To accommodate different types of programming, layered staircases are open to pedestrians areas.
Layered staircases provide entry points into multiple merchant areas. This includes spaces that a below grade. Often times, there is an elevator to promote accessibility. A variety of entrances create an atrium-like setting.
To introduce greenspace, the facades integrate small areas of bushes and scrubs directly in front of the building.
The areas in front of the building extend roughly 2 feet in front of the building. The spaces are well-manicured and feature native – local to the area – plant species. There is not enough space to plant trees.
Larger interior spaces with vendor stalls feature rows of stalls with dining tables in the center along a periphery but also large eating areas.
This design pattern focuses on creating an environment with multiple vendor food stalls. The food stalls measure rough 5 feet by 2 1/2 feet. There are food stalls are both sides of the corridor with tables in the middle. There is an additional eating area that is larger in size and features vendor stalls along the perimeter.
At the block scale, narrow passageways on the ground level transform the scale by serving as another access point.
These narrow passageways serve as an access point but also enable the development of secondary merchant spaces. Oftentimes these passageways are narrow in width which translates to the size of the merchant space. These merchant spaces are formal in nature but also provide an opportunity for inclusive economic development by providing inexpensive space for rent. The narrowness enclosure makes it a design challenge.
Area maps, post office drop boxes, and tiny libraries are methods of integrating social infrastructure.
Providing access points to social infrastructure provides the opportunity to promote knowledge sharing within the community. If a community does not have adequate resources to develop large projects, these smaller elements provide a mechanism to reach people. Besides post office drop boxes, these projects related to social infrastructure should be buildable through off the shelf hardware and common lumber sizes. In addition, the plans to build should be made freely available to promote knowledge sharing with other communities and maintain principles in open source.