Expandable
Public Space
Location: Hamilton Heights, New York
Instructor: Amina Blacksher
Columbia GSAPP Fall 2018
Hamilton Heights is quite a unique neighborhood in manhattan. While the island is known for its busy metropolitan lifestyle, Hamilton Heights distinguishes the busy part of the island from the more casual part. The life of the residents in Hamilton Heights appears more localized and less hurried.
A positively linear relationship between transparency of storefront and the public space the store occupies was observed. The occupancy of these public spaces largely reduces the interactions within the community.
Therefore, expandable public space, in the form of a pushable wall in unused retail locations, was proposed as a solution to engage residents in recreational activities of where they dwell.
The map describes the positively linear relationship
between transparency of storefront and the public
space the store occupies from 145th St. to 147th St.
on Broadway.
The implementation of an expandable wall aims to break the physical threshold of storefront. The transparency of the wall and the lit interior reveal the simple action of the push and its consequence, as well as invite people inside.
![Section perspective [Converted]-01.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60341b91c2c62f0efd3ef5da/1620175461632-JTZH5GRC8RYF67CJRB3N/Section+perspective+%5BConverted%5D-01.jpg)
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION DEMONSTRATING HOW UNUSED RETAIL SPACE IS TRANSFORMED INTO PUBLIC SPACE
Rent subsidy credits can be awarded to retail space owners when they share unused retail slots for public use. The credit reward relieves the burden of shop owners and gives them incentive to share. Meanwhile, this allows ample space for public gathering without occupying the pedestrian walk, which bounds the community as well as bettering the traffic flow. It keeps the Harlem culture of a casual atmosphere in the neighborhood despite the hustle and bustle of Manhattan Island.
