STRATEGIC OPEN SPACE STUDY
Client
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
Team
Smith Miller Hawkinson (lead/images,) Michael Fishman (Transporation) Sam Schwartz Engineering, Julie Bargman (DIRT studio,) Flack and Kurtz
Urban Question
With Lower Manhattan looking like a war zone and planning to rebuild underground and street level infrastructure, how can the existing open spaces in the area be enhanced for public activity? Are there additional spaces that can be used to serve this purpose?
Urban Answer
Increased pedestrian space and at grade enhancements for pedestrian spaces (Louise Nevelson Plaza, Five Points.) Analysis calculated that approximately 3 acres of street space are occupied by City employee vehicles south of Chambers Street this would also make room for pedestrian and security enhancements.
Searching for new public space, it was calculated that approximately 3 acres of street space are occupied by City employee vehicles south of Chambers Street. A municipal parking lot would put everyone within a 5-7 min walk from work and parking lanes can serve public/pedestrian functions.