Without Borders - Unifying Modern Patchwork Cities

Abstract

Title: Without Borders: Unifying Modern Patchwork Cities Summary: This thesis examines the question, how can American cities be designed or modifi ed to create a more unifi ed city, making it available to anyone who wishes to live or work within the city? A neighborhood within a city is the typology for examining the answer to the thesis question. The Theoretical Premise driving this research is ‘to create a better sense of social cohesion within the city,” and to minimize the borders that create the economic ‘patchwork effect’ while maintaining the cultural richness and bricolage that lures many people to live and work within its boundaries.’ The Justifi cation for the project is that social groups should not be forced into isolation from one another if the economic patchwork effect is ever going to be minimized. People should have access to the same amenities regardless of class and race, which can improve the living standards of low-income residents. In order to retain the character and appeal of Chicago and other cities, the connections within the city should be strengthened rather than weakened by the economic patchwork effect. The citizens, developers, private landowners, and the government will all be potentially affected by the thesis project, and could benefi t from the strengthening of connections throughout the city. Major components of the project include identifying residential areas that can be improved within the selected neighborhood. Improving residential, community, park spaces, and water quality will be the other major componenets. One neighborhood will be identifi ed and analyzed in the larger context of the city based on the economic and social status of the neighborhood. This thesis is about understanding the reasons why the neighborhood is disadvantaged and what conditions the residents live in; as well as how this neighborhood relates to the city as a whole. This project will explore ways to increase the living standards of the economically disadvantaged by creating a healthier living and working environment, which will allow for more social cohesion within the neighborhood and increase the social mobility of the residents. A mixedmethod, qualitative, and quantitative approach will be used to research and analyze the site. A concurrent transformative strategy will be used to guide the premise. Graphs, charts, sketches, text, GIS maps, digital models, and montages will be used to illustrate the analysis. Typology: A neighborhood within a city Key Words: Patchwork City, Unity, Eliminating Borders, Citizens, Chicago, Social Cohesion, Economically Disadvantaged, Developments, Neighborhoods, Connections, Water Quality