Pro Bono Design Solutions That Are Transforming New York
The Pratt Manhattan Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition by desigNYC, a collective committed to improving life in NYC through the power of good design. desigNYC aims to improve the lives of New Yorkers by connecting nonprofits, community groups and city agencies serving the public good with passionate, professional pro bono designers. The group is showcasing its first 12 projects from now until July 31st, enabling the public to see for the first time the impact the collaborations have had in transforming the city.
Earlier this year, desigNYC connected 12 extraordinary organizations with more than 20 talented design professionals in the fields of architectural, landscape, interior, lighting and communications design. These first collaborations are creating solutions affecting a range of social and environmental issues impacting the city, including affordable housing, sustainable development, social justice, health, green space, urban farming, local food systems, youth leadership, and more. The organization is now planning to issue a call to nonprofits and design partners for the next round of projects in September 2010, as their community of design professionals and forward-thinking organizations has been growing rapidly.
The exhibition showcases all 12 of the first desigNYC project collaborations, listed below:
Added Value + TODA
Growing visitors to Governor’s Island farm
Bed-Stuy Farm Share +Darhil Crooks
Improving health through locally grown food
Broadway Mall + Joel Sanders, Balmori Associates, Domingo Gonzalez
Master plan for 100-block ecological corridor
Bronx River Alliance + Felix Sockwell and Tom Vasquez
Engaging identity and event icons
Enterprise Community Partners / FBHC + Robin Key Landscape Architecture
Intergenerational garden at Serviam Gardens
Enterprise Community Partners / CAMBA + Sohbr Studio
Community spaces at Anna Gonzalez Apartments
Enterprise Community Partners / Palladia, Inc. + Andre Kikoski Architect
Children’s play room for domestic violence survivors
Envirolution + M&E Engineers and Jeffrey Garofalo
Sustainability teaching tools
GreenHomeNYC + Hot Studio
Website for The New New York Green Street Festival
LES Ecology Center + Andrew Berman Architect
Green renovation of the Fireboat House
NYCHA + Rooster Design Group
Green guide to low-carbon
Nostrand Park + WireMedia
Community-building website for Crown Heights
The mission of desigNYC is to improve the lives of New Yorkers by connecting nonprofits, community groups and city agencies serving the public good with passionate, professional pro bono designers. Tied in with the first issue of CATALYSTsdr, the projects are beginning to bring to fruition a New York City that is more benign by design. Details on the exhibit dates and times are below:
- Dates: June 17 to July 31, 2010
- Location: 144 West 14th Street
- Hours: 11 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday
