Due to the overwhelming domination of the car, I often speak about “attrition of the automobile” and its importance in creating walkable and livable communities.  While the automobile has its place, it’s heavy handed use over time has created autocentric and unwalkable cities all over the United States.  It is essential that cities reclaim some of the public realm from the automobile to create more livable streets.

Interestingly, I just recently witnessed a case of automobile attrition right here in Brickell.  It seems that recent development and new emphasis on the pedestrian landscape has encouraged a property owner in Brickell to replace a small surface (parking) lot in front of  a building with a more pedestrian oriented and occupiable urban space fronting the sidewalk instead.  Over the last couple months, workers have been busy transforming the old parking spaces  into an elevated outdoor seating space for what I presume will be a restaurant (or expansion of the existing restaurant next door). 

In essence, the integration of the building within the urban fabric has been reconfigured to make it more responsive to pedestrians and more fitting with its surroundings.   Prior to these changes, the building’s parking layout served as a physical and visual barrier between the pedestrian and the building.   Much in the same way that buildings are setback behind inhospitable and unwalkable parking in the suburbs – pedestrians walking the streets were not greeted by a building facade or window but rather by a long row of car exhausts and vehicle bumpers that contribute nothing to the urban atmosphere.

Luckily, the transformation of the space will change this unfavorable dynamic and create a more lively and active environment on the streets.

(Image Above) Prior to the transformation, automobiles lined the entire length of the covered space (previously uncovered).  Now, there is a responsive outdoor terrace that contributes to the atmosphere and cars have been moved to the small driveway on the side of the building where they belong.  Attrition of the Automobile at it’s finest!

(Image Above) Doors previously hidden behind a row of cars now open directly into the outdoor space.  There is a much stronger connection between sidewalk and building. 

(Image Above) View from across the street.  Pedestrians are no longer sandwiched in between cars on the sidewalk and cars on the street. Instead, this will be welcomed by what will probably become a lively outdoor space that contributes to the atmosphere on the street.

Being that this new space is surrounded by a lively pedestrian landscape it should also provide much needed continuity between both ends of the building — therefore not serving as a urban barrier.  Even the doors into the building now seem so much more welcoming — they are no longer hidden behind a bunch of cars but rather they open directly into an occupiable urban space.  Cars of course will now move to their proper place — either to the drive way on the side of the building, on the street, or on the back of the building away from the sidewalk (service areas) — not directly in front of the building.

When I talk about attrition of the automobile — this is exactly what I mean.  As more residents move to Brickell and the area becomes more pedestrian friendly, we will hopefully see more of these types of urban interactions designed to restore the urban fabric back to the pedestrian.  This new space is sure to be more lively and enjoyable from the street than the parking that was there before!

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4. 1450 Brickell Avenue Tour
5. Walkable Times Square