You spoke, We heard!
Phase 1 of the Equitable Engagement component is complete and the Texas Trees Foundation is thrilled to release the Phase 1 Equitable Engagement Summary for the SWMD Urban Streetscape Project!
This document covers all of the engagement activities that we have conducted this year – from virtual community questionnaire to door-to-door canvassing. We have engaged 1,942 community members in the process so far! Thank you to everyone who has given their time and energy to create a healthier Southwestern Medical District.
The 1,169 responses collected from these community members led to an emerging community vision statement which culminates the design and placemaking constructions that stakeholders and engagement participants anticipate the project will encompass once completed. It will be invaluable as we move into concept design.
EMERGING COMMUNITY VISION
Harry Hines Boulevard is a safe and vibrant street for people who walk, bike, take transit, and drive. It is well-connected to adjoining hospitals, neighborhoods, and key destinations.
The redesigned street calms traffic while maintaining emergency access.
New streetscape amenities improve physical, social, and mental health while creating an iconic, people-friendly street that meaningfully integrates the natural environment.
Read the full document to find out more about our approach, process, and findings!
Redesigning the Southwestern Medical District for Human Health – Inside and Out
Imagine a Medical District where brilliant minds, hopeful patients and diverse community members can thrive in an innovative, healthy, and safe environment. We are seeking to bring new life inside the Southwestern Medical District by transforming the outdoor environment.
Our Mission
How can we create a healthy Southwestern Medical District?
This project is rooted in improving human health for all community members. According to the World Health Organization, “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (1946). This robust definition of health contends that health is more than just physical health outcomes. A person’s health is affected by the circumstances of his or her life. Social determinants of health are conditions in which a person is born, lives, and works, that affect the overarching health outcomes.
In order to design the SWMD Urban Streetscape and Park project for human health, the Team is focused on five pillars of design.
Project Pillars “Finding Balance“
To align the redesign of Harry Hines in the Medical District with the updated district master plan and best understand mobility needs going forward, the SWMD team has been working on how to best balance the needs and opportunities along the Harry Hines corridor. These needs and opportunities are defined in five broad categories: user experience, campus character and livability, human and environmental health, safety and security, and traffic and mobility. We are working together with the district to find balance between initiatives and to finalize measurable objectives that we can use to guide the design efforts.
User Experience
Ensure the corridor is easy to navigate and a place where everyone feels comfortable.
Campus Character & Livability
Create a unique, memorable, and economically vibrant place.
Human & Environmental Health
Improve environmental conditions to have a positive impact upon human health.
Safety & Security
Enhance safety conditions by reducing collisions, increasing personal safety, and improving infrastructure.
Traffic & Mobility
Enable continued access within the district for patients, visitors, emergency personnel, clinicians, and staff.