Thesis (M.L.A.)--University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-91).

Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (M. L. A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes special report study entitled: Visual changes and perception as moving in urban fabrics. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

This report looks at the system of alleys that exist in downtown Austin, Texas and proposes a way to integrate them into the open space network within the area by creating a series of alley connections. Through analysis of case studies from other cities and public space theories, alternative methods of use are suggested for implementation throughout the alley system, including “green”, activity based and pedestrian and bicycle priority throughways. The next steps needed to create a Downtown Alley Master Plan and begin alley renovations are also discussed. The renovation of spaces that typically contain unsightly uses and activities can help create attractive places for people to congregate rather than places that people generally avoid. / text

Wan Chi Ying, Jenny. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 2010-2011, design report." / Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / abstract / China Development Studies / Master / Master of Arts

This thesis analyses the issue of road alleys maintenance. It focuses primarily on the issue of the lack of expertise of administrators of the greenery and possible negative consequences resulting from inadequate and improper tree trimming. The thesis is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the origin and history of alleys, the legislative framework in terms of ownership, the protection and care of the road alleys, furthermore, the method of their treatment, the characteristics of particular types of cuts and the possible consequences of their improper implementation are mentioned. The second part of the thesis is focused on identifying specific problems in the particular alleys, processing and analysis of the data obtained from their inventorisation. The result of the thesis is a draft measure on the issue in the context of current legislation, standards and technical conditions.

Alleys evoke powerful images in our collective fear and, yet, play an important role in our American culture. Currently, communities are recognizing the value of the alley to their social landscape and designers and planners are reviving the alley in designs for new communities. What is it about the alley that has communities so excited? Why are alleys being reincorporated into today’s design language? What do alleys contribute to a community’s landscape and how do they contribute to its identity? What do we have to learn about community and urban design from the alley? To answer these questions, this study compares a spectrum of five communities with various types of alleys – Holyoke, Amherst, and Northampton, Massachusetts; New York City; and Kentlands, Maryland. The conclusions drawn from this study indicate that the alley is an expressive landscape in which communities communicate their collective values and ideals and residents negotiate their community’s identity through control, order, and organization, including the naming, maintenance and use of the alley. It is also where boundaries of class, economic status, and affluence are navigated and expressed. Furthermore, the implications of these findings are that urban designers, landscape architects, planners, and engineers must resist the temptation to over-design and micro-manage a place if a truly organic and expressive community is desired. Within this framework, these professionals must also anticipate that a community will change and to allow for its alleys and other spaces to respond to, and reflect, these changes.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture