In their latest community-driven effort, the non-profit Design Trust for Public Space recently launched “Public for All: Rethinking Shared Space in NYC”. The citywide call invites design firms, communities, agencies, and individuals based in any of New York City's five boroughs to send project ideas for planning and designing public spaces that are more accessible, resourceful, and can be sustainably maintained and operated.

Here are more details from the Design Trust:

The Brooklyn Bridge. Photo: Liz Ligon. Courtesy of the Design Trust for Public Space.

Proposals must be research, design, and planning projects that will unlock the potential of NYC’s shared spaces, including underutilized and under-resourced community assets. Projects may be site-specific but must potentially change the way NYC develops and manages public space citywide. 

Although Design Trust efforts may eventually lead to built work, projects should demonstrate broad policy or programming goals, with potential for further development. The Design Trust encourages entrants to consider the following questions:

• How can we design with and for all people, regardless of age, ability/disability, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, language, sexuality, and geographic location? 
• How can we ensure that all who use public space—especially those who lack access to other places of rest, recreation, and connection—have substantial roles in decision- making and clear, readily accessible paths to civic participation? 
• How can public space and related processes adapt as needs and communities change? 
• How do we alter our perception of collective responsibility and broaden our understanding of the term ‘resource’ to explore new models for partnership, stewardship, governance, management, and maintenance of public space? 
• How can atypical shared spaces (i.e. privately owned, virtual, or unused space) be claimed and developed as community assets? 
• How do we meaningfully and realistically evaluate public space performance?

A short online expression of interest is due June 6, 2017. Full proposals will be due June 20, 2017. The independent jury is expected to select up to two proposals in mid-July that will be developed and executed with the Design Trust. For application guidelines and further info, visit designtrust.org/rfp/