Dear Friends of the Hudson Valley Initiative,

At the turn of spring to summer, we share a few updates, and news of recent work and upcoming events. For more frequent updates on what we are up to, follow us on Instagram @columbia_hvi

Earlier this year, the Hudson Valley Initiative presented “A Vision for Oakdale Lake” at the Hudson Area Library. Together with Friends of Oakdale Lake and the residents of Hudson, HVI developed 8+1 Design Actions. Some small, some big, each of the 8 proposals can be implemented on its own, contributing to an exciting and holistic vision for this community asset in Hudson. You can download a copy of the vision here #Oakdalelake

As part of our project LOTS OF IDEAS NEWBURGH, HVI recently opened the 191 South Street Community Park. It’s a pilot to test ideas, how to turn vacant lots into safe, clean neighborhood spaces. If you are nearby, we invite you to sit, play, eat, and share some time with your neighbors. We will continue to work on the IDEA LOT TOOLBOX, a guide to explore different ideas and mechanisms for design, stewardship and programming of vacant lots in Newburgh. #lotsofideasnewburgh

We recently released the publication of our 2018 Fall Urban Design Studio The Space between Cities: Redefining Urbanization in the Hudson Valley This publication shows a summary of the students’ designs, each proposing a new way of approaching questions of urbanization, community investment, and long-term change. Working in the city of Hudson and Columbia County, student teams have developed proposals for urban design strategies that draw on a range of topics and illustrate visions for improved spaces, places, services, and opportunities for the region’s residents, economy, and environment. The semester-long studio’s research and design work engaged with the multiple and often conflicting voices, communities, and agencies that make up any social agglomeration. #spacebetweencities

“The Whale in the Room” an installation by Adi Laho and Ryan Pryandana will debut at Future Hudson - Where Does Hudson Gather?. The “Whale” is a temporary installation that allows residents to step into the belly of the whale and add their ideas and comments to the debate. The project is made possible by the Urban Urge Prize from Columbia University GSAPP, awarded to implement physical and programmatic interventions that catalyze urban engagement and change. The Prize was initiated in remembrance of Moji Baratloo, a much-loved professor at Columbia University GSAPP, and aims to join students with community groups to create small-scale, real-time projects. #whaleintheroom