Architecture For Humanity Working To Transform NYC’s Forgotten Park

The Highline and Brooklyn Bridge Park have become popular destinations in NYC as well designed public spaces. Those two projects might have grabbed the majority of headlines but other recent park renovations like the Hudson River Piers, Battery Gardens, and the Union Square Plaza are signaling a real renaissance in New York City’s public space design.

The next project to look out for is a park that many city residents may never have been to. Coleman Oval Park is located under the Manhattan Bridge in an area of the city less traveled. The Highline and BBP aren’t any better placed in comparison. Coleman Oval Park which borders Chinatown and the Lower East Side was once the site of a grave yard. Over the years the park has suffered from neglect. Recently, Architecture For Humanity secured a grant to initiate a competition for ideas on improving the park. Six New York based architecture firms have been selected to develop and present their ideas for a new Coleman Oval Park.

HAO (Holm Architecture Office) revealed their proposal which emphasizes a new multi-use skate park. Using the existing structure of the Manhattan Bridge, HAO’s proposal integrates skate ramps in to an area which can can be converted to an outdoor movie theatre or a concert venue. One of the other interesting ideas is how HAO intends to designate the park. Currently there is no iconic statue or monument on the site. HAO’s idea is to use one of the massive bridge columns to become a canvass for murals and street art. The content would be curated and feature the work of  local artists and organizations.

[via ArchDaily]