Care for Hudson Square is a recovery initiative aimed at reinvigorating the Hudson Square neighborhood. Small and M/WBE design firms were invited to submit proposals for an interactive street installation that would help reactivate the public realm. The Urban Design Forum, Hudson Square Properties, and Hudson Square Business Improvement District announced the winner of their “Care for Hudson Square” design competition in September 2020 ~ WIP Collaborative.
Now, in July of 2021, the Hudson Square winning design project has been unveiled, with the restorative ground streetscape completed.
“CB2 looks forward to our neighbors enjoying Restorative Ground’s enhancement of our public space and the many passive and recreational benefits it will bring to our community,” said Shirley Secunda, Community Board No. 2 chairperson. Corey Johnson, Speaker, New York City Council, Representing the 3rd Council District added, “New Yorkers have relied on their open spaces more than ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful for this collaborative effort in Hudson Square and look forward to more projects like this so New Yorkers can safely enjoy public space together.”
“At the Hudson Square Business Improvement District, we see public art as part of the DNA of the creative and innovative neighborhood.” said BID President and CEO, Ellen Baer. “Throughout the pandemic our open spaces proved to be vital resources for our businesses and community, and we are thrilled to welcome Restorative Ground not only as the newest public art piece, but also as an inviting space for the people to work, play and think.”
Located on King Street between Hudson and Greenwich streets, Restorative Ground is an interactive destination in Hudson Square, a place for residents, office tenants, and the broader public to come together around a range of activities. The installation itself straddles the parking lane and part of the sidewalk, aligning with King Street’s participation in the Open Streets Program. Using colorful and durable materials, like recycled rubber and AstroTurf, the installation features modular sections for lounging, gathering, and playing.
“As New York City emerges from the pandemic, we should reimagine our city streets as safe spaces to gather and heal,” said Daniel McPhee, Executive Director of the Urban Design Forum. “WIP Collaborative’s design aims to welcome every kind of New Yorker and create space for recreation and respite at a time when we need it most.”
“We are incredibly proud to have partnered with the Urban Design Forum and the Hudson Square BID to see the Care for Hudson Square initiative come to realization” said Tommy Craig, Senior Managing Director of Hines, Hudson Square Properties joint venture partner.
“New Yorkers have once again shown that in times of immense need we come together in the best way, with the support of our partners, New York City agencies, and elected officials, and WIP – Restorative Ground will offer a space for shared creativity reenergizing King Street through thoughtful design” said Chris Roth, Managing Director of Hines, Hudson Square Properties joint venture partner.
According to the WIP Collaborative team, Restorative Ground offers a multifaceted landscape of experience and a new vision for an inclusive public space. The installation will provide a range of spatial qualities – high and low stimulation, tactile materials and textures, distinct experiential zones – in order to create a more holistically inclusive public environment.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the installation provides a range of spaces using tactile materials and textures to create distinct experiential zones. From the street, the continuous and undulating form of Restorative Ground entices visitors to discover three different experiential zones: focused, active, and calm. And, by offering a safe outdoor space as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the project provides a much-needed gathering place for the community.
While the focused zone of the installation can host outdoor workshops and events, the active and calm zones can support informal play and relaxation. The project builds on research by WIP Collaborative investigating how public spaces can better serve people of all ages, backgrounds, and spectrums of neurodiversity. Restorative Ground brings a variety of experiences designed to meet the diverse needs of Hudson Square. It will act as an interactive destination in Hudson Square, a place for a range of experiences, activities, and interactions.
See all the work Here!