Fourteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

In New York City (NYC) public seating, including city benches are disappearing. NYC residents and tourists are impacted by this shortage. Further, seating facilities in tourist attraction areas in Lower Manhattan and Midtown are predominantly owned by private businesses, and walking-tour pedestrians are struggling to find a place to take a rest. Our intent is to develop a partnership with NYC Department of Transportation to provide seating facilities available to the public across the city. Our objective is to make a difference by creating practical and meaningful collaborations with a variety of stakeholders to provide sustainable activities to the public. We plan to work with a variety of design, construction, and legal frameworks and methodologies. Our design solution will be beneficial to key stakeholders including small to medium-sized businesses, property owners, government agencies, and the public. Through the creation of sustainable seating areas, we will provide compelling and sustainable space to the public and in return give opportunities to local and community- based small businesses, partnering with established brands to increase exposure and brand awareness. Creative place making inspired by strategic design can improve experiences for tourists as well as local residents and generate inclusivity for businesses. Our model and road map may be replicated in other cities.