Graduation Semester and Year
Spring 2025
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Landscape Architecture
Department
Landscape Architecture
First Advisor
Letora Anderson
Second Advisor
Dr Austin Allen
Third Advisor
Tariq Mahadin
Abstract
Fair Park, a neighborhood of South Dallas, has experienced historical displacement, urban neglect, and pedestrian safety inequities, especially along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (MLK Blvd). This boulevard is a vital entryway to Fair Park and a center for local businesses, attracting significant foot traffic. However, it currently lacks essential pedestrian safety improvements. (Dallas Examiner, 2023). Due to its high crash rate, poor sidewalks, lack of crosswalks, and poor lighting, MLK Blvd has been identified as one of Dallas' most dangerous pedestrian areas, despite being an essential vehicle and pedestrian corridor that connects residents to Fair Park (Phillips, 2024; "South Dallas Residents Conflicted on Proposition A," 2024). These problems draw attention to ongoing disparities in infrastructure and economic disinvestment that resulted from urban renewal initiatives in the middle of 20th century American cities, which forcefully uprooted over 300 Black families to increase Fair Park's facilities ("Why We Need to Remember What Happened at Fair Park," 2024). In addition to disrupting an established community, this forced evacuation had an ongoing effect on the neighborhood, highlighting the necessity of focused safety improvements. (Phillips, 2024).
By acknowledging the long-standing effects of gentrification in the Fair Park area and putting in place streetscape design solutions that prioritize pedestrian safety and walkability, this thesis explores how to achieve Vision Zero a campaign seeking to end all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries while advancing sustainable, just, and safe transport systems on MLK Boulevard in Dallas, Texas. The methodology for this research uses Geographic Information System (GIS) to examine pedestrian crash data and identify high-risk regions. The conceptual streetscape design solutions for this research are based on the recommendations of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), which emphasize traffic calming techniques, enlarged sidewalks, improved crosswalks, and community-focused green spaces. The results of the study will provide design concepts that promote equitable and culturally sensitive design recommendations for enhancing pedestrian safety and bringing life to a historically underserved community. Among the suggestions are streetscape enhancements that prioritize pedestrian safety, honor the neighborhood’s cultural significance, and foster a feeling of community. This thesis connects the goals of Vision Zero with the need for equitable conditions to provide a framework for a safer and more accessible area for commuters who depend on walking.
Keywords
Pedestrian safety, Streetscape design, Vision Zero, Gentrification, Geographic Information System (GIS), Pedestrian-friendly design, Cultural Landscape design
Disciplines
Historic Preservation and Conservation | Landscape Architecture | Urban, Community and Regional Planning
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Khan, Safa Sayeed, "Achieving Vision Zero on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard: Enhancing Pedestrian Safety and Reclaiming Community Identity in South Dallas" (2025). Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses. 315.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/landscapearch_theses/315
Included in
Historic Preservation and Conservation Commons, Landscape Architecture Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons