Date of Submission
Spring 5-6-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Ameen Farooq, PhD.
Abstract
To effectively develop cities and improve the quality of life for their citizens, urban transportation infrastructure must evolve beyond its current function as a mere conduit for movement. Transportation hubs, such as MARTA stations, are essential in connecting people to their jobs, homes, and recreational spaces, serving as critical nodes within the urban fabric. However, despite their importance, they are designed with a sole focus on efficiency and movement, and often neglect the potential of these spaces to serve as more dynamic, community-centered environments.
In this Thesis Placemaking will be defined as an approach to urban design that emphasizes the importance of public spaces in fostering community engagement, well-being, and a sense of belonging. It involves the intentional planning, design, and management of public spaces in a way that encourages people to use and enjoy them. Rather than focusing solely on the technical aspects of design, such as the size of the space or the materials used, placemaking prioritizes how people experience and interact with the space. In recent years, placemaking has become a critical strategy for revitalizing urban areas and making cities more livable, particularly as cities grapple with issues such as population growth, congestion, and the increasing need for public spaces that support mental and physical well-being. The goal is to create environments that are not only functional but also inviting and engaging.
This Thesis is located in Atlanta, GA at The Battery Atlanta. This is because The Battery is a very popular entertainment spot for Atlanta, Kennesaw, and Marietta residents. However, there is currently no community programming in the area (local stores, grocery stores, daycares). This thesis proposes to examine how inclusive design, placemaking, and community involvement can be leveraged to create an urban MARTA station that is a vibrant, multifunctional space that provides more than just connectivity but adds community through adding missing programming.
Some of the guiding questions this thesis tries to answer are: Why has the problem of Public Transit to and from The Battery not been solved, and why have previous propositions not been acted upon? How will the transit station provide additional programming that can enhance the sense of community at The Battery? Why do transit structures only have mono-functionality, where they are only planned for transit and not designed for a greater image on the city and for better use of space? How can the addition of a transit station encourage different demographics to interact with each other and create inclusivity? How can the public justify the cost of a new Transit structure near the battery (tax money vs benefits)? By incorporating principles of placemaking and trying to answer these questions, a new MARTA station can be built that acts as an example for others on how transit stations can enhance and foster community interaction.