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The emerging trend of converting abandoned elevated infrastructure into linear parks: state of the arts and categories of intervention

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Abstract

This study focuses on converting abandoned elevated transportation infrastructure into high-quality, pedestrian-oriented public spaces. To discuss planning implications, we categorized the outcomes of various projects into typologies. This practice may be a trend; however, it remains scarcely understood, depriving planning professionals of adequate tools to assess the potential and adequacy of conversion. By tracing its origin within the history of linear parks and green corridor planning, we discuss the general conversion of abandoned transportation infrastructure and the transition to elevated parks as the outcome. Subsequently, considering the existing studies on this genealogy, we defined three typologies of elevated parks according to an interconnected understanding of their connectivity, design, location, and functions. By reviewing the elevated parks within this genealogy and providing a framework for this typological study, we offer a reference for planners to accurately interpret and use this planning practice to design public spaces.

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Notes

  1. An elevated park means a park that is built on an overpass or an elevated railroad as a green space.

  2. The High Line, constructed on unused railways, has been considered the most successful project in terms of its contribution to neighborhoods in terms of raising property values and tax income (Ascher and Uffer 2015; Loughran 2014; Quintana 2016; Song 2013).

  3. After the High Line, dozens of cities in the United States replaced unused infrastructures with a park or proposed doing so (Berg 2017).

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Acknowledgements

This paper has been revised based on the extensive feedback from reviewers throughout the review process. I sincerely appreciate the reviewers who have contributed to completing this paper over the lengthy review period.

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  1. Department of Landscape Architecture, Pusan National University, 1268-50, Samnang**-ro, Miryang-si, 50463, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea

    Jisoo Sim Ph.D.

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Sim, J. The emerging trend of converting abandoned elevated infrastructure into linear parks: state of the arts and categories of intervention. Urban Des Int (2024). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41289-024-00245-4

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