Using photographs touched up with painting software to depict visions of urban revitalization.

With a strong expertise in the design of retail main streets, Richard Heapes and his Street-Works firm use computer imaging to show changes that new signage, lighting and street furniture will bring to a familiar scene in downtown Pittsburgh. The Marketplace at Fifth and Forbes in Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle is undergoing a transformation into a very different kind of place. The ability to "visualize" the cumulative impact of these changes has helped designers and citizens to envision Market Square's future.

Often such subtle changes can go a long way toward changing deeply held perceptions of a place as deteriorated and unsafe. With many American cities upgrading well-located but underutilized centrally located neighborhoods, it is important to show that older buildings need not be demolished and replaced for a district to find new uses and markets.

PREVIOUS • NEXT