Executive Summary
On August 4, 2007 AIA Cincinnati held a public design and envisioning workshop to explore the potential of covering Fort Washington Way with decks. This includes the four blocks bound by 3rd and 2nd Street from the North/South and Main and Elm Street from the East/West. The event titled "Greening the Gap" was part of a nationwide celebration of the founding the American Institute of Architects 150 years ago.
Over eight people participated in the session. The workshop revealed an overwhelming consensus on the importance of creating the deck covers and on establishing a strong link between the riverfront development and the existing downtown.
As specific designs were created, two development strategies emerged with an equal number of participants supporting each. One strategy developed a plan that contained
mostly open, green space. The other strategy envisioned significant development on the majority of the blocks. The block directly north of the Freedom Center was conceived as mostly open space in both versions.
Sustainability was at the core of this exercise. A significant number of sustainability and green design strategies were prevalent through-out the projects and provided interesting design and education opportunities while also conserving resources and lowering the environmental impacts of the future project.
The event concluded with the participants expressing strong support for reclaiming the area over the interstate in a way that enhances the connection between the existing downtown and the future riverfront development of "The Banks".
