Location: East New York, NY
Typology: Research - Cultural Community
Work: Academic, MS Arch
Year: 2022
Manufacturing, traditionally perceived as an impersonal, mechanized production line, was in essence a deeply human story during the Industrial Revolution, touching countless lives with its duality of progress and hardship. As we transition to a post-industrial society, the remnants of this period pose challenges and opportunities for urban centers once reliant on manufacturing. The shift has been difficult for communities accustomed to industrial employment, yet it also opens avenues for innovation and growth in technology, services, and the creative sector, reflecting the enduring impact of the Industrial Revolution's complex legacy on our contemporary world.
This study case focused on the East New York Industrial Business Zone, explores the principles for an urban rehabilitation strategy while, in parallel, considers its important long history of social justice activism and advocacy. Shared between the community of District 5 and 16, this area is largely zoned for industrial uses with the majority contained within a low-density M1-4 district, which allows light industrial uses, as well as offices, hotels, retail uses and some community facilities. ENY IBZ is also a diverse, well-connected neighborhood in Brooklyn with unique urbanist characteristics that reflect its history and identity. Its residents have faced many challenges over the years, including poverty, housing discrimination, and racial inequality. However, through collective action and organizing, this community has become a hub for social justice initiatives and progressive change.
Through research, site visits, and listening during community sessions, we analyzed and interpreted the urban and historical context to understand the needs, challenges, and assets the neighborhood presents.
Residents of East New York and Brownsville convened several meetings at Universe City to collectively envision and articulate their goals and perspectives. Their discussions focused on exploring meaningful opportunities for the extensive inventory of city-owned vacant lots that have been long neglected. These deliberations posed critical questions about the future of post-industrial urban spaces: What possibilities exist for these areas? How can we reinterpret the concept of manufacturing to benefit local communities more effectively?
Fake It Until You Make It
The “Makers” board game was designed as part of the fourth envisioning session at Universe City. "Fake it until you make it" offered a hands-on interactive activity in which the concept was trying to expand a massive block party creating objects that promote gathering, circular economy, or education to take over the streets and, finally, the vacant lots for the community. The response was enthusiastic and with very creative objects.
Read more about the study response: ENY Convergent Lab - Where Creativity Meets Collaboration
