As part of an urban design studio, we were instructed to analyze one of Houston’s main arteries. Westheimer, an East-West road that extends over 19 miles through some of the highest density areas in Houston. One of these areas, being the neighborhood of Montrose, is considered to be an up and coming neighborhood known for its eclectic, diverse and interesting urban composition. Houston’s lack of zoning restrictions further establishes peculiar moments where commercial and residential entities intermingle with different scales of residential properties.

 

A series of site studies were performed to obtain more information about the area. Technical information, such as demographics, population density, open space, park locations, and landscape buffer allowed to generate a series of visual representation of the area. Based on the information gathered, a site was selected, where a farmers market would ideally be located to best serve the community. However, an additional program needed to be selected to work as the primary driver of the site, allowing the farmers market to be viable during the weekends. The program needed to respond a multicultural population, averaging 30-40 years of age, with a lack in proximity to any community area or parks, and with an eclectic and open sense of community.

 

The program selected was a skate boarding compound, made up of three half pipes, also known as vert ramps. By allowing the deck portion of the ramp to host areas large enough for a farmer’s market take place, both programs could occur simultaneously when needed. An existing  restaurant adjacent to the site would be redesigned to allow for new pedestrian and vehicular circulation while working as a viewing deck for the skating compound/farmers market.