Best Design at TechSpark: 'Mixed Use Valley Paths' Urban Mobility Innovation

The Best Design award at the College of Engineering’s TechSpark Engineering Exposition honored an exceptional achievement by a team from the CEE Senior Design Capstone Course. Comprised of Ava Badie, Andrea Dominguez, Julane Johnson, Justin Peng, and Abby Stech, the Mixed Use Valley Paths team collaborated with other student groups on various aspects of the site. The challenge lay in harmonizing diverse ideas to form a cohesive urban plan that satisfied stakeholder needs.

Their primary objective centered on revamping mobility along Washington Boulevard, extending to the Allegheny River waterfront. Their innovative solution included two distinct pathways—a concrete-paved trail and a raised boardwalk—converging at the intersection of Allegheny River Boulevard and Washington Boulevard.

A crucial feature of their design was the box culvert underpass, effectively segregating pedestrian and vehicular traffic to ensure safer intersection crossings. Additionally, the integration of a riverside park with paved trails significantly augmented community interaction with the natural surroundings.

Represented by Peng and Dominguez at the TechSpark event, the team demonstrated innovative engineering solutions within a collaborative framework. Their success highlighted their ability to work across disciplines and exhibit engineering expertise. Among six standout projects, the Mixed Use Valley Paths group demonstrated remarkable innovation and skill in urban design.

The Best Design award acknowledged the team’s transformative impact on Pittsburgh's urban landscape, emphasizing holistic urban planning that encapsulated functionality, safety, and community engagement through innovative engineering solutions.