A Green Experience for New York City
The Global design firm WATG has an urban planning solution that helps New York City “go green.” This plan emphasizes the unforeseen positives during the pandemic. Even though this hasn’t been announced yet, the concept was recognized by Urban Design Forum as a light at the end of the tunnel for their "City Life After Coronavirus" series. This series focuses on the organizations and communities in the city that have been most impacted by the coronavirus.
Another example on how the city is aiming to improve itself for the future is the "Green Block," It is a project on how leading urban planners, landscape architects, and designers could use their skills, and lessons learned from the pandemic, to help transform urban spaces into an even better living space post-pandemic.
The multidisciplinary global design firm WATG rolled out the Green Block idea inspired by John Goldwyn. He is WATG’s London-based master planner and landscape architect. He was also a part of the “Green Block” project. This concept allows for a green, carless, alfresco-hopping, and streetscape vision for New York City. According to Goldwyn, “Our cities have long been overdue for transformation and, as some people flee for greener landscapes in the wake of COVID-19, Green Block proves that you don’t need to sacrifice one for the other – we actually can, have both the urban and the green lifestyle.”
“Green Block” focuses on the intersection of Manhattan’s Flatiron Building, which is an iconic symbol for the city itself. “Green Block” reclaims the city we love for the people and the environment.
“Green Block” was built using a modular program that transforms city streets into green spaces made from 100% recyclable materials. “Green Block” not only adds greenery to existing cafes and shop fronts but it creates untapped revenue opportunities for retail, commerce, and restaurants, it also helps clean the city’s air while beautifying streetscapes.
“Green Block” brings many values to cities. It serves as a breathable solution to air filtration by decreasing car noise, decreasing air pollution, providing homes for the decreasing bee population, and increasing the amount of space for people to exercise and leisure. This solution provides more opportunities for cyclists and walkers, it replaces paved footpaths with lush plants, and it increases outdoor spaces for restaurants and retail stores. Restaurant operators can also use their new outdoor space to grow vegetables, herbs, or fruits to serve on their menus.
Goldwyn says, “People who are all too often disconnected from nature should be allowed respite on their streets. The pandemic tapped into an underrepresented desire in urban dwellers to connect with nature. That desire is a human right, and the city needs to address it. Green Block is in the best interest of New Yorkers and New York City’s standing in the world.”
WATG is currently working with confidential landowners in the United Kingdom to deploy “Green Block” on various streets in London. It was founded in 1945 and they are currently celebrating its 75th anniversary. WATG one of the world’s leading design firms specializing in hospitality, entertainment, gaming, and commercial residential design. Its interior design firm Wimberly Interiors is ranked in the Top 20 by Interior Design Magazine.
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