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END360 Environmental Design Workshop 2 Graphic Communications A Collection of Work from Week 1 to Week 15 Featuring various images, drawings, and tables

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

Week 1 Images

(Clockwise from top left:) Picture 1 Entry Picture 2 Movement Picture 3 Authority Picture 4 Community Picture 5 Direction

Exploration of the YMCA Houston Street Center, located at 273 Bowery, New York, NY 10002. To analyse my chosen site, I took pictures throughout the building that showcases different elements of what the space expresses. The images express entry, movement, authority, community, and direction. The YMCA is known for recreational activities and is open to all visitors. February 1-8, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Camera 2

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Week 2 Sharing Information YMCA Information Sheet

Using images from Week 1, an informative flyer explains more about the YMCA Houston Street Center. History of this site as well as fun facts are provided. February 8-15, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Indesign, AARP YMCA Houston St, Chinatown by Caitlin Chan

About This YMCA Branch is one of many Chinatown locations in New York City. It contains a gym, a full basketball court, a pool, multiple classrooms and offices. Currently due to COVID-19 many features of this facility is closed until further notice. The only parts of this center that are in use are the classrooms and gyms for online learning. Students are allowed to take class and receive teacher assistance during the school week. Each student is properly distanced from other students and faculty. Other activities like arts and crafts are available for students to engage in when they are done with classwork. Lunch and meals are also provided by New York City public schools’ food program. This building is attached to a Wholefoods and residential housing. History of Site More recently, the Y responded to an increasing demand in both Chinatown and the Lower East Side for increased healthy lifestyles programming, and launched its new Houston Street Center, located on the Bowery, in 2006. Since it opened, the center has quickly become a neighborhood “hot spot,” with state-of-the-art recreational and educational facilities. From swimming and fitness programs to after-school and older adult programs and community events, the Houston Street Center has become a new hub in one of New York’s most historic and diverse neighborhoods. This was reported by AARP.

The Y has been an intergral part of Chinatown and the Lower East Side since the 1970’s. Top to Bottom: Houston Street Center entrance, main staircase from entrance to welcome center, reception area for visitors and staff. All images by author.

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

YMCA

Houston St, Chinatown by Caitlin Chan

About This YMCA Branch is one of many Chinatown locations in New York City. It contains a gym, a full basketball court, a pool, multiple classrooms and oﬃces. Currently due to COVID-19 many features of this facility is closed until further notice. The only parts of this center that are in use are the classrooms and gyms for online learning. Students are allowed to take class and receive teacher assistance during the school week. Each student is properly distanced from other students and faculty. Other activities like arts and crafts are available for students to engage in when they are done with classwork. Lunch and meals are also provided by New York City public schools’ food program. This building is attached to a Wholefoods and residential housing.

History of Site Chinatown and the Lower East Side launched its new Houston Street Center, located on the Bowery, in 2006. Since it opened, the center has quickly become a neighborhood “hot spot,” with stateof-the-art recreational and educational facilities. From swimming and ﬁtness programs to after-school and older adult programs and community events, the Houston Street Center has become a new hub in one of New York’s most historic and diverse neighborhoods. This was reported by AARP.

The Y has been an intergral part of Chinatown and the Lower East Side since the Top to Bottom: Houston Street Center entrance, main staircase from entrance to welcome center, reception area for visitors and staﬀ.

1970’s.

All images by author.

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

Week 3 Observation: Diagramming YMCA Circulation Diagrams

Expanding from Week 1 and 2, using Adobe Illustrator I developed floor plans for each floor. By using a legend, different areas of the building is distinguished. As well as the walking path and north arrow allow a sense of direction. February 15-22, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Blair + Mui Dowd Architects YMCA Houston Street Center Chinatown, NYC by Caitlin Chan

Classrooms Gymnasium Dance studio Offices Entrance/Walkway Weight room/Pool Walking path

Top floor

Second floor

Main floor/ground level

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Week 4 Mapping Location Map, Footprint of Site, Estimated Income of Lower East Side

Using 3 maps to further investigate the YMCA site. Transportation accessibility is recorded to show how visitors can travel to this location. Within a 1km radius around the YMCA, majority is buildings and few green spaces. The YMCA is located in an area where the median household income is roughly $16k-$50k. February 22-March 1, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Cadmapper, Adobe Illustrator, Google Images, Statistical Atlas YMCA HOUSTON STREET CENTER by Caitlin Chan

YMCA HOUSTON STREET CENTER by Caitlin Chan

Legend Site Location

Public Transit

Buildings

Car Roads

Land

Parks/Gardens Buildings

Lower East Side Median Household Income ($)

YMCA HOUSTON STREET CENTER by Caitlin Chan

Site Location $16k-$50k $50k-$84k $152k-$186k

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

YMCA HOUSTON STREET CENTER by Caitlin Chan

Legend Site Location

Public Transit

Buildings

Car Roads

Land

Parks/Gardens Buildings

Lower East Side Median Household Income ($)

YMCA HOUSTON STREET CENTER by Caitlin Chan

Site Location $16k-$50k $50k-$84k $152k-$186k

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Week 5 Infographics Real Estate Value over the past 25 years, Number of Users Over a 24 Hour Period, Sample Advisory Notice, Schedule of Incoming Deliveries and Visitors During 1 Business Day, Utilities System Map, Economic Status of Children and Senior Visitors

Gathering these 7 graphics express how the site plays a part of the community. Many visitors from all ages, use the facilities that the YMCA has to offer. Recording number of visitors allows better analysis of circulation and how this building can be improved. Real estate can indicate maintenance costs and economic statuses of each household. New understanding of how the building functions can also reference to how the building reacts to emergencies. March 1-8, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Google Sheets, Census

Office of Community Health and Safety

COVID-19 POLICY UPDATES SANITATION RELATED IMPROVEMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BOROUGH: MANHATTAN DATE: MARCH 2020 TILL FURTHER NOTICE

NEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND FACILITY CLOSURES ➢ 273 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 SAFETY FOR ALL The NYC Department of Sanitation advises new cleaning routines for all YMCA locations. This notice addresses, but is not limited to, facility closures, new operation hours, required health checks upon entrance, reduced number of active users, and mandatory hourly cleaning. COMMUNITY IMPACTS Masks and coverings must be worn at all times. No one is permitted into the building unless a proper health check is administered. Wash your hands and practice proper cleaning habits. Remember to social distance. (6 feet preferred)

CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to learn more about the new policy, please call the office at (212) 475-5008. Visit our website for further information at https://ymcanyc.org/locatio ns/chinatown-ymca

Sharon Greenberger President & CEO

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PLEASE NOTE If there are any new updates, information will be posted regularly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

https://ymcanyc.org/

Office of Community Health and Safety

COVID-19 POLICY UPDATES SANITATION RELATED IMPROVEMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BOROUGH: MANHATTAN DATE: MARCH 2020 TILL FURTHER NOTICE

PLEASE NOTE If there are any new updates, information will be posted regularly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

https://ymcanyc.org/

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

Week 6 Posters Overview and Significance of YMCA Houston Street Center

Using the graphics from the previous week, this poster was created to appeal to visitors. User activity and demographic information is provided. Directions are also available for those traveling by car or public transit. Community engagement and current events are indicated at the bottom for inside information of the site’s mission. March 8-15, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Cadmapper, Google Images

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

Week 7 Street Design Charrette Roslyn Place Great Streets Case Study

Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Roslyn Place is known for its wood block paving. One of the few roads that are not made of asphalt. Limited street space prevents many cars from traveling in and out. Inside of a cul-de-sac, residents are facing towards each other. Designed by Thomas Rodd, chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad on all lines west of Pittsburgh. March 15-22, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Cadmapper, Google Images

HISTORIC LANDMARK Roslyn Place

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Place

ay aW

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Jap

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uth e Av

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Designed by Thomas Rodd, the chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad on all lines west of Pittsburgh. Covered in wood blocks, Roslyn Place in Shadyside is one of just a handful of wooden streets left in the country, and the only one made entirely of wood that is still in use.

Roslyn Place is located just off of Ellsworth Avenue near South Aiken Avenue. Lined with statuesque sycamore trees, it is a narrow 250 foot cul-de-sac lined with eighteen homes.

After some debate, the city agreed to repair the street rather than replace it with modern pavement. In 1985, Roslyn Place underwent a complete restoration. The city hired Augie Cardillo, a stonemason, to handle the project. Cardillo determined that the original wood had deteriorated to such a degree that it had to be completely rebuilt.

Roslyn Place, despite its overall character, beauty and unique attributes, is not without its shortcomings. Wood block can become quite slippery when it rains and even more so during winter, and over time it becomes uneven. There is no off-street parking, the road is too narrow for municipal vehicles like fire-trucks, ambulances and plows, and the homes themselves are very close together.

http://www.preservationpgh.org/news/2017/10/23/roslyn-placenominated-to-become-a-city-historic-district

Busw

Aiken

Wood Block Paving Installed 1914

East

Pittsburgh, PA

http://www.brooklineconnection.com/history/Facts/Roslyn.html

https://www.flickr.com/photos/evablue/22195584942

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Week 8-11 Assemblage Neighborhood Walk and Street Design Proposal

Austin Street is in Forest Hills of New York City. This street is a mixed use area, combining residential and commercial buildings. Originally named Whitepot, Forest Hills has relied on this street for shopping and festivals. Problems that have plagued this street includes lack of sufficient parking for commercial vehicles, no bike lanes or lanes for non motorized riders, and inadequate methods for pedestrian safety. A timeline is provided to organize assigned work these 4 weeks. March 22-April 19, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Google Images

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

Austin Street

(Between 70th Road and 71st Road) Forest Hills, NY Caitlin Chan

Overview Located in Queens, NY, Austin Street is a residential and commercial center for all residents and visitors. Founded in 1906, this area was first named Whitepot but later changed to Forest Hills since it was very close to Forest Park.

Problem Due to Austin Street’s historic significance, there is not much that may be altered in terms of building and sidewalk placement however the busy streets are causing congestion and very limited parking. Many drivers are forced to double park but also cause partial road blockage. People are not able to enjoy street life when there is no room for each incoming visitor. Lack of bike lanes also limit accessible transportation. Week 8

Introduction to site Present current conditions and brief overview of its historic significance. Remember to include graphics.

Week 9

Revise infographics that analyse current conditions. Create a site map for important features. Emphasize the problem of the site (use images to help)

Week 10

Start the design proposal for the site. Include all graphics for all parts (existing conditions, design problem, proposed design solution)

Week 11

Set up report that includes all information found in previous assignments. Roughly 10-15 pages following a 8.5x11” format. Remember to use full colors.

Week 12-14

Develop a presentation based on the report. 20 mins of your site findings. Put a snip of video from your site. Make sure it is good to go.

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Week 15

Revise and fix any necessary problems in all previous assignments, then compile all into one. Remember to show any improvements. Submit as early as possible.

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Week 8-11 Assemblage Neighborhood Walk and Street Design Proposal

Using Cadmapper, I developed a map to show current conditions and specify building uses. Corresponding images help to show the street in first person. The location of bike racks and parking are at the bottom. Bike lane suggestions graphic indicates two solutions, one with a conventional bike lane and the other with a shared lane design. Given the dimensions, the maximum total width is 60 feet. March 22-April 19, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Cadmapper, Google Images

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360

Week 8-11 Assemblage Neighborhood Walk and Street Design Proposal

Using Procreate I roughly traced and sketched the outline of the street. After creating this drawing I was able to put more details to explain what both options would look like if they were built. Option 1 has the conventional bike lane, shortening the sidewalk but now there are designated lanes for vehicles other than cars. Option 2 is the shared lane idea, this may be dangerous but can lessen car traffic and keep sidewalks at their regular size. March 22-April 19, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Procreate

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Option 1

Option 2

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Week 8-11 Assemblage Neighborhood Walk and Street Design Proposal

Walkability concerns also made me think about implementing open roads for pedestrian activities like expanded outdoor dining due to COVID-19. I took inspiration from Washington Square Park and World Trade Center Memorial, where visitors can visit and relax away from major vehicle traffic. Below is a plan set from the Forest Hills Community Board to expand nocar streets along parts of Austin St. March 22-April 19, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Google Images, The Queens Daily Eagle

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Week 12-15 Presentation Final Poster Presentation

Compiling all the work from Week 8-11 to finalize my proposal for Austin St. Gathering images from Google and during my walk helped me to develop a plan to add bike lanes or a possible walkway. In hopes of preserving the historic street while implementing modern technology allowed my plan to provide community engagement. Main problems of traffic congestion and overall street safety set forth the idea of adding bike lanes or replacing traditional roads with shared roads in order to accompany all users in the tightly condensed street. By removing cars, walking space can expand and increase levels of comfort and enjoyment. This can reduce CO2 emissions in the environment and improve the community’s health. Both Option 1 and 2 consists of positives and negatives that although encourage bike usage, it also still lets car traffic to travel through. Placing an entirely new walkway may finally create a much needed open plaza for large events that benefit the growth of the street and the mood for every individual. Keeping in mind of the pandemic, there is still a need for efficient road safety and prevention of accidents or collisions. April 19-May 14, 2021 Materials/ Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Google Images 24

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REVAMPING THE TRAVEL ATMOSPHERE IN AUSTIN ST

(BETWEEN 70TH ROAD AND 71ST ROAD) CURRENT CONDITIONS

LOCATION

New York City, Queens Borough, Forest Hills, NY, 11375

HISTORY

Originally called Whitepot when settlers came in 1652, Forest Hills use to be owned by Native Americans who once lived here. It was not until the Cord Meyer Development Company purchased the land and renamed it after its close proximity to Forest Park. In 1906, the first street to undergo development in the newly named Forest Hills was Roman Avenue between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street. Developer Cord Meyer appointed Benjamin Dreisler to design an assemblage of 10 Neo-Renaissance style rowhouses, which housed the neighborhood’s first electrician, plumber, and carpenter. Austin Street was named after developer Austin Corbin, who was also a 19th century Long Island Railroad president.

DESIGN PROBLEM

No signs of bike lanes or lanes for non motorized vehicles. Automobiles dominate this road, without allowing more lanes for other modes of traffic this only promotes car usage. This does not benefit the health of the overal environment. CO2 emissions are being released daily and contribute to the existing issues of climate change today. Insufficient amount of parking space for commercial vehicles leads to double parking. There is physically not enough space in general but when drivers do decide to double park, other drivers are forced to drive around the vacant vehicle. This causes delays and increases traffic congestion. At busy times of the day, drivers have to wait their turn in order to be able to drive around the vehicle on a tight street. Waiting times can range from 5 to 15 minutes or even longer. Necessary removal of diagonal parking can save every inch of space to allow more room for other modes of transportation. Expensive parking fees limit the amount of time visitors can spend on this street. This may be beneficial for regulating the amount of cars coming and going but commercial vehicles sadly spend long periods of time for their business and cannot park anywhere else but above ground. Need for more crosswalks or pedestrian walkways will allow easy navigation when necessary or in case of emergency. Since this street is known to be for shopping and dining, it can be crowded and may cause people to flood out onto the road which will endanger everyone in this area. Implementation of shared lanes may solve the overwhelming dominance of cars. Bike users or any non motorized vehicle can share the road so the flow of traffic would become more equal but drivers would need to pay extra attention when traveling down this road. Speed limits must be lowered so there are no possible collisions, however this may lead to slow traffic. This may influence traffic to drive through other roads and away from this main section to still be able to travel regularly.

Two way street traffic can be seen throughout the entire space. There is alternate side parking for visitors who decide to travel by car. Parking areas are parallel to sidewalk and are metered parking. This does not include buses or commercial vehicles. This street is classified as a mixed use area, combining both commercial and residential districts. As a local street, it is small and cramped during rush hours. It is more well known as a “shopping street” with many restaurants and offices. Ranging from mom and pop businesses to larger corporate branches (Shake Shake, Sephora) However there are neighboring schools, medical centers, and a police station. Building architecture remains true to its roots and remains in a similar style seen in the original blueprints.

SITE RESTRICTIONS

-60 feet wide street, sidewalks are 20 feet wide (NYC Planning) -Limited parking space, not ideal for double parking -Cars can park at metered parking -Underground parking garages are available -Bikes can be locked on designated bike racks (randomly placed along the street sidewalk) -Not many places to sit, opposite of a stop and go mindset

PLANS IN ACTION

COVID-19: Outdoor dining contributes to less road space (Reported in The Queens Daily Eagle By: David Brand) In July, the city first prohibited car travel along a portion of 70th Road between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street, known as Restaurant Row, on weekends in response to advocacy from the local community board and the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce. The roadway is one of 87 locations that make up the city’s Open Streets initiative. The community board representing Forest Hills has called on the city to turn parts of Austin Street and 70th Road into car-free plazas that enable eateries to establish outdoor dining space. The plan from Community Board 6 specifically recommends the Department of Transportation ban cars from two-thirds of 70th Road between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street, a strip known as “Restaurant Row.” The remaining third could be turned into a two-way street to allow motorists to enter and exit a parking garage on the Queens Boulevard side of the block, the board said. The other proposal calls for banning parking on a section of Austin Street between 70th Avenue and 72nd Road to allow restaurants to expand outdoor dining beyond the narrow sidewalks. Some businesses have also recommended outright banning cars from that portion of the road on weekends, the board said. The city’s Open Restaurants initiative streamlines the application process for restaurants to implement outdoor dining. A DOT spokesperson said the agency encourages “every eligible restaurant to sign up for Open Restaurants. The agency did not comment on the specifics of the Forest Hills plan. Architect Matthew Celmer prepared renderings for outdoor dining on 70th Road, which some member of the community board reviewed. (Brand, 2020)

DESIGN PROPOSAL

Given the small street dimensions, changing the overall size will be difficult. COVID-19 has led to an increase in bike users since people who have their own personal vehicles feel safer to drive, thus crowded roads aren’t a problem to those with bikes. This is why a new bike lane should be placed on this street. It may not be a big road however it has a great influence over people in this community. Option 1 indicates a conventional bike lane where a 5 feet wide lane with be put up on both sides of the street for bikers. The sidewalk has to be cut down to 15 feet to accommodate the bike lane. Option 2 indicates a shared lane where all riders must share the road and follow regular traffic rules. There are parks and gardens nearby which is the reason it is not included in this proposal. The big problem is how can this small road be able to handle each individual. Another solution is to possibly convert the entire street into a walkway with no incoming motorized vehicle traffic. This eliminates any issues of parking, collisions, and jaywalking. This is an opportunity to create a plaza or an open space for special activities like festivals or parades. This will enhance community engagement and promote street growth.

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Conventional Bike Lane

Shared Lane

Positives -Designated space for bikes and cars to travel -Protection for bike users -Change the road dominance of motorized vehicles -Improve pedestrian safety -Traffic patterns remain the same

Positives -Shared lanes allow bikes and cars to use the lane simultaneously -Bike riders have more room to ride especially in this narrow street -Sidewalk size remains, enough separation of pedestrians to motorized and non motorized vehicles -Less cars are seen on the road, reducing harmful emissions -Promote exercise and usage of non motorized vehicles -Activities on the street can continue regularly -Build community engagement

Negatives -Cut down sidewalk width to expand the road size -Street parking will still be available but hard to accommodate every vehicle -Double parking will remain an issue -Cars are still the most dominant method of transport -Release of CO2 emissions in the environment -Lack of space for sidewalk activities

Negatives -Safety concerns for bike users -May lead to slower traffic, possible increase in existing levels of congestion -Double parking will remain an issue

NEW POSSIBLE WALKWAY

Pedestrian safety concerns Closing off streets in hopes of encouraging visitors to enjoy walking and engaging with the street without fear of oncoming traffic. Given the narrowness of the exisitng streets, the Forest Hills Community Board are going forth with the plan that ensures pedestrian safety and enjoyment. Previously, cars would need to look out for crosswalks or jaywalkers who suddenly decide to cross at their own will. But by eliminating car traffic and strictly keeping the roads for pedestrain traffic only can allow both comfort and enjoyment for all. Street fairs and festivals are held on Austin St during the summer seasons. Visitors from all over can shop at booths, learn new information, try new products, enjoy different types of foods from local restaurants, play in games to win prizes, listen to musical performances, watch dance shows and more. Providing for the community helps the overall conditions of the street so even future generations can have the chance to experience all that Austin St has to offer.

Caitlin Chan Portfolio for END360