Graduation Semester and Year
Fall 2025
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Landscape Architecture
Department
Landscape Architecture
First Advisor
Austin Allen
Second Advisor
Diane Jones Allen
Third Advisor
Robert Kevin Rodriguez
Abstract
The objective of this research is to examine how landscape architecture can be used to preserve cultural identity and community life in neighborhoods experiencing gentrification. The study focuses on the La Bajada community in West Dallas and explores how design can help protect the neighborhood’s character and history while improving comfort, safety, and accessibility in public spaces. The research investigates the role of Bataan Street and its traffic islands as social and cultural anchors within the community. It evaluates how landscape architecture can strengthen belonging and resilience against displacement. The study is guided by a research question: How can the redesign of Bataan Street and surrounding public spaces serve as a demonstration project for resisting displacement caused by gentrification, celebrating the cultural importance of La Bajada, and preserving La Bajada’s history. The research uses a combination of methods, including site analysis, precedent studies, and qualitative interviews with residents. The findings show that streets and small parks play a central role in maintaining community identity and daily social life. Insights from the study inform a design proposal that reimagines Bataan Street as a cultural corridor with shaded gathering areas, family spaces, cultural planting, and accessible walking routes that support community resilience. The project provides design strategies that show how landscape architecture can protect culture and strengthen identity in gentrifying neighborhoods. As a demonstration project, it offers strategies that can be used in other communities facing similar challenges, emphasizing the power of design to celebrate heritage and strengthen belonging in the face of urban change.
Keywords
Landscape architecture, Gentrification, Cultural preservation, Community design, Public space design, West Dallas, La Bajada, Streetscape design
Disciplines
Landscape Architecture
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Gutierrez, Avigail, "STREETS OF BELONGING: REIMAGINING BATAAN STREET AS A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION IN LA BAJADA" (2025). Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses. 318.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/landscapearch_theses/318
Comments
I would like to thank my thesis chair, Dr. Austin Allen, and my committee members for their guidance throughout this thesis.