Let’s Head Inside: A Case for Internal Streets

Abstract

Our cities lack internal common space. Through a mix of programmatically dense external/internal space and program, we can bring the public realm inward to achieve an internal street where social activities are protected from undesirable weather conditions, free from consumerist obligation and socioeconomic bias. By unifying inside and outside, everyone can move freely to find both respite and activity. The thesis has been informed by the history of internal urban space, urban planning theory, case studies of notable precedents, and my own first-hand experience. This has led to a framework for the design of internal streets for the heart of our cities. This framework is tested with a site in Rochester, New York.