The Last Gap: The Story of a Pedestrian Crossing between the Texas Capitol Mall and UT.

The session aims to explore urban design's importance, coordination challenges, and design options for a successful pedestrian crossing. Objectives include understanding potential benefits and urban design's role in fostering community ownership and long-term success.

Background
The Texas Capital Mall Masterplan was designed eight years ago in collaboration with the Texas facility leadership and Page, an architectural firm. The plan's main objective is to connect and make accessible the mall to the adjacent areas. This cohesive plan has been successful in creating a functional and attractive urban space that connects various destinations in the region.

The Last Gap
The pedestrian crossing between the Capital Complex and the University of Texas is more than just a physical connection. It is a crucial point that connects diverse organizations and cultural institutions, creating a unique and vibrant urban space. The power of coordination between these organizations and using urban design as glue can enhance the pedestrian experience, improve connectivity, and create a sense of place. The absence of this crossing creates a significant barrier for pedestrians and limits accessibility between these areas. Therefore, it is essential to complete this missing link to realize the full potential of the Texas Capital Mall Masterplan. 

Design Options and Implementation
 Various design options that can make the pedestrian crossing successful and the implementation of the design. The design options include creating a safe and functional pedestrian pathway, incorporating green spaces, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the crossing. Implementation of these design options would connect the Capitol Complex, the University of Texas, and other cultural institutions, providing a safe and accessible pedestrian-friendly environment for the community. The session concludes with the potential benefits of completing this crucial pedestrian crossing for the Texas community.