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Opening the Edge 2016–

Together with community members, we’re developing a prototype for a lively public space on the Lillian Wald Houses, which could be replicated at other NYCHA developments.

  1. Phase I
  2. Phase II
  3. Phase III
Opening the Edge Community Meeting 2017.03.15_01
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Opening the Edge: Phase I 2016–2018

Reimagining green space at Wald Houses

Neighborhood Revitalization

Project Outputs

Residents of the Lillian Wald Houses on the Lower East Side, working with a team of Design Trust Fellows, reimagined the now fenced-off grassy area on Avenue D between 3rd and 4th Streets as a lively public space.

Schematic design (view toward Avenue D)

June 2017

Schematic design (view North along Avenue D)

June 2017

Design elements

June 2017
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Project Activities

We've convened a Community Design Team of Wald residents to work on the design in partnership with the Fellows. The team met every three weeks at the Boys and Girls Republic from October 2016 through May 2017 to discuss what they would like to use the site for, provide guidance on local issues and maintenance concerns, and give feedback on the evolving design.

Activity Photos (14)
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Photo: Jourdan Sayers

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Various compositions emerge for a possible public space based on different community needs.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers

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The Community Design Team is pushing the envelope on a blank canvas, guided by our Active Design Fellow Emmanuel Oni.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers 

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A public space can include many elements: seating, plants, lighting, a performing stage…It’s up to the Community Design Team’s imagination.

Photo: Martha Snow

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"A public art installation might look nice!"

Photo: Jourdan Sayers

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Cantonese translator Ivy Teng helps share Ms. Chen's opinions with the group.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers

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Rebecca Hill, Landscape Architecture Fellow, discusses planting options.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers

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The Community Design Team discusses ways to enter, use, and exit a public space shaped by certain design decisions.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers 

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The Community Design Team selects guiding principles. Green spaces at Wald Houses could offer many social and health benefits for the community.

Photo: Destiny Mata, Design Trust Fellow

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Wald residents in conversation about their ideas for a green space

Photo: Jourdan Sayers

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Jane Greengold, Participatory Art Fellow, introduces the collaborative design process to a group of Wald residents and community members.

Photo: Destiny Mata, Design Trust Fellow

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The Design Trust Fellows and program staff introduce the Opening the Edge project.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers/Joseph Huennekens

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Design Trust Fellow Emmanuel Oni answers residents' questions.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers/Joseph Huennekens

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Wald residents share detailed ideas in a survey.

Photo: Jourdan Sayers/Joseph Huennekens

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A resident talks about his experience living at Wald Houses.

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