Project redesigns abandoned areas of Fulton Mall to encourage community engagement. By removing the doors and walls, these interior sheltered spaces encourage people to gain shelter from off the street due to unexpected situations where a sheltered seat would be nice.
Background Research
- Fulton Mall Background
- For decades the area was a cultural space for black and hispanic communities; providing art, culture, and business opportunities
- What is happening in Fulton Mall today?
- The Downtown Brooklyn Plan of 2004, opened the area to offices, commercial and retail spaces to create additional jobs and housing
- Developers were given subsidies tax breaks to build high rise and luxury condo buildings which further led to an increase in the areas rents
- Who is affected by these changes?
- The influx of unlivable rents was followed by small businesses and low-income families being forced to close or relocate
- Why am I interested?
- Interior design major
- Older buildings tend to be demolished and replaced with new buildings; however, these buildings tend to be unconnected to the surrounding environment
- How can we expand and grow with out erasing history and community values and needs?
Mapping Research
Abandoned Buildings
Redesigning the lower areas of buildings to create public spaces for the community to use. These spaces could house shelter for street vendors, food trucks, local businesses, community activities, seating, and flexible spaces.
Renderings
Rendering of abandoned buildings lower level transformed into a multi-used space providing flex seating and food venders
Rendering of abandoned buildings lower level transformed into a multi-used space providing flex seating and shelter for anyone