This sketch (above) examines the urban context at the scale of the street, block by block. Highlighted are the pockets of open space that occur at each intersection along this segment of Essex Street. The buildings along the street are mostly mid-rise or higher leaving the street in shadow for most of its length. However, Essex Street gas several intersections along it where the street bends and sunlight breaks through. Here are great opportunities for place making.

On the conceptual plan (above), the orange boxes represent opportunities to take advantage of changes in the street angle and cross streets to establish or reinforce these nodes. These areas could have a material and general character that distinguishes them from the street’s continuity and reflects their specific context as important intersections with high pedestrian volumes.