Lenapehoking, the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people, extends across the New York Metropolitan area. Beginning in the 1600’s at the hands of colonial settlers, the Lenape were dispossessed of their land, forcefully removed from their territory, and pushed westward.

The Lenape Center now aims to create a cultural facility in upstate New York – a physical space to affirm the Lenape’s continued presence in their homeland, to expand awareness of its history, to promote its activities and values, and to be a welcoming home for the Lenape diaspora. As part of its envisioning process, the Lenape Center invited this Studio to contextualize planning research and information for identifying potential sites and planning proposals for a facility to accommodate the full range of the Center’s current and future activities and to provide for expanded audiences.

ZIYING ZHU

Advisor: Hiba Bou Akar

From Zones to Jobs: Analyzing New York City’s Industrial Shifts and Future Pathways

This thesis explores the intricate relationship between zoning policies and the availability and nature of jobs in New York City’s industrial sectors. Amidst a landscape of rapid urban transformation and economic shifts, the study examines how zoning decisions influence the industrial job market, affecting everything from job creation to economic sustainability within the city. As New York grapples with the challenges of deindustrialization and shifts towards service-oriented industries, the role of zoning becomes critical in shaping the opportunities and barriers for industrial employment. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing historical data, current zoning regulations, and employment statistics to assess the impact of urban planning decisions on job dynamics within industrial zones. The findings reveal that restrictive zoning policies have often hindered the growth of industrial jobs, pushing economic activities to the peripheries or out of the city entirely, thus impacting the city’s economic diversity and the livelihoods of its working-class populations. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of industrial employment in relation to zoning and land use regulations, this thesis aims to inform policy decisions that could lead to more inclusive and sustainable economic development strategies. The recommendations focus on revising zoning laws to foster industrial innovation and job growth, ensuring that New York City’s economic policies align with the needs of its diverse population and contribute to the overall resilience of its industrial sectors.

AROOSA AJANI

Advisor: Tom Slater

Equity In and Equity For: An exploration of real estate practices and equitable development possibilities, case study of West Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas

This research aims to examine the effects of certain private sector real estate practices on land speculation, neighborhood growth and change, and the community-driven responses to such speculation. Real estate markets in major cities of Texas are receiving increased attention from investors and developers, especially as populations migrate to the sunbelt states post-pandemic in pursuit of spacious homes, recreational amenities, and affordability relative to other major US cities. This has increased speculation and land values in Texas’ urban areas, pricing out existing residents and business owners. In response, policymakers, practitioners, and community members have sought to promote “equitable development.” Equitable development seeks to “meet the needs of underserved communities through policies and programs that reduce disparities while fostering places that are healthy and vibrant” (US Environmental Protection Agency 2014). This research will (a) help frame the recent and current conditions of the real estate markets by interviewing various practitioners and locals, and (b) focus on the potential impacts and efficacy of a new Neighborhood Plan that highlights equitable growth and anti-displacement efforts in its vision. This article explores the macro-dynamics influencing local real estate markets and looks at West Oak Cliff as a hyperlocal case study of the ecosystem of city planners, elected officials, residents, advocacy groups, and developers who create these dynamics. West Oak Cliff is an area made up of neighborhoods in the central and western side of Oak Cliff in Southern Dallas, Texas including Elmwood, Polk Vernon, Hampton Hills, East Hampton Hills, South Edgefield, North Cliff, The Dells, Beverly Hills, Sunset Hill, and Jimtown.

ANA MARIA ARPI PALACIOS

Advisor: Tom Slater

Socio-economic impact of zoning and policy changes within the community of Long Island City

This project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social and economic impacts of zoning and land use policy changes in Long Island City (LIC). This study analyzes how previous up-zonings as well as current and upcoming projects created to modify policies, zoning requirements, and regulations have significantly impacted residents, business owners, and the built environment in Long Island City. This research aims to understand the positive and negative impacts of these modifications on the community of LIC and identify who is the most impacted by them. Based on previous and ongoing shifts in policy, this work seems to shed light on the challenges and needs of the community in LIC. This research will employ a mixed methods approach; the qualitative research, being the main focus of this study, will be carried out in two phases. Phase one will be based on archival research, including examining existing literature on the historical background of the area, up-zoning, and comprehensive plans proposed in LIC. Phase two will conduct interviews with three different groups of stakeholders: residents, business owners, and officials working for community organizations and community boards. The quantitative approach will include a physical analysis of existing infrastructure and will be based on an analysis of the public open data of the neighborhood. This research will compare and describe LIC characteristics related to demographics, occupancy, and zoning in 2012 and 2022, zooming in on the current state of two study areas: Jackson Avenue and Northern Boulevard. Beyond data analysis and mapping, this research strives to capture the diverse perspectives of residents, business owners, and community members on LIC development. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide valuable insights that can inform future policy decisions in Long Island City.

SODA BIZIMANA

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

Affordable Housing Units Shrinking in the Shadow of Urban Development: A Case Study of Morningside Heights Neighborhood and Columbia University in The City Of New York

This capstone project holds significant implications for the ongoing urban development and housing affordability issues across New York City. It will delve into the relationship between Columbia University’s expansion initiatives and the gentrification of the Morningside Heights neighborhood, focusing on the impact on affordable housing and the displacement of residents. By understanding these dynamics, we can work towards more equitable urban growth. Using a robust mixed-methods research approach, this study will comprehensively integrate quantitative data analysis, qualitative interviews, and community surveys to examine the transformation of Morningside Heights. The initial research will involve an assessment of the current housing landscape, a zoning analysis, and evaluating the land use regulations. To understand the existing housing landscape, this research will compile an inventory of affordable housing units and current initiatives for affordable housing provision to formulate policy recommendations. The expansion of Columbia University has led to increased demand in housing needs, resulting in rising property values and rents and contributing to the displacement of low-income residents and long-term tenants. This project will illustrate how the shift towards luxury housing developments, coupled with a reduction in affordable housing units, has exacerbated housing instability among vulnerable populations in the neighborhood. This study focuses on the roles played by local government policies, community organizations, and university-community partnerships in addressing housing affordability and fostering neighborhood resilience. It sheds light on the interplay between urban expansion, affordable housing, and gentrification in Morningside Heights by amplifying the voices of affected residents and community leaders. The insights gained from this case study will inform strategies to mitigate displacement and promote equitable urban growth in university-adjacent communities. This capstone study offers valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, community advocates, and educational institutions seeking to balance development goals with preserving inclusive, diverse neighborhoods, thereby contributing to the ongoing urban planning and policy-making efforts.

CAMILA BOTERO ECHEVERRI

Advisor: Tom Slater

Water Governance in Colombia: The case of the Cauca River and The Pescadero - Ituango Dam

“Water Governance in Colombia: The Case of the Cauca River and the Pescadero-Ituango Dam” explores the relationship between water governance, energy transition, and the well-being of communities in Colombia by examining the Pescadero-Ituango Dam on the Cauca River. The primary goal is to identify opportunities for integrating local knowledge into governance frameworks, thereby ensuring equitable and sustainable water management in the midst of the energy transition. The Pescadero-Ituango hydroelectric project, which has the potential to supply 17% of Colombia’s energy, has sparked extensive debates due to its socio-environmental implications. Opposition from local communities, NGOs, and stakeholders is rooted in concerns about the project’s disruption of traditional practices and displacement of local communities. For these reasons, this research proposes specific strategies for redesigning water governance frameworks to enhance community participation and ensure sustainability for people and nature. The study also addresses the challenge of balancing energy generation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, as it underscores the importance of incorporating local knowledge and strengthening governance frameworks for sustainable water management and community well-being, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects.

WILL CAO

Advisor: Anthony Vanky

Polycentricity, Percolation, Planetarity: What They Reveal about Migration and Urbanization

Three frameworks are established to understand the relationship between migration and urbanization by drawing on the new capabilities of network measures while employing the “medium” data from an extensive qualitative survey for those who migrate to neighborhoods in Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. “Polycentricity” examines the measurement of multiple urban centers within a city and their deviation from the conventional understanding of urban structures. “Percolation” refers to the process by which urbanization from previous migration may have compounding effects on future migrations and the capability to leave and locate. Lastly, “Planetarity” challenges proposing a more fluid and interconnected understanding of urban spaces than the conventional “global” view of migration. By integrating frameworks with network measures, new insights can be revealed about the dynamics of urban change and migration, contributing to the fields of urban planning, geography, and migration studies. The findings highlight the complex and often counterintuitive nature of these processes undertaken by policymakers and urban planners seeking to expand their understanding of equitable and sustainable urban environments that support migration practices.

ZHIYANG CHEN

Advisor: Tom Slater

The Mechanism of Formation and Dynamics of Evolution of The Innovation Zone: A Case Study of New York City

This study examines the formation and development of innovation zones in New York City with two case studies of Cornell Tech On Roosevelt Island and the Flatiron District in Midtown Manhattan. The research started with a review on innovation zones with discovery by international scholars and consisted with mostly qualitative method for the exploration of the NYC context. The first results indicate the collaborative effort of the construction of a campus for senior education institution as a continuous source for the cluster of innovative groups with sustainable placemaking. Another result demonstrated a redevelopment of in a built community through the integration of innovation zones on a district level, thriving the community with convenient access to public services and business. Further thinking is carried out on the planning for the participants of innovation zones, combination with urban construction, and placemaking for sustainability and inclusiveness. Future research also needs to emphasize on the meso and micro level, mixed land use, and localized analytical framework, as well as on gentrification.

CAPUCINE CHESNIER

Advisor: Hugo Sarmiento

Climate Justice in Red Hook, Brooklyn - Hurricane Sandy’s Aftermath

Climate change presents an urgent and critical challenge that demands global and immediate attention. While mitigation measures are crucial, it is equally or more essential to shift our focus towards proactive actions to address the consequences of climate change as they manifest in the present. Climate change has far-reaching consequences on multiple levels, yet we observe that its impacts are not borne equally. Certain vulnerable countries, cities, and communities are impacted the most. In effect, we often see that those who contribute the least to climate change (human induced activities resulting in climate change) are also the ones who suffer the most. The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in New York City revealed a stark disparity in the distribution of both climate impacts and the means to address them. More than 11 years have passed since the catastrophe has hit the city, and yet certain communities find themselves frightened at the idea of potentially facing an important hurricane, with ongoing mental and physical consequences that are still present since October of 2012. This study explores the complex challenges of climate justice, the right to housing reparations, protective infrastructure, as well as potential disparities to extreme weather events across different communities within a single neighborhood. The research investigates the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy with a case study on the Red Hook community of Brooklyn, one that is close to the waterfront and where the poverty rate lies higher than the national average. Over the last decade, Hurricane Sandy and the new gentrification trend have exacerbated the existing inequality gaps in Red Hook. The research aims to elucidate on the extent to which these communities had and still have little to no access to reparation mechanisms for both infrastructural damages and protection measures. The research also seeks to uncover the dynamics of a vicious circle wherein marginalized groups, despite being the least responsible for climate change, bear the consequences while facing obstacles in equitable access to resources for recovery and resilience.

TEONNA N. COOKSEY

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

How to Invest: A Neighborhood Development Tool

Establishing an analysis tool that provides a synopsis of a site’s trajectory to inform investors how they can add value to a neighborhood while mitigating negative externalities will generate positive neighborhood growth. Created in collaboration with RiseBoro Community Partnership, Inc., the Rheingold Redevelopment in Bushwick, Brooklyn is used as a case study to understand the dynamic nature of investing in a community. As a significant catalyst for strategic partnerships, community-engaged planning practices, and employing equity frameworks, the rebuilding of a once active brewery site turned derelict community reveals techniques for funding 100 percent affordable housing in Bushwick’s urban landscape. It also demonstrates the ripple effects that can result from the remediation of a brownfield site. This study envisions a tool that integrates the Bushwick Community Plan, Community Board 4’s Responsible Development Policy, and RiseBoro’s Strategic Plan to prototype a balanced approach addressing real estate market nuances and community needs. The purpose is for stakeholders to explore various aspects of neighborhood development, offering a platform for community involvement, education, and effective urban planning. RiseBoro’s vision is to “build a city where your zip code does not determine your health outcomes, housing stability, or economic power.” Considering this vision as a baseline for analysis, the tool called ‘Urban Synthesis’ in this text, incorporates economic theories, health indices, and geographic information systems to conceptualize an interactive online platform to garner equitable investment practices.

ANDREW CRONSON

Advisor: Jonathan Stiles

The Future Involves the Past: Adaptive Reuse for Offices in Chelsea As a Strategy For Urban Revitalization

Urban planners face a range of challenges, including aging underutilized structures, that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative strategies and incentives, such as zoning reforms, loosening planning regulations, and public-private partnerships, the practice of urban planning can facilitate new uses for obsolete structures and promote access to amenities, green space, and community well-being.

This capstone project explores the praxis of adaptive reuse through a comparative analysis of five case studies about the expansion of office space in Chelsea. It investigates the history, policy, and design of adaptive reuse of old, significant, and interesting structures for offices. It analyzes the cases to understand the factors that contribute to a successful office reuse project and to the revitalization of Chelsea into a thriving neighborhood. Five cases investigate the relationship between adaptive reuse and office spaces to develop an understanding of their mutual potentials. The study examines how adaptive reuse plays a role in establishing the character of the individual site and the neighborhood, affecting the local community economically, culturally, and socially. I synthesize the cases on office redevelopment projects in Chelsea to extract insights and lessons for adaptive reuse and urban planning. The community organization, Save Chelsea, served as the client. A pamphlet was developed for the client’s use as an educational tool, including for walking tours and networking events that focus on adaptive reuse for office space in Chelsea.

YUCHEN DAI

Advisor: Anthony Vanky

Rethinking On-Street Parking Alternative from Policy and Facility Perspectives: A Case Study of New York City

This study aims to examine on-street parking in urban areas and consider alternative options, especially in the context of impending congestion pricing. While on-street parking provides drivers with convenient and accessible parking spots, it has certain negative impacts on safety, quality of environment, and pedestrian accessibility in cities.On-street parking poses a safety threat to passing vehicles, and concerns have been raised by residents about pedestrian safety. Moreover, on-street parking makes passable roads narrower, preventing vehicles from moving normally and causing additional emissions. The study seeks to explore alternatives to on-street parking under the forthcoming policy environment of congestion pricing, using surveys and interviews to gather residents’ perspectives. This study will use New York City and the surrounding areas of New York City as the research area to obtain as wide a range of data as possible, the research aims to reveal the alternatives to on-street parking that residents may prefer. The findings are expected to unveil the opinions of residents with different modes of commuting regarding the upcoming congestion pricing and on-street parking, as well as their views on replacing on-street parking. The results of this study will provide important references and sustainable, community-friendly development plans for urban authorities.

DONATELLA DONATO

Advisor: Tom Slater

Area Median Income: Perception, Power, and Political Will

Area Median Income (AMI), as a tool for defining affordability of NYC affordable housing development, has attracted increasing attention from housing policymakers, academics, researchers, and industry professionals. The ongoing debate around the efficacy of AMI has focused on its geographical inaccuracy and its statistical complexity. This discourse has often characterized the metric as a source of affordability rather than as a tool for resource allocation. Additionally, the existing literature and industry debate has failed to reckon with AMI and its potential to contribute to broader neighborhood materialities like gentrification. Rent-gap theory, created by the gentrification scholar Neil Smith, has proven to be a reliable predictor of gentrification. However, AMI and its effect on the affordable housing industry complicate our understanding of affordable development and its relationship to gentrification. This research aims to untangle AMI through a mixed-methods research approach while positing a new iteration of rent-gap theory. Through expert interviews and a quantitative analysis this research uncovers the story of AMI, its power over affordable housing in NYC, its often mischaracterized perception, and its relationship to political will.

NINA FARAHANCHI

Advisor Name: Tom Slater

NYCHA PACT in Focus: Evaluating the Evolution and Implementation in New York City’s Public Housing

The Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD) is the largest and fastest growing redevelopment program to date. There is an extensive body of literature on the history of public housing and the attempts of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to meet capital needs. A historical perspective suggests purely public funding will never support the public housing stock. As a result, RAD has become one of the only mechanisms to preserve homes for 2.2 million Americans. Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) like New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) are converting thousands of units with little insight into program success. Documentation of RAD implementation is crucial in order to mitigate risk and evaluate performance. Including all stakeholder perspectives in the body of scholarship is necessary for a holistic story, yet the current literature lacks private sector perspectives. This research provides a comprehensive examination of the dynamic evolution and expansion of the RAD policy in New York City. It documents the New York City Housing Authority’s efforts to scale this intricate process while facing the challenge of balancing process standardization, project-specific flexibility, efficient timeline management, and growing outcome expectations. The analysis illuminates the complex interplay of interests among public, private, and resident actors. By delving into the strategies and motivations of private sector developers, the findings emphasize the pivotal role of developer selection in shaping RAD outcomes. It is still too early to gauge the full effect of the PACT program. However, this research was able to assess the process of PACT development, evaluating resident engagement strategies, RAD’s financial constraints, responses to program controversy, and RAD’s viability as a solution for New York City’s distressed public housing stock. This research underscores the significance of the developer’s identity and emphasizes that administrative guidelines and checkpoints alone cannot ensure thoughtful private sector engagement. Effective oversight cannot compensate for inadequately experienced construction, development, or property management teams. The success of developers and property managers relies heavily on understanding the unique needs and historical context of public housing and resident distrust. It’s essential to supplement time and financial resources with genuine care and consideration.

ETHAN FLOYD

Advisor: Tom Slater

New York Chic: High-Fashion Retail Experiences as Provocation for Urban Placemaking

Fashion is inseparable from New York City. It is sewn into the city’s urban fabric, and nowhere is it sewn more tightly than on Fifth Avenue. After having my own breakfast at Tiffany’s one afternoon, I realized what’s going on inside stores along Fifth Avenue today is far more than just the act of buying something. Could urban planning be inspired by the world of high-fashion retail experiences? It is an intriguing question worth answering as cities seek to reimagine retail corridors in their urban cores and create places that evoke a better sense of connection and identity. With qualitative methodology consisting of expert interviews, participant ethnographic observations, field notes, original photography, secondary sources, and more, I take readers on a journey to unveil a current-day retail phenomenon, then contextualize it with the theory of cultural capital, and finally, to critically imagine how lessons from inside the stores can apply to urban placemaking projects outside of the store’s alluring glow.

SOICHIRO HARADA

Advisor: Anthony Vankey

Studying Gentrification Around Sports Stadiums Neighborhood Through Machine Learning Technique

This study delves into the intricate relationship between sports stadium developments and the phenomenon of gentrification in surrounding neighborhoods, with a focused investigation on the area around sports stadiums in Los Angeles. Anticipated findings aim to shed light on the socio-economic transformations spurred by recent new development such as SoFi Stadium and BMO stadiums, potentially serving as a pivotal reference for urban planning and policy-making, especially in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The investigation seeks to navigate beyond conventional analysis to uncover the nuanced dynamics of neighborhood change, providing a comprehensive understanding of the gentrification process in the context of sports stadium-led urban development. Through this exploration, the research addresses critical questions regarding the economic growth versus gentrification debate and examines the extent to which proximity to sports stadiums acts as a catalyst for neighborhood transformation. This inquiry not only contributes to the academic discourse on urban gentrification but also informs practical approaches to managing the socio-economic impacts of large-scale urban projects. Findings indicate a modest correlation between stadiums and increases in the white population and college-educated population, as well as household rents. A more pronounced relationship was observed in the correlation between stadium proximity and median household income, in particular, indicating that stadiums contribute significantly to the local economy. In addition, by employing a machine learning-based clustering approach, this research explored the multifaceted impact of stadiums and gentrification based on more complex socio economic indicators, which have been missing from previous studies. Based on a discussion of these results, this research concludes this study with recommendations and suggestions for future policy.

GARRYTH HOAL

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

Unlocking Potential: Economic Development Options for Coney Island

The Coney Island neighborhood fares worse than average in a number of key indicators of resident outcomes, health, finances, and community support. The site of the Abe Stark ice rink provides an opportunity to address these issues and jumpstart the local economy. The story of the Coney Island neighborhood and its residents has been explored through historical sources and data on current conditions. Through zoning analysis, some development options have been proposed. These options are put through economic impact analysis and financial viability analysis to ensure positive economic benefit and large-scale financial viability. A formal recommendation to develop the current Abe Stark site into a medium density mixed used development which financially supports a large-scale recreation development has been detailed.

ALISSARA(NIEW) HOLMES

Advisor: Jonathan Stiles

Unraveling Gendered Barriers to Micromobility Adoption in New York City

Micromobility, represented by compact, low-speed vehicles, emerges as a forefront innovation in urban transportation, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for urban residents. However, despite its potential, a notable gender gap in micromobility adoption is evident, especially within the dynamic urban environment of New York City. This noticeable gender disparity raises concerns about equitable access to urban transportation resources and the potential for perpetuating gender-based inequalities in mobility. This study aims to uncover the specific gender-related obstacles that impede women from adopting micromobility as their preferred mode of urban transportation. Against the backdrop of a continually evolving urban landscape, addressing and comprehending these barriers not only fosters gender inclusivity but can also contribute to the broader discourse on establishing more resilient, equitable, and people-centric urban mobility systems.

SHANNON ONLAM HUI

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

Designing New York: Nightscapes for Wellness

In collaboration with the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC), this report explores the transformative potential of electric lighting and nighttime programming in leveraging infrastructure, health, and environmental equity within the public realm. Departing from conventional perspectives that view lighting design primarily through the lenses of safety, way-finding, and aesthetics, it redefines nighttime design to encompass its multifaceted impacts on public space activation, well-being, and economic vitality. A comprehensive literature review highlights the intricate dynamics between lighting, health, and equity, underscoring the manifold benefits of fostering social interaction, physical activity, and place-making opportunities, while also addressing emerging discourse pertaining to nighttime inequities, night shift work, energy consumption, and ecological disturbances. Diverse case studies illuminate innovative, inclusive, and culturally sensitive approaches to nighttime design interventions, alongside an examination of the nuanced challenges and opportunities associated with implementing, operating, and maintaining lighting projects within New York City’s governance framework. In processing open-source data collected through a nighttime field survey methodology, an approach to geospatial analysis explores the relationship between public and private lighting assets in New York City and key indicators of community wellness, safety, and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics.

OLIVIA JIA

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

The Interstitial City: A Toolkit for Reclaiming New York City’s Privately Owned Public Spaces

How can the overlooked and in-between spaces in our cities inform a more holistic, better-connected public realm network during a pivotal time for downtowns and office-to-residential conversions post-pandemic? Drawing from learnings across mixed-methods research, this Interstitial City Toolkit outlines nine guiding principles for improved design, engagement, decision-making, and governance within New York City’s privately owned public space program, with applications for comparable public space ecosystems in cities around the world. Within this framework, the Interstitial City repositions these in-between spaces as the catalysts for more complete neighborhoods, community-driven placemaking, placekeeping, and a more equitable redistribution of access to public space.

RUJU JOSHI

Advisor : Tom Slater

The Impacts of Economic Development Strategies on Urbanizations in India [A case of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Dholera Smart City]

This research critically examines the impact of post-liberalization economic development strategies on urbanization in India, using two key infrastructure projects—the ‘Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)’ and ‘Dholera Smart City’ —as case studies. It investigates the instruments introduced in accelerating planetary urbanization and its relevance in a non-western context. The research delves into critical aspects of urban development by examining the transformation of land markets, the effects of Special Economic Zones, and the socio-economic consequences on marginalized groups. It aims to assess the viability of Smart Cities as sustainable and replicable development models within a neoliberal framework, positioning them as cases of planetary urbanization in the hinterlands. Through extensive site documentation, interviews, and thematic content analysis, the thesis critically examines the execution of the DMIC and Dholera projects, questioning their impact on social equity and spatial justice. The research identifies a significant divergence in perspectives between economists and urban planners regarding the urbanization processes in India, highlighting the challenges in achieving holistic urbanization. It emphasizes integrating economic efficiency with social equity to foster inclusive and sustainable urban environments. Furthermore, it suggests the importance of a global perspective in resistance campaigns against the adverse effects of planetary urbanization, underlining the need for equitable and just urban development practices. Ultimately, this research offers a valuable case study model as a cartographic mapping of planetary urbanization in a non-western setting, addressing the current gap in the literature.

JAE HYUN KIM

Advisor: Jonathan Stiles

Examining the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Transit Usage and Accessibility for Seoul’s Elderly

This study explores the relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics of Seoul’s elderly population and their usage of the Seoul Metro, within the context of an impending demographic shift towards a “super-aged” society. Employing spatial analysis through choropleth maps and correlation studies, the research illuminates how factors such as income levels and living conditions influence subway usage patterns among senior citizens. The findings show a strategic alignment of subway stations with areas of high elderly density, indicating that the metro system plays a crucial role in enhancing the mobility of senior citizens. However, disparities in usage based on socioeconomic status suggest a complex interplay between affordability, accessibility, and preference for transportation modes. Affluent districts show lower subway usage among the elderly, pointing to a preference for alternative transportation methods, whereas areas with high concentrations of low-income and Basic Livelihood Security Program (BLSP) recipients demonstrate a greater reliance on the subway for mobility. This analysis contributes to the broader implications on urban planning and transportation policy in Seoul facing rapid demographic aging. By highlighting the significant yet varied reliance on public transportation among the elderly, it emphasizes the necessity of developing equitable and inclusive transit policies that cater to the diverse needs of an aging population. Though financial sustainability of Seoul Metro is essential, the study advocates for tailored interventions, such as subsidized fares and improved accessibility features, to address the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged elderlies. Furthermore, it suggests that future subway policies and urban transportation planning must consider both the spatial and socioeconomic dimensions of elderly mobility to foster an accessible, supportive urban environment for Seoul’s aging society. This research not only stresses the essence of mobility in ensuring the dignity and participation of senior citizens in Seoul but possibly serves as a reference point for cities globally as they prepare to meet the challenges of an increasingly elderly demographic.

CLAUDIA KOHN AVILA

Advisor Name: Hiba Bou Akar

Exploring Public Space Recovery through Community Engagement Approaches in Quito, Ecuador

This thesis explores the dynamics of public space recovery through community engagement approaches in Quito, Ecuador. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study focuses on understanding the impact of community participation on urban planning and decision-making processes. Central to this investigation is the examination of how community engagement shapes planning initiatives and urban development outcomes. The research is framed by three key neighborhoods—Cornejo Bajo, Solidaridad Primero de Agosto, and La Mariscal—selected to analyze the varying levels and forms of community participation within Quito’s upgrading projects. The study addresses fundamental questions, including the identification of local stakeholders influencing planning initiatives, the influence of community participation on project design and implementation, different funding mechanisms by the municipality and NGOS, and the outcomes of community involvement in relation to municipal and administrative partnerships. Primary data collection involved interviews with community leaders and a UN-Hábitat representative, providing critical insights into the development and execution of urban proposals. Rubén Morales Díaz, Sandra Torres, and Melissa Santa María Acosta represented respective neighborhoods, offering perspectives on community-led planning processes, ongoing and future community engagement strategies, and the collaborative dynamics between community entities, municipal authorities, and the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (MIDUVI). The thesis underscores the significance of community engagement in shaping inclusive and sustainable urban development strategies. By analyzing real-world cases and stakeholder perspectives, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between community participation, planning outcomes, and municipal partnerships in Quito’s public space recovery initiatives.

DHWANI LADDHA

Advisor: Hugo Sarmiento

Living With Water: A Nature-Based Solutions Toolkit For The Rockaway Peninsula

With climate change, natural disasters are exceedingly becoming more frequent and catastrophic. Due to its coastal geography, New York City’s waterfront communities, situated at the confluence of climate change and urbanization, face elevated vulnerability, particularly to coastal storms. Each hurricane, nor'easter, or tropical storm brings with it chances of severe rainfall, flooding, and destructive winds, overwhelming public infrastructure, and obstructing the daily lives of residents. To increase resilience to these growing threats, the City of New York has developed two ambitious plans: The decennial ‘Comprehensive Waterfront Plan’ has outlined a 10-year vision for creating a more resilient and adaptive waterfront for all New Yorkers. Key goals include expanding climate risk awareness and action, and managing flood risk in coastal communities through promoting climate-resilient design. Building upon these efforts, ‘PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done’ strategically responds to the City’s projections for increasing chronic tidal flooding, more frequent coastal storm events, and significant flooding by creating a new leadership structure for coastal flood resilience, implementing a multilayered strategy for flood resilience, and more. These plans speak to the need for more coastal protection systems as part of the City’s multi-layered resiliency strategy. In including both hard structures like revetments and breakwaters, and soft nature-based structures like marshes and riprap, these systems can act as a first line of defense for limiting damage from storm surges, waves, and flooding. Nature-based solutions, in particular, offer a unique means to limit these disruptive dilemmas by providing natural buffers against storm surges, while also providing additional ecosystem benefits. These efforts are crucial for the resilience of New York City in light of an increasingly unpredictable climate. In collaboration with the New York City Department of City Planning, this capstone explores how the City can employ nature-based solutions to strengthen the resilience of frontline waterfront communities to coastal storms, ensuring both site suitability and community acceptance. Using the Rockaway Peninsula as a case study, this investigation employs a mixed-methods approach: a technical review of nature-based solutions, semi-structured interviews with community organizations and academic climate experts, visual communication assets design, and a visual preference survey with the local community.

JINXIN LI

Advisor: Hugo Sarmiento

The Interplay of Urbanization, Climate Change, Green Infrastructure, and Biodiversity Preservation in Los Angeles

Urbanization has posed significant challenges for a majority of cities, which can lead to negative impacts on both people’s living environment and biodiversity. This paper explores the intricate relationships among urbanization, climate change, green infrastructure, and biodiversity preservation, focused on Los Angeles County, particularly Los Angeles City. Urbanization presents multifaceted challenges to cities, transforming landscapes and ecosystems, often at the expense of biodiversity and ecological balance. Concurrently, climate change exacerbates these effects, evidenced by alterations in habitats and the distribution patterns of species, thereby underscoring the pivotal role of green infrastructure as a fundamental solution. This approach not only promotes resilience but also moves towards sustainable urban development by integrating natural systems with urban planning to enhance ecological health and urban livability. By combining these themes, this study aims to show how urban ecosystems are shaped by changing interactions, emphasizing the need for fast and innovative combined urban planning and policy. At the core of this study are nature-based solutions (NbS) and green infrastructure, identified as effective strategies for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. These approaches not only address environmental imperatives but also enhance the quality of life in urban settings. Focusing on Los Angeles County, this research evaluates regional policies, practices, and case studies that have shaped the urban landscape, assessing their implications for environmental conservation and urban development. Through an extensive literature review, interviews with key stakeholders, and analysis of governmental and non-governmental initiatives, this paper synthesizes insights into the challenges and opportunities present in implementing green infrastructure and NbS.

GERTIE MA SIYAO

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

PLAYING AROUND TOWN:
Site Selection Study for Play Residencies in New York City

This capstone is produced in collaboration with play:groundNYC, a non-profit organization that advocates for and creates child-centered and child-directed play spaces across New York City. As part of their Strategic Plan, play:groundNYC seeks to strengthen their public space work through a play residency model across the city. This capstone develops a site selection strategy for these play residencies for play:groundNYC through a two-step method: First, a play space accessibility index is developed to evaluate existing conditions in New York City using spatial and demographic data. Potential sites are then evaluated against a list of ideal play space characteristics to shortlist high potential sites for play residencies that maximizes play:groundNYC’s impact while addressing issues of equity. The research adopts a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with geospatial and demographic data.

MARIAM MAHMOUD

Advisor: Hiba Bou Akar

The City as Exhibition : Contesting Memory, Space, and National Identity in Cairo’s Maspero Triangle

The destruction of the Maspero Triangle, a previously low-income neighborhood in Cairo, places urban development schemes in Cairo as part of a larger framework of capitalist development. This destruction aimed to reconstruct a centrally located, Nile-side neighborhood in Cairo for the purpose of the creation of a specific spatial identity – an identity which necessarily came to contest the memory and community practices of what was there prior. Previous research has analyzed the notions of contesting memory, community, and identity in space, alongside an emphasis on the continuous destructions in Cairo and expansions away from the center of the city. This thesis aims to historically center these destructions as part of an ongoing framework of development as opposed to a new strategy or policy that has been implemented at will. To do this, this thesis utilizes mixed methods, focusing on archival research through the Al Ahram digital archives for information on perspectives on modernization, development, and approaches towards Maspero since the project originally gained attention in the 1970s. From this, this thesis presents the idea that the current developmental framework approached in Cairo is one that places emphasis on spectacle as opposed to lived experience – one that presents the city as an exhibition for the purpose of further capital gain.

SHARON SABU MATHEWS

Advisor: Hugo Sarmiento

Making Wind Work for Everyone: Driving the Equitable Distribution of Benefits from Offshore Wind Port Projects

As a part of its goal to switch entirely to clean electricity by 2035, the United States has set a target of producing 30 gigawatts (GW) of energy from offshore wind by 2030 (Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, 2024). In pursuit of this goal and their own decarbonization goals, states have also been setting targets for offshore wind energy production, with New York planning to generate 9,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind energy by 2035 and New Jersey targeting the development of 11,000 MW by 2040. Along with cities like NYC and federal agencies like the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), states have kick-started offshore wind projects through state-led solicitation processes and investments in infrastructure, supply chain, and workforce development. Ports play an important role in this growth, as offshore wind turbines are assembled using components that are transported to and from ports using water-based transportation, and because ports host several other critical functions such as marshaling, assembly, manufacturing, and operations & maintenance which are vital to the short and long-term needs of offshore wind projects. The port facilities that we currently have are far from ready to host offshore wind production activities, requiring major physical upgrades and the creation of new facilities. The development of offshore wind ports present an exciting economic development opportunity to states and local communities, as this revitalization will create thousands of jobs and catalyze economic growth in regions near these ports (Stefek et al., 2022). At the same time, the transition to clean energy like offshore wind and resulting investments in infrastructure and a supporting workforce creates the opportunity to distribute the benefits of this transition to historically underserved communities and demographic groups which have been underrepresented in the energy sector and the green economy. Green jobs are especially ripe with opportunities for supporting equity and economic mobility for disadvantaged communities like low-income communities, those who have historically borne the brunt of pollution, those at the frontlines of environmental burdens and climate disasters, and those historically excluded from economic opportunities (Cornell ILR School, 2022). The federal government and state-level public agencies are cognizant of this historic inequity and are striving to achieve equitable development outcomes through investments in clean energy infrastructure like offshore wind ports. They work towards achieving these goals in a strategic manner through support for a diversified workforce, education and training, and targeted support for minorities and disadvantaged populations. This project studies the role that ports play in the offshore wind ecosystem in the states of New York and New Jersey, and the different kinds of ports required to meet the needs of the offshore wind industry. Further, it looks at the benefits that offshore wind port projects bring to local communities and how equitable these benefits are. Three categories of benefits are studied in detail: employment benefits through job opportunities; entrepreneurship benefits through contracting opportunities and support for new and emerging businesses; and community benefits delivered through community benefit agreements, host community agreements, and other commitments made by project stakeholders to communities. The project’s background research was carried out through a thorough literature review, the key points of which are encapsulated in this report. These insights are contextualized through interviews with offshore wind stakeholders from public agencies, offshore wind developers, and community-based organizations. The outcomes of this research are two-fold: 1. A primer on ports and the critical roles that they play in the offshore wind ecosystem in New York and New Jersey. This brief section will help demystify the relationships between ports and the offshore wind industry at large for public agencies, developers, and waterfront communities. Further, it can be used by regional advocacy organizations like the client to advocate for greater public investment in a coordinated regional network of offshore wind ports to advance this new clean energy sector and bring benefits to diverse stakeholders in local communities. 2. An analysis of the benefits created by offshore wind port projects and offshore wind projects, and how equitable the distribution of these benefits are. This section has a specific focus on the challenges preventing traditionally disadvantaged groups, such as low-income communities and communities of color, from accessing these benefits, and provides recommendations for measures to mitigate these challenges and increase opportunities for disadvantaged communities. To further understand these challenges as they relate to a live port project, the case of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, an upcoming offshore wind terminal in Brooklyn, New York, is explored in detail through observations recorded through community meetings and interviews with project stakeholders.

FUKUNDA MBARU

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

This study documents the existing cultural assets in Central Brooklyn. Drawing on lessons from two distinct cultural districts, this study proposes a strategy for the creation of a cultural district in Central Brooklyn along Eastern Parkway.

LUKE MCNAMARA

Advisor: Jonathan Stiles

Planning for Equity in Honolulu TOD: An Analysis

As the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting has begun planning its TOD implementation, DPP has been increasingly concerned with the impact of the new TOD plans on existing communities, especially low- income and marginalized groups. At the request of the department, I have prepared the following report exploring how TOD can spark gentrification and displacement, and what stakeholders can do, using best practices and policy interventions, to lower or eliminate this risk. Special attention will be paid to the use of government lands, public investment, and other interventions that the DPP and other public sector stakeholders could take to limit displacement. The report will be broken down into 4 distinct chapters; firstly, a brief introduction and setting consensus around what transit-oriented development is and the context Honolulu presents for planning TOD. This chapter will also briefly breakdown the DPP plans for TOD, giving an overview of the general framework as well as the specific neighborhood plans and overall reasoning behind the interventions. The next chapter will discuss concepts of equity, gentrification, and displacement, looking at what these terms mean in the context of TOD as well as determining how displacement and gentrification can be impacted by TOD. The third chapter will cover two case studies of “equitable TOD,” a new formation of TOD that
puts emphasis on mitigating displacement. Finally, the fourth chapter will take an in-depth dive into two neighborhood plans proposed by DPP, the Downtown and Waipahu plans. A detailed overview will be presented, as well as praise and critiques. I will then offer general recommendations to decrease the risk of displacement and any ways in which public investment or policy can improve equity considerations for these plans, based on the previous case studies and research. The overall goal of this report will provide a new perspective on the DPP’s TOD plans, provoke consideration of the existing framework, as well as provide a digestible and detailed compendium on how equity plays into TOD in general and in the specific context of Honolulu.

CHELSEA MULLEN

Advisor: Jonathan Stiles

Gender-Responsive Mobility Planning: Evaluating Considerations of Women’s Mobility in New York City Transportation Planning

Although gender identity is critical in shaping individuals’ travel habits in urban environments, women’s mobility patterns are largely overlooked in urban transportation planning and policy. While transportation systems are often portrayed as neutral, in reality, they reflect and perpetuate existing inequities, particularly across gender lines. Women, men, and gender diverse New Yorkers experience the city differently due to various factors, including accessibility, safety concerns, costs, and caregiving responsibilities. This thesis aims to illustrate the differential mobility patterns of women in New York City and explore opportunities for New York’s transportation planning to adopt gender-responsive practices. Grounded in feminist scholarship on gendered mobility experiences, the analysis examines how existing transportation data and a gender-responsive mobility survey implemented for this research validate academic understandings of women’s unique mobility patterns. I conclude that there is a pressing need for transportation agencies to capitalize on New York City’s recent investments in gender equity and advocate for the inclusion of gender-responsive mobility in citywide equity investments. I also recommend adopting data collection methods that explicitly account for gendered mobility patterns, requiring an integration of qualitative and quantitative data collection to capture the complexities of women’s travel experiences. To support this objective, I propose improvements to existing data collection methodologies and a gender-responsive impact assessment tool to evaluate the gender inclusivity and responsiveness of transportation data collection methods. Additionally, I advocate for greater gender diversity within the transportation planning workforce to encourage the promotion of gender-responsive transportation policy.

EMILY SAMANTHA PADILLA-CHICAS

Advisor: Hugo Sarmiento

School Streets: A Path to Environmental Stewardship and Climate Awareness in Washington Heights Schools

In response to the pressing environmental and educational challenges intensified by climate change, especially in densely populated urban settings such as Washington Heights in New York City, this capstone investigates the collaborative efforts of the nonprofit Open Plans with schools to implement the School Streets initiative. Though the Department of Transportation directly manages School Streets, Open Plans plays a crucial role in supporting schools through the application and implementation process. The initiative repurposes urban spaces adjacent to schools into car-free zones dedicated to educational activities and community engagement, aiming to foster environmental stewardship and enhance climate change awareness among students. This study utilizes qualitative research methods, including discussions with involved schools and observational analyses of School Streets activities, to evaluate the initiative’s effectiveness in increasing student engagement and environmental consciousness. The findings highlight the potential of integrating educational and environmental goals through community-led urban planning. By fostering collaborative efforts among educators, students, community members, and planners, School Streets serve as dynamic educational platforms that encourage sustainable practices and active participation in addressing urban environmental challenges.

RAQUEL EDITH PADILLA GARCÍA

Advisor: Tom Slater

Understanding remote work in the post-pandemic world: An exploration of lived experiences. How remote work is shaping our quotidian and how it can shape our cities

This work presents an analysis of the role that remote work has played in people’s lives, particularly after the acceleration in its adoption during the covid-19 pandemic. The study results from the fact that all research done on remote work failed to include the voices of remote workers, focusing instead on the analysis of labor and market statistics, data-based simulations, or the discussion of managerial techniques. This project approached the topic using qualitative methods, namely an online survey and focus groups. Using this methodology, experiences from remote workers were collected and analyzed. Due to the nature of the topic, the study was carried out on a global scale taking advantage of the same tools used by remote workers, i.e. Information and Telecommunication Technologies (ICTs). The results show consensus on a positive perception of remote work, being the flexibility that this provides the most appreciated attribute. Remote work has particularly expanded possibilities for women with children, and people with limited mobility, facilitating their access to services and helping them to enter or remain in the job market. This study can serve as a base for further analysis on remote work and its impact on people’s lives, particularly the effects that it has in people’s well-being, career progression, and mobility and residential choices.

DANIELA PERLECHE UGAS

Advisor: Hiba Bou Akar

Women Asylum Seekers, Care Infrastructures, and the Violence of Finding Shelter in New York City

This research examines how recent immigrant women secure access to housing in New York City amidst a notable shortage of nearly 241,000 homes in New York State (Up for Growth, 2023). This shortage places women asylum seekers in a heightened vulnerability as they seek to secure shelter in the city. Given their ambiguous status, undocumented immigrants, and women particularly, face significant obstacles in acquiring housing, including a lack of financial resources and legal status necessary for completing paperwork, as well as the use of planning tools, such as rental ordinances, to prevent them from easily accessing rental in many neighborhoods around the city (Donato et al. 2008; Flippen 2012; Hall, Greenman, and Farkas 2010; Kaushal 2006; Kossoudji and Cobb-Clark 2002). By following the stories of 17 asylum seekers who have recently arrived in New York City from Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Nicaragua, I explore the relationship between housing, social reproduction, forced migration, and violence, articulating how housing transcends its basic function as shelter and outlining the different socio-economic, political, and gendered obstacles that hinder recent immigrants’ ability to access housing in NYC. Subsequently, the project explores how the precarity of housing/shelter shapes the capacity to maintain and carry out caregiving activities within the city. This research uses the theoretical lens of “housing as an infrastructure of care” (Power, 2019). Infrastructure of care defines infrastructure as a dynamic pattern that forms the foundation of social organization through the relationship of actors, technologies, and strategies to facilitate care provision. By considering housing not just as a physical structure but as a vital component in the care network, it underscores the role of the home in shaping and being shaped by care practices. Based on three months of field research, this project analyzes the migration journey of asylum seekers in three stages: first, it examines the drive to migrate due to the breakdown of social reproduction practices in the face of violence, leading to a loss of housing and community support. Secondly, it shows how infrastructures of care allow immigrant women to secure some life for themselves and their families in the city, but at the same time, how these infrastructures are characterized by different forms of violence, including policing, loss of community, or gender violence. Lastly, it assesses how violence infiltrates their living spaces in host countries, turning homes into contested spaces of refuge and constraint, which significantly influences their integration and life-building processes. These social relations of care, while they ensure shelter for these women, ultimately place them in precarious situations.

INNEKE RIZKY RACHMAWATI

Advisor: Hiba Bou Akar

Managing Climate and Disaster Risk in Jakarta: The Struggle of Kampung Kota Residents to Co-Producing Planning

This thesis explores the dynamics of climate-induced displacement in Kampung Akuarium in Jakarta by examining how marginalized communities, along with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), organize, respond to, and influence resettlement projects that happened due to climate-related infrastructure development. The study adopts a qualitative method that aims to investigate the relevant discourses regarding climate and disaster resilience, participatory politics, and social mobilizations. The interrelationship between urban development, climate change, and community mobilization demonstrates the rationality of surviving amidst the dispossession. Through the case study of Kampung Akuarium, it is evident that community-led actions can significantly impact urban development policies. The findings underscore the crucial role of collective actions and critical examinations of climate and disaster resilience planning in the face of the escalating risk for marginalized communities. To this end, this thesis project hopes to contribute to the co-production of more inclusive and equitable strategies that minimize the social risk in future disaster or climate-induced resettlement scenarios.

KAVYAA RIZAL

Advisor: Anthony Vanky

Geographies of Disadvantage: Assessing Multiscalar Urban Climate Risk Mapping Methods for Cumulative Impacts

Environmental justice mapping tools are becoming increasingly popular in the public sector to identify priority areas for climate change mitigation and adaptation programs and investments. Tools such as the Justice40 Community and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) and the NYSERDA New York State Disadvantaged Communities Map (DAC) are new, and are now used in the public sector at the Federal, State and local levels for, program design, site-identification, and allocation of resources. These tools identify cumulative disadvantage in communities at the census tract level through combinations of environmental and climate risk related indicators, along with various socio-economic indicators of disadvantage. However, a growing body of literature suggests that more granular levels of analysis for environmental risk and exposure mapping is necessary for hyper-heterogenous and densely populated urban environments such as New York City (NYC).
This analysis explored the use of Cadastral-Based Dasymetric Mapping methodologies that calculate environmental risk and exposure at the residential tax lot level against models created based on the CEJST and DAC map methodologies in NYC. Findings suggest that when the same analysis is conducted at the residential tax lot level, a higher number and diversity of the total population is identified as disadvantaged. Further, there is more diversity in the geographic units and demographic groups identified as disadvantaged at the residential tax lot level. Conversely, findings suggest that analyses conducted at the census tract level could underestimate certain populations at risk, disproportionately undercounting minority population groups. This research suggests that in highly populated urban environments, Cadastral-Based Dasymetric Mapping or a similar level of granular approach in cumulative disadvantage mapping can be employed for more accurate and nuanced depictions of disadvantage.

ALBERT ROSARIO-PICHARDO

Advisor: Anthony Vanky

Soft Site Analysis Tool

The use of technology and data to inform decision making in urban planning and municipal processes has increased. Planners currently rely on large amounts of geospatial data to create visualizations that are used to determine the outcome of processes which have the potential to shape cityscapes and affect how people interact with the space around them. Due to this, there is an increasing need for digital tools which can help standardize traditionally confusing or subjective municipal processes. This Capstone project aims to do just that by providing a standardized, efficient, and improved way to identify soft sites for CEQR analysis, New York City’s method to forecast development. The modernization of the Soft Site Analysis tool, along with the included enhancements and parameters will allow DCP planners to identify soft sites quickly and accurately. Improvements to a crucial analysis will allow planners to forecast future development more accurately, consequently leading to better provision of services across the city.

JILLIAN SOLOMON

Advisor: Tom Slater

Exploring Access to Life’s Necessities, a Study of Spatial Justice in Fresno, CA

This capstone was completed for the benefit of Blynd Essence Ranch, an Independent Living Association in Fresno, CA run by Rizpah Bellard. The purpose of this work is to recognize the impact that spatial injustice has on the daily experiences of Blynd Essence residents, many of whom are poor and/or disabled. Through an analysis of geography, access to healthcare and employment opportunities, allocation of mobility and real estate resources, it is evident that residents face daily struggles in accessing essential services and organizing their days. By using spatial justice and disability justice frameworks, this project has proposed both direct service and systems change solutions aimed at alleviating the burdens that residents face. These solutions, including political and federal interventions, have the potential to benefit Blynd Essence residents and the broader Fresno community.

MARCELL SUBERT

Advisor: Hiba Bou Akar

“America’s Next Great City”: Placemaking and Urban Developemnt in Tysons, Virginia

On the day before Thanksgiving, 2023, the Northern Virginia gentry flocks to western Loudoun County, Virginia, blissfully soaking in an additional day off at one of dozens of local wineries. One such winery, in Bluemont, Va, commands an imposing presence high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, affording its patrons an expansive view of the rolling hills and country estates below. The view of the skyline eastward is relatively flat and featureless as the undulating Appalachian ridges taper out a dozen miles beyond; that is, except for a line of high-rise towers 35 miles away that serve as the only reminder of a civilization beyond. The towers are not that of the building height-restricted Washington, D.C., but of Virginia’s newest edge city: Tysons. “Tysons” has only existed for about a decade. Most people who have lived in Northern Virginia or the wider D.C. metropolitan region have long known the area as “Tyson’s Corner.” For decades, the largest attraction in this locale was the Tysons Corner Center, a massive shopping mall opened in 1968 and consistently added on to that continues to anchor this growing urban destination. Originally a small, car-dependent exurban shopping mall, Tysons, through zoning changes as well as the construction of a new rapid transit line, has transformed into a large, populous, mixed-use urban center, a true edge city. The changes have not been simply wrought in glass and concrete, but in the construction of a new place. Motorists entering Tysons from many arterial roads are welcomed with a colorful sign in the grassy median strip that proudly declares: “Welcome to Tysons, America’s Next Great City.” While the moniker may be an example of rather bold marketing, the intent behind it; envisioning Tysons as a truly great place to live, shop and work has been a dominant theme in its urban development for decades. Ever since commercial developer Til Hazel first planned for Tysons to be something much more than simply an upscale covered shopping mall in the 1980s, an honor that Tysons shared with many other developments at the time, the area has managed to continue to grow and change at a breakneck pace even while other malls in the region have sunk into a terminal decline. Tysons has managed to evolve in the suburbs as it has kept pace with changes in how suburbs are built. These changes are a part of the wider study of “post-suburban” development, around which an expansive body of literature exists to describe how the ideals of new urbanism and a growing emphasis on dense, mixed-use and walkable development have changed how new suburban communities are planned and built. Such developments are embodied in Northern Virginia and elsewhere in the creation of “town centers” or local urban anchors amidst traditional suburban sprawl. These town centers are compact, dense and walkable developments, often with an appended parking garage for those traveling there by car, that provide a sanitized urban destination for suburban dwellers to eat, shop and stroll. Many of them are privately owned and policed much in the same way that traditional enclosed shopping malls are, ensuring a uniformity in its population that is usually whiter and more affluent than the actual city center on which its suburbs have traditionally depended economically. While there are other examples of such developments in Northern Virginia, such as the Mosaic District, Reston Town Center and One Loudoun, Tysons is an example of this mold on a much larger scale. In fact, Tysons can even be said to have mini town centers within its own boundaries, such as The Boro, a small mixed-use development surrounded by office buildings and parking lots. Even so, Tysons, with its four Metro stops and its millions of square feet of commercial and residential space, displays the progression of post-suburban development in all of its stages, from traditional suburban single use construction to the slow evolution of mixed-use urbanism. It is therefore a very useful case study to use for further contributing to the literature on post-suburban development, particularly as the area continues to evolve.

YUTING SUN

Advisor: Tom Slater

Bonding with Communities as A Third Place – A Post-Occupancy Evaluation of The Privately Owned Public Space of Lincoln Center, New York City

In New York City, the dramatic growth of skyscrapers, influenced by the unique zoning policies of privately owned public spaces (POPS), has reshaped the city’s skyline and urban structure. These POPS are important “third spaces” where people can socialize, make new friends, and engage in community activities. Despite the importance of POPS in urban environments, there is a research gap in whether POPS design is effective in meeting local needs and how this impacts community connections. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Lincoln Center’s POPS in meeting local needs and cultivating a sense of connection among residents. This study explored the alignment between the design of David Rubenstein Atrium, a renovated POPS, and the needs of the surrounding community to investigate people’s connection to public spaces. Data were collected from various sources, including site visits to public spaces, observations of people’s behavior, a survey of 52 visitors to the site, and interviews with a former Lincoln Center officer. Emphasis was given to design features, services, and management and maintenance aspects of the atrium. The investigation of the atrium revealed the impact of the relationship between its offerings and the needs of the surrounding community on people’s connection to the space. The study summarizes key findings related to people’s needs and the atrium’s design features, services, and management and maintenance. The insights gained from this study provide recommendations for improvements to Lincoln Center and for government, urban designers, and planners. By understanding and improving the inclusiveness of POPS, the connection between neighboring communities and these spaces can be strengthened. Embedding the character and individuality of neighborhoods into the development of POPS can reinforce the role of these spaces in increasingly dense cities, thus contributing to a strong connection between people and public spaces.

AMALIA SUTHERLAND

Advisor: Tom Slater

Exploring the Eradication of Single-Family Zoning and its Ties to the Housing Crisis in Vancouver, Canada

The story of real estate in Vancouver is characterized by the influence of foreign investment, triumphed by globalisation, stringent zoning regulations and exclusionary policies, creating one of the least affordable housing markets in the world. Compared to the Canadian average of 16.8%, nearly 28.2% of the population in Vancouver is living in unaffordable housing (Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021.). With continued increases in housing prices and notoriously lagging local incomes, the Vancouver housing market continues to grow further out of reach for most residents. Local government has turned to increasing density requirements with the implementation of several policies highlighting the need for more housing. The most recent edition of policy implementation is with the eradication of single-family zoning and addition of ‘Missing Middle Housing’ in October 2023, to incentivize the creation of a more affordable and adequate housing stock. This research explores the implementation of missing middle as a tactic by the city of Vancouver to address the housing crisis and to explore the perceptions of local experts and residents alike.

CATHARINA UTAMI

Advisor: Tom Slater

Women-led Participatory Planning in Indonesia: Actions with Impact from Lombok Island

This study explores the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming in urban planning and budgetary decisions in East Lombok and North Lombok Regency, Indonesia. It focuses on the role of local customs and governance structures in gender-inclusive planning and how Lombok women are working towards creating a “non-sexist city.” The research design incorporates key stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions. Central to the study is examining participatory planning in Indonesia, considering the national budget development and planning processes, including technocratic, political, and participatory aspects. The study identifies key indicators for effective gender-inclusive participatory planning and local approaches for improving planning practices. A primary element of the research is the examination of women-led non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their role in gender-inclusive participatory planning. The Women’s School Program in Lombok Islan is analyzed, focusing on its curriculum, the role of women facilitators, and the empowerment pathway it creates for women in planning. To understand the topic better, this study explores challenges and barriers to participatory planning on Lombok Island, employing an intersectional framework to understand these complexities. It highlights the community actions led by women’s groups, emphasizing a data-driven approach to equitable planning. There are four main arguments proposed in this thesis: one is that robust adaptation of gender considerations in planning and budgetary decisions in Indonesia could only be possible when the concept is applied in regional units; second is that the diversity in local customs and regional governance system in Indonesia requires a geographic-based approach in applying gender-inclusive planning; third is that data-driven approach in planning could benefit not only from quantitative data but also qualitative data to create a comprehensive nuance in the output; and last is that making planning knowledge accessible is the foundation for just development.

SHUYU (JADE) WANG

Advisor: Jonathan E. Stiles

Walking Towards Recovery: Exploring the Relationship between Walkability and Post-COVID-19 Recovery in New York City

This thesis aims to investigate the role of walkability in aiding the post-COVID-19 recovery of New York City. It explores whether walkability - the ease of walking around in urban areas - can facilitate public health, economy, and mobility recovery. The research focuses on quantifying the relationship between walkability and recovery metrics like case rate, land value, storefront occupancy, and bus ridership, examining key design and planning factors in successful examples, and suggesting improvements to enhance long-term resilience and sustainability in post-pandemic urban settings. The methodology combines quantitative data analysis, including spatial statistics, OLS regression, and propensity score matching, with qualitative insights from site visits. The analysis employs a range of statistical techniques to control for confounding factors, offering a macro-level view of urban dynamics. Complementarily, observations from selected site visits across diverse neighborhoods provide micro-level insights, highlighting how urban planning and urban design affect walkability and recovery. Primary data sources include the EPA Smart Location Database, American Community Survey, DHMH coronavirus data, MapPLUTO, Storefront Records, and MTA Bus Ridership. By exploring the role of walkability in post-pandemic urban recovery, the thesis provides actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners to create a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city in the post-pandemic era.

ERIC XIA

Advisor: Hugo Sarmiento

Planning and Designing Efficient and Resilient Rail Transit Hubs in New York City

The city of New York has an extensive public transit network that moves millions of people every day. However, the public transit network, specifically the rail transit systems, are suffering from service disruptions during extreme weather due to outdated infrastructure, where the situation will be further worsened due to future climate change. Existing literature and studies in the field have reviewed and analyzed the fragility of transit infrastructure in the city, evaluated and monitored the impacts of climate change with a multi-disciplinary approach, and provided solutions both for resiliency and efficiency on a global scale. Using two flooding scenarios, spatial reasoning, and quantitative network analysis, the research evaluates the systematic and local impact caused by flash flooding due to extreme weather events under different scenarios. With local neighbor clustering and the use of a three-step quantitative model, the research identifies different stations and transportation hub categories under flooding impact and proposes non-structural, structural, and network-wide policy suggestions that fit different hub types. The research also provides re-designing strategies and illustrations of three rail transit hubs that are of different roles in the rail transit network and demonstrates the potential of reimagining and planning resilient, efficient, environmentally friendly, and equitable rail transit hubs in New York City.

WEI XIAO

Advisor: Hugo Sarmiento

Participatory Decarbonization: Exploring Community Engagement in Residential Building Retrofit Electrification in New York City

Buildings in New York City contribute to nearly 70% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the city level, primarily due to their reliance on fossil energy sources for heating, cooling, and powering the properties. Considering the global climate crisis and the city’s commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 80% by 2050, decarbonizing the building sector is essential in meeting the target. In the context of New York City, where the majority of all buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been erected, and residential buildings alone constitute 31% of the city’s GHG emissions, decarbonization with residential building retrofit electrification will be particularly crucial. On the one hand, residential building retrofit electrification presents a significant opportunity to reduce GHG emissions and enhance occupants’ safety and health by reducing risks associated with the use of fossil energy sources. On the other hand, the effects of residential building retrofit electrification vary based on property ownership, exposure to climate risks, and households’ socio-economic status. Given that the energy transition not only alters the operation of building systems but also has direct impacts on people’s everyday lives, including its upfront cost, influence on energy bills, and specific energy requirements during power outages under extreme weather events, successful civic engagement can effectively address people’s concerns about building retrofit electrification as a novel technical intervention to their properties and facilitate smoother energy transition. In the context of New York City, with the recent release of the city’s inaugural Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) – PowerUp NYC (PowerUp), which initiated civic engagement by collaborating with community-based organizations (CBOs) and identified involvement of communities in local energy planning processes as a key objective for the city’s ongoing action plan, this thesis began by posing the following question: How can CBOs improve their facilitation of community participation in the energy transition process? The project’s primary objectives are to assess the current state of community involvement in building retrofit electrification and investigate further opportunities to integrate civil society in the transition process, with a particular focus on the perspective of resilient neighborhoods.

HAOXIANGYU ZHENG

Elevating Urban Landscapes: Policy Strategies for Advancing Green Roof Integration in New York City

Urban sustainability, particularly through the lens of green roofs, presents a pathway towards mitigating urban environmental impacts. This thesis report assesses New York City’s (NYC) green roof policies by comparing them with international standards observed in Shenzhen, China, and Copenhagen, Denmark. The comparative analysis highlights not only the potential of green roofs to enhance urban livability but also the imperative for robust policy frameworks to support their adoption. NYC’s current green roof framework, driven by incentives such as tax abatements and grants, aims to alleviate the urban heat island effect, manage stormwater, and improve air quality. However, the effectiveness of these policies is uneven across the city, with a significant bias towards wealthier areas. This uneven deployment points out a necessity for policy enhancements that ensure equitable access to green roofs across all boroughs, especially within vulnerable communities. Internationally, Shenzhen and Copenhagen offer compelling models of government intervention and community integration. Shenzhen’s approach, characterized by stringent policy enforcement and substantial subsidies, contrasts with Copenhagen’s mandatory implementation on new buildings; it is supported by a well-established socio-political framework for sustainability. Accordingly, this study suggests enhancing NYC’s green roof initiatives through a multifaceted approach: by implementing a structured policy framework with enhanced government oversight for green roof installations, supporting small, community-focused projects to foster broader public integration, and introducing a tiered incentive system that rewards environmental performance. Additionally, it recommends broadening stakeholder engagement in the planning and maintenance of green roofs to reflect the diverse needs of all neighborhoods and expanding educational outreach to increase both public and private investment in green infrastructure. These strategies are aimed at transforming urban environments into more sustainable, resilient, and equitable spaces through the strategic integration of green roofs.
By adopting these recommendations, NYC can not only improve its green infrastructure but also set a benchmark for urban areas worldwide, reimagining the role of nature in urban settings to foster sustainable, resilient, and equitable cities.

ZEKUN ZHOU

Advisor: Hiba Bou Akar

Enclave Urbanism and Cross-border Governance in Hengqin Cooperation Zone

Located in southern China, Hengqin, as an enclave that is geographically separated from peripheral regions, acts as the cooperation zone that accommodates the cooperation between Guangdong Province and Macau SAR. Following the decision of China’s central government, this zone was designed to verify the possibility and feasibility of the integration of the socialist mode and capitalist mode in developing cities by implementing a series of experimental urban policies. With the interaction of the top-down force of central government and the negotiation force of local governments, several cross-border policies and strategies have been applied in Hengqin, making it demonstrates both a trend of separation (re-bordering) with the prefecture-level city it once belonged to and a trend of integration (de-bordering) with Macau, which can be concluded as disintegration. Meanwhile, when authorities would like to reinforce the disintegration by balancing the structure of residents in Hengqin, challenges emerge and lead us to the rethinking of the tension between rooted socialist behavioral tradition and the complicated capitalist social structure.

LANCE MIKHAIL PUNAY

Advisor: Jonathan Stiles

Activating Jerome Plaza thruogh the NYC plaza program

This project, undertaken with the Friends of Mosholu Parkway (FOMP) as the client, focused on Jerome Plaza in the Bronx as a potential site for activation into a vibrant public plaza for the community. Located at the intersection of Jerome Avenue and E Mosholu Parkway North, the 4,230 square foot paved space exhibits underutilization despite its central location. To advocate for more investments for the place, FOMP aims to secure recognition of Jerome Plaza as an official NYC Plaza through the NYC Plaza Program.

The project involved the development of a comprehensive report and Community Visioning Session toolkit designed to support FOMP’s future application to the NYC Plaza Program. This included documenting current conditions, conducting research on usage patterns, and making recommendations for enhancements. Additionally, the project integrated community engagement through two visioning sessions to ensure alignment with community needs and desires. Utilizing qualitative methodologies such as the Toolkit for the Ethnographic Study of Public Space (TESS), the project gathered data on social, political, and physical characteristics of Jerome Plaza.

Thematic coding and triangulation of data sources were employed to generate insights and recommendations. Four overarching themes emerged from the analysis. First, the plaza’s passive state limits its potential as a recreation and community hub. Second, insufficient activity and infrastructure contribute to concerns about safety within the space. Third, long-term success requires fostering community ownership through proactive programming. Lastly, embracing its transient nature offers an opportunity to transform the space into a formal gateway to Mosholu Parkway.

Despite limitations, this Capstone project provided valuable insights and recommendations that can guide FOMP’s continued efforts in activating Jerome Plaza. By leveraging the NYC Plaza Program and engaging the community, Jerome Plaza has the potential to become a thriving public plaza and community hub.

HAOXIANGYU ZHANG

Advisor: Jonathan Stiles

Elevating Urban Landscapes: Policy Strategies for Advancing Green Roof Integration in New York City

Urban sustainability, particularly through the lens of green roofs, presents a pathway towards mitigating urban environmental impacts. This thesis report assesses New York City’s (NYC) green roof policies by comparing them with international standards observed in Shenzhen, China, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

The comparative analysis highlights not only the potential of green roofs to enhance urban livability but also the imperative for robust policy frameworks to support their adoption. NYC’s current green roof framework, driven by incentives such as tax abatements and grants, aims to alleviate the urban heat island effect, manage stormwater, and improve air quality. However, the effectiveness of these policies is uneven across the city, with a significant bias towards wealthier areas. This uneven deployment points out a necessity for policy enhancements that ensure equitable access to green roofs across all boroughs, especially within vulnerable communities.

Internationally, Shenzhen and Copenhagen offer compelling models of government intervention and community integration. Shenzhen’s approach, characterized by stringent policy enforcement and substantial subsidies, contrasts with Copenhagen’s mandatory implementation on new buildings; it is supported by a well-established socio-political framework for sustainability. Accordingly, this study suggests enhancing NYC’s green roof initiatives through a multifaceted approach: by implementing a structured policy framework with enhanced government oversight for green roof installations, supporting small, community-focused projects to foster broader public integration, and introducing a tiered incentive system that rewards environmental performance. Additionally, it recommends broadening stakeholder engagement in the planning and maintenance of green roofs to reflect the diverse needs of all neighborhoods and expanding educational outreach to increase both public and private investment in green infrastructure. These strategies are aimed at transforming urban environments into more sustainable, resilient, and equitable spaces through the strategic integration of green roofs.

By adopting these recommendations, NYC can not only improve its green infrastructure but also set a benchmark for urban areas worldwide, reimagining the role of nature in urban settings to foster sustainable, resilient, and equitable cities.

ALYANA ACACIO

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

Beneath the Brooklyn Bridge: Cultivating and Connecting Communities through the Transformation of Residual Spaces

This capstone explores how residual spaces can contribute to park equity, community revitalization and equitable economic development to answer the main research question: What strategies can Brooklyn Bridge Manhattan implement to overcome challenges, engage the community and spur equitable economic growth through the redevelopment of residual spaces? Using qualitative research to collect data and insights from a series of semi-structured interviews and observations, the capstone synthesizes findings and recommends strategies to help support Brooklyn Bridge Manhattan’s mission to execute a series of parks to promote community connection, curiosity and resilience.

VALENTINE KALEI

Advisor: Tom Slater

“REWIRE” Redefining New York City’s Landscape in the face of climate change

New York City is grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change, characterized by hotter days, deadly heatwaves, erratic rainstorms, and air quality challenges from distant wildfires. While recent policy victories like the Climate Mobilization Act, congestion pricing, and funding from the Inflation Reduction Act signal progress, they address only a fraction of the crisis. Despite the momentum in green building initiatives, the focus on new construction has overshadowed the urgent need for retrofitting existing buildings and infrastructure. Therefore, a call for a transformative approach arises, spotlighting the prioritization of neighborhood rejuvenation through climate adaptation strategies. The concept of adapting existing cities to climate change rather than constructing entirely new ones represents a strategic and sustainable approach to urban development. This approach acknowledges the reality that many cities already have extensive infrastructure, established communities, and unique cultural identities. Retrofitting and enhancing existing urban spaces offer a more resource-efficient and socially conscious solution.

Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study examines key urban sectors—public spaces, housing, and transportation—and their susceptibility to climate change impacts. Exposing disparities in execution, maintenance, and community involvement, the research reveals the need for inclusive, grassroots-driven solutions. Within the domain of public spaces, attention is directed towards stormwater management, advocating for the reclamation of underutilized areas and fostering enhanced collaboration among city agencies. Housing analysis delves into the crucial task of decarbonizing multifamily affordable housing, emphasizing the necessity of community outreach, financial mechanisms, and localized interventions. Meanwhile, transportation scrutiny sheds light on the hurdles posed by extreme heat and emissions, presenting innovative solutions such as cooling technologies and smart infrastructure integration.

Ultimately, this report reveals the pivotal role of New York City in climate adaptation, notwithstanding entrenched institutional and political barriers. The city seems to lack networks for sourcing innovative ideas, ways to tackle climate gentrification, ways to balance priorities - homeless, rodent infestation, climate change - and a disconnect between narrated opportunities and on-the-ground practice. The pathway to progress is to recognize that adaptation is a multi-sectoral response, and that some of the existing initiatives are being built on existing foundations of inequities and discrimination. However, this is not to say that we sit back and do nothing. Success in adaptation efforts will inevitably coincide with failures, but proactive engagement and learning from both successes and setbacks are essential for progress.

FUKUNDA MBARU

Advisor: Douglas Woodward

Creating Place: A Central Brooklyn Cultural District

This study documents the existing cultural assets in Central Brooklyn. Drawing on lessons from two distinct cultural districts, this study proposes a strategy for the creation of a cultural district in Central Brooklyn along Eastern Parkway.