CH 1 Introduction

INTRODUCTION

This book is a collection of work organized by fourth year architecture students at the New York Institute of Technology. The class is led by professor Demir Purisic and the semester’s objective was to analyze the open streets objective on 34th avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. Jackson Heights is a neighborhood in Queens, New York that is described as a place that is historic, celebrates diversity, is heterogeneous and has a dense urban feel. Students were tasked in analyzing all aspects of Jackson Heights and compiling all their research together. The class researched History and demographics, built environment, streetscape, the open streets proposal, and even contacting stakeholders within the community. Using this research, the students will funnel their knowledge into proposing a new/ revamped community space for Jackson Heights, which will be the project for the Spring 2022 semester. The Proposals done by the class all orient around 34th avenue. The current proposal on 34th Avenue is an open street where pedestrians and cyclists can move safely due to limited car access. This was done because the community wanted an area to get outside and enjoy themselves during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This studio focuses on how to make 34th avenue more accessible, safer and especially more community oriented instead of the current proposal.