Urban Symphonies: Echoes of Tomorrow

Studio Project | Group Work | Dec 2023

Instructor: Jesse LeCavalier

Team 1: Shujie Liu, Richa Surati

Team 2: Shujie Liu, Melanie Chu, Vicky Luo, Jishnu Murali

This project comprises three distinct yet interconnected parts, all focused on reimagining urban spaces in New York City. The first part addresses two specific vacant lots and a generic lot, proposing innovative designs to transform these underused areas into dynamic public spaces that transcend the concept of traditional parks. It emphasizes ‘setting-up one’s infrastructure,’ fostering community engagement in the design, use, and upkeep of these areas. The second part conducts a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of New York City, identifying vacant lots citywide and exploring their potential as vibrant community spaces. Finally, the third part looks at the regional development of the Long Island City (LIC) Industrial Business Zone, preparing for a population surge in the next two decades. Here, the focus is not only on achieving high density but also on embracing the heterogeneity and cultural richness that immigrants bring, along with a variety of program spaces.

What does the community need?

To begin the first part, we delve into the essential requirements of community spaces in terms of infrastructure and spatial design, with a particular focus on fundamental needs such as safety, security, and fostering a sense of community. We also explore the dynamics and affordances of various space categorizations, such as public versus private and dynamic versus static. For instance, public spaces are associated with open communication, whereas private spaces offer controlled communication settings. This examination broadens our understanding of the potential roles of infrastructures and spaces, considering not only what they offer to the community but also how individuals interact with and contribute to these community spaces.

I. Design, Set-up, Build

The ‘Design, Set-up, Build’ initiative seeks to revitalize neglected urban areas by converting them into lively public spaces that extend beyond the scope of conventional parks. This project introduces the innovative idea of ‘setting-up one’s infrastructure.’ This concept encourages direct involvement from the community in the creation, utilization, and upkeep of these areas. Expanding on this, the project not only aims to enhance the physical landscape of the city but also to foster a sense of ownership and connection among residents. By involving local communities in the decision-making process, the project ensures that these transformed spaces truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who use them, thus creating more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable urban environments.

Community Collaboration

Using a system of specified elements as a ‘kit of parts,’ it offers diverse possibilities, promoting a sense of ownership and adaptability while fostering community collaboration. This approach creates flexibility, enhances community bonds, and encourages new routines through the ritualistic ‘setting-up’ process. Eventually, it sets out to address the problems of gentrification and land use by empowering residents to be co-creators of the space by revitalizing public spaces, strengthening community cohesion, and ensuring sustainable maintenance.

Generic Vacant Lot

The generic design proposal looks at 125 ft by 125 ft vacant lot, that can be situated anywhere around the city. The design emphasizes an open ground floor layout, dedicated to public spaces, creating an inviting and accessible area for communal activities and social interactions. On the second floor, the design shifts to enclosed rooms, catering to more private needs.

The design innovatively manipulates the ground by adding different levels, creating a dynamic landscape. Static structures around the atrium’s periphery provide a foundation for temporary elements like modular structures and canopies. This arrangement allows for a versatile use of space, accommodating a range of activities and gatherings.

The design includes a spacious atrium, versatile in its utility, ranging from daily activities like exercise and relaxation to hosting various community events. This multi-functional space is envisioned to be a central hub for the community, adaptable to a wide array of uses to meet the diverse needs of the residents.

Within the static frames, temporary structures can be easily installed, complete with canopies, creating ideal spots for vendor stalls. This design offers flexibility for transient commercial activities, allowing for an ever-changing marketplace atmosphere within a stable framework.

Block 286, Lot 35

Block 286, Lot 35 is located on E Broadway, with on side facing the street and other three sides all enclosed by surrounding buildings. Therefore, open temporary structures can be placed at the side of the street, where daily market activities can take place. Enclosed volumes are elevated from the ground, mostly on the second level for private spaces. Areas for children are located endward, surrounded by the adjacent buildings as well as open areas for parents to sit and watch kids play.

Under the static frames, dedicated infrastructures for children are thoughtfully integrated, providing a playful and safe area for young ones. Above, an elevated ground space is designed for parents, suitable for leisure or for those engaging with vendors in other parts of the site. This arrangement ensures a level of unobtrusive safety and security, allowing parents to oversee their children from a comfortable distance while still attending to their own activities or business.

Elevated enclosed volumes within the static frames serve as intimate spaces for private events or personal use, while the open ground below allows for small public activities, blending private and public experiences seamlessly.

Block 346, Lot 39

Block 346, Lot 39, located on Grand St. at a key intersection, has two street-facing sides and one side adjoining a park. This layout is ideal for hosting open and temporary activities along the streets, inviting active public engagement. The site’s extended plan allows for segmentation into distinct pockets, interconnected by an overpass. This design not only enhances pedestrian movement but also cultivates a variety of ground-level activities, enriching the urban experience.

The site features two sides that open onto the streets, offering substantial areas for the placement of temporary structures within and around the static frames. This layout facilitates the arrangement of various activities, particularly ideal for establishing daily market spaces, where people can set up and engage in vibrant community interactions.

Even though the structures of the overpass is static, the space underneath it can present possibilities of different activities and events. As a perpendicular path to the street, it can function as an extension to the street market but also just for daily leisure.

II. From Site to Network

The subsequent phase of our research delves into the potential uses of the extensive network of vacant lots in New York City that are owned by the city but currently not in use. This segment primarily concentrates on data analysis, utilizing available open data sources to map out a network of these unused spaces, particularly in areas of the city that have undergone gentrification. In this context, the degree of gentrification is largely assessed based on the criteria of FRESH Zones.

The analysis identifies 406 vacant lots, which are then systematically catalogued according to their proximity to public facilities. This classification suggests various design opportunities for these lots, aimed at benefiting and serving the community needs.

III. Urban Symphonies

The third part delves into the surge in migration influenced by climate change among other drivers, leading to a significant rise in the number of immigrants settling in New York. Places such as the Long Island City Industrial Business Zone are expected to see their population numbers soar, potentially doubling. The revitalization of LIC IBZ shifts focus from data-driven models to the potential personal experiences within the space. In its pursuit of high density, the design also prioritizes celebrating the diverse cultural tapestry and richness that the immigrant community contributes.

Individual Narratives

The urban tapestry is reimagined with a focus on versatility and communal engagement. The varied materials for walls and floors invite residents to personalize their spaces, ensuring a vibrant local charm. Shared ground floor spaces cultivate a marketplace buzz, enhancing social vitality. Braided walkways and strategically placed green lineages weave through residential and commercial zones, infusing nature into the daily grind and promoting an active community life.

Businesses thrive on the ground level with guaranteed street frontage, invigorating the pedestrian experience. The waterfront becomes a logistic and recreational lifeline, thanks to shared docking infrastructures. Residential units are thoughtfully designed to be expandable, accommodating the fluidity of modern urban living. Industries are integrated with a light touch, utilizing mass timber for sustainability and minimal impact.

Transport systems for heavy industries are streamlined for efficiency, and shared building corridors ensure smooth operation without infringing on private spaces. The design also anticipates the future, with adaptable ceiling heights ready for the community’s evolving needs. This holistic approach crafts a resilient, adaptive urban ecosystem that’s prepared to flourish for generations.

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