Un-paving the way to a greener future for NYCHA

Grain partnered with NYCHA (NYC Housing Authority) to create an open spaces master plan for its 133 housing developments. Our plan is a comprehensive reevaluation of what open spaces can mean to residents living in some of the densest urban developments in America’s densest city.

A driving force in our design was our discovery that NYCHA’s current outdoor facilities are radically incompatible with its residents’ needs: while the vast majority is over 18 years of age, only 2% of campus space is allotted for adult usage. Among other things, this has led to the misuse of playgrounds, which has had the unintended ripple effect of further limiting children’s options for play. Our design aims to create space for multigenerational use, so families can spend time outdoors, joyfully and productively, together.

Grounded in active design principles, our master plan proposes a massive increase in open space: we have called for the revitalization of hundreds of acres of previously fenced-off greenspace, more access to trees, the creation of shaded multifunctional spaces, outdoor fitness facilities, and adventurous playspaces. This work was undertaken during the pandemic, a citywide—and global—emergency that only reinforced a guiding principle of our practice: open space is essential for connection, community, and both human and environmental well-being.

Explanation of this slide here and we can make it long or short

The project vision is to revitalize thousands of acres of long fenced-off green space, returning its use to residents and opening a new chapter in public housing where design justice and resident needs are at the center of each proposal. A video was created to communicate the scope and breadth of the project to residents and community stakeholders. The jury praised the NYCHA video as an effective call for neighbors to discuss what they like and don’t like about their homes and what landscape design can do to bridge that gap.

2022 ASLA Professional Awards Jury