The power couple behind a powerfully simple communal event
We sat down with Maryam and Andy, the couple behind The Longest Table, a joyous community potluck that draws 1,000 people to their Chelsea block. Learn more about their simple-yet-powerful approach to building community in public space.
Streetfilms: Paris goes all in on streets designed for safety, comfort & convenience
This batch of Streetfilms chronicles Paris’s swiftly changing streets as the city boldly implements Mayor Hidalgo’s vision for a modern, people-centered city where cars are mere guests.
Three cheers for Summer Streets! Another 2024 Public Space Awardee
DOT’s Summer Streets gave NYC our first look at large-scale people-centered streets; the 2023 expansion to all five boroughs and more weekends is why DOT is our Citywide Transformation award winner!
Community meets culture & commerce with the Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID
We interview Kenneth Mbonu, who cares for community and public space in his position with the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District - our winner for Neighborhood Champion at this year’s Public Space Awards on February 29th.
This artist’s tape murals inspire New Yorkers to think differently about their surroundings
Tape becomes a tool for community building, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking in artist Kuki Go’s life-size street murals.
Accessible public space: a right and a benefit to all
New York City’s need for well-managed, people-centered public space creates major barriers to independence for people with disabilities. Open Plans and CIDNY work together to build a future public realm that accommodates people of all abilities.
Street art & street life come together on new Troutman Open Street
An organizer of the brand new Troutman Open Street in Bushwick talks about his vision for bringing the peace and calm of wide open spaces to dense communities in New York.
This youth program is transforming Gowanus, one green block at a time
Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s youth programs teach environmental stewardship and community building while making the neighborhood’s streets more livable, one block at a time.
Morningside Heights Residents Build Their Neighborhood’s Future in New Workshops
Our inaugural Building Blocks workshop asked Morningside Heights residents to share their vision for a better block. The next step in the process is help them realize that vision.
Rolling the tape on recent Public Space Award winners
Watch these behind-the-scenes videos of public space transformations in New York City by Clarence Eckerson, Jr. of Streetfilms. Eckerson has filmed many of the recent winners of Open Plans’ Public Space Awards.
This artist brings life & love to NYC streets
New York-based artist Timur’s Viral Love art project began as a pandemic response to career change and isolation. It became an enriching experience that fostered new connection, opportunities, and liberation in public space.