Shaping the Future of NYC

We were thinking about combining a couple of general interests: namely public bathrooms and ecofriendly structures. I know that there are some complications with installing composting toilette’s, but that might be interesting to pursue. Otherwise, we might look into recycling water in the bathrooms (flowing the water from the sink into the toilette, or something), or using solar power for the lights and whatever else uses electricity. That’s it for now.

-Noah

At the turn of the twenty-first century, we became well-aware that oil prices are sky rocketing and its supply is depleting. In addition, oil, as well as natural gas are found to be major contributors to global warming. As a way to reduce energy costs and help our environment, we need to look for reusable sources of energy that are earth friendly. One such alternative is solar energy, harnessed through solar panels. Skyscrapers are energy guzzlers, and solar energy, being reusable, will save money in the long run. Although, research and experimentation is being down today, I propose for greater research and proliferation of these panel on skyscrapers and other major building in New York city. I would like to investigate possible architectural designs of solar panels upon buildings that will be effective in reducing our dependence on oil, not contribute to further environmental problems, as be suitable to current and future architectural designs.

While I am aware that we are in constant need of low income housing and job opportunities, I really would like to focus on bringing some exposure to natural beauty into New Yorker’s every day lives. What I would like to see are some low-cost–maintenance public gardens, where New Yorkers can rent a plot and care for and grow their own vegetables and flowers.
There is one I know of already in Flushing near the Booth Memorial Hospital, called the Kissena Corrider Park. ( http://www.treebranch.com/BQGG_pdf/kissena_cunningham.pdf ) I think it would be great, if possible, to find some small plots of space outdoors in urban residential areas, or even to put greenhouses on the roofs of buildings that the public could access, so that New Yorkers can de-stress and discover their green thumbs.

The city of the New York is currently facing serious problems of freight transportation. With the mass congestion of highways, streets, etc. freight transportation has added to the issue of traffic and pollution in the city. For my project, I will be doing more research on this citywide issue, document the problem and recommend the best policy approach.

For the final project, I was considering creating a foreign language program for all public elementary schools in New York City and developing a system in which time and money could be optimized to make this idea happen. Studies show that children can pick up a foreign language a lot easier if they start becoming acquainted with it at a young age. Since money is tight these days, only two languages, or even one (Spanish), might be the only ones taught under this new program.

Luke
Luke

At a faculty symposium, which I recently attended, it was stressed that the final project must be a group effort – three or four students combining their resources to look at a selected topic in depth. The existing final project description still applies. Individual students should put forth topics and, as a class, we will look at areas of common interest or overlap to form a group. Since there are many components leading to making a compelling 10-minute public presentation before the university and outsiders, as well, it is would be best to form a team maximizing individual strengths.

All topics will require, among other things:

• Writing a compelling proposal
• Conducting basic research/literature search
• Identifying and contacting primary sources
• Conducting interviews, when possible
• Photographing existing conditions
• Preparing graphic illustrations
• Preparing verbal presentations

Given the scope of this project, give serious thought about pooling resources. Also, remember that a good portion of class time will be devoted to your being able to work together and develop your proposals. We’ll talk.

                             

New York City is extremely patriotic, more so than many seem to think.  There is a notion established throughout the United States that New York City is home to extremely unpatriotic individuals that can only believe in one mindset, namely that of the super liberal.  I guarantee you, there are more American flags in New York City than probably anywhere else, especially within the immigrant community.   

                         

E.B. White speaks of what is expected  in New York City.  What I noticed however was that nature, which is all around us in the City, White only really speaks about in terms of Central Park.   This picture showcases nature, and was taken right outside the Brookdale campus.  

                        

There is even nature on the sides of many buildings, such as on this one here.  Vines and other plants grow across the founding bricks and create beautiful views for everyone to see.  

                         

Sorry that it’s on its side…Scaffolding in New York City is abundant and well received on night’s when snow and rain are falling.  There is always construction in New York.  As soon as one project is finished, another is started.

                           

While scaffolding in some cases is very useful, it is also an obstruction that can destroy a scenic picture.  

                            

New York City never sleeps and establishments such as this restaurant with a “Late Nite Menu” are abundant to make room for the night’s lively ones.

                            

There are many forms of transportation in New York, one of the least prevalent being automobiles.  There are stop lights throughout the city, winding their ways through the concrete jungle.

                              

A man on the move, cigarette in hand, crosses the street when the “Don’t Walk” hand is bold it its orange glory.  Walking is probably the most commonly used form of transportation besides…

                                

Public transportation is used by every New Yorker, whether old or young, short or tall, skinny or fat.  The Subway is convenient and fast (for the most part) giving every New Yorker their chance to get to their destinations on time.

                                

Buses are also used quite frequently and represent a large number of people living in New York City.  They provide hugely necessary transportation and have become staples on every single street in New York’s five boroughs.

Subway signs such as this are second nature to New Yorkers, though tourists frequently need help deciphering them, especially when the trains are undergoing construction and operating along different routes.

 

Gas station/convenience stores commonly found along certain thoroughfairs in the outer boroughs frequently offer auto repairs and maintenance as well. As these areas are becoming more gentrified, however, these small business are becoming less common.

Escalators are found throughout the city, both above and below ground. Using motion sensors in escalators has been considered in improving NYC’s efficiency, to avoid powering them when they are not in use.

From most places in midtown, either the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building can be seen. Though such buildings tend to define many people’s ideas of what New York looks like, they only make the majority of the infrastructure in certain neighborhoods.

Multi-family apartment buildings and townhouses are found throughout the city, and the rows of fire escapes are a common aesthetic in many neighborhoods that have not yet replaced the old buildings.

Movies, TV shows, and various Broadway and off-Broadway shows are advertised on billboards, phone booths, and busses and trains and their stations in all boroughs of the city, particular those with big-name talent.

Ketchup, coffee cups and saucers, salt & pepper, sugar, and Greek keys are found in ubiquitous in diners all over the city.

The grid system is frequently taken for granted in the city (especially Manhattan but the outer boroughs as well), but New Yorkers are accustomed to streets and avenues intersecting.

Subway seats in N, R, and W trains used to be a variety of vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. They still are the familiar shades of orange that so many New Yorkers are used to. Now some N trains have been replaced, as they probably will all be in time, with more modern and sleek looking grey, silver and purple technologically advanced cars.

Tree-lined streets may not be as common in most urban parts of New York as they are in the suburbs, but current plans and regulations for the city involve the planting of trees in order to beautify the streets of the city.

Trash heaps can be found on the sidewalk of any street, and one never knows what will be found lying discarded on the sidewalk.

Found in the window of an obscure store near Union Square. Hidden treasures of New York, let me tell you.

Taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Central Park. I’m sure you’ve seen this guy around before. He was pretty intense.

Three red balloons in Chinatown. The other 96 escaped.

Inspiration everywhere you look. It reads, “I want everybody to be smart. As smart as they can be. A world of ignorant people is too dangerous to live in.” (Carson Kanin)

Hermes overlooking Grand Central.

Breaking up the monotony. Who says New Yorkers only know the color black?

Obligatory subway picture. The train will be here soon. We hope.

This view? Instantly recognizable by now.

Lastly, the Verrazano and an early sunset.