Graduation Semester and Year
Spring 2026
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Landscape Architecture
Department
Landscape Architecture
First Advisor
Diane Jones Allen, D. Eng., PLA, FASLA, FCELA
Second Advisor
Letora Anderson, PLA, AICP
Third Advisor
Xueyin Bai, Ph.D.
Abstract
Downtown Dallas has undergone substantial growth, yet major streets and bridge corridors continue to prioritize vehicular movement, resulting in fragmented and uncomfortable pedestrian environments. This condition is especially evident along the Commerce Bridge corridor, where narrow sidewalks, high traffic volumes, and unclear crossings limit safe and accessible movement between Downtown and West Dallas. Although several parks and public spaces lie in close proximity, the lack of continuous and legible routes prevents these areas from functioning as a connected system.
This thesis investigates how the Commerce Bridge corridor can be transformed into a multimodal connection that supports movement, safety, and user experience. Using a mixed-method case study approach, the research combines observational methods, spatial analysis, and precedent studies to understand existing conditions and identify opportunities for improvement. The findings reveal that connectivity is not only a matter of physical access, but also of comfort, clarity, and usability, particularly within long and vehicle-oriented corridors.
The proposed design introduces a layered circulation system that accommodates different speeds and user needs, including micromobility, active pedestrian use, and more direct pedestrian movement. In addition to improving circulation, the design integrates landscape, seating, and flexible spaces to support rest, pause, and everyday use. These elements are not separate from connectivity, but essential to making the corridor usable and inclusive for all users.
The project also develops a set of design principles that can be applied to similar infrastructure conditions in other urban contexts. By preserving the existing bridge structure while introducing new layers of use, the proposal demonstrates how older infrastructure can be adapted to create safer, more connected, and more meaningful public spaces. This thesis contributes to ongoing efforts to improve multimodal systems and highlights the role of landscape architecture in transforming infrastructure into spaces that support both movement and experience.
Keywords
Multimodal, Pedestrian, Spatial Connectivity, Dallas, Bridge Design
Disciplines
Environmental Design | Landscape Architecture | Urban, Community and Regional Planning
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Thanpaisarnsamut, Panisa, "Developing Design Principles for Multimodal Connection: A Case Study of the Commerce Bridge Corridor in Dallas, Texas" (2026). Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses. 2.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/landscapearch_theses2/2
Included in
Environmental Design Commons, Landscape Architecture Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons