DXA studio, an award-winning architecture and design firm based in Manhattan, is proud to share its redesign of the New York City streetscape following its featuring by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York in a recent issue of Oculus. The AIA New York challenged architects to share their visualizations for “The Future of Shared Space in NYC” as we navigate how to move our cities forward in these unprecedented times. The request examined public spaces, urban streetscapes, and transportation structures.
DXA studio designed a new and improved urban streetscape, transforming the traditional New York avenue to one that speaks to the lessons learned from the pandemic. To this end it redefines public and personal space, transportation, access to health care and basic zoning regulations with a goal of providing a city-scape that is responsive and adaptable, and one that is focused on health and well being.
“One of the few positives that resulted from the COVID lockdown was that the city has been able to reclaim the street for people, favoring pedestrians and diners over automobiles,” said Jordan Rogove, Co-Founder and Partner of DXA studio. “We took inspiration from that beautiful evolution and extended it into a transformed mult-level pedestrian landscape that is highly responsive to the city’s current urgent needs and sets up a new framework with a focus on health and well being.”
To make the pathway more pedestrian-friendly, the public way is elevated, with the main entrance to existing and new buildings occurring at the second level. With the reduction of brick-and-mortar retail, the first floor of existing buildings is reused to provide spacious depots for the delivery of goods and services. Below ground levels become spaces for long-term storage of nonperishables, medical equipment, and emergency supplies. Server hubs occupy the lowest floors.
“In this time, we have learned that flexibility is of paramount importance, and that present-day zoning regulations need to be in sync with the situation at hand”, said Wayne Norbeck, Co-Founder and Partner of DXA studio. “Now, more than ever, functional urban design means the inclusion of meaningful outdoor spaces for private and public access that balances with an adaptive and intelligent infrastructure.”
“One of the few positives that resulted from the COVID lockdown was that the city has been able to reclaim the street for people, favoring pedestrians and diners over automobiles,” said Jordan Rogove, Co-Founder and Partner of DXA studio. “We took inspiration from that beautiful evolution and extended it into a transformed mult-level pedestrian landscape that is highly responsive to the city’s current urgent needs and sets up a new framework with a focus on health and well being.”
The design includes dedicated lanes assigned for deliveries, first responders, construction and city maintenance, electric bus services and trams, shared mobility vehicles, cyclists, and joggers. The subway is dedicated to essential workers and medical requirements in times of emergency. At the height of health alerts, train cabs on each line are converted to treatment and testing facilities for the ill and vulnerable.
Zoning laws are revised to make way for building forms that are driven by light and access to fresh air and nature. Existing buildings’ roof decks become urban farms, providing fresh produce for the city and the typical office building follows a similar form, with extensions to the outside provided at each level. Lastly, a new layer of circulation occurs where extensions from the main pedestrian thoroughfare become meandering organic paths through elevated garden pads. Here, small gatherings can safely take place.
About DXA studio
DXA studio is an award-winning design practice that provides a rare balance of expertly crafted design with technical proficiency. Believing in the power of architecture to positively influence the lives of all that engage it, DXA focuses on authenticity, sustainability and innovation in all their projects.
Established in 2011, DXA’s expertise spans the full spectrum of design services and project categories including multi-family and single family residential, commercial, institutional and hotel design. In-depth research and analysis happen prior to design, identifying opportunities to push boundaries and integrate technological advances in building materials, construction, and sustainable strategies. By capitalizing on these discoveries, the site, program and unique opportunities of each project, DXA produces creative solutions and distinctive design work that consistently outperforms expectations.
At DXA studio, client projects begin with an open exchange of ideas and full architect-client collaboration. The client’s program and desires, along with the complexities and context of the site are used to create a conceptual framework. From this process, a design of distinctive identity, clarity, and ingenuity is created.
For more information about DXA studio, please visit http://www.dxastudio.com/.
About AIA New York
Founded in 1857, AIA New York is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The Chapter’s members include more than 5,500 practicing architects, allied professionals, students, and public members interested in architecture and design. AIA New York is dedicated to three goals: design excellence, public outreach, and professional development.
