Learning from Seattle’s Overlook Walk
- Mahmud Hassan
- Jan 4
- 4 min read
Seattle’s Overlook Walk, inaugurated in October 2024, is a significant urban development that reconnects downtown Seattle to its historic waterfront and aquarium. It is mainly an overpass for pedestrians over the busy Alaska Way, but instinctively it contains park spaces, and restaurant space as well as acting as a gathering area, helping attract more people to the surrounding attractions. It has been in development for more than a decade, but since its launch, it has offered both residents and visitors enhanced accessibility and scenic views of Elliot Bay. The development represents the quintessence of city planning that connects rather than divides, and as such this article hopes to discuss what it does well and why what it chooses to prioritise is beneficial for the residents of the city.
Firstly, the overlook walk prioritizes, more than anything, urban connectivity and accessibility. Before the construction of the overpass, the area was split in half by the Alaska Way, leaving pedestrians with very minimal options for making their way to the waterfront from the quite popular Pike Place Market and vice versa. This discouraged pedestrians from truly exploring the waterfront and piers due to the inconvenience of crossing the large highway. Currently, the overpass connects over 30 metres of elevation change in such a short distance, thus connecting downtown Seattle to the waterfront like never before. Moreover, the new public elevators both at Pike Place Market and the new ocean pavilion connecting directly to the overpass at two separate ends enhance its accessibility for all ages and disabilities. This, coupled with the existing playgrounds, businesses and green spaces within, facilitates connection and fosters a sense of community as people can easily traverse and explore what Seattle offers and make meaningful connections with each other. Cities are meant to be places of interaction and creation. By taking this meaningful step in making Seattle more walkable, planners enable people to freely communicate and connect with their fellow residents and encourage people to walk more lessening the need for cars for simply existing within the city.
Alternatively, the overlook walk incorporates nature and sustainability in its design emphasising the importance of natural environments in creating unique and significant spaces for urban communities. The overpass features foliage and plants that mimic the natural environment that surrounds the Pacific Northwest, such as Vine Maple, particularly in its Bluff Walk Pathway. Alternatively, its sustainable design practices and incorporation of biodiverse green spaces, enable urban communities to access such natural environments which are quite rare, especially in large cities such as Seattle. Both these factors contribute to the creation of an oasis in a once-congested area where residents can improve their physical activity and social interaction, and help clean Seattle’s air. The waterfront redevelopment, in general, aims to increase green space within Seattle, thus these positive impacts would not only be seen in the Overwalk but also the greater waterfront area, highlighting the impact of green spaces within urban areas.
Lastly, the incorporation of artwork within the overlook walk helps enhance the cultural heritage within Seattle, helping enhance community connection over art and shared experiences. The overlook walk will feature “large-scale artwork” in its Salish steps, to honour the rich Native American history of the waterfront, created by numerous Indigenous artists that highlight the matriarchs, who wield a tapestry of traditions, technologies, and eulogies through weaving and carving. Moreover, the aforementioned Salish Steps will act as an amphitheatre space where musicians and presenters can share their art with spectators. These important incorporations of art into the overlook walk make the area a place for people to gather and connect over these moving pieces. Art in urban spaces causes movement and connection, it makes people more likely to be attracted to certain areas due to their cultural appeal as centres of creativity. By choosing to centre art within the overpass, Seattle's city planners can ensure that people now have another place within the city to interact with art and congregate for concerts and music, a place where communities feel represented and feel a sense of belonging within the city. Moreover, it increases attraction towards the overpass, therefore increasing revenue and frequency in the waterfront and businesses within its vicinity.
Ultimately, the overpass represents an active effort in the redevelopment of Seattle to become a much more walkable and attractive city for both residents and visitors from all over. Urban planners the world over can learn from Seattle's approach to redevelopment, understanding that urban connectivity is best created by emphasising accessibility, walkability, green space and cultural heritage to promote a sense of belonging and attraction towards exploring Seattle’s many attractions.
References
Braxton, K. (2024, October 4). Overlook Walk Is Open: Seattle’s Newest Dynamic Landmark Connects
the Waterfront and Downtown with Breathtaking Views and Enhanced Public Space - Office of the
Mayor. Office of the Mayor.
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Clarridge, C. (2024, October 2). Seattle’s new gateway to the waterfront opens. Axios; Axios Seattle.
Dhenin, M. (2021, December 6). Why Public Art Is Good for Cities. YES! Magazine.
Packer, R., & Packer, R. (2024, October 4). Overlook Walk Finally Opens as the New Seattle
Waterfront’s Centrepiece - The Urbanist. The Urbanist - Examining Urban Policy to Improve Cities
and Quality of Life. https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/10/04/overlook-walk-opens/
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