and consider changing to no-waste purchasing habits
- Establish a neighborhood composting center with education (lasagna garden)
- Establish a neighborhood recycling center
- Establish food gardens
- Leave some of the land unpaved
Observations
- Helen was visited by a butterfly when she walked down the alley
- How do we meet the other human needs for the space so the space fits in the natural world and creates a life giving system for the community.
- When I spent a day in the green garage there are many birds singing in the area. With some nesting areas they could really change the sound of the alley.
- There are some flowers in the alley... day lilies/ No native flowers that would attract and support the insects.
- John L. observed that there is an increase in rats in the area because several nearby abandoned buildings were torn down.
Other Human Needs
Goals
- Builds community wellbeing...strengthens relationships with all members of the community
- safety.... safe lighting at night, walking surface
- accessibility...all can traverse the space safely - barrier free
- eliminate noise pollution
- create a sense of an inviting community space
Action
- Use a "community-based" design approach to get input from all
- meet proper night lighting requirements
- Winter snow removal needs
Second, how do we reduce our impact on the eco-system?
Energy Footprint
Goal
- Reduce the energy required to build, maintain and operate the alley and its environs
Actions
- reuse materials...concrete, pavers
- use natural building techniques
- reduce the need for artificial lighting
- use LED street lights...
- reduce need for maintenance.
- use local suppliers of materials
- Support the 'enlightened" Transportation Pyramid
Observations
- Pedestrians and bicyclist exit the Blackstone onto the alley.
No Waste
Goal
- No materials leave the site
- Reuse and recycle materials
- reduce waste of new materials
Actions
- Reuse the concrete that is removed as crushed aggregate
- Soil?
- create build dimensions for new materials that reduce cutting + waste
Utilities
- Lighting - City of Detroit?
- Electrical - DTE
- Water - DPS
- Telephone -
- Storm Sewer - DPS
Benefit Ideas
- "In making the case for porous pavement, Bruce Ferguson provides compelling statistics on the severity of the problem of impervious surface in urban areas. In typical commercial development, for example, the overall impervious area averages 85%, with two-thirds of that from pavement and one-third from roofs. Porous pavement, where it can be implemented, provides such benefits as cleaner surface water (by allowing stormwater to be treated where it infiltrates the ground instead of carrying pollutants into surface waters), cooler cities, quieter cities, safer driving, and better tree survival rates. Porous Pavements clearly articulates these benefits and others. "
Design Studio
This is the area that the design concepts for the alley can be worked out.
Overall Concept
- Dan has a vision of a Cass Farms - Block 99 community. It would bounded by Cass - Prentis - Canfield and Second Ave. It is a powerful vision for imagining what is possible if we worked together.
- Zac created a wonderful "green" vision for the block in this sketch below.
Potential Traffic Pattern/Use
- This idea has a pedestrian only area from Second Ave to the east end of the Motor City Brewing Works. This would allow this entire area to be safe with historic brick pathways through lush greenery. It is similar to the Community Greens or Courtyards in the examples of other city's above.
- The abutting property owners would own to the center of the road and be able to landscape in ways that improve the attractiveness of their properties. The large planting areas then would allow the area to control and contain its own water. The costs would be much less than the vehicle paving would be. Each owner could think of there needs. This is allowed with a 2/3's vote of the abutting property owners.
Alley Surface
Ideas
Design
Typical Cross Section Design
Native Plants
Ideas
- Right Plant - Right Place: sun exposure, moisture, scale, season, wildlife habitat role
- Increase the bio-diverity...the greater the number of species the greater the sustainability.
- We are restoring the habitat...and ourselves.
- Possible Native Plants (for others look in Native Plant Nursery and Michigan Native Plant List:
- Wild flowers: Cone flowers, coreopsis, black-eyed susan, bee balm, yarrow, little and big blue stem, golden alexanders, butterfly weed, asters
- Rain Garden: Turtlehead, spiderwort, joe pye weed, common milkweed, swamp milkweed, golden rod, indian hemp, blue iris
- Vine: Virginia Creeper, Virgin's Bower
- Shrub: Serviceberry, redtwig dogwood, nannyberry, viburnum,
- Small trees: Serviceberry, staghorn sumac, swamp birch, buttonwood
Design
Potential Design Process
Step #1 - Build community coalition
- neighbors
- businesses
- UCCA
- Government
- City of Detroit
- Potential Funders
- Other NGO's
- Greening of Detroit
Step #2 - Build Awareness and Understanding of Existing Alley system (As-Is)
- Develop a base-line dimensioned map of the area..
- Become aware of how the natural elements are present and are interacting in the alley
- Water - Where does the water flow when it rains? How much water? What are it's sources? Where are the dry areas? Where are the wet areas where the water stands?
- Sun - trace the light throughout the day; When and where is it light? When does it get dark?
- Wind - How does the air move?
- Land and Our relatives - What kind of soil? Is there any life? What plants are there now? Where do they grow naturally? What animals
- Become aware of the current built environment
- Lighting - what street lights currently exist? Location...brightness.
- Location and height of current buildings
- Document current human activity
- motor vehicles - volumes, types (cars, trucks), destinations
- trash - number and type of disposal containers, number of pickups
- lighting - street lights and types, brightness
- entrance doors
- any bicycle or pedestrian traffic?
- Understand city ordinance requirements
Step #3 - Take Mindful Action (To Be)
- Find Resources
- Landscape architect
- native plant person
- pavement engineer
- natural building expert
- local suppliers of the materials
- Community-minded requirements
- Meet informally to gauge neighborhood interest and priorities
- Hold a design charette to get requirements from all businesses and residents
- Eco-minded design
- Develop small footprint alternatives to meet requirements and yet be sustainable
- bring it together in an overall design and cost estimate
- develop a phased approach for the
- Community-minded Design
- Have the design reviewed by all neighbors and city together
- Develop ways for the alley-commons to be managed
- what could the
- Space sharing
- maintenance plan
- Cost sharing (initial and ongoing)
- Setup organization for the alleys long-term care
- develop ways for the community to be involved with the building of the new alley
- City Approval of Green Alley Design
- Present to City Council