The Design Trust has been unlocking the potential of NYC’s public space since 1995. In celebration of our 30th birthday, we are throwing a party all year long! 

Our impact can be felt across the five boroughs—from our first project developing design guidelines for the Brooklyn Public Library system, to reclaiming the High Line as an open public space, and to our recent efforts at removing permitting barriers for hosting events and resources in shared spaces.

We are reflecting on decades of public space project history and looking ahead to the next 30 and vision for the future of the public realm. All year long we will be updating the public space blog here with new looks at our past projects, features of upcoming work, and conversations with our community about the opportunities and challenges in NYC's shared spaces.

We have some very exciting announcements in the pipeline, including special anniversary-year events across the city, scaling our work with public housing residents nationally, and announcing our 12th and most ambitious Request for Proposals cycle yet. Stay tuned for the theme drop and how to submit your project idea. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media @designtrustnyc to keep in touch!

Explore our roster of current and past projects here.