Infrastructure As Landscape

About this Project

Restoring and extending the existing urban fabric into the Inner Loop Highway in Rochester, New York provides access and reconnects historically isolated communities with a revitalized city center. The development of interstate highways in American cities has led to the disenfranchisement and economic decimation of minority communities. Urban highways were part of a larger program of targeted displacement and disconnection through redlining. As Rochester’s ring-road removal has already opened up new opportunities
for weaving the southeastern neighborhoods with a reviving downtown. This work explores new opportunities to build upon the city’s legacy as a
center for technological advancements, a hub of social activity, and satisfying a demand for people to live downtown. A human-scale city street for all
users will replace the highway over the Genesee River. There are new opportunities for development on land that was once inaccessible due to the infrastructure barriers. Proposed buildings can be utilized as multifunctional spaces that can hold mixed-use programs. New public space and water-
front amenities create a new center of activity for Rochester bringing people into direct connection with the Genesee River and its High Falls. A lift lock system is integrated into the falls which creates a new path of circulation between the upper and lower segments of the river. These elements combined with holistic urban-scale development allow for a restoration of the city that catalyzes
economic and social revitalization.