Parsons School of Design
M.Arch Design Studio IV: Community
Instructor: Brian McGrath
Team: Ariana Medina, Becca Bran, Tuhina Dutta, August Breen
Jackson Heights For All
Jackson Heights sits at the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, nationality and several MTA routes. It is known as one of the most diverse neighborhoods on Earth, in what is colloquially known as the world’s borough, Queens. It is a neighborhood where immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community proudly live, work and play. It is a place where over 167 languages are spoken and is home to New York’s second largest pride parade. Jackson Heights ranks 2nd to last out of all of New York City’s neighborhoods in access to green space. This makes the street a crucial and sacred area to gather. Respect for this space is common throughout all of the communities that make up the neighborhood. The street offers a diverse intersection of food, fashion, and celebration.
This project aimed to understand the complexities and successes of Jackson Heights as a diverse, welcoming, and non-heteronormative community through interviews with street vendors, business owners, residents and local politicians. We met with individuals of all backgrounds, ages, identities and conducted the interviews across multiple languages. After meeting with community members, we translated what we learned into a series of maps identifying key characteristics of Jackson Heights.
Our project concluded by proposing an intervention of open streets to encourage kids, seniors, street vendors and anyone else to safely enjoy the street, without the curb or the car, to fully celebrate the intricate weaving of the neighborhood. It seems that every week Jackson Heights is the site of a different parade or festival creating a justifiable but exhaustive routine of street closures. Given the popularity and success of Diversity Plaza and the 34th Ave open street, we proposed two permanent street closures on 74th St and 82nd St.
The Jackson Heights Team. Left to Right: Ariana Medina, Becca Bran, August Breen, Tuhina Dutta.