The Chinatown Stitch will cap a three-block segment of I-676 with a highly activated public park designed to catalyze economic development and strengthen surrounding communities.
The Vine Street Expressway (I-676) is a six-lane, below-grade interstate that cuts through the heart of Philadelphia, bisecting several neighborhoods—including Chinatown. Its construction has led to several physical and social barriers that disproportionately burden underserved communities.
OJB is providing landscape architecture services as part of a multi-disciplinary design and engineering team hired to cap the Expressway between 10th and 13th streets—a move that will literally “stitch” Chinatown and Chinatown North back together. In addition to the new park, the project will enhance accessibility and walkability with safer pedestrian crossings at adjacent intersections.
The project emphasizes sustainable design and green infrastructure, with a large focus on stormwater management systems to mitigate frequent flood events along the Expressway. Landscape features are designed to reduce urban heat island effects and minimize air and noise pollution to improve comfort for users and nearby residents. Carbon-sequestering plantings will help offset greenhouse gas emissions.
”Inspired by the design principles of traditional Chinese gardens, the vision draws on local context and community culture to enrich the public realm experience.
”Botanical gardens, interactive water features, and green infrastructure support sustainable design goals while also creating a vibrant, beautiful, and safe community open space.
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