Sustainable Sunnyvale

Sustainable Sunnyvale

Kelley Luyken, Nadia Makara, Pablo Haake, Rubi Rodriguez

Triple-Bottom Line Sustainability

Social sustainability is at the foundation of the concept of triple-bottom line sustainability, but in practice, it is rarely a core consideration in new development.

“Development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies.” - Joseph Stiglitz

“Silicon Valley’s biggest failing is not poor marketing of its products, or follow-through on promises, but, rather, the distinct lack of empathy for those whose lives are disturbed by its technological wizardry.”-Om Malik, The New Yorker

Plan Bay Area: Challenges○ Climate change○ Air quality○ Car dependence & transit efficiency○ Scarce housing & displacement○ Inequity in access○ Economic productivity

Note: SLR/Flooding is absent

Rapid growth magnifies challenges

2.1Mnew residents

1.1Mnew jobs

128Knew residences

Our Objective

TO CREATE A SUSTAINABLE SILICON VALLEY BY CONNECTING COMMUNITIES WITH NATURE AND THE ARTS

Let’s start with Sunnyvale

Our Vision for SunnyvaleA Sneak Peek

Solar PV Park

WWTPPedestrian bridge

A Slice of Sunnyvale

Our study area spans a square mile in northern Sunnyvale. It starts at the 101, continues across the 237, and ends at the bay coast. It represents a slice of Sunnyvale’s diversity, including commercial, residential and green spaces.

Bay Coast

The northern edge of our study area, the bay coast, is marked by an elevated green space. It encloses a wastewater treatment plant.

A Closer Look: Bay Coast

A Closer Look: Bay Coast

A barren recreational space

The Sunnyvale bay coast is a recreational area with trails. However, visitors are rare because the area is uninspiring and inaccessible.

A Closer Look: Commercial Blocks

Commercial Blocks

Between the coastal and 237 lies a low-density commercial zone, marked by vast tech campuses and warehouses. It contains large employee parking areas.


Buildings & Businesses88 commercial buildings, including offices and warehouses

6.4M square feet of commercial space

100+ companies, mostly in tech

30K employees

Commercial superblocks


1500’ by 1100’ 1500’ by 1100’ 1500’ by 1100’

This commercial area is composed of superblocks.

That’s 4 NYC blocks, 15 Portland blocks, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

As a result, the area is inaccessible to pedestrians and lacks vibrancy.

Given SLR projections of 1.4m, 75% of the commercial zone will be inundated by 2100


This is also where wetlands are projected to migrate by 2100 if left unimpeded.

A Closer Look: Highway 237

Highway 237

237 is a divisive barrier between commercial and residential areas, connected only by a small bridge. It is a major source of air and noise pollution.

To cross 237, an inadequate bridge


A single pedestrian bridge leads across 237. It is aesthetically unappealing, narrow, and curved in a way that makes crossing take too long. Its entrance is far from any point of interest.

237 and connecting roads are congested


More than 30,000 commuters enter northern Sunnyvale each day, primarily by car. The result is severe traffic congestion as well as air and noise pollution.

Residents living near 101, 237 and connecting roads experience air and noise pollution.


Residential Enclave

Between 237 and 101 lies a fragmented residential area, containing single-family homes, upscale apartment complexes and mobile home parks.

A Closer Look: Residential Enclave


Inadequate walkabilityResidents cannot access amenities on foot because many streets do not have sidewalks and residential complexes are separated by walls. As a result, one might walk 25 minutes for a distance of 100 ft.


A variety of housing types

The residential area includes two mobile home parks for the elderly, multiple apartment complexes with young families, and low-density single-family homes.


Uninspiring green spaces

The John W. Christian Greenbelt lacks charisma, feels unmaintained, and is surrounded by barbed wire fences.


Lack of relevant amenities

Most points of interest in the area have closed down much like Desi Plaza Supermarket. Others, like Brass Rail, are inappropriate for a family-driven community.

The residential enclave is experiencing “advanced gentrification.”


A Closer Look: Public Transit

Public Transit

Buses from the Caltrain station run infrequently and only stop on the periphery of our study area. The result is a car-centric transportation environment.

Caltrain StationA Closer Look: Public Transit

This is how far residents can travel in 30 minutes using public transit. The Caltrain station is out of reach.

Our Proposal

Risk Response(s) Limitations

SLR/Flooding -De-urbanization & wetland restoration-Resilient infrastructure (e.g. waterfront levee)

-Existing commercial infrastructure-Existing wastewater treatment plant

Habitat/species loss -Wetland restoration-Conservation zones

Lack of access to open space & recreation

-Wetland restoration-Wetland boardwalk-Additional green spaces and recreational opportunities-Connections between residential areas and green spaces

Water supply & sanitation -Wetland restoration-Wetland water treatment system-Rainwater capture

Energy efficiency -Low cost sustainable building design-Community energy efficiency programs

-Housing affordability

Population growth -Additional housing units-Dense mixed-use urban development

Housing affordability -Additional (affordable) housing units -Policy interventions (e.g. rent control)

Segregation & fragmentation -Spatial integration-Social cohesion through community-based, culturally appropriate social infrastructure

-Desire of residents to be integrated

Lack of access to points of interest -Pedestrian bridge across highway-Enhanced transit reach (BRT to Caltrain station)

Traffic & noise pollution -Condensed parking lots on edges of urban area-Enhanced transit reach (BRT to Caltrain station)-Highway setbacks

-Space along highway

Air pollution -Wetland restoration-Highway setbacks

Interventions

● Wetland Restoration● Waterfront Levee/Boardwalk● Wetland Water Treatment System

● Sustainable Buildings ● Affordable Housing● Parking Garages for dense areas● Accessible Green Spaces/Parks● Community Efficiency Program● Spatial Integration Strategies ● Community-Based Social Infrastructure

● BRT to Caltrain● Green highway setback● Pedestrian Bridge over the Highway

Managed retreat to this line for wetland restoration, waterfront levee/boardwalk

Island for recreation and arts/wildlife opportunities

Spatial/social integration strategies, community-based social infrastructure, accessible green space, community efficiency program

Wetlands, integrated water treatment systemDense, walkable,

mixed-use district with sustainable buildings, affordable housing, parking garages

Pedestrian bridge over highway, highway setback

BRT line connecting Sunnyvale Caltrain station to waterfront VTA line through district












Segregation & fragmentation -Spatial integration-Social cohesion through community-based, culturally appropriate social infrastructure-Cohousing






Objectives:

1. To protect communities from flooding and sea level rise

2. To provide nature-based recreational opportunities for residents.

3. To maintain and restore habitats for sensitive species

Possible Solutions:

○ Clear commercial developments to allow wetland migration

○ Introduce designated conservation zones for sensitive species

○ Create resilient infrastructure that can be used for recreation

○ Introduce setbacks between highways and residential areas

Restoration & Recreation

Deurbanization for wetlands: Our radical proposalOur Goal: To protect communities and infrastructure from sea level rise and reimagine problematic corporate sprawl.

Strategy: Create 5M sq ft of office space for 30K employees between Java Dr and 237, and include residential, retail and cultural developments. Restore wetlands above Java Dr.

Challenge: Difficult to gain corporate buy-in.

Value Proposition to Companies: 1. Save future costs by guarding against flood events and sea level rise.2. Appeal to young talent with attractive urban work environments.

Recall: SLR & Flooding!

SLR is projected to be 1.4m by 2100, a scenario that corresponds to projections for wetland migration.

Wetlands Restoration

Wetlands protect communities from sea level rise and flooding by providing a permeable barrier.

Coastal Levee

A levee connects the elevated green spaces on the coast, protecting the wastewater treatment plant.

Wetland Recreation

An extensive network of elevated trails allows visitors and residents to access the wetlands and connect with nature.

Green Spaces

In addition to the wetlands, smaller parks and plazas inside neighborhoods allow residents to connect with nature.

Connected Green Spaces

Our extensive network of green spaces, from the wetlands in the north to the public parks and plazas in the south, will be connected via greenways.

SW Piping: Status Quo

The current pipe network does not extend to all relevant green spaces, and is ill-equipped for the wetlands system.

SW Pipe Extensions

The stormwater pipe network will be extended to reach additional green spaces for stormwater collection.

Perforated Pipes

The piping beneath the wetlands will be redesigned to deliver stormwater to the wetlands for treatment and collect treated water via perforated pipes.

WWTP

Outlet Ponds

When water is delivered to the wetlands, they’ll be directed to outlet ponding areas where they will filter through and drain across the wetlands.

WWTP

Detention Ponds

Other low-lying areas in the wetlands park can act as detention ponds to temporarily hold flood waters.

WWTP

RW Piping: Status Quo

Currently, the recycled water networks do not extend beyond the 237, nor do they reach all of our green spaces.

WWTP

RW Pipe Extensions

The recycled water network will be extended to supply residential areas and green spaces with non-potable water for irrigation.

WWTP

Sea Level Rise in time

Energy Infrastructure

- PV park will produce energy for the community and WWT plant

- Existing residential buildings can opt in to the community energy program

- Low cost retrofits of existing residential buildings

Legend

PV Park Energy Distribution

Guidelines for design

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Solar Panels

Natural Ventilation

Daylighting

RadiantHeating & Cooling

Green Roof

High Performance Energy DesignSteps for design:

- Think about orientation- Be smart on envelop design

(insulation and materials)- Take advantage of natural resources- Design for mechanical equipment

once passive design is optimized- Offset EUI with onsite generation

through PVs

Storm Water

Recycled Water

Potable Water

Sewage

Water Systems Proposal

Aiming for Positive Water

- New buildings will capture, treat and reuse water onsite and the surplus will be send to community storm water system.

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xBuilding Systems

Objectives:

1. To meet the growing demand for housing and employment spaces

2. To prevent displacement of economically vulnerable communities

3. To promote social cohesion and integration within the local community

Possible Solutions:

○ Create dense, mixed-use urban spaces○ Establish mixed-income housing and

diverse employment opportunities○ Introduce community-based social

infrastructure into existing residential areas

Density & Diversity

Combating displacement: Our 5-point planOur Goal: To prevent displacement of vulnerable communities and provide low- to mid-income residents with affordable housing opportunities.

Challenges: Market forces; real estate lobbies.

Our Action Plan: 1. Maintain and produce affordable housing (inclusionary housing policies).2. Improve community access to and voice in the city’s planning and implementation processes.3. Expand neighborhood stabilization policies (i.e. rent control, just cause protections).4. Introduce community-based social infrastructure to promote social cohesion.5. Collaborate with technology corporations for funding.

Preservation & ReurbanizationThe residential enclave between the highways is preserved, while dense, mixed-use urban areas containing relevant amenities emerge to its north and south.

Vibrant Urban SpacesBetween the wetlands and 237 lies a dense urban area with mixed cultural, retail, residential and employment spaces. It is mirrored by a smaller mixed-use urban area directly to north of 101.

Social InfrastructureGreen spaces, urban gardens, farmers’ markets and arts facilities serve as social infrastructure to promote social cohesion within communities. Cohesive communities are more resilient.

Objectives:

1. To enhance access to employment, recreational and social opportunities

2. To meet the growing demand for transportation infrastructure

3. To alleviate the burden of car-based traffic on local communities

Possible Solutions:

○ Expand the public transit system○ Build pedestrian bridges across highways○ Expand bike paths and pedestrian

walkways○ Build condensed parking structures

Connectivity & Access

Bus Rapid TransitTwo BRT lines, one limited route directly from the Caltrain to the light rail and another community route from the Caltrain through the residential area east of Borregas Ave will make commuting more efficient for workers and residents.

Pedestrian Bridges

Bridges across Borregas Ave, Morse Ave, and Bordeaux Drive increase access to relevant amenities for residents south of the 237.

Accessible AmenitiesResidents, employees, and visitors access points of interest via pedestrian bridges across 237, BRT lines to the Caltrain and VTA station, pedestrian walkways and bike lanes.

A closer look: Our intervention site

One concept, two modelsOur Concept: Creating a sustainable Sunnyvale by connecting communities with (1) nature and (2) the arts.Common Features: ● Social infrastructure plazas● Highway setbacks● BRT line● Highway overpass for pedestrians and bikers● Elevated walkways● Dense, mixed-use urban environments● Fruit trees and vegetation● Green roofs and solar panels

Model 1: Connecting communities with nature

By providing residents and visitors with a variety of opportunities to engage with nature, we strengthen social cohesion and commitment to the environment.

Model 1: Community Garden & Farmer’s MarketThe community engages in urban gardening projects, such as open tours and lessons, and hosts farmers’ markets on weekends.

Model 1: Elevated Pollinator Pathway

A pollinator pathway provides a refuge for native plants and pollinators while giving residents a taste of nature right in the middle of a vibrant urban space.

Model 1: Wetlands ParksSmall wetlands parks suggest continuity between the urban development and the extensive wetlands to its north.

Model 2: Connecting communities with the arts

By providing residents and visitors with a variety of opportunities to engage with the arts, we strengthen social cohesion and creativity.

Model 2: Arts PlazasThe community has access to arts facilities on the plazas connected by the pedestrian bridge. The facilities include a community arts gallery and an outdoor performance space.

Model 2: Elevated Arts BridgeAn elevated bridge unifies the neighborhood by carrying the theme of artistry from 237 up until the wetlands in the north.

Model 2: Creative Collaboration SpacesCreative collaboration spaces provide affordable housing and work space for creative projects. The building design provides shading and insulation.

An ambitious timeline

2017

Bring together stakeholders for participatory site

planning

Begin deurbanization process while

rebuilding south of 237

Extend recycled water pipes BRT

Service commences; Construct and

connect greenways

Construction of areas between Java Drive and 237 complete;

Companies and small business retail begin

to move in

SLR reaches 1.4 meters;

Sunnyvale is equitable, vibrant,

and resilient

Begin enforcing inclusionary housing and

neighborhood stabilization

policies

Construct levee north of WWTP to protect from SLR

and flooding; Construct pedestrian bridges across 237

Deurbanization process complete;

Construction of wetlands and Java

Drive boardwalk complete.

All companies and small business retail

have moved in; Mixed income residents

occupy housing stock north of 237

2018

2019

2020

2035

2100

2019

2030

2050

Connected CommunitiesA Resilient, Sustainable Sunnyvale

Solar PV Park

WWTPPedestrian bridge

Sustainable Sunnyvale

Engineering

Transcript of Sustainable Sunnyvale