re•com•pres•ure a look into improving public spaces in East New York, Brooklyn
Jolie Leung March 2017 Cal Poly Undergraduate Capstone Project
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Concept & mission statement Context Brief history & neighborhoods
6-7
Physical characteristics Natural & man-made services
7-13
Demographics & Census data, Brooklyn Race Income Housing Poverty Rezoning & developments
2
4-5
14-27 16-17 18-19 20-23 24-25 26-27
Demographics & Census data, East New York Race Income Rent Poverty
28-37
Infographic narrative
38-39
Opportunities & constraints
40-41
Precedent studies Atlantic yards Park scales Jacobs & Gehl United Community Centers
42-59
30-31 32-33 34-35 36-37
44-47 48-51 52-55 55-59
Goals & objectives Concept & mission statement
62-63
Conceptual programming Program elements Adjacency matrix Site analysis x program elements
64-69
User profiles
70-75
64-65 66-67 68-69
Design development Guiding principles
76-77
Planning scale
78-81
Intimate scale Public typology Private typology
82-87
Park scale Schematic i Schematic ii Schematic iii
88-95
84-85 26-27
90-91 92-93 94-95
Final iterations
Problem & solution statements
98-99
Planning scale: street life improvements
100-107
Park scale: City Line Park
108-117
Courtyard scale: intimate interiors [Grey]water scheme The meeting place
118-129 120-123 124-129
3
re•com•pres•ure
[ res i l i e n cy co m m u n ity p rese rvat i o n c u l t u re ] cultural preservation through socially-resilient community design
Thesis Statement:
Urban life can be improved by re-imagining neighborhood-scale public spaces as amenity parks.
4
I n t ro d u c t i o n
My passion lies in the human-aspect of design and how landscape architecture and urban design can begin to address or even solve social problems. As New York City tackles its persistent low-income housing shortage, more light has been shed on the effects of gentrification and how environmental justice plays a large part in the urban development issues. This is an important topic for the native New Yorkers who have lived in their neighborhoods their whole lives, creating the unique sense of community, culture, and character that draws people to New York City. They are rapidly being displaced because they can no longer afford to live there. I was very inspired by my study abroad experience in Copenhagen, during which I studied urban design. Being able to experience a city with a unique urban culture and design aesthetic, as well as the theory behind their approach, was an enriching experience that I hope will be an underlying driver in my approach. The idea of “democratic spaces� is a very strong concept that the city of Copenhagen embodies through its experimental and participatory planning initiatives that I think we can learn from and continue to refine as the body of work in urban design continues to evolve. Through my senior project I plan to look at the rezoning plan put forward by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Department of City Planning for East New York. East New York was known previously for being a very poor neighborhood due to its poor access to Manhattan, with a high concentration of African Americans and Caribbean immigrants. However, it is now on the brink of gentrification, and this re-zoning plan is a huge catalyst for this big shift in culture and neighborhood character. The plan is quite robust and aggressive in dealing with affordable housing and mixed use development. However, it is not as thoughtful in the way it addresses public spaces, most of which only include surface and equipment improvements as opposed to re-examining how those spaces are serving people and making improvements based on those findings. By focusing on public spaces, I hope to begin to address social justice issues by providing a platform to unite community members and strengthen civic pride in their neighborhood.
M iss i on stateme nt
I hope to investigate the ways in which systems of public space design can be a platform to alleviate social justice issues. The quality of urban life is often associated with access to public spaces, which are in need of a conceptual upgrade. In my research I’ve found the development of neighborhood scale parks to be more effective in serving community needs more thoroughly and intimately. Instead of having pocket parks or neighborhood parks as recreational playgrounds, we need to return to the idea that these public spaces could serve multiple, needed public function. Through the grounding and engagement of residents in their communities, we can use this as the foundation for building socially-resilient infrastructure. Socially-resilient design aims to prepare communities for devastation from social factors like displacement and gentrification. By strengthening this foundation through public spaces and providing adaptive strategies to prepare these people for change, urban life can be improved for under served communities. 5
B ro o k l y n in context
B r i e f H i s to r y Brooklyn has been a place for hard-working immigrants displaced from “New York City” (Manhattan). As place of booming industry, post-World War II, it also under-went the rise and fall of manufacturing. This resulted in a rapid decline of population, safety, and livability in the 1970s and 1980s. However, once revitalization efforts began in the 90’s, Brooklyn is now more attractive than ever. In the last decade it has been undergoing major changes resulting in a huge cultural shift in millennials, artists, and “hipsters”, who are also fleeing increasing rents in Manhattan, which in turn affect rents in the other boroughs.
THE BRONX
MANHATTAN QUEENS
BROOKLYN
STATEN ISLAND
As a n E n t i t y Brooklyn is one of five boroughs in New York City. It is, however, not a part of New York County, but rather King’s County. As the second largest borough, Brooklyn is recognized by its rich neighborhoods, grunge culture, and attitude.
6
7
in brooklyn
Neighborhoods
P h ys i c a l c h a ra c t e r i s t i c s natural and man-made services
J a m a i c a Ba y Wa t e rs h e d
8
The Jamaica Bay Watershed covers approximately 142 square miles, eventually depositing into Jamaica Bay. Though it hosts a unique and diverse ecosystem, the rich marshlands have been on the decline from urban runoff, pollution from sewage overflows, and sedimentation. The overall water quality was no longer habitable. However, in 2005, Mayor Michael Bloomberg commissioned the Department of Environmental Planning (DEP) to develop a protection plan to help mitigate these hazards. More recently, in 2010, The DEP published an update on their goal attainment and progress in areas including water quality, restoration ecology, stormwater management, public education and outreach, and public use and enjoyment.
Source: NYC Department of Environmental Protection, 2010 Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan
P u b l i c p a r ks a n d d e s t i n a t i o n s
9
E a s t N ew Yo r k
Hea lt h & menta l hea lt h services
10
E a s t N ew Yo r k
H a z a rd o u s s i t e s
11
E a s t N ew Yo r k
Co m m u n i t y s e r v i c e s & a m e n i t i e s
12
Bud get priorit ies
I n i t i a t i ve s a n d d eve l o p m e n t s
E a s t N ew Yo r k
N ew Yo r k C i t y H o u s i n g Au t h o r i t y ( N YC H A )
This NYC agency has a targeted focus on “affordable and safe” housing. There are currently 328 housing development throughout the city housing over 400,000 New Yorkers. NYCHA develops their own studies defining “affordable” housing and have their own process of selecting applicants to receive subsidized housing programs and opportunities. Source: NYCHA Fact Sheet, April 2016
Co m m u n i t y Pa r ks I n i t i a t i ve
Started by the NYC Parks Department, the CPI aims to create and improve neighborhood parks, facilitating community outreach and engagement. However, as an agency that relies on public funding and government allocation of budgets, results have a tendency to be less of a priority. Source: NYC Parks Departmen Foderaro, Lisa W. On City Parks, Mayor de Blasio is seen asFriend, Foe, nd something in Between.
Fo o d Re t a i l Ex p a n s i o n to S u p p o r t H e a l t h ( F R ES H )
The FRESH initiative started after a Department of Health study concluded poor accress to fresh foods through low-income NYC neighborhoods. It aims to offer “zoning and financial” incentives to grocery stores in underserved communities and push to off at least 30% of retail space for fresh produce and grocery products. Source: NYC FRESH, NYC Health, NYC Dept. of City Planning, NYC Economic Development Corporation.“Going to Market: NYC’s Neighborhood Grocery Store and Supermarket Shortage”
13
Re z o n i n g a n d d eve l o p m e n t s : existing and future government developments
Plans began: 2016
East NY Rezoning Development Last major update: 2014
Pacific Park Development
Major Development Plans
D eve l o p m e n t a l P l a n s
14
Two major development plans of high controversy are underway in Brooklyn, both of which the New York City Department of City Planning have a hand in facilitating. At the same time, many private investors also play a large role in the details of these developments, which have resulted in a lot of citizen push back and social unrest. In both cases, a certain amount of “affordable housing units� is promised. In the Pacific Park development, formerly known as Atlantic Yards, the original community-oriented design and affordable unit counts have been compromised. And while Mayor de Blasio’s re-zoning plan is ground breaking in many ways, history begs the question: will the same loss happen in East New York?
Wo r k i n g o bs e r va t i o n s East New York is the first of two neighborhoods scheduled to undergo major development plans due to the city rezoning masterplan, but signs of gentrification have already begun. In the span of fifteen years, the plans as of now anticipate approximately 19,000 new residents. By 2024, an anticipated 6,000 new housing units will have been created, half of which are part of the Inclusionary Housing Plan.
“A family of three making as little as $19,989 or as much as $23,350 could pay $583 a month for a two-bedroom, or those making between
”
$46,662 to $69,930 could pay $1,748.
As a close-knit, community-oriented neighborhood in western Brooklyn, coalitions and community organizations have already begun pushing back. Source: DNAinfo Bautista, Camille. “Here’s How the East New York Re-zoning Plan Could Affect You.” DNAinfo. 20 April, 2016. Web.
Re z o n i n g p l a n 2,075
Growth corridors
“affordable/mixed-income housing, retail, business, and community facilities”
Industrial mixed use corridors
“moderate density industrial, commercial, residential development”
Mixed use corridors
“moderate density with new affordable and mixed income housing, retail,
Residential
“side street character, low scale houses and new houses” Source: NYC Department of City Planning (2016) East New York Neighborhood Plan
D e m o g ra p h i c s
2014 Census data and block groups
Ra c e
16
Income
P ro p e r t y va l u e & re n t
Pove r t y
17
Ra c i a l p e rc e n t a g e s :
estimated total demographic/estimated total population in Brooklyn
As i a n
H i s p a n i c / La t i n o
O t h e r / 2 + Ra c e s
18
S u bwa y l i n e s & black population
Wh ite
Wo r k i n g o b s e r va t i o n s The sheer concentration and clear segregation between the two largest demographic groups in Brooklyn is irrefutable. The larger neighborhoods of settlement have been identified, many of which have been involved in great discussion over current developments, revitalization, or rezoning plans. It’s also important to note the general geographic locations of these settlement patterns. The primarily white neighborhoods tend to be closest to Manhattan, meaning ease of commute in term of connectivity, transportation options, and commute time; or in prime waterfront locations. In contrast, the neighborhoods with a higher concentration of African Americans have consolidated to a portion of Brooklyn that is only reached by a select amount of subway lines, forcing many individuals to rely on both the bus and subway to get into the other boroughs.
G re e n p o i n t W I l l i a m s b u rg
D U M BO Re d H o o k
Flatbush
Ba y R i d g e
B r i g h to n B e a c h
B l a c k / Af r i c a n A m e r i c a n G re e n p o i n t W I l l i a m s b u rg
D U M BO Re d H o o k
Ba y R i d g e
E a s t N ew Yo r k C a n a rs i e Flatlands 19
B r i g h to n B e a c h
Med ia n i ncome :
estimated totals of median income (per demographic) in Brooklyn
Med ia n Income
M a p g e n e ra t i o n & wo r k i n g o bs e r va t i o n s The median income map above has values displayed at increments at common value breaks. The two lughter color values represent people living in poverty or extreme poverty based on income by general standards. However, a majority of the large, lighter patches are also public park spaces as opposed to neighborhoods. The maps broken down by demographics are displayed with a grey value of 0 which also helps display population settlement pattern more clearly. Median income is a very tricky measurement that tends to be heavily relied upon. While it is a good measurement to get a quick snapshot at income levels in an area, I think it’s important to compare that with raw income data and make comparisons for the averaging method that best works for this specific data. The method used is instrumental in determining what the city defines as “affordable housing� and where those developments occur, along with property value. 20
Wh ite
Black
Hispanic
As i a n
21
P ro p e r t y va l u e s :
estimated number of property in each value per block group in Brooklyn
$60,000-$69,000
$100,000-$125,000
M a p g e n e ra t i o n & i m p l i c a t i o n s Property values are shaped by a variety of things including location, access to amenities and services, and overall quality. The New York City housing market is so nuanced that it is difficult to make generalizations because trends vary so widely from district to district and neighborhood to neighborhood. These maps show the estimated number of properties valued at the labeled increment for each neighborhood block in Broolyn. From there we can visualize the data and investigate how they might influence settlement patterns.
Ba y R i
E a s t N ew Yo r k C a n a rs i e Flatlands
22
$400,000-$499,999
B r i g h to n B e a c h
$500,000-$749,999
E a s t N ew Yo r k C a n a rs i e Flatlands
$200,000-$249,999
$300,000-$399,999
Wo r k i n g o bs e r va t i o n s The number of property values below $60,000 were far too small to effectively display, but it is important to recognize that the vast majority of properties are valued upwards of $400,000. Properties that fall into the $300,000 range are also in the neighborhoods where there are higher concentrations of the black/African American population, in western Brooklyn. At the same time, western Brooklyn also has a high concentration of $400,000-$749,999 properties, which may have to do with development plans, but given that this data is from 2014, it almost predicts the areas that are now beginning to feel the effects of gentrification. Finally, the properties of highest value are closest to Manhattan with upand-coming areas of interest. G re e n p o i n t W I l l i a m s b u rg D U M BO Re d H o o k dge
$750,000-$999,999
$1,000,000+
23
Co n t ra c t re n t :
estimated number of rent paid in each increment per block group in Brooklyn
<$800
$800-$$999
$
M a p g e n e ra t i o n & i m p l i c a t i o n s These maps show estimates of the total number of contracts paid each month at each increment for each block group in Brooklyn. From the census data, I worked with the median income values in Excel. I processed the income to show monthly income and then found the percentage of income spent on rent at the given incremental values. This was an eye opening exercise at just how difficult the housing market is. From here, I would like to do the same for each demographic group. $800/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
Monthly Rent : 23 %
Monthly Income : 77 %
24
$1000/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
$1200/Average 2014 Census Data
Monthly Rent : 29 %
Monthly Income : 71 %
Monthly Incom
$1000-$1249
$1250-$1499
Ideal Percentage of Income Spent on Rent
Wo r k i n g o b s e r va t i o n s Again with wariness about using median income as a measurement of economic status, on average, people paying less than $1,000 on rent per month fall into the recommended percentages of monthly income spent on rent. However, with the majority of rent costing $1,000-$1,500 per month, people are spending upwards of 35% of their monthly income on rent, not including utilities. If the median cannot afford this housing market, then what happens to the majority that cannot sustain these finances?
e Monthly Income a and Block Groups
$1500/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
Monthly Rent : 35 %
Monthly Rent : 44 % Monthly Income : 56 %
$1500-$2000
Monthly Rent : 30 %
Monthly Income : 70 %
$2000/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
Monthly Income : 42 %
Monthly Rent : 58 %
me : 65 % 25
Pove r t y p e rc e n t a g e s :
estimated percentages of income characteristics/total surveyed in Brooklyn
Poverty
Contract rent: $1000-$1249 overlay
M a p g e n e ra t i o n & i m p l i c a t i o n s These maps show the percentage of people with public assisted income and people who classify under the poverty level by normalizing those estimates by the total number of people surveyed in the Census. In the circle above, these maps have been overlayed on top of the data on contract rent for the $1,000-$1,249 interval to see if rent burdened areas are receiving the financial assistance. 26
Public Assisted Income
Contract rent: $1000-$1249 overlay
Wo r k i n g o bs e r va t i o n s Again with wariness about using median income as a measurement of economic status, on average, people paying less than $1,000 on rent per month fall into the recommended percentages of monthly income spent on rent. However, with the majority of rent costing $1,000-$1,500 per month, people are spending upwards of 35% of their monthly income on rent, not including utilities. If the median cannot afford this housing market, then what happens to the majority that cannot sustain these finances?
27
E a s t N ew Yo r k Character & demographics
28
29
Ra c i a l p e rc e n t a g e s i n E a s t N ew Yo r k : estimated total demographic/estimated total population in Brooklyn
B l a c k / Af r i c a n A m e r i c a n G re e n p o i n t
D U M BO
Ba y R i d g e
E a s t N ew Yo r k C a n a rs i e Flatlands B r i g h to n B e a c h
30
Wh ite G re e n p o i n t
D U M BO
Flatbush
Ba y R i d g e B r i g h to n B e a c h
31
M e d i a n i n c o m e i n E a s t N ew Yo r k :
estimated totals of median income (per demographic) in Brooklyn
B l a c k / Af r i c a n A m e r i c a n
32
As i a n
M a p g e n e ra t i o n These maps are displayed in such a way that the yellow gradient is shows the percentage of people per block group that are in poverty based on median income level. The block groups displayed in the grey gradient show those who are above the national poverty level.
Hispanic
Wh ite
33
Co n t ra c t re n t :
estimated number of rent paid in each increment per block group in Brooklyn $1000/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
Monthly Rent : 29 %
$1200/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
Monthly Rent : 35 %
Monthly Income : 71 % Monthly Income : 65 %
34
$1500/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
Monthly Rent : 44 % Monthly Income : 56 %
$2000/Average Monthly Income 2014 Census Data and Block Groups
Monthly Income : 42 %
Monthly Rent : 58 %
35
Pove r t y p e rc e n t a g e s :
estimated percentages of income characteristics/total surveyed in Brooklyn
Poverty
36
Public Assisted Income
37
“Hello,
my name is Alicia!” ...follow me!
“I live with my family in a neighborhood in Brooklyn called
East New York”
38
“My friends and I like to play outside at our neighborhood park. And even though we spent a lot of time there, approximately
30%
at least of retail space is dedicated to
perishable goods.” “That’s okay. My mom says it’s because our bodegas don’t have as many grocery choices like dairy, meat, and produce. It’s getting better with something called the
FRESH Initiative
Source: NYCEDC, NYCDCP, NYC Health Food Retail Expansion to Support Health Fact Sheet
that requires
1 in 5
kids face childhood obesity.” Source: 2010 NYC Community Health Survey Atlast
39
“And in my neighborhood, a lot of people look like me.” Other : 1.5 %
Other : 2 %
Asian : 9.4 %
Asian : 11.2 %
White : 36.8 % Black : 32.7 %
Latino : 19.5 %
White : 43.6 % Black : 33.9 %
Race in Brooklyn U.S. Census 2000 2007/09 Community Survey
Other : 2 %
Asian : 4.6 %
White : 5.4 %
U.S. Census 2010
Latino : 39 % Black : 49.1 %
Race in Brooklyn Community District 5 U.S. Census 2000 2007/09 Community Survey
“That means
half of my block
might have to move. That would be sad.” percentage of median income spent on rent
3
40
Sou
25-50%
of people in East New York are living
under the poverty level
Source: 2014 Census data and block groups
“I like where we live, but my dad says we might have to move soon. He says a lot of people don’t have enough money to live here anymore.”
The average black East New Yorker earns an average monthly income of
$3,541.71 Source: 2014 Census data and block groups
The median monthly cost of rent in East New York is a.”vpproximately
$1,250 Source: 2014 Census data and block groups
35%
urce: 2014 Census data and block groups
41
Opportunities:
Money towards development and preservation of local communities
Limiting the type and scale of development allows for communities to preserve their character and, more importantly, allows for current residents to continue to afford living in their neighborhoods
Re-examining design for locality and not tourism
Beautiful parks and spaces that is tailored to the beauty and uniqueness of that community, references may not be understood completely by outsiders, but that is okay
Options for constraining current gentrification patterns
building codes based on zoning, rent caps, scale limits, what else?
Re-examining investment/unusual returns as an incentive for developers
If a huge economic return canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be guaranteed since these will be public projects you have to get creative with other returns. Can complex business systems be applied in public private partnerships to facilitate development? What kind else qualifies as â&#x20AC;&#x153;enough returnâ&#x20AC;??
Facilitation of positive community assets and amenities
Following the Chicago neighborhood parks model, these public spaces can provide needed public facilities like educational/after school programs, recreation spaces, community gardens, and community centers, which not only provides jobs in infrastructure, but also services from the community for the community
Public health and environmental education for underserved communities
Educating youth on environmental awareness and social justice is an important aspect in sparking change in the future if we want these widespread problems to be fixed
Anthropological approach to cultural significance
importance of preserving culture of these neighborhoods
42
Constraints:
Greed of developers driving design and development
In the case of the Atlantic Yards “Pacific Park” development, developers cared more about providing luxury apartments (higher rents), than providing low-income housing for all of the displaced people, with even the “low-income” units more expensive than originally planned
Projects becoming so beautiful/successful they become popular anyway
This is detrimental for community members who are striving to make ends meet and are driven out of their neighborhoods because they can no longer afford it i.e. the Highline
Threshold between private and public life
Addressing this boundary becomes important in terms of ownership, or at least the feeling of ownership, for maintenance and care. But at what point do people begin to restrict access?
Cost of renovation and improvements with little return
Creating positive value of public (green) spaces for community members so it will be used and maintained What is valuable to a community? Can it be provided? If a community can even agree, what happens if what they find valuable changes?
Establishing boundaries and criteria for “underserved communities” cultural boundaries vs official neighborhood boundaries
43
P re c e d e n t s t u d i e s Analysis and take-aways
At l a n t i c Ya rd s
44
Pa r k s c a l e s
Ja cobs & Ge h l
U CC
45
At l a n t i c Ya rd s : A lesson in what not to do
|
Brooklyn, NY
At l a n t i c Te r m i n a l
At l a n t i c Te r m i n a l The purpose of this transportation hub was to increase connectivity, not only to the other boroughs, but also to the Long island Railroad. Fu l to n St . At l a n t i c Ave . Pa c i f i c St .
F l a t b u s h Ave .
C a t a l ys t ( “ B i g M ove ” )
A b r i e f h i s to r y : 1 9 6 2 “ At l a n t i c Te r m i n a l U r b a n Re n ewa l A re a ” [ AT U RA ] -$150 million issued by the City Planning Commission (over $1 billion 2016 dollars)
1 9 6 8 “ Re n ewa l Ra i s e s B ro o k l y n H o p e s ”
“2,400 new low- and middle-income housing units to replace 800 dilapidated units...” -Meat market moves to DUMBO (Brooklyn Bridge area)
1980 s
-260 townhouses, 600 units (3.1 million sq ft of office space) aimed at families earning $25,000-$48,000 ($72,000-$138,000 2016 dollars)
46
1990s
-malls and high-income condos -later more low-income senior citizen housing added
At l a n t i c Te r m i n a l
Fu l to n St . At l a n t i c Ave . Pa c i f i c St .
F l a t b u s h Ave .
C a t a l ys t D eve l o p m e n t ( â&#x20AC;&#x153; B i g M ove â&#x20AC;? ) a re a s
M e t ro s to p s
Qu e s t i o n s to c o n s i d e r :
How might we hold the city responsible and accountable for advocating for its people? How do you deal with the displacement of people who were forced to move or no longer able to afford their neighborhood? Can corporate greed be remedied, or is it a by-product of a society founded upon a capitalist system? 47
At l a n t i c Ya rd s : A lesson in what not to do
|
Brooklyn, NY
C u r re n t c o n t rove rsy :
At l a n t i c Te r m i n a l Fu l to n St .
Ba rc l a ys Ce n t e r
At l a n t i c Ave . Pa c i f i c St . F l a t b u s h Ave .
C a t a l ys t ( “ B i g M ove ” )
D eve l o p m e n t a re a s
Pa c i f i c Pa r k M e t ro s to p s
2 0 1 2 : Ba rc l a y ’s c e n t e r o p e n s & At l a n t i c Ya rd s i s re b ra n d e d t o “ Pa c i f i c Pa r k ” -promised 2,250 subsidized apartments (total apartments 6,430) -tallest modular building complex development
Community Benefits Agreement: -affordable housing--50% set aside for varying degrees of affordability with a $109,000 MAX -35% minority, 10% women contractors hired during construction -senior housing 10% set aside -health care center -6 acres of open space for public use, free of charge
2 0 1 4 : A n ew d e a l 48
-construction expedited, apartments completed by 2025 (ten years earlier than originally agreed) -”2 100% affordable buildings with units serving a more diverse range of families”
W h a t t h ey fa i l e d to m e n t i o n p u b l i c l y : Affo rd a b i l i t y
-390 of 600 units will go to households earning $100,000+ -2 bedroom apartments with rents approaching $3,000 -180 low-income units for families earning up to $51,540 for households of 4, this is 10% LESS than the 40% promised units
C l u s t e r i n g M a r ke t Ra t e Towe rs
-segregated housing units based on income -units originally mixed affordable and market rate
The i m pl icat ions
Though the ATURA development happened over 50 years ago, the similarities in the issues surrounding the development are strikingly similar. It begs the question whether all developments follow this trajectory. According to my findings from the 2014 Census data, the median income in the neighborhood Pacific Park is going in is not particularly high. But to have advertised rent rivaling and exceeding rents in both Greenpoint and Williamsburg is surprising and illogical. Additionally, the “New Deal” defines low-income/affordable units as earning less than $51,540 for households of 4. This is an unrealistic figure, especially compared to the national guideline according to U.S. Department of Health and Services, which states $24,300 for a family of four. Oder, Norman. “Atlantic Yards, Pacific Park, and the Culture of Cheating.” Web log post. Atlantic Hards, Pacific Park Report. Blogger, 10 Sept. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. Oder, Norman. “Behind the “empty Railyards”: 40 Years of ATURA, Baruch’s Plan, and the City’s Diffidence.” Web log post. Atlantic Hards, Pacific Park Report. Blogger, 17 Mar. 2006. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. Oder, Norman. “Before and after Bloomberg: Times Map Suggests Barclays Center Marks “preference for Building,” but Unbuilt Railyard Suggests Ambiguous Legacy.” Web log post. Atlantic Hards, Pacific Park Report. Blogger, 18 Aug. 2013. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. Oder, Norman. “Behind Atlantic Yards Housing Deal, Some Big Shifts.” City Limits. Institute for Nonprofit News, 3 July 2014. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
49
Pa r k s c a l e s :
Dispersal vs consolidation
|
Chicago, IL vs Manhattan, NY
Ai ms :
1859 Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux -public space for everyone, with aim of bridging socio-economic barriers (binging poor up with rich) -escape from the urban environment -monumental with everything: playgrounds, woodlands, museum, lake, strolling paths
Co n c e p t : D e m o c ra t i c P u b l i c S p a c e
This term first coined by Frederick Law Olmsted offers an idealistic view of the potential of public parks. It has three main points: 1. it is a node that draws people in and inspires pride; 2. it offers a natural sanctuary as an escape and recharge from the harshness of the city 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;free and equal access for everyone...regardless of social class or raceâ&#x20AC;?
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While these principles may still hold true and represent an ideal to work towards, I believe the ways these points can be manifested differ in the 21st century. Central Park will always be an iconic masterpiece, but considering how large New York CIty has become since the 1850s, I believe communities can be better served locally and more intimately.
Ce n t ra l Pa r k
â&#x20AC;&#x153; fo r a l l â&#x20AC;? -- or -fo r t h o s e w h o m a ke t h e t r i p
$
$
$
$
re c o g n i z e d a s s e t -- or -to u r i s t a tt ra c t i o n
g ra n d e u r a r r i va l -- or -o u t - of - t h e - wa y
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Pa r k s c a l e s :
Dispersal vs consolidation
|
Chicago, IL vs Manhattan, NY
Chicago neighborhood p a r ks
fo s t e rs c o m m u n i t y -- or -s e g re g a t e s n e i g h b o r h o o d s
loca l a sset -- or -fo rg o tt e n & t a ke n fo r g ra n t e d
c o n n e c t e d n e t wo r k -- or -i sol ated nodes
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Nielsen, Tom. “Democratic Urban Spaces in the Nordic Countries?” The Democratic Public Sphere: Challenges and Developmental Perspectives. AU IDEAS Pilot Centre. Aarhus University. 2013. PBS. “Central Park.” WTTW Chicago Public Media. PBS, 12 Apr. 2016. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
PBS. “Chicago’s Neighborhood Parks.” WTTW Chicago Public Media. PBS, 12 Apr. 2016. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. Taylor, Graham Romeyn. “Recreation Developments in Chicago Parks”. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 35.2 (1910): 88–105. Web.
Co n c e p t : A m e n i t y Pa r ks
Serving as a direct counter to their father, his sons, the Olmsted brothers are responsible with designing a sleu of neighborhood-scale parks that offered services tailered to the working class of Chicago. What these parks lacked in grandeur, they made up in practicality. Seeing as many of the people in the outskirts of Chicago were immigrants, a lot of the services provided not only strengthened community , but also offered services to help them adapt to life in the United States.
“For these working poor, the idea of a lovely Sunday stroll by a landscaped lagoon was a luxury - perhaps even folly - when necessities such as health care, education, and basic hygiene were not addressed.” -PBS, 10 Parks that Changed America
Ai ms :
1891 J. Frank Foster & the Olmsted brothers -network of neighborhood parks, catering to working class immigrants -provided amenities (swimming pools, libraries, gymnasiums, recreational fields, and fieldhouses) and services (English lessons, craft lessons, community theatre) -strayed from naturalistic design, programming evolved and pragmatic -playgrounds, safety, community
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J a c o bs & G e h l :
Philosophies of people, cities, and design |
New York City, NY and Copenhagen, Denmark
B r i e f b i o g ra p h y :
Jane Jacobs was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but moved to New York City shortly after finishing high school to pursue writing. It wasn’t until she met her husband, Robert Jacobs, an architect, that she became more interested and involved in city planning and urban revitalization. In 1961 she manifested her ideas, observations, and criticisms of modernist city planning in her world-renowned book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities. This was only the beginning of her compassionate and deeply important career.
J a n e J a c o bs
Writer & community activist | 54
1916-2006
C i t i e s a s e c o sys t e m s
M de
elements of a city function as “dynamic organisms” creating synergy, which begs to be studied and understood
mi diversity program co
Project for Public Spaces. “Jane Jacobs.” Project for Public Spaces. Project for Public Spaces, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
M i xe d - u s e eve l o p m e n t
ixed-use = diversity y in demographics, uses, ms, backgrounds increases ommunity vitality
B o tt o m - u p com mu n ity pla n n i ng
advocating for grassroots efforts, emphasizing the people as the experts of their every day life to shape policy
Lo c a l e c o n o m i e s
creative, evolving small businesses perpetuates innovation
H e r c a re e r & l e g a c y
By using this book as a launch pad for her passions, she launched a crusade against City Park’s Commissioner Robert Moses who sought to build a highway through Washington Square Park and the West Village. Jacobs was unafraid to challenge a mindset of “top-down neighborhood clearning”, “slum-clearing”, and high-rise dominant building patterns, that have not only been monumental in the history of planning in New York City, but also shapes urban design approaches today as a means to improve livability. In 1968 she moved with her family to Toronto and continued similar work there by becoming involved in the Stop Spadina Campaign, which also imposed construction of a major highway through important neighborhoods in Toronto.
“ C i t i e s h a ve t h e c a p a b i l i t y o f p rov i d i n g s o m e t h i n g fo r eve r y b o d y, o n l y b e c a u s e , a n d o n l y w h e n , t h ey a re c re a t e d by eve r y b o d y. ” N o t ewo r t h y Wo r ks T h e D e a t h a n d L i fe o f G re a t A m e r i c a n C i t i e s , 1 9 6 1
Her famous book aims to look at cities as a system, analyzing the truly important infrastructure, districts, forces that cause degeneration in the city, and recommendations to improves performance of cities.
D ow n tow n i s fo r Pe o p l e , 19 5 8 ( Fo r t u n e C l a s s i c )
In this article, Jacobs criticizes the the monumentality of design for “dowtown areas” that don’t in fact foster life. She discusses how designers must stray from form in plan view and work harder at creating intimate streets and life within neighborhoods. She references the works of Kevin Lynch, notable architectural projects and their successes and failures.
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J a c o bs & G e h l :
Philosophies of people, cities, and design |
Ja n Geh l
Urban consultant & architect |
B r i e f b i o g ra p h y
1937-
Jan Gehl studied architecture from the School of Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. However, his work in studying urban design and urban life is what he is most known for. He is famous for his intensive and thorough observations of people in public spaces in cities all across the world. His findings were published in his first book Life Between Buildings. He currently has a design consultancy firm called Gehl Architects --Urban Quality Consultants and teaches urban design at his alma mater. 56
New York City, NY and Copenhagen, Denmark
N e c e s s a r y, o p t i o n a l , a n d soc ia l act ivity
the better quality a public space is, the more it accommodates public life, and therefore more people will spend more time in them
L i fe b e t we e
buildings serve a but the space in social in takes plac
Bramber, Mikki. “Jan Gehl on the Global Need for Livable Cities”. Arch Daily. 13 August 2015. Interview. Web. Project for Public Spaces. “Jan Gehl.” Project for Public Spaces. Project for Public Spaces, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
H i s c a re e r & l e g a c y
Springing out of the belief that “[a]rchitects know very little about people”, his extensive and continuing research and observation into how people use public spaces has helped make Copenhagen one of the most enjoyable and livable cities in the world. He champions Piazza del Campo in Siena, Tuscany as one of the oldest, most successful, and his most favorited public space. While we all come from different backgrounds and cultures, he believes at our core, we are homo sapians with the same general tendencies, senses, biology. By looking abstractly and ideally at people this way, he argues designing a hospitable habitat to fit the needs of us across the globe is not as difficult of a problem to solve as people believe.
“ F i rs t l i fe , t h e n s p a c e s , t h e n b u i l d i n g s – t h e o t h e r wa y a ro u n d n eve r wo r ks . ”
N o t ewo r t h y Wo r ks L i fe B e t we e n B u i l d i n g s , 197 1 P u b l i c S p a c e s - P u b l i c L i fe , 199 6 C i t i e s fo r Pe o p l e , 2 0 10
en bu i ld i ngs
(private) function, between is where nteraction ce (publicly)
G ra d u a l t ra n s fo r m a t i o n
sustainable changes take time, people need time to adapt, and time allows flexibility in development
Human scale
the monumentality of modernism killed public spaces, designing with the human scale increases comfort and comfort fosters public life 57
U n i t e d Co m m u n i t y Ce n t e rs : Community organization, activism, and impacts |
East New York, Brooklyn
P ro g ra m s p rov i d e d : S e r v i c e s fo r i m m i g ra n t s
e
c
â&#x20AC;&#x153; U CC â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s m i s s i o n i s t wo - fo l d : t o p rov i d e f i rs t - ra t e s e r v i c e s t h a t m e e t t h e n e e d s o f fa m i l i e s a n d t o i nvo l ve a d u l t a n d yo u t h re s i d e n t s i n s o c i a l e ffo r t s t o l e a r n a b o u t a n d re s o l ve c o m m u n i t y p ro b l e m s . â&#x20AC;?
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Basic immigration services include English as a second language classes, citizen preparation classes, assistance with identification cards and employment.
Bri ef h i s to ry :
United Community Centers, Inc. was started by mostly women of East New York who were in search of integrated, local, and quality educational and social programs for their children. In 1954 UCC was founded as the first tenant-run community center existing in a NYCHA development. Since then, UCC has pursued many other social programs and continues to evolve and strive to meet the needs of the community. Not only do they facilitate local change, but they often engage with regional coalitions to collaborate on larger programs.
E a s t N ew Yo r k Fa r m s Services are publicly funded and targeted for working parents. They take students between ages 2 and 4 from 8AM to 6PM and encourage these children to learn from and with their physical environment.
Services include sexual health education through workshops and presentations, youth internship programs for outreach into the community, condom and resource distribution.
This program boasts a successful sustainable urban farm to educate youth and adults on the importances of food justice through local and fresh foods.
P rot e c t i n g t h e East
Morri s L . E i ns te i n Le a r n i n g Ce n t e r
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U n i t e d Co m m u n i t y Ce n t e rs : Community organization, activism, and impacts |
East N ew Yo r k
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East New York, Brooklyn
Ch a i n of se rvi ce Morri s L . E i ns te i n Le a r n i n g Ce n t e r Children begin at the daycare and preschool programs offered by UCC
E a s t N ew Yo r k Fa r m s Once they grow older, they are eligible for their youth program participating with the farm. Then when they reach high school, they can be youth leaders for the program.
Students who go through the preschool and youth programs may choose to return as a teach as the daycare/ preschool, continuing the cycle.
P ro t e c t i n g t h e East
These programs are the major sources of outreach into the neighborhood of East New York. Engaging in one program givens community memebers the opportunity to learn about the other programs UCC offers.
S e r v i c e s fo r i m m i g ra n t s
When community members take advantage of the health and immigration services, they then learn about the preschool and often try to send their own children here.
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Goals & objectives:
Improve access to public spaces
Ensure at least two amenity spaces per neighborhood Ensure convenient access to amenity spaces by at least two means of transportation Ensure community members have convenient access to at least two public spaces Allow 24 hour use and access to amenity spaces Change entrance points to amenity spaces every two months to promote alternate
Maximize opportunities for interaction amongst community members through form and programming Provide programs attractive to all regardless of religion, race, or economic status
Identify key locations of intersecting demographics to center public spaces around Provide public amenities that are culture specific (i.e. barbecue pits, roasting pits, meditative spaces) to generate curiosity and shared traditions amongst community members Cluster programming based on community need and for convenience of consolidation
Promote social productivity
Develop green spaces that can serve as community, cultural, health, and/or educational centers Provide amenities that can be shared, thereby reducing individual cost Create opportunities in which local jobs can be provided for at least 10% of residents in the neighborhood Provide community engagement for a wide range of ages Facilitate interaction between amenity parks within 3 miles of each other (planned/shared events where one amenity park hosts another)
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Preser ve neighborhood character through placemaking, while also creating value Retain as many historical facades as possible
either
Allow educational opportunities on the history of the community influence design subtly or overtly Generate a sense of shared ownership through program elements
Provide opportunities for internal value (repairs/vocational maintenance, after school/ educational programs) Provide opportunities for generating external value (artist markets, culinary markets)
Promote adaptability
Use sustainable building techniques to address ecological issues Provide opportunities for residents to physically alter the DPS each month Rely on seasonal, local resources in urban gardening and delivery for FRESH initiative Allow spaces to be flexible to accommodate for small scale and large scale programs
Make the urban street condition more livable
Utilize edges of amenity spaces to extend design, beauty, and landscaping beyond the site Implement signage towards nearby amenity spaces to help orient people Use specific planting schemes on streets bordering the amenity spaces for enjoyment even when just passing through Ensure ample lighting in and around amenity spaces Provide seating adjacent to amenity spaces for people walking by Consider the impacts of closing at least one adjacent road for pedestrian/bike-only space 63
Co n c e p t u a l p ro g ra m m i n g Program elements, design elements, and design matrices Ac c e s s
Pe d e s t r i a n paths
I nt i mate s paces
M ova b l e seating
M e d i t a t i ve g a rd e n s
Shade t re e s
P rox i m i t y to m a s s t ra n s i t
B i c yc l e parking
Tra ff i c calming m e a s u re s
Co m p l e t e s t re e t s 64
Enclosed re f u g e
Pa s s i ve l aw n
Li g ht i ng
Co m m u n a l s p a c e s
Co m m u n i t y ce nte r
Amen it ies & p ro g ra m s
C l a s s ro o m s
Ce n t ra l plaza
Co m m u n i t y ro o m s
com mu n ity g a rd e n La u n d r y fa c i l i t y
E nv i ro n m e n t a l j ust ice p ro g ra m s
Ou t d o o r kitchen
P ro fe s s i o n a l d eve l o p m e n t
Play s paces
M a r ke t s paces
I m m i g ra n t services
Health clinic 65
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Pedestrian paths Proximity to mass transit Bike parking Safe streets Moveable seating elements Meditative gardens Shade trees Enclosed refuge areas Lighting Passive lawns Community center Central plaza Community gardens Laundry facility Public bathrooms Outdoor kitchen Seating Playgrounds Daycare Tables Lighting Market spaces Recreational spaces Classrooms Community rooms Cultural center Environmental justice program Professional development Immigrant services Health clinic
Pedestrian paths Proximity to mass transit Bike parking Safe streets Moveable seating elements Meditative gardens Shade trees Enclosed refuge areas Lighting Passive lawns Community center Central plaza Community gardens Laundry facility Public bathrooms
Design elements adjacency matrix
adjacency to be avoided
adjacency unimportant
adjacency desirable
adjacency essential
access
intimate spaces
communal spaces
amenities & programs
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Outdoor kitchen Seating Playgrounds Daycare Tables Lighting Market spaces Recreational spaces Classrooms Community rooms Cultural center Environmental justice program Professional development Immigrant services Health clinic
Health & mental health services Hazardous sites Community services & amenities Racially dense areas Intersecting demographics Low income neighborhoods High Income neighborhooods Property values Low rent areas High rent areas High asthma High diabetes High obesity High childhood obesity No health insurance
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Pedestrian paths Proximity to mass transit Bike parking Safe streets Moveable seating elements Meditative gardens Shade trees Enclosed refuge areas Lighting Passive lawns Community center Central plaza Community gardens Laundry facility Public bathrooms Outdoor kitchen
Site analysis impacts matrix
Seating Playgrounds Daycare Tables Lighting Market spaces Recreational spaces Classrooms Community rooms Cultural center Environmental justic program Professional development Immigrant services Health clinic
high impact
related
little impact
unimportant
access
intimate spaces
communal spaces
amenities & programs
facilites
demographics
economics
health
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User profiles: D e m o g ra p h i c p ro f i l e
Age: I am 71 years young! Gender: I am a proud woman who first became a wife, then a mother, and now I am a grandmother. Family size: I live on my own, but my son and daughter visit me with their families quite frequently. Family life-cycle stage: My husband passed away just about ten years ago. Income: I don’t work anymore, but I was a seamstress for a good majority of my life since I had to help my mom take care of my brothers and sisters. I don’t do it for money so much anymore, mostly favors. Housing type: My family has owned this apartment for the last 50 years. Got no plans of moving out anytime soon no matter how hard they try! Occupation: Technically I’m retired, but I have to keep busy somehow! Education: I attended high school and got accepted to City College of NY, but I decided not to go in the end. Religion: Christian. Race/Ethnicity: African-American
Co m p l e t e s t re e t s
Psyc h o g ra p h i c p ro f i l e
P l a ys p a c e s
Co m m u n i t y ce nte r
Social class: I think since I’m not working I can’t really say. And since I own my apartment I don’t qualify for assisted income, but my son worked hard in college, has a good paying job, and sends me money every now and again. I am so grateful for that. Social group status: I like to think I’m pretty active in the community! I mean people know me as Frannie. Sometimes they’ll say hi to me on the street and I always say hi back, even if I don’t know them Social network role: I think I know and talk to a fair amount of people in my neighborhood so I guess you could consider me a “boundary spanner”. Personality and self-image: I’m friendly and patient and can talk up a storm! Acceptance of innovation: I’ve seen a lot of change in this neighborhood and it’s not always bad, but I am always wary about it. Lifestyle motivation: I’m definitely principle-oriented. Family is everything! I’d love to see a neighborhood of families that enjoy living here
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“Family is everything! I’d love to see a neighborhood of families that enjoy living here.” - F ra n c i n e Wa l ke r
Goa l s Usage: I’d like a lively place to spend my days! Emotional goals: 1. Safe streets to walk on 2. Outside spaces to bring my grandchildren 3. Opportunities to talk to people B l a c k / Af r i c a n A m e r i c a n
B l a c k / Af r i c a n A m e r i c a n
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“Unfortunately we don’t have much opportunity to get to know our community since we are always so busy. Isn’t that such a shame! ” - Ra n d a l l H a r r i s o n , o n b e h a l f o f t h e H a r r i s o n fa m i l y
Goa l s Usage: We’d like a supportive community to raise our two sons. Emotional goals: 1. Healthy environment 2. Local social/educational programs for kids of working parents 3. Safe streets
Ot h e r / 2 + Ra c e s
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D e m o g ra p h i c p rof i l e
Age: I am 37 years old. Gender: I am male. Family size: I live with my beautiful wife who probably would not like me announcing her age, but my sons are six and two. Family life-cycle stage: We are married with double income coming into our household. Income: We are both definitely working class in New York City, making a combined annual income of around $140,000. Housing type: We are renters of an apartment. We moved in a could years before our first son was born. Occupation: I work as an accountant for a small business in Chelsea. My wife teaches high school in Bushwick. Education: We both have bachelors degrees from Pace University, where we met. Religion: My wife is agnostic and I’m Catholic. Race/Ethnicity: I am proud to saw we are an interracial family, African-American, Puerto Rican, and white.
Shade t re e s
Co m m u n i t y ce nte r
Traff i c calming m e a s u re s
Psyc h o g ra p h i c p rof i l e
Social class: We were both raised in blue collar families and now are also part of the working class. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it with how high rents are. We are fortunate enough to be able to afford our apartment for now. Social group status: Unfortunately we don’t have much opportunity to get to know our community since we are always so busy. Isn’t that such a shame! Social network role: I couldn’t really tell you what goes on in our neighborhood. Personality and self-image: I think we’re a pretty fun family and enjoy having a quality family time on the weekends as an escape from our jobs. Acceptance of innovation: Since we are relatively new to the neighborhood we don’t necessarily have any attachments to it. Although I’ve heard some people have lived here for multiple generations! Lifestyle motivation: Since we are an interracial family I think it’s very important to expose my sons to different cultures and to be accepting of our differences.
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D e m o g ra p h i c p ro f i l e
Age: I am 16. Gender: I’m just your typical teenage girl! Family size: There are four people in my family, my parents and my younger brother who is almost 5. Family life-cycle stage: My parents immigrated here from Colombia for a better life for me and my brother. Income: My parents are very hard-working especially since I’ll be going to college in a couple years. I’ll be the first in my family to attend college in the U.S. My dad drives a truck for the post office and my mom works at a small shop close to where we live. She also works part time at a restaurant. Housing type: We live in the basement of a house that our landlord rents out. They live above us and I babysit for their kids sometimes! Occupation: I’m a high school student. Education: I need to start thinking about colleges! Race/Ethnicity: Latino-american and proud!
E nv i ro n m e n t a l j ust ice p ro g ra m s
Psyc h o g ra p h i c p ro f i l e
Co m m u n i t y ce nte r
M a r ke t s paces
Social class: I think we are a working class family, and I know that is a big accomplishment for an immigrant family. We don’t usually have that much but we are happy. Social group status: I don’t really know my neighborhood and don’t think I can really make that much of a difference, but my mom always tells me I can do so much with my future and make a big impact one day. Social network role: I hang out with my friends around school, sometimes in my neighborhood, but mostly indoors. It’s hard finding a place where my family and I fit in since there aren’t that many Latino families in our area. Personality and self-image: I’m a little shy, but generally a happy and optimistic person. Acceptance of innovation: One of my friends lives in Williamsburg and I’ve hung out with her there a few times. It’s so nice with all of these restaurants and parks. We don’t have that many places like that here. I don’t know if it would fit in with the feel of my neighborhood though. Lifestyle motivation: I’m think I’m a little status-oriented just because I want to make my family proud of me and give back to them once I go to college and get a good job!
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“ One of my friends lives in Williamsburg...It’s so nice with all of these restaurants and parks...I don’t know if it would fit in with the feel of my neighborhood though.” - M a ya S a l a z a r,
o n b e h a l f o f t h e S a l a z a r fa m i l y
H i s p a n i c / La t i n o
Goa l s Usage: I’d like a cool place to hangout with my friends so they can see where I live. Emotional goals: 1. A community I can be proud of 2. It would be cool to meet more Latino families 3. Things to do
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D e s i g n d eve l o p m e n t
Gu id i ng pri nc i ples
Provide safe spaces that promote interaction and the exchange of ideas and valu
Offer a range of uses: from passive to active, optional to necessary, and improm
Recognize history as a means of understanding sense of place and authenticity. Address issues of access through multiple modes of transportation. Encourage people to spend more time in public spaces No space is too small to design. Promote sustainable development techniques and education. 76
ues.
mptu to programmed.
.
77
Fo s t e r i n g p u b l i c l i fe Concepts and schematics at 3 scales
78
79
Park
Intimate In nt
Planning P
1 St re e t l i fe Planning scale
Co n c e p t At a planning scale, it is important to address connectivity through street life as one of the most fundamental and oldest forms of public space. My goal is to examine how streets can be more pedestrian-friendly by identifying key routes between subway and bus stops and implementing strategies along those routes to make them more safe and enjoyable.
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Prop os ed pede st ri an-o nl y st reet s
Bu s st op s
Prop os ed s tr ee ts w it h tr affi c ca lmin g me as ur es
Su bway s to ps
Co n c e p t d i a g ra m s Identify existing pocket parks, community gardens, and vacant lots for potential greenspaces
Subway stop Address connections between subway and bus stops to service the people who take both during their daily commute
Bus stop
Expand pocket parks to sidewalk edges
One park on one side of the block results in one way automobile traffic Parks on both sides of the block results in pedestrian-only streets and allow for street-parks The resulting corridor not only provides safer streets for pedestrians, but also expands potential area for development making that transition more enjoyable
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2 Co u r t ya rd s Intimate scale
Co n c e p t t h ro u g h
c o m m u n i t y b e n e f i t a g re e m e n t s As an idealistic and Utopian approach to foster intimate community spaces, I propose the idea of opening the internal space in residential city blocks as opposed to fencing off portions for private use. Because this is “taking away” private space from owners and renters, it is important that all members of the block agree to open up the space for community use, tailored to the community’s needs. Currently, these “backyards” are quite small and usually only accessed by one of the few families that might be living in the apartment. I think these spaces, if opened up, offer an interesting potential to be designed with elements that encourage community interaction (i.e. communal grills, outdoor seating, passive lawns).
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4
City block without courtyard
City block with courtyard
By choosing the city blocks with existing or proposed greenspaces to introduce the courtyard concept to, we can begin to foster interaction with residents of the city block, but also the community members using the existing and proposed greenspaces.
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a Pu bl ic
P ro p o s e d c o u r t ya rd t y p o l o g y
a For city blocks with multiple greenspaces to be used as entrances and encourage internal access and use. This typology allows for more active community parklets and offers a wider variety of uses.
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Co u r t ya rd s
a
Ad j a c e n c y t o g re e n s p a c e s
a
Co n n e c t i v i t y & e n t ra n c e s
a
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b Pr ivate
P ro p o s e d c o u r t ya rd t y p o l o g y
For city blocks with multiple greenspaces to be used as entrances and encourage internal access and use. This typology allows for more active community parklets and offers a wider variety of uses.
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b
Co u r t ya rd s
Ad j a c e n c y t o g re e n s p a c e s
Co n n e c t i v i t y & e n t ra n c e s
b
b
b
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3 C i t y L i n e Pa r k Park scale
Access Intimate Spaces Communal Spaces Amenities & Programs Bike Parking Moveable Seating Lighting
Bri ef h i s to ry This neighborhood park has rich developmental history currently outlined by the New York City Parks and Recreation Historical Signs Project. As the site for the Ridgewood Pumping Station, these factories would route water from the reservoir at Highland Park, located north of City Line Park, and service water to both Brooklyn and Queens. The land was bought by the City of Brooklyn in 1886 and turned into a park in 1949. City Planner Robert Moses famously commissioned major roads like South Conduit Avenue (Sunrise Highway), North Conduit Highway, and Aqueduct Raceway through these low-income neighborhoods, along the pipeline route, dividing the land for this park. This history offers great opportunity to incorporate into a design as a means to educate and unite community members about the history of the area.
Meditative Garden Classrooms Community Rooms Cultural Center Environmental Justice Program Professional Development Immigration Services Health Clinic
Enclosed Refuge Enclosed Refuge
Enclosed Refuge Passive Lawn
Communtiy Garden
Enclosed Refuge Meditative Garden Enclosed Refuge
Laundry Facility Passive Lawn
Outdoor Kitchen Mass Transit
Community Center
Day Care
Day Care
Laundry Facility
Public Bathroom Playground
Communtiy Garden
Central Plaza
Outdoor Kitc
88
Ex i s t i n g p a r k
Ba s e b a l l f i e l d
Tra n s i t Te c h H i g h School ( K 6 15 )
Classrooms Community Rooms Cultural Center Environmental Justice Program Professional Development Immigration Services Health Clinic
Classrooms Community Rooms Cultural Center Environmental Justice Program Professional Development Immigration Services Health Clinic
Enclosed Refuge
Enclosed Refuge
Passive Lawn
Meditative Garden Community Center
Community Center Mass Transit
Mass Transit
Day Care Public Bathroom
Outdoor Kitchen
Playground Public Bathroom
Communtiy Garden
Central Plaza
Central Plaza Laundry Facility Playground
chen Mass Transit
Mass Transit
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Schemat ic i This schematic takes a look at ways the current park can be improved with a minimal amount of intervention. By diversifying the program and uses, this park can appeal to more people in the community, encouraging them to come out and use it. Some of the features introduced to this park are mounds, passive lawns, a community garden, outdoor classroom space for the adjacent high school, and a meditative garden.
Plaza
Pa s s i ve l aw n s
Ex i s t i n g ba seba l l fi eld
Tra n s i t Te c h H i g h School ( K 6 15 )
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D e s i g n d i a g ra m s Road & p ed es tr ian rela ti on ship
Prop os ed pede st ri an wa lk way
Exis ti ng road way
Prog ra m & us es
M e d i t a t i ve g a rd e n
Co m m u n i t y g a rd e n Ou t d o o r c l a s s ro o m
Acti ve recrea ti on
Pl az aP
as si ve recrea ti on
Ed uc at iona l Commun it y oppor tuni ty ga rden
In ti ma te sp ac es
En tr an ce s & ci rcul at io n
Ex i s t i n g p l a yg ro u n d
En tr an ce s
Prop os ed ci rcul at io n
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Co m m u n i t y ce nte r
Schemat ic i i This schematic introduces an elevated pedestrian bridge as a means not only to connect both sides of the park, but also to reclaim some of the space that the road that Robert Moses commissioned to build through this neighborhood. Giving access to the spaces created in the left side of the park to the residents on the right side of the road is important. A new feature introduced in this schematic is a laundry facility with a grey-water system that will irrigate the community garden and a historic elevated walk along the center median. This schematic also claims a vacant lot to the north of the park as a potential location for a community center.
E l eva t e d wa l k Plaza
Ex i s t i n g ba seba l l fi eld
Pa s s i ve l aw n s
Tra n s i t Te c h H i g h School ( K 6 15 )
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D e s i g n d i a g ra m s Road & p ed es tr ian rela ti on sh ip
Co m m u n i t y g a rd e n Exis ti ng road way
Prop os ed pede st ri an wa lk way
Hi s to r i c wa l k
Prog ra m & us es
P l a yg ro u n d
Acti ve recrea ti on
Plaza
Pl az aP
as si ve recrea ti on
Commun it y Commun it y ga rden am en it ie s
Ed uc at ional oppor tuni ty
In ti ma te sp ac es
En tr an ce s & ci rcul at io n
Ex i s t i n g p l a yg ro u n d
En tr an ce s
Prop os ed ci rcul at io n
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Co m m u n i t y ce nte r
Schemat ic i i i This schematic is the most radical out of the three, proposing to run some of the roads beneath the existing grade as a means to expand the usable area of the park. This would approximately double the park area from roughly 6 acres to 12. This schematic retains the idea of an elevated walk proposed in schematic ii as a way to connect the two larger park areas.
Plaza
Ex i s t i n g ba seba l l fi eld
Tra n s i t Te c h H i g h School ( K 6 15 )
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D e s i g n d i a g ra m s Road & p ed es tr ia n rela ti on sh ip
Pa s s i ve l aw n s
Prop os ed pede st ri an wa lk way
Co m m u n i t y g a rd e n
Propo se d road way
En tr an ce s & ci rcul at io n
M e d i t a t i ve g a rd e n
Plaza
En tr an ce s
Prop os ed ci rcul at io n
Prog ra m & us es
Ex i s t i n g p l a yg ro u n d
Acti ve recrea ti on
Pl az aP
as si ve Commun it y Commun it y recrea ti on am en it ie s ga rden
In ti ma te sp ac es
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F i n a l i t e ra t i o n s
Compiled work of Winter 2017 Senior Design Show
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The problem brief: In April of 2016, New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, and the Department of City Planning released a groundbreaking rezoning plan. For the first time ever, affordable housing is being tied directly to the land, which also makes this change permanent. There are two neighborhoods in New York City that are being heavily impacted and I looked at the neighborhood that is first to be developed, East New York. However, as outlined by the rezoning plan, only a portion of the new developments need to qualify for affordable housing. As a result, developers will take advantage of balancing out their losses with luxury apartments. Densifying housing developments in a relatively affordable area of Brooklyn essentially means this neighborhood is on the brink of gentrification. The developmental patterns of gentrification are detrimental any community, but particularly problematic to this community of primarily black, Caribbean-immigrant, and Latinx population who have been forced to move here due to the gentrification of other neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Is there a way to preserve the unique and rich cultural atmosphere in East New York, resisting gentrification, amidst the current plans for development?
This represents East New York as it currently exists.
This represents East New York with the new housing and mixed-use developments, which more than doubles the scale of the current buildings.
Typical development patterns show the community of East New York fading into the background to these new developments, and becoming just another gentrified neighborhood in East New York. 98
Proposed solution: Public spaces, and therefore public life, has always been at the heart of neighborhood character and livability. The rezoning plan itself contains a section for public space improvements, but it is not as robust as the plans for the affordable housing development. The plan outlines a series of surface improvements of play materials, playgrounds, and paved surfaces, but fail to examine how public spaces are working for the community. My goal is to encapsulate the essence of East New York (as it currently exists) into its public spaces as a way to anchor the community and resist the gentrification patterns that are already emerging. By using public spaces as a platform to resist cultural change, the hope is that the community can continue as it is, with minimal effect from the new, incoming wave of people. I have taken a look at public spaces that exist at three different scales (the planning scale, the neighborhood park scale, and a courtyard scale) to examine how changes can be made to support cultural resiliency.
This represents the capturing of East New York to use in its public spaces. Instead of having the existing community of East New York fade in the presence of the new housing developments, it can exist most vibrantly in the public realm.
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Planning scale: a look at improving street life
Masterplan 0
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Legend Rezoned Area
Courtyards
Greenspace Green Belt/ Proposed Proposed Trees densification
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Greenbelt Because commuting is a big part of life in New York City, it is important to have comfortable, safe, and enjoyable streets. For those who live in East New York, there is no hiding how far it is from Manhattan, which is where many people work or attend school. As a result, many people have to take multiple modes of transportation to make the commute, usually by both subway and bus. This proposed â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenbeltâ&#x20AC;? aims to connect subway stops to bus stops with a network of trees, making that part of the commute more enjoyable. From here, phasing can be implemented to introduce pedestrian-only streets, especially in the residential zone, which would make the streets safer for children and families.
Residential blocks The proposed courtyards were selected based on existing parks, which are meant to be used as the access points to these courtyards. The residential zone in East New York offers an opportunity to develop a more intimate scale of public space. By developing pocket parks in the interiors of these residential and mixed-use blocks, these roomlike spaces can be programmed for a variety of uses and even provide community amenities. When connected with the greenbelt streets, they also offer points to cut through and cross blocks horizontally, while enjoying the character of each courtyard space.
City proposed densification With the introduction of the new housing developments, buildings along Fulton Street, Atlantic Avenue, Liberty Avenue, and Pitkin Street will double, triple, and in some cases quadruple in density to account for all of the promised housing units. By using the trees canopies as proposed by the greenbelt schematic above, it can help relieve the dramatic changes in vertical scale that is being proposed.
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Greenbelt section: Sheneck Avenue BUS STOP SCHNECK AVENUE
FULTON STREET
ATLANTIC AVENUE
LIBERTY AVENUE
STREET & MEDIAN
STREET
GLENM
a
MIXED USE CORRIDORS “moderate density with new affordable and mixed use housing, retail, businesses, community facilities near transit”
a
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INDUSTRIAL GROWTH CORRIDOR MIXED USE CORRIDOR “affordable/mixed-income housing, retail, business, and community facilities” “moderate density industrial, commercial, residential development”
“sid scale
SUBWAY STOP
MORE AVENUE
PITKIN AVENUE
BELMONT AVENUE
STUTTER AVENUE
b
STREET
STREET
RESIDENTIAL de street character, low houses and new houses”
PARK
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STREET
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b 0
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Greenbelt section: Jerome Street
JEROME STREET
FULTON STREET
ATLANTIC AVENUE
STREET & MEDIAN
MIXED USE CORRIDORS
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RESIDENTIAL
GROWTH CORRIDOR
LIBERTY AVENUE
STREET
MIXED USE CORRIDORS
GLENMORE AVENUE
STREET
RESIDENTIAL
PARK
PITKIN AVENUE
PARK
BELMONT AVENUE
STREET
STREET
MIXED USE CORRIDORS 0
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Pa r k s c a l e : City Line Park
a. Grass mounds
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Pa r k s c a l e : City Line Park
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Masterplan
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EXISTING BASEBALL FIELD
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Plaza, moveable Seating Fountain
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Holding pool
9 Lawn seating
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Sunken seating area
10 Stage
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Grass mounds
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Open plaza
5 Mowed grass,
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Shaded seating area
6 Tall grass, barrier
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Community garden
Outdoor classroom/ performance area
8 Stepped seating
TRANSIT TECH HIGH SCHOOL
Concept: water pumping station City Line Park was previously the site of the Ridgewood Water Pumping Station in the early 1900s. This pumping station used to supply water for both Brooklyn and Queens, pumping water from the Ridgewood Reservoir located in Highland Park, north of the site. While currently the history of this park is referenced as part of the New York City Historical Signs Project, I think that can be reflected in the design of the park, while still respecting the existing aspects of the park that are enjoyed by community members (baseball field and playground). With its proximity to the Transit Tech High School, this park has untapped potential to be a community amenity for the school, but also the incoming industrial mixed-use development that is to be developed just north of the park.
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Using the idea and structure of a water pumping station to organize the programs of the site, there are more opportunities to diversify the current program, which is purely recreational. A more diverse program allows for a more inclusive space because it invites a more diverse group of people. By recognizing and celebrating the history of this site, the people of East New York are given a unique park to unite and instill pride in their community.
b. Stage and outdoor classroom
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Concept diagrams
Design elements Combustion / “Fire”
The power of a water pumping station comes from the combustion room. In the case of the Ridgewood Pumping Station, it still was coal-burning, which is one of the reasons why it eventually closed. Located at the main entrance of the park, this idea of combustion is reflected in the paving pattern. The initial fountain contains a sculpture of a chimney smoke stack to reference the old factory smoke stacks.
Pipes
Pipes represent movement and are a form carried out throughout the park in the entry ways and exposed through the walls separating the rooms. Having the pipes suspended over the receiving pool provides an acoustic quality of falling water throughout the space.
Holding Rooms / Plant Material Combustion
Holding
Distribution
Existing
“Smoke” “Fire”
Water
Water
Water Plant
Plant
Plant
Uses & programs Community posting board
Distribution / Water
The last room is meant to represent the distribution of water, on site to the community garden and tree planters, but symbolically to the community outside of the park. The path of the water in the pipes underneath the paving will be reflected by a paving pattern. Completing a closed circuit of water, there are tanks beneath the longest tank, which pump the water back to the initial fountain.
Entrances, circulation, & Views
Plaza area for seating
Plaza space for events
The holding rooms were the large tanks that held the water before being distributed. The structures influenced the form the sunken seating area, as well as the progression of holding pools in each of the rooms. The density of plant material is meant to emulate the draining of water, as the plant material goes from tall and dense, or short and sparse. The “holding rooms” are also meant for people to stay and spend the most time, mostly for passive activities.
a
Grass lawn Plaza space for events
b
Community garden
c
Shaded seating area Community Amenity 114
Passive
Active
Pas-
Entrances
Views
Circulation
Overview perspective
Water system
Gravity
High Point
Pump Low Point
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c. Open plaza, farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market
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Entrances, circulation, & Views b
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Entrances
Views Circulation
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Co u r t ya rd s c a l e : intimate park interiors
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Co u r t ya rd s c a l e : [Grey]water park
Masterplan
Passive garden
Seating area Passive garden
Laundromat
Water tanks, Educational walls,
Seating area Garden Shed Community garden Passive Lawn
Community garden
Passive Lawn Bioswale
Bioswale Plaza
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Uses & program
Laundromat Plaza
Greenspace
Bioswale
Community Water Tanks Residental Garden Buffer
Entrances & circulation
Garden Shed
Concept The focus of this concept is around the idea of garden space and water management. This alternative introduces a laundromat as the driving force for a greywater system. The used water is filtered and moved to tanks half submerged and half above grade. The grid of small tanks represent the amount of water produced by one laundry machine. The rest of the tanks at full volume will hold the amount of water produced by 25 machines in the course of a week. The stored water can be used to irrigate the community garden on site, as well as the grass patches and lawns. Any overflow will be released into the sewer system. This reuse of water is meant to educate the families and businesses surrounding this courtyard about water use and waste.
Water movement & views a 1
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Holding tanks and additional filtration
Useable grey water for watering
Bioswale overflow
Holding tank overflow to sewage
Laundromat
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Initial filtration
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b
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Shade diagrams
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
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WINTER
a. Water Tanks
By making the tanks partially above ground, not only does it put the water storage as the focal point of this space, but the resulting walls have the potential to serve other purposes. For education purposes, informational panels can be mounted on the walls explaining the filtration system and the volume structure of the tanks. There are also breaks in the tanks for viewing the water level in each tank. The tops of the tanks can be used for sitting. The walls can also have movies projected on them for community events.
b. Plaza
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Co u r t ya rd s c a l e : The meeting place
Uses & program Concept This multi-generational courtyard concept aims to make a public â&#x20AC;&#x153;playâ&#x20AC;? space for people of all ages integrated seamlessly like patchwork. By using the existing line from the building footprints to divide up the interior space into rooms, each age group was placed based on appropriate adjacency and programs. At the heart of the space is a central plaza with a picnic area, communal grills, and fire pits. The spaces that serve the elderly consist of a loop around and through the courtyard with two green patches with mounds that provide gentle slope variations for walking. The spaces for adolescents and teenagers are crafted to be more enclosed, providing a sense of privacy and therefore independence. There is one naturalistic, mounded cove for relaxing and a harsher, paved cove as a creative space for expression. The spaces for children are natural play spaces that are centered around materiality (rocks, sand, wood chips, stumps, and slopes).
Entrances & circulation Teen
Elderly
Children
Teen
Elderly
Children
Greenspace
Community Garden
Adult/Family
Water movement & views Mounded Node
Picnic Lawn
Central Plaza
Woodchip Pit
Terrain Maze
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Cove
Picnic Lawn
Art Sandbox Cove
b Adult
a Mound
Community garden
Mounded Node
Masterplan
Recreational Walk Bioswale
Fire pits Picnic lawn
Picnic lawn
Communal grills Picnic area
Sandbox
Sloped Seating
Graffiti walls Sloped Seating
Bioswale
Woodchip Pit
Tree Shrub Stumps Maze
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Recreational Walk
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Views a
b
a. Plaza
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Shade diagrams
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
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b. Art cove
This art cove is bounded by retaining walls to hold up mounds for sitting and hanging out. The focal point of this space are a series of walls up for graffiting and chalk art, with the emphasis on its temporailty. The art created here should be cherished in the moment because it will be painted over for a clean slate periodically.
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