Improving Quality of LifeA vibrant community is closely associated with the type of activities developed in its public spaces. At the same time, vitality and authenticity of these public spaces is closely intertwined with the sense of belonging, memory and culture of the community. We consider crucial the need to activate the public spaces in Bushwick and its ability to produce civic purposes without the traditional and oversized machinery used for urban space creation. We propose the implementation of performative public spaces; cityscapes that promote environmental health, social equity, and economic development for Bushwick’s community.

Open Space Existing ConditionsEffective open space serving the community is 26 acres (2.8% of total lot area). NYC Department of planning sets as a goal a ratio of 2.5 (acres per 1,000 residents).The effective ratio for Bushwick is 2.3, below the 2.5 city planning goal. Most of the neighborhood is served within reasonable walking distance (0.25 miles) from open space. However, young population (>35) is underserved by active space (recreation and sports) and older population (<35) is  underserved by passive space. Lack of maintenance and poor quality of public open space is perhaps a larger concern. Many spaces are completely absent of landscaping, have rudimentary playgrounds and only offer limited amenities for active recreation. 

Pratt PSPD Studio - Sustainable CommunitiesTimeline: August - December 2014Reviewers: Stuart Pertz, Eddie Bautista and Ron Shiffman (Associate Professors)Team: Yasmeen Abu Al Saud, Lise Lamatia and Hannah AtlasMy role: Physical Survey, GIS analysis, report writing and conceptual drawings