Signature Crossroads

Abstract

Signature Crossroads, an urban form that grows out of an street intersection, combines both the sense of "transit" and the sense of "destination." Such dual character gives Signature Crossroads a superiority over traditional squares as the identity in contemporary cities. This thesis investigates the various factors that cause the emergence of Signature Crossroads and devises a categorization system for intersections. As an example to represent Signature Crossroads, Times Square, New York, is used as the main case study. Various qualities such as physical forms and visual elements are examined which reflect the uniqueness of Times Square as a place that has successfully integrated both the sense of "transit" and "destination." A few other examples are described briefly to support the idea of Signature Crossroads in different contexts from that of Times Square. Finally, an existing intersection in Hong Kong will be evaluated and criticized based on its inadequacy to become a Signature Crossroads. Brief suggestions are made on how improvements could be made to transform the intersection to a Signature Crossroads, which could be an important urban model for emerging cities.