This is Newark: Urban Design and Activation Initiative

With a dearth of community centers in a city severely wounded by neglect since the mid 60's, an opportunity for Newark's people to share with one another through culture and community activities is at hand. Local farming, markets and open activities are a way for us to learn from one another, and cultivate common interests and priorities. Combining outdoor space with architecture and landscaping or 'Adver-tecture', this system can be implemented in many configurations and scales while remaining with core design principles, materials and details.

Blighted corner sites often become short-cuts in struggling neighborhoods; abandoned stores or filling stations are replaced with less than desirable activity. With the 'Town Square' solution, empty corners are now filled will public activity, music events, educational interface and real community that 'stitches' the street fabric together.

Location: Newark, New Jersey | Total Floor Area: Varies by Site / Configuration | Year: 2009

Design Lead: HTDSTUDIO New York | Client: Newark Dept. of Planning / Office of Mayor Cory A. Booker (Former) | Project Coordinator: Damon Rich