Greenways, as a typology of urban design, have become an essential element in the planning of modern cities. They emerge in response to the increasing fragmentation of urban landscapes by elements such as highways. They usually integrate natural and constructed spaces, providing much-needed connections across various parts of the city. At the same time, they promote pedestrian accessibility, recreation, and social interaction. The Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston, United States, exemplifies this human-centered approach to design. The project, which began construction in 1991, showcases the potential of greenways to reconnect urban environments and enhance community life. As a series of parks designed by various architecture firms, it aims to create physical links and meaningful spaces that foster social development and a sense of place.
In the late 1980s, Boston faced a notorious traffic issue centered around the Central Artery, an elevated highway that ran through the heart of downtown. It was originally built in 1959 to accommodate about 75,000 vehicles daily. However, by the early 1990s, the highway was overwhelmed, carrying over 200,000 vehicles and becoming one of the most congested roads in the United States. According to government sources, traffic crawled for over 10 hours daily, with accident rates four times higher than the national average. At the same time, the two tunnels connecting downtown to East Boston and Logan Airport faced similar problems. This congestion costs motorists an estimated $500 million annually, stemming from frequent accidents, wasted fuel, and delayed deliveries.
