Johnson Gallery

2019

Louisville, Kentucky

University of Kentucky

Elliott Avenue sits in the heart of one of Louisville’s oldest and historically African-American neighborhoods. As urban interventions over time have caused the area to fall into a state of abandonment, disrepair, and criminal prevalence, the City of Louisville has been reclaiming a majority of the properties along Elliott with the goal of revitalizing the neighborhood.

Johnson Gallery is a linear park that turns Elliott Avenue into a pedestrian street that houses an undeground geothermal energy field. Based on the surrounding amenities, Eat, Discover, and Play (right) represent three pavilion zones, each cultivating spaces for encounters, interaction, and trust.

Guided by the principles set forth in Jane Jacobs’ The Death and Life of Great American Cities, the goal of Johnson Gallery is to bring ‘eyes onto the street’, encouraging civilian proprietorship and rebuilding a once tight-knit community.

Credits

Jane Foote
Designer

Prof. Anne Filson
Mentor