Cooper Trapezoid
In order to create an effective and innovative design proposal for Cooper Trapezoid, we felt it was important to identify and respond to the needs and desires of the community, as identified through site and partner interviews, as well as analyzing and addressing past changes to the space. We also drew upon our semester -long study of public spaces in New York City today and in history, our readings in urban theory and design, and our conversations with partners in urban design and community activism. We then took our research, our experiences, our interviews, and the observations and data we’d collected and translated them into physical design choices, backed by research and reference to innovative and sustainable public spaces around the world.
Overview
Our design proposal for Cooper Trapezoid begins with the goal of creating a unified space–what was once Cooper Triangle and Cooper Square, two incongruous and underused spaces separated by one street, will merge to form Cooper Trapezoid, a connected, multi-use space.
Design Plans
General Design
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Transition from “private” to “public” as you move from north to south to include diverse people and activities
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‘Pockets’ in Cooper Triangle (private) transition to stage & plaza in Cooper Square (public)
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Open Street between Cooper Triangle & Cooper Square to unify into ‘Cooper Trapezoid’
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Removing/redesigning the surrounding fence, absorbing the wide sidewalk, & adding entrances/pathways to reintegrate park to neighborhood
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Stage/plaza space for recreation, performances, & events to empower local musicians and performers
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Historical and local culture exhibits and QR codes to connect to East Village history and context
From Private Pockets to Public Plaza
As users move throughout the Trapezoid from north to south, they will experience a transition from “private” to “public.” The park at the north end, now known as Cooper Triangle, will immerse the individual in serene greenery and allow for both reflective contemplation or interaction with others through the use of ‘pockets,’ which create a space that is both private and communal. The current fences will be removed, and the greenspace extended outwards, absorbing the unnecessarily large sidewalk to the west of the current park. As they cross the open street, they enter the “plaza,” moving from the intimacy of the tree-shaded pockets to an outdoor ‘stage’ with multi-use stadium seating, which can be used both for performance and programming as well as for general leisure and then to the green ‘commons’.
Modified Open Street
The current street, lower Third Avenue, that now separates Cooper Triangle from Cooper Square will become a modified Open Street, with changes in paving and materials that will visually connect the north and south ends of the new “Cooper Trapezoid.”
Accessible Community Gardens
At the southern end, wheelchair-accessible community garden beds dot the formerly concrete-covered oasis, inviting connection and cultivation while still leaving room for moveable chairs and tables during the warmer weather.
A Local History Path
A “history path” of interactive historical story markers, and a system of knee-level bench seats that double as planter walls, will serve to visually and narratively connect the northern and southern sections of Cooper Trapezoid.
Elements
Seating
Seating in both the park and the plaza are designed to be comfortable, accessible, and multi-functional. Benches in the park contain pull-out storage compartments, which can be accessed either by rental or application for use. Park benches, as well as seating surrounding the stage, contain solar-powered LED light which continues to gently illuminate the Trapezoid after dark. We propose a system of curved, modular benches which are integrated into planters with surrounding planter walls, which visually connect and define the space. Moveable seating and tables will also be available during warmer weather for placement around the plaza.
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Stage
An outdoor stage placed along the proposed Open Street across the park provides an opportunity for recreation, performance, and events. The stage is surrounded by stadium-style seating and is made wheelchair-accessible by built-in ramps. Like the benches in the park, the stadium seating will contain built-in lighting.
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Planters
Planters and greenery in the Trapezoid will serve a dual purpose: they will define and outline the space, as well as bring the community together. Elevated planters in the park will provide gentle fencing, while still surrounding those both inside and outside of the park with lush greenery.
Larger planters at the south end will expand the existing community garden spaces and provide room for local gardeners to grow flowers, fruits and vegetables that will contribute to the continued placemaking of Cooper Trapezoid. Produce and flowers can be sold from carts on the Open Street or at the farmers market up the street at Astor Place. Wheelchair users will be able to pull up into planters that surround their chair at a height easy for gardening.
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Public Art
Our redesign seeks to represent and incorporate the surrounding community through public art in creative, interactive ways. Recreational game tables, umbrellas, and signage (among other ideas to come) will incorporate designs from artists from surrounding institutions and organizations, such as Cooper Union and FAB NYC.
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Signage
Signage will guide users through and inform them of the space. Friendly, colorful signs will list space guidelines and remind users to keep the site clean, and informational signs along with QR codes will be available to inform users of different historical and programmatic aspects of the space.
Materials
Materials were chosen with sustainability and longevity in mind, seeking to create a space that is not only innovative and appealing today, but will stand the test of time and an ever-changing climate. Examples of potential materials include:
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Reclaimed/recycled redwood
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Redwood is a long-lasting, rot proof, and visually appealing hardwood which will add structure and visual intrigue
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Recycled steel
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Steel is both highly durable and easily recyclable, making it a sturdy and sustainable building material
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Greenery
Our redesign for Cooper Trapezoid incorporates native New York greenery, which is easier to maintain, increases biodiversity, and promotes a sense of place.
