The concept of a rest house originates from the Newari Architecture rooted in the traditional cities of Kathmandu Valley. These were usually placed at en- trances of the cities alongside a water fountain such that travelers and mer- chants could take some rest. At present, this module can be appropriated to ease pedestrian mobility in topographically diverse Pittsburgh as well as ad- dress issues regarding the lack of drink- ing fountains in the region. With regions in and around Pittsburgh facing issues such as flooding, the component itself could also cater to reducing stormwater runoff when placed along steeper slopes. Although this module is similar to a bus stop, the module could be present in any region, along any street regardless of bus routes and provides a space for the public to meet as well, eventually becoming a common space.

Context

Pittsburgh’s topography to me seems very similar to Kathmandu’s. It is quite fascinating for me to see the difference in how topographical conditions and transportation systems have been dealt with in these two conditions. I’m interested in exploring the pedestrian conditions in Pittsburgh and investigate its relationship with the existing public transportation system and ecology. In a Kathmandu, we have resthouses that allow passersby a chance to sit and at times drink from a water spout nearby. For Pittsburgh, especially the Four Mile Run watershed / Oakland Sewershed I’m looking at, I would like to explore if I can introduce a version of a resthouse that aids pedestrian mobility in the region but is also integrated to address issues such as stormwater management.

Due to its diverse topographical features, the region around the Four-Mile Run Sewershed was selected for the project. It is also well connected to public transportation system but there are some obvious spaces that would benefit from these rest stops.

The sewershed comprises of two educational institutions and subsequently larger student populations, making any improvements to urban commute viable.

Analysis

The provision of the rest-house in any region would primarily depend on factors such as

• Topography of the place - how steep the slope is.
• Distance and time required to walk to Bus Stops
• Field of Absences regarding Bus Stops

The rest-stop does not take up much space, 3’ x 15’ preferable, the gradient of the sidewalk would dictate presence of the following amenities such as

• Table
• Stormwater Management Units

The garbage unit, seating, drinking fountain as well as the light and notice boards [on the shed] will be the standard across all variations of the components.

Based on the field of absence and distance from the nearest bus stop and not neccessarily bus routes, different sites are selected.

Seen clearly in the figure is the need for some design intervention to aid urban mobility, especially with a topography as unique as Pittsburgh’s.

These sites are further sorted on the basis on the gradient of the sidewalk.

In particular, there are three categories - Slope below 15 deg

- Slope 15-30 deg

- Slope 30 -50 deg.

Components, later discussed, are aligned to the sidewalk each imparting a character unique to the topography.

Components

Elements such as Seating, Water Fountain, Shed with a light source and a notice board, a trash bin with newpaper stand form the very basic parts of any component.

In addition to these basic elements, seatings can change to a stool like configuration and can be swapped for tables. Stormwater detention tanks are proposed to be incorporated on slopes with a high degree of slope.

These elements are composed so as to aid people who walk to bus stops or prefer to do so generally. People can benefit from these components during long walks, especially during severe weather. A place to stay shaded or dry.

A major aim is to encourage more people to walk to bus stops in lieu of private transportation.

Depending on the gradient of the sidewalk, components vary, yet since the chosen sites are already well situated within a field of absence of these elements - the tradeoffs within such components are very minimal.

A major criterian is however, that these rest-stops are more than 5-10 mins away from a bus-stop. This criteria could potentially aid and encourage more people to walk to the bus stops.

Scenario 1

[Slope 0-15 degree]

When a situated on a flatter topography, the components are swapped to promote discussion among the users and also create an inviting appearance. A table and stool configuration is opted for in this case.

Scenario 2

[Slope 15-30 degree]

It would be quite the challenge to walk such slopes so a configuration with back-rest is adopted for this scenario. Other standard components are, however, present.

Scenario 3

[Slope 30-50 degree]

The configuration on the steepest slope among the three scenarios, spaces are reserved to allow pedestrians to place their bags or luggage on a flat surface rather than on the ground.

Scenario 2

[Slope 15-30 degree]

It would be quite the challenge to walk such slopes so a configuration with back-rest is adopted for this scenario. Other standard components are, however, present.

Scenario 3

[Slope 30-50 degree]

The configuration on the steepest slope among the three scenarios, spaces are reserved to allow pedestrians to place their bags or luggage on a flat surface rather than on the ground.