SWMD Streetscape and Park: Project Update, July 2023

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Texas Monthly

Texas Monthly article featuring SWMD Streetscape & Park Transformation

This Texas Heat Is Killing Us
The SWMD Streetscape and Park project team was featured in a Texas Monthly article this month focused on projects in Dallas and San Antonio that are working to reduce the impacts of extreme heat.

“The unique thing that we’re doing in the district is the design team is going to be using real data in real time to make defined decisions,” says Rose Jones, a medical anthropologist selected by Texas Trees to help guide the design. “Our hope with that is it’s going to lay the foundation for where we all need to be moving, which is: it needs to be empirical.”

*Sun and Shade summer model, also called a ‘digital twin’ of the Southwestern Medical District. Created by Hyphae Design Labs.
Part I: Sun and Shade summer model, also called a ‘digital twin’ of the Southwestern Medical District. Created by Hyphae Design Labs.
Sun and Shade summer model, also called a ‘digital twin’ of the Southwestern Medical District. Created by Hyphae Design Labs.
Part II: Sun and Shade summer model, also called a ‘digital twin’ of the Southwestern Medical District. Created by Hyphae Design Labs.
"During my precious 30-minute break, I need a breather. I leave for a bit for a cup of coffee, and I just look at the sky. I try to interact with the small amount of nature that is here."
"I used to have to walk from Parkland to South Campus every day and it was really tough."
"Nothing is pedestrian friendly in the SWMD."
"I know residents who are on call and they go to multiple sites on campus during one shift – I wish it was easier to walk."
"I wish it was easier to bike to school, but I don't know if it will ever be safe to bike on Harry Hines or Inwood."

-SWMD Medical Providers

Equitable Engagement Phase II Launched

SWMD Vision Images

From the Landscape Design Team at James Corner Field Operations

We’re fully rooted in the concept development phase and considering technical questions and parts of our original vision that we need to reconsider, as we also zero in on the road and park concept through the summer to better determine how we transition this area from a corridor to a campus, ensuring that the park be timeless and iconic with substantial trees, a social component (planned and unplanned), and is an easily navigable and flexible space. The design team is also considering what makes an iconic park, bold design moves, meaningful features, with memorable and carefully thought-out materials.

Additionally, it’s important that the design utilizes the natural network of paths along the corridor that loop the hospitals together, in an effort to create that campus-like feel that the District community expressed interest in during Equitable Engagement Phase I.

James Corner Field Operations

Equitable Engagement

Collaboration with medical students

Dr. Rose Jones, and our medical student intern, Sanjna organized a successful focus group this month with medical students that live and go to school in the District. It was exciting to hear about the interests and aspirations for the streetscape and park from a younger generation.

The group had fantastic comments pertaining to the importance of green space in walking distance to their classes and apartments, and the significance of natural spaces where they can meet, study, and relax during their busy class schedules. The team has also conducted nearly 50 meaningful mini-interviews with students, faculty, and staff from hospitals in the District.

Join us as we embark on additional focus groups, pop-ups and open house events to showcase new developments, design renderings, and ideas for amenities and programming. Get involved today by emailing Marinda Griffin directly at: marinda@texastrees.org