Reimagining the Streets

of Silicon Valley

Paris Sato / Michael Valestrino

In discussing the future of our cities, architects often fixate on green buildings and rarely discuss what happens between them. DES has reimagined the streets of Silicon Valley for the not-so-distant future. Existing streetscapes can achieve carbon neutrality and build resilient communities using these five organizing principles: energy, habitat, water, transportation, and community.

Energy: Renewable energy generation, battery storage, and electric vehicles reduce carbon emissions.

Habitat: Native and adaptive planting material, rooftop gardens, and stormwater treatment benefit the urban ecosystem and help to mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect.

Water: Stormwater mitigation and retention systems filter stormwater for non-potable reuse or release into the groundwater aquifer.

Transportation: Electrified public transit, drone deliveries, and bicycle boulevards promote walkability and reduce traffic congestion.

Community: Publicly-accessible rooftop parks, local art installations, and outdoor dining areas create spaces of social interaction and invest in the community

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