In this Practice Note, you’ll hear from our Global Exchange staff about what we’re learning as we build solidarity between leaders in New York City and other cities taking “big swings” at their housing crises. An immersive, 3-day study trip in September connected Global Fellows with leaders, key case studies, projects and policy shifts in Berlin. […]
Posted — October 9, 2024
After an immersive 3-day study trip to Berlin, Clara Parker, Director of Global Exchange, reflects on what we're learning as we build solidarity between leaders in New York City and other cities taking “big swings” at their housing crises.
Posted — October 9, 2024
Martha Snow reflects on what kinds of lasting change to public space we can accomplish with temporary installations.
Posted — August 14, 2024
Martha Snow reflects on the newest cohort of Local Center teams who are envisioning a new future for our Main Streets.
Posted — May 3, 2024
As Policy and Communications Director for Riders Alliance, Danny Pearlstein spends his days fighting for better transit for New Yorkers.
Posted — April 25, 2024
Martha Snow reflects on the latest midpoint shareout for Local Center projects and their work reclaiming public spaces.
Posted — March 20, 2024
Local Center teams share lessons learned from community engagement and where they are headed next.
Posted — December 21, 2023
K.C. Alvey discusses the public will, capacity, and understanding for urban agriculture, highlighting the importance of urban agriculture on health and community, and its overall impact on the city.
Posted — December 19, 2023
Urban designer and planner Julia Day discusses street design and counteracting public aversion to change as designers seek to improve spaces.
Posted — November 27, 2023
Gina Lee reflects on a recent tour of the Flatbush African Burial Ground and the power of history in public space.
Posted — November 16, 2023
Martha Snow reflects on a recent Learning Community session among Local Center partners.
Posted — November 16, 2023
Guillermo Gómez reflects on our Gowanus Precinct Study and the value of on-the-ground collective learning.
Posted — November 16, 2023
Julie Chou, partner and co-founder of Purpose by Design Architects, on design as a democratic, justice-oriented process.
Posted — August 30, 2023
Daniel McPhee shares how we approached recruiting design teams and preparing our partners to choose from among them.
Posted — July 27, 2023
Martha Snow, in our first Practice Notes, reflects on how we found our five neighborhood partners earlier this year.
Posted — July 26, 2023
Journalist Henry Grabar talks traffic jams and the road to publishing his new book on parking.
Posted — May 31, 2023
Dr. Earle Chambers talks to us about the impact of neighborhood-level design on health.
Posted — April 25, 2023
For this month's Fellow Spotlight, we spoke with Naama Blonder, Co-Founder of Smart Density in Toronto.
Posted — October 31, 2022
For this month's Fellow Spotlight, we spoke with Alison Von Glinow, Co-Founder of Kwong Von Glinow.
Posted — September 29, 2022
For this month's Fellow Spotlight, we spoke with Sreoshy Banerjea, the Executive Director of the Public Design Commission.
Posted — August 31, 2022
For this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we spoke with Siqi Zhu, an urban planner and technologist.
Posted — June 29, 2022
For this month's Fellow Spotlight, we spoke with Julia Gamolina, founder of Madame Architect.
Posted — May 31, 2022
For this month's Fellow Spotlight, we spoke with Jhordan Channer and Dorraine Duncan, co-founders of Island City Lab.
Posted — March 25, 2022
Ryan Gilliam, Executive Director discusses the organization's history and its partnerships with Marvel, SHoP, and Buro Happold through Neighborhoods Now.
Posted — April 30, 2021
Ian Gray-Stack, Director of Community Organizing at Banana Kelly, discusses their team's plan to reactivate community gardens, allowing for safe outdoor activities and services that address neighborhood needs.
Posted — April 1, 2021
Yin Kong, Director of Think!Chinatown, and Thomas Yu, Co-Executive Director of AAFE discuss their working group's proposal to adapt Forsyth Street Plaza into an open-air market supporting local Chinatown businesses and cultural groups.
Posted — March 24, 2021
Our 2019 Fellows developed original design and policy proposals on creating circular economic and sustainable models in NYC, developing community resiliency within NYCHA housing, factoring design into preventative care, and establishing a climate first approach to housing.
Posted — December 15, 2020
Chloe Arnow explains the mission of the Farragut House’s Food Club and ways to replicate this model to tackle food insecurity in public housing in conversation with Dorraine Duncan.
Posted — December 14, 2020
Tina Johnson discusses her experiences with fostering community action on NYCHA properties and the intricacies of engaging with Tenant Associations in conversation with Rhonda Lee Davis.
Posted — December 14, 2020
Jeffrey Moelis suggests policies that the government should introduce to incentivize low carbon retrofits that are also affordable in conversation with Mallory Taub.
Posted — December 11, 2020
Will Thomas explains his advocacy through Open New York to rezone Soho to benefit the growing population of workers in the neighborhood in conversation with Renée Crowley.
Posted — December 11, 2020
Gretchen West discusses her work with Healthy Homes in Columbus, Ohio and their goal to improve children’s health in conversation with Amritha Mahesh.
Posted — December 10, 2020
Nupur Chaudhury explains the importance of communicating connections between health and housing to state governments in conversation with Catherine Joseph, Eileen Chen, and Amritha Mahesh.
Posted — December 3, 2020
Jennifer McDonnell explains the concept of resource optimization and its relation to her work with biosolids and circular systems in conversation with Rebecca Macklis.
Posted — December 3, 2020
Will Sibia discusses the infrastructural challenges when implementing circular systems and their successes in Stockholm and Denmark in conversation with Michael Izzo.
Posted — December 3, 2020
Nadine Galle speaks about the complex nature of circular systems and integrating them into current city ecosystems in conversation with Lida Aljabar.
Posted — December 3, 2020
Libreria Barco de Papel is a nonprofit bookstore and cultural center mere footsteps from the bustling Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. Founded in 2003, it is now the last Spanish-language bookstore left in New York City and is a beloved cultural hub in the neighborhood. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Barco de Papel has faced […]
Posted — October 8, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Rebecca Lurie, Coordinator of the Community & Worker Ownership Project at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, on building infrastructure for small cooperatives and opportunities to strengthen the cooperative movement in the construction industry.
Posted — September 10, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Daphany Rose Sanchez, Executive Director of Kinetic Communities Consulting, on building a small business in the energy efficiency sector and achieving energy equity
Posted — September 10, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Stephanie Carlisle, Senior Researcher at the Carbon Leadership Forum and former Principal at KieranTimberlake, on the role of embodied carbon in achieving climate goals and how to make high-performance buildings the standard for all projects.
Posted — September 10, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Daniel Aldana Cohen, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Director of the Socio-Spatial Climate Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania, on building coalitions in the climate movement and a Green New Deal for Public Housing.
Posted — September 10, 2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urban Design Forum launched City Life After Coronavirus, a digital program convening Fellows and international experts to document global responses to the current crisis and to strategize a road to recovery for New York City. In April, we released a Call for Ideas to our network soliciting a […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
Responses Continued ↓ A Blueprint for Shared Summer Streets in Hudson by Liz McEnaney, Anna Dietzsch, and Kaja Kühl Distance Dining: A Reopening Toolkit by Tiya Gordon Integrating Social Distancing into Street Planning by Catherine McVay, Patrick Kennell, Kate Ascher, and John Messengale Exploring the Role of Parks as Community Recovery & Resilience by Victoria […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urban Design Forum launched City Life After Coronavirus, a digital program convening Fellows and international experts to document global responses to the current crisis and to strategize a road to recovery for New York City. In April, we released a Call for Ideas to our network soliciting a […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urban Design Forum launched City Life After Coronavirus, a digital program convening Fellows and international experts to document global responses to the current crisis and to strategize a road to recovery for New York City. In April, we released a Call for Ideas to our network soliciting a […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
Responses Continued ↓ Building a Resilient New York City by Carlos Arnaiz, Peter G. Rowe, and Gaby San Roman Microcosm: Creating Decentralized and Resilient Food Systems by Nikita K In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urban Design Forum launched City Life After Coronavirus, a digital program convening Fellows and international experts to document global […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urban Design Forum launched City Life After Coronavirus, a digital program convening Fellows and international experts to document global responses to the current crisis and to strategize a road to recovery for New York City. In April, we released a Call for Ideas to our network soliciting a […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urban Design Forum launched City Life After Coronavirus, a digital program convening Fellows and international experts to document global responses to the current crisis and to strategize a road to recovery for New York City. In April, we released a Call for Ideas to our network soliciting a […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
Responses Continued ↓ Rethinking Urban Policy as Pandemic Recovery by Rose Florian Rodríguez and Jose Pablo Fuentes Rojas Envisioning a Recovery That Can Shape New and Urgent Action to Slow Climate Change by Jennifer Pehr Redesigning Togetherness: Reflections and Predictions for Cities by Daniel Vasini and Jack Oliver Petch In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
Responses Continued ↓ People over Property: Affordable Housing as the Cornerstone of Systemic Change by Deborah Morris The Housing Livability Index: Questioning the NYC Housing Market by Ankita Nalavade An Analysis of COVID Impact Based on Location by Elliot Scarangello In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Urban Design Forum launched City Life After Coronavirus, […]
Posted — September 4, 2020
What is the value of design in shelters? When is good design not enough? How can we create design guidelines that improve the lives of residents and staff, not burden them? And as urbanists, should we focus our energies on addressing today’s crisis, or long-term solutions to house the most vulnerable?
Posted — July 24, 2020
Jessica Katz discusses creative strategies for expanding supportive housing development in conversation with Anand Amin and Rebecca Sauer.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Tommy Newman discusses strategies for funding and building supportive housing in Los Angeles in conversation with Anand Amin, Catherine Nguyen and Rebecca Sauer.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Paul Lotter discusses making the public realm welcoming to all in conversation with Stella Kim.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Gia Biagi discusses stewardship of public spaces in conversation with Margaret Jankowsky.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Chris Burbank discusses alternative policing strategies to address homelessness in conversation with Madison Loew.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Jonathan Marvel discusses the design, accessibility, and perception of homeless shelters in conversation with Ishita Gaur.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Rita Zimmer discusses HousingPlus' holistic approach to affordable and supportive housing and the importance of reentry services in conversation with Heli Pinillos.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Judy Whiting discusses the impact of criminal records on homelessness and access to housing in conversation with Melissa Minnich.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Graham Ciraulo discusses systematic inequalities in neighborhood zoning and housing in conversation with Alp Bozkurt, April De Simone, Nova Lucero and Emma Silverblatt.
Posted — July 24, 2020
Marcus Moore and Rob Robinson discuss the experience of homelessness and housing as a human right in conversation with Alp Bozkurt, April De Simone, Nova Lucero and Emma Silverblatt.
Posted — July 24, 2020
This compilation presents the work completed by the Urban Design Forum in 2018-19 addressing the recent homelessness crisis in New York City.
Posted — July 24, 2020
It will take the effort of each of us to eliminate homelessness. But we must use our money, power, and positions in society to provide a platform for those directly impacted to lead the way.
Posted — July 24, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Maru Bautista, Director of the Cooperative Development Program at the Center for Family Life, on the benefits cooperative ownership can have in a community and the resiliency of cooperative models.
Posted — July 21, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Sandra Lobo, Executive Director of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition on organizing around racial, environmental, and health justice and economic democracy.
Posted — July 21, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, on the City’s efforts to implement Local Law 97, expanding the tent of climate resistance, and prioritizing environmental justice communities in the vision for a greener future.
Posted — July 21, 2020
As part of our 2019 Forefront Fellowship, these posters feature proposals explore the role buildings can play in advancing heat resiliency.
Posted — June 11, 2020
The Urban Design Forum interviews Janne Flisrand of Neighbors for More Neighbors, a Minneapolis advocacy group that helped the city’s 2040 plan become reality.
Posted — April 15, 2020
Urban Design Forum Executive Director Daniel McPhee sits down with Duncan Pescod, Chief Executive Officer of WKCD, for a wide-ranging discussion about the project’s financing and design, extensive public engagement efforts, and the future of WKCD in light of recent protest movements in Hong Kong.
Posted — April 14, 2020
Daniel McPhee sits down with James Nozar, CEO of Strategic Property Partners, to discuss how he has worked collaboratively with Mayor Jane Castor to leverage Water Street's unique single investment structure to streamline design and development and build a new ground-up urban hub for Tampa.
Posted — April 10, 2020
Daniel McPhee sits down with Chris to discuss how Waterfront Toronto's lengthy public engagement process resulted in detailed block plans specifying architectural character and use, as well as major investments in the public realm.
Posted — March 30, 2020
In 2018-2019, the Urban Design Forum gathered its Fellows and other experts to consider how New York City can use creative zoning, investments in the public realm, and new infrastructure to enhance economic outcomes for all.
Posted — December 1, 2019
The most daunting challenge facing our city today is not what to build, but what to restore.
Posted — July 11, 2019
The systems that created the divided American landscape continue to loom large.
Posted — July 11, 2019
A Conversation About The Art And Architecture Of Maintenance with Hilary Sample, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, and Caroline Bauer
Posted — July 11, 2019
Is crisis the only catalyst for change these days?
Posted — July 11, 2019
Our refusal to invest in maintenance is a symptom of a larger problem. As a culture we have lost faith in the long term.
Posted — July 11, 2019
Daniel McPhee speaks to Marisa Lago and Regina Myer about transforming Downtown Brooklyn into a thriving live-work neighborhood.
Posted — May 21, 2019
How can clever design and policy unlock urban home ownership for future generations?
Posted — December 13, 2018
In a moment of increased political complexity for immigrant communities in the United States, a certain type of response to protect and support immigrant communities better is also increasing: worker cooperatives.
Posted — April 17, 2018
In the form of a stabilized, community-based, shared living environment, CO-LIVE has the ability to positively address the housing challenges faced by immigrants upon their arrival, while effectively increase housing supply and choices.
Posted — April 17, 2018
How we use public space is personal. Where we decide to sit, play, and congregate, is largely driven by how a space makes us feel and whether we feel welcome. Creating inclusive public spaces means designing spaces that meet the needs of a variety of people.
Posted — April 17, 2018
Immigrant dispersion and suburbanization presents new challenges, as immigrants may be less likely to form critical masses for social support and political power, and small municipalities may be less capable to address immigrant needs.
Posted — April 17, 2018
In almost every locality, the arts are a means for new immigrants to express themselves in a way that is already familiar to them, in a new city that is far from home, and feel ownership, pride and a sense of agency.
Posted — April 17, 2018
Instead of asking what kind of future transportation technology will bring us, we should ask: what kind of city do we want?
Posted — February 26, 2018
We call for a (re) conceptualization of Complete Streets that humanizes “users” by acknowledging their difference and diversity.
Posted — February 26, 2018
Few tasks are as fraught as envisioning the future, but the history of urban technology promises that the changes of the digital age are likely to be both profound and complex.
Posted — February 26, 2018
Optimism, skepticism and cynicism on new technologies designed to make housing safer, sustainable and efficient.
Posted — April 7, 2017
A close read of Fifth Avenue in the Trump era and Mother Gaston Boulevard in Brownsville.
Posted — April 7, 2017
Two proposals: A preservation layer on Google Maps, and a psychosocial therapy that utilizes collective imagination in Brownsville
Posted — April 7, 2017
Three Forefront Fellows write on the current lack of public transit in Red Hook, Brooklyn and propose new ways for the City to utilize emerging technologies to improve neighborhood accessibility.
Posted — April 7, 2017
How can designers and planners influence residents in coastal regions to adopt new behaviors and technologies?
Posted — April 7, 2017
Three Forefront Fellows write on how technology is influencing the City's economic development agenda for Sunset Park.
Posted — April 7, 2017
Ken Greenberg argues cross-sector collaboration is essential as we re-invent our cities' economic bases, retool our infrastructure, expand our cultural sectors, and plan for an aging population.
Posted — April 17, 2013
William Fain offers lessons that Los Angeles can teach on urban living today. Despite its sprawling and suburban reputation, its brand of urbanism may be influencing cities around the world as much as its older, Eastern US counterparts.
Posted — February 8, 2013
Christopher Beardsley sat down with Kathryn Gustafson, Rob Rogers, Marion Weiss, and Skip Graffam to discuss their visions for renewing the National Mall.
Posted — September 12, 2012
Stacy Passmore reflects on the Africa Rising conference and the widening dichotomy between the glossy vision of Africa’s future and the informality that defines its urban reality.
Posted — July 18, 2012
While the Museum of the City of New York celebrates 200 years of the Manhattan grid in its current retrospective, Stanton Eckstut recalls how he did things differently in Battery Park City.
Posted — June 14, 2012
Diana Balmori shares her recent work in Sejong, Korea and New York City and reflects on our changing understanding of urban nature.
Posted — February 15, 2012
Will a tech campus accomplish just what Philip Johnson and John Burgee’s 1969 plan could not—endow the island with an identity beyond a clever housing scheme and integrate it into the everyday lives of New Yorkers?
Posted — February 9, 2012
