This project proposes the rehabilitation of two unused lots underneath the Park Avenue Viaduct for the establishment of much-needed youth-affirming spaces in East Harlem. Based on weeks of research culminating in a self-driven community engagement project in East Harlem, this ‘youth village’ would provide a place where kids can play freely year round and local youth organizations lacking meeting space can host programs and meetings in flexible enclosures.

 

The lots are organized with grids that arise from engaging the pre-existing youth infrastructure in the neighborhood (schools and playgrounds). Each lot offers a unique program of indoor spaces such as an art center, nature center, and science center. The nature center offers gardening supplies and planters with grow lights suspended from above. The art center has work tables and an exhibition area, in addition to art sinks. The science center has space for running experiments and water access. In addition, there is a storage space for sports equipment, restrooms, a library/study space, and a dance center spread amongst the two lots. Suspended from the viaduct is a rail system of steel that supports various suspended structures such as hanging seating, a climbing zone, adjustable basketball hoops, and swing sets, which can be slid along a rail to adjust the positioning. The rail system also allows for the suspension of lighting to counteract the darkness of the space. Each space has two entrances at the north and south sides and is otherwise enclosed with a fence that is interwoven with colored vinyl cords that create intermittent openings for transparency and protect the safety of the children in multiple ways.