Public Participatory Design Meetings – Sept. 5 and 15

JOIN US IN IMAGINING THE FUTURE OF THIS SITE!
This public meeting will focus on the future of 8,600 square feet of publicly accessible open space on this site, creating a design rooted in community input. The meeting will feature design exercises that are easy and fun, and your input will directly influence the future of the site.

The Haven Green Development Team will host two public Participatory Design Meetings:

Wednesday, September 5th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm and Saturday, September 15th, 1:30 pm – 3 pm

University Settlement
273 Bowery
@ E Houston St.

WHAT IS PARTICIPATORY DESIGN?
Participatory design is an approach that seeks input from all stakeholders, or all people affected by the design of a space, to create a solution that is responsive to their needs. For Haven Green, this includes neighbors, local businesses, gardeners, affordable housing advocates, local seniors, elected officials – the entire community. The process is used because we recognize that the community members are experts in how the space should look, feel, and operate. We believe that a successful design must be rooted in this community expertise. Our participatory design process will envision a new publicly accessible open space that reflects the vision and identity of its users. This site is a treasured neighborhood outdoor space that is used by the community for a wide array of educational, recreational, and cultural activities and events. We believe that the community should be a leading voice in the design of the space.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE PARTICIPATORY/PUBLIC DESIGN MEETING?
The public design process will be informal, open, and engaging. Our team will bring a library of imagery for participants to review and react to – you’ll be telling us what kinds of spaces, elements and activities make sense for the space. We’ll also be breaking into small groups for design exercises that will let you get your creative juices flowing, showing and sharing your ideas through sketching, collage, or storytelling/word bubbles (however you best express yourself)! The design meeting will last about 1 to 1.5 hours, and light refreshments will be served. Translations will be available for Spanish and Mandarin speakers.

HOW ELSE CAN I BE INVOLVED?
In addition to the public design meetings, we hope that community members will take our online design survey. This anonymous survey asks for your feedback on a wide range of questions, from when the space will be open, how the space will feel, and the kinds of activities the open space should support.

Please also consider taking inspiration from this self-guided walking tour of the community gardens of lower Manhattan. These outdoor spaces are part of a rich tradition of gardens in lower Manhattan, each garden unique in size, orientation and character.

HOW WILL MY INPUT BE USED?
Community input will directly guide the design of the publicly accessible open space at Haven Green. Public input will help us determine the hours of operation, layout, types of plantings, seating, character and programming of the space. We want this space to truly be a reflection of the community – that can only work if we hear your ideas!