REIMAGINING THE PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE IN DEEP ELLUM
Deep Ellum is looking to raise capital investment and support for local businesses by creating a place of interest in the Dallas neighborhood. By utilizing empty windows, the Dallas by Design team established an effective way to create a perception of fullness in the area. Transforming the space into an interactive photo booth, we created an empathetic environment where users could make memories of their Deep Ellum experience.
The East Dallas neighborhood of Deep Ellum is one of the most unique and colorful destinations in North Texas. While the city has significant cultural strengths, there are challenges in terms of generating increased business development and investment in the area. In order to support Deep Ellum’s array of restaurants, bars, and local businesses, students from SMU’s Master of Arts in Design and Innovation (MADI) program are assisting with the design of a new pedestrian experience alongside Deep Ellum’s thriving Crowdus Street. In order to assess how Deep Ellum can improve and support this street, we are conducting a comprehensive human centered design (HCD) project.
Our goal was to test, learn, and iterate toward the creation of a more successful urban space.
Deep Ellum is looking to raise capital investment and support for local businesses by creating a place of interest in the Dallas neighborhood. Running perhaps paradoxically to increased investment is a need to preserve the culture and community of Deep Ellum. As is often the challenge of gentrification in urban design and planning projects, we know that the key challenge in this project was to support growth in the area without disrupting Deep Ellum’s notable culture.
For the purpose of this study, the crux of the research asks: “How can the Deep Ellum Public Improvement District (DEPID)/Deep Ellum Foundation improve the pedestrian experience for local businesses, residents, and visitors?” This question is largely derived from the necessity to draw in more capital and investment into the neighborhood.
The 'Fill It In' project in Deep Ellum utilizes vacant properties to foster community spirit and warmth. This initiative will continue to fill vacant property windows with temporary art installations, holiday-themed decorations, and pop-up retail fronts, showcasing local artists, organizations, and social impact causes. Ultimately, 'Fill It In' bridges the community and enhances the area's appeal to both local residents and tourists.
Our Design Solution
With Deep Ellum’s assortment of vacant properties, the “Fill It In” project creates an aura of community spirit and warmth. By utilizing empty windows, the Dallas by Design team established an effective way to create a perception of fullness in the area. Transforming the space into an interactive photo booth, we created an empathetic environment where users could make memories of their Deep Ellum experience. In the future, “Fill It In” will provide an opportunity for Deep Ellum to fill vacant property windows with temporary art installations, holiday-themed decorations, and/or pop-up retail fronts. Additionally, the Deep Ellum Foundation could use these displays to highlight local artists, organizations, and social impact causes. Ultimately though, the filled-in space will bridge the community and provide a more inviting atmosphere to local residents and tourists alike.