Emerging Social Hubs in Brooklyn: Building Back Better
A social hub is by nature community led. It is local, even hyper-local. It can ripple out from a single enterprise on a block, spread to others, and evolve organically
Highlighting a Community’s Identity by Creating Great Amenities: A bench at a corner; shade from a canopy or tree; a drinking fountain; a simple bollard...all are like life support to everyone in a community...And, the best communities place them where people need them. Comfort is the knowledge that a community cares.
A social hub is by nature community led. It is local, even hyper-local. It can ripple out from a single enterprise on a block, spread to others, and evolve organically
"Of porches there are two sorts: the decorative and the useful, the porch that is only a platform and the porch you can lie around on in your pajamas and read the Sunday paper" – Garrison Keillor
What a focal point is varies greatly from place to place. Sometimes it is as simple as a good spot to sit, a fountain, or a statue on which kids can play and climb. A great focal point attracts people and invites them to linger.
The bollard is a simple tool that can make any city more walkable and pleasant.
You can tell a great city by its corners. If the intersection is owned by the vehicles, it is a city for cars and traffic. If the community controls the intersections/corners, it is a city of neighborhoods.
Benches and seating are not objects; they are mirrors to our social behavior. We have seen it time and again that where there is seating, there is life.