For this bridge, I had to follow on the process of gathering information process, I am preparing for the stage of identification the main problems and decision making. I had to use the acquired skills to organize information about my neighborhood. We have been discussing public spaces: both Zukin’s text provided not just historical broadness, but also the social and economic complexity of public spaces and diverse actors/stakeholders involved. We saw involvement in action, as well as numerous “bigger contexts,” watching “My Brooklyn” documentary.
We had to present a 2D visual plan such as chart, mind map, or any other data visualization tool of the information collected so that it’s legible. We needed to edit and mark the information which is highlighted. Then we had to translate the information into a form of 3D model indicating in particular:
- Spaces of interactions
- Public Spaces
- Potentials
- Vulnerabilities
For my 2D plan, I decided to make a mind map highlighting the 3 main problems I noticed in crown heights; Gentrification, Safety and Racial Tension. I extended these aspects into the different problems and observations that I made in the neighborhood. I specifically revolved around the Nostrand Ave because a lot of these problems can be seen in that area. I tried to make it color coordinated so that each problem had a similar colored chain and I also added a few light drawings behind it to visually represent it.
I also made a snakes and ladders board to indicate the negative and positive aspects related to each problem. For example, a high-end restaurant might be good for the economic development, hence there is a ladder connecting the two images. However, there is a snake going down the high rented house to people being displaced; showing the wrong side.
To convert it into a 3D form, I decided to make a model showing the current situation of that avenue. This is what it looked like:
I made the model out of foam board, cardboard, wooden dowels, wire and paints. I emphasized a lot on gentrification because that is extremely evident in Nostrand Ave. The black stores are the ones that were already a part of crown heights, the ones with corrugated cardboard as shutters show that these stores are being shut. This is due to the increasing rents that they’ve been asked to pay but since they can’t afford it, they are forced to shut and move. The white structures are the new stores, restaurants and services being opened which displace the old ones. At the corner a Union Market is being built which is in form of construction. The area was predominantly resided by Black community but due to its convenience and rents, the demand has increased and has attracted a lot of White people which also shoots up the rents.
I decided to make the shape of the houses as it is and show a line going down between each house. This showed how the houses are very separated and categorized even if they’re right next to each other. It is difficult for such a place to be very connected in terms of contact and safety. This specific area is simply filled with stores (mostly shut), restaurants and houses, with no distinct public spaces for kids, elderly or to give a community feeling. The colors of all the structures are also very dull and dark which convey the mood and atmosphere present there.
I think this project really made me think of the tiny details of a neighborhood that might indicate so many problems. One of such activities is graffiti which is controversial and shows stress and rebel. It also helped me in translating my ideas in both 2D and 3D forms which is sometimes difficult because you focus only on one aspect. Along the process, I always kept questioning these issues and vulnerabilities and what could be a solution for all of these. It is tough to think of such objectives simply because these neighborhood work under certain laws and regulations which make everything so technical. However, design can always help in someway and intervene practically.
