Green Alley
This contest was forwarded to me by fellow greenie Eliece G. from Bothell, WA. This looks like a wonderful opportunity for anyone inspiring to make a difference to our streets and living spaces. Think multiple use people! Imagine, your current alley full of plants, maybe a small fountain (using an energy efficient pump), a few chairs and a small table; it is now a communal space people want to be in. Imagine reading a book, socializing with your neighbor, eating lunch… the possibilities are endless!
Great City is Pleased to co-sponsor the Green Alley’s Competition!
Seattle’s alleys offer intimate, small-scale spaces that, properly staged, invite people to walk and promise a host of sustainability benefits. Introducing greenery to Seattle’s forgotten spaces can create a small ecological system of its own by filtering city runoff before it hits the Puget Sound.
How green is your alley? The City of Seattle, the International Sustainability Institute, People for Puget Sound, and the AIA Seattle is sponsoring a contest on how to green our alleys. An all-star cast of designers, planners, residents and other alley-lovers will judge the entries for their originality, cost-effectiveness and practical implementation.
Join us in a unique design competition to green Seattle’s alleys.
For more information send an email to:
green_alleys-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
OR email darby.watson@seattle.gov
Guiding Principles
Alleys are a key resource in Seattle. Traditionally restricted to service uses, the Clear Alleys Program has opened up opportunities to use alleys in different ways. This design competition is focused on potential new uses that in combination could add functionality to our transportation and ecological systems as well as improving the aesthetic and community-building elements of our City. Below are some guiding principles to help you in your design of Seattle’s best Green Alley:
Green alleys should:
- Welcome pedestrians, both as walkways and places to visit
- Incorporate green stormwater infrastructure in both functional and aesthetic aspects
- Encourage building design to provide doors, windows, and other elements that support non-service uses
- Continue to provide access for service vehicles
For more information about this contest, please click “here“.
- Jayme Mattson
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