{"id":1004535709,"date":"2021-05-20T09:22:13","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T17:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/?p=1004535709"},"modified":"2022-12-09T02:45:38","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T10:45:38","slug":"has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/","title":{"rendered":"Has the Pandemic Changed NYC\u2019s Public Realm Forever?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1131\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535749\" data-id=\"1004535749\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209936_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209936_o.jpg 1131w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209936_o.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209936_o.jpg?resize=768,543 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209936_o.jpg?resize=1024,724 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1131px) 100vw, 1131px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Rendering courtesy of Heatherwick Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1392\" height=\"900\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535747\" data-id=\"1004535747\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545892_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545892_o.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545892_o.jpg?resize=300,194 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545892_o.jpg?resize=768,497 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545892_o.jpg?resize=1024,662 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1392px) 100vw, 1392px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Rendering courtesy of Heatherwick Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535744\" data-id=\"1004535744\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51172209896_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51172209896_o.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51172209896_o.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51172209896_o.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51172209896_o.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Image courtesy of Max Guliani<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535745\" data-id=\"1004535745\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51173317410_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51173317410_o.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51173317410_o.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51173317410_o.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-image-courtesy-of-max-guliani_51173317410_o.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Image courtesy of Max Guliani<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1366\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535748\" data-id=\"1004535748\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545947_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545947_o.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545947_o.jpg?resize=300,176 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545947_o.jpg?resize=768,450 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51171545947_o.jpg?resize=1024,600 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Rendering courtesy of Heatherwick Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1303\" height=\"900\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535750\" data-id=\"1004535750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209951_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209951_o.jpg 1303w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209951_o.jpg?resize=300,207 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209951_o.jpg?resize=768,530 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209951_o.jpg?resize=1024,707 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1303px) 100vw, 1303px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Rendering courtesy of Heatherwick Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1470\" height=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535752\" data-id=\"1004535752\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172451393_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172451393_o.jpg 1470w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172451393_o.jpg?resize=300,143 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172451393_o.jpg?resize=768,366 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172451393_o.jpg?resize=1024,488 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1470px) 100vw, 1470px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Rendering courtesy of Heatherwick Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1132\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535753\" data-id=\"1004535753\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173008914_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173008914_o.jpg 1132w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173008914_o.jpg?resize=300,212 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173008914_o.jpg?resize=768,543 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173008914_o.jpg?resize=1024,724 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1132px) 100vw, 1132px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Rendering courtesy of Heatherwick Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1533\" height=\"1150\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535754\" data-id=\"1004535754\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173327385_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173327385_o.jpg 1533w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173327385_o.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173327385_o.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51173327385_o.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1533px) 100vw, 1533px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Little Island. Rendering courtesy of Heatherwick Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1066\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535761\" data-id=\"1004535761\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/trust-for-governors-island-climate-solution-center-rendering-courtesy-of-wxy-architecture-urban-designbloomimages_51177535457_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/trust-for-governors-island-climate-solution-center-rendering-courtesy-of-wxy-architecture-urban-designbloomimages_51177535457_o.jpg 1066w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/trust-for-governors-island-climate-solution-center-rendering-courtesy-of-wxy-architecture-urban-designbloomimages_51177535457_o.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/trust-for-governors-island-climate-solution-center-rendering-courtesy-of-wxy-architecture-urban-designbloomimages_51177535457_o.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/trust-for-governors-island-climate-solution-center-rendering-courtesy-of-wxy-architecture-urban-designbloomimages_51177535457_o.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1066px) 100vw, 1066px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Trust for Governors Island. Rendering courtesy of WXY\/bloomimages<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535755\" data-id=\"1004535755\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682801_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682801_o.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682801_o.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682801_o.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682801_o.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers Row. Image courtesy of WXY<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535758\" data-id=\"1004535758\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682921_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682921_o.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682921_o.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682921_o.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184682921_o.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers Row. Image courtesy of WXY<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535760\" data-id=\"1004535760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184900388_o.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184900388_o.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184900388_o.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184900388_o.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/the-renaissance-pavilion-at-strivers-row-image-courtesy-of-wxy_51184900388_o.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers Row. Image courtesy of WXY<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"899\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535813\" data-id=\"1004535813\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/201124_Keeping_the_Tables_Turning_Final_Page_14.jpg?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/201124_Keeping_the_Tables_Turning_Final_Page_14.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/201124_Keeping_the_Tables_Turning_Final_Page_14.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/201124_Keeping_the_Tables_Turning_Final_Page_14.jpg?resize=768,575 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/201124_Keeping_the_Tables_Turning_Final_Page_14.jpg?resize=1024,767 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers Row. Image courtesy of WXY<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1004535815\" data-id=\"1004535815\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-Renaissance-Pavilion-at-Strivers-Row.png?w=696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-Renaissance-Pavilion-at-Strivers-Row.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-Renaissance-Pavilion-at-Strivers-Row.png?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-Renaissance-Pavilion-at-Strivers-Row.png?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-Renaissance-Pavilion-at-Strivers-Row.png?resize=1024,768 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers Row. Image courtesy of WXY<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The global health crisis has transformed not only the way people live and work, but also the manner and place they interact. Due to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/cre-experts-discuss-space-planning-shifts-at-the-cpe-mhn-2020-summit-series\/\">new health and safety standards<\/a>, much of the social contact that usually took place indoors has reemerged outside: in the streets, public parks and plazas. While some of these changes may only be temporary, could COVID-19 leave a permanent mark on the city\u2019s urban fabric?<\/p>\n<p>Mike Aziz, partner &amp; director of urban design with New York-based architecture firm Cooper Robertson, thinks that the public space as we know it will undergo several changes going forward. \u201cThe design and use of the city\u2019s largest public realm assets\u2014streets\u2014are often rethought in the wake of a crisis or other catalytic series of events. They will be permanently reshaped as a result of the pandemic, too,\u201d Aziz told <em>Commercial Property Executive<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h2>Lessons of the past<\/h2>\n<p>Historically, health crises have played a significant role in shaping the urban fabric of human establishments, commanding the rethinking of building codes and zonings, and reaching broader structures on administrative and governmental levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1004535787\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1004535787\" data-attachment-id=\"1004535787\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/1280px-old_timer_structural_worker\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1278,959\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Old_timer_structural_worker\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;New York City in 1930. &lt;em&gt;Image by Lewis Hines via Wikimedia Commons. This media is available in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"wp-image-1004535787 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg 1278w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/1280px-Old_timer_structural_worker.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1004535787\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">New York City in 1930. Image by Lewis Hines via Wikimedia Commons. This media is available in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration<\/p><\/div>\n<p>At the beginning of the 20th century, as NYC&#8217;s buildings grew taller and were positioned closer together, concerns regarding the deficit of natural light and air also increased, hence the birth of the city\u2019s first zoning resolution in 1916.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most important motivational factors behind creating such a vast green space as Central Park was also public health-related. After 9\/11, bollards within the Financial District and Times Square have become permanent fixtures and design elements, altering streetscapes indefinitely.<\/p>\n<p>Through AIA New York, Aziz is currently working on the Post-COVID-19 Cities initiative that recognizes the current opportunity to advance equitable and sustainable urban strategies and that is loosely modeled on the New York\/New Visions efforts from the post-9\/11 period.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe traditional sense of New York City as a place of closeness, proximity and intimacy was challenged by COVID-19, creating a new relationship between city dwellers and the city itself,\u201d David Vega-Barachowitz, director of urban design at WXY, told <em>CPE<\/em>. Post-pandemic anxiety and social hesitancy will most probably linger on even after restrictions are fully lifted. Following more than a year of constraints and sequential lockdowns, entities on all levels are trying to get the ball rolling again, in a joint effort to repopulate the city.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Change is happening&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p>Traditionally considered \u201cgrey\u201d spaces have been granted a new, fresh look. Lincoln Center\u2019s Josie Robertson Plaza has just been transformed into a luscious synthetic public lawn, designed by Mimi Lien. \u201cThe Green\u201d is part of Lincoln Center\u2019s initiative to kickstart the revitalization of the arts sector. Covering 14,000 square feet, the art installation will be available to New Yorkers through September.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1004535792\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-GREEN.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1004535792\" data-attachment-id=\"1004535792\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/the-green\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-GREEN.png\" data-orig-size=\"800,600\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The GREEN\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Stone-paved\u00a0Josie Robertson Plaza offered no seating before it was transformed in The Green, a recyclable, biobased SYNLawn oasis. The entire space is now a large seating area, available to New Yorkers since May 10. &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-GREEN.png?w=800\" class=\"wp-image-1004535792 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-GREEN.png?w=300\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-GREEN.png 800w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-GREEN.png?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/The-GREEN.png?resize=768,576 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1004535792\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stone-paved&nbsp;Josie Robertson Plaza offered no seating before it was transformed in The Green, a recyclable, biobased SYNLawn oasis. The entire space is now a large seating area, available to New Yorkers since May 10.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Little Island, a new 2.7-acre park in Manhattan&#8217;s southwest riverside, combines the public park experience with world-class performance space. A collaboration between Hudson River Park Trust and the Diller-von Furstenberg Foundation, the Heatherwick Studio-designed project includes an outdoor theater for 700 people and a performance space with a capacity of 200 people. The pier groups together organically shaped concrete piles that emerge from the water, on top of which an undulating landscape is created, with pathways and viewing platforms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have seen more parkgoers out in our parks during the pandemic. It is a good sign as we know how much New Yorkers have relied on our parks over the past year,\u201d Dan Kastanis, press officer at the NYC Department of Parks &amp; Recreation told<em> CPE<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>In April, the department began construction on 50 Kent in Brooklyn\u2019s Williamsburg neighborhood. Once home to a manufactured gas plant, the $7 million project will reshape the 1.9-acre site between North 11th and 12th streets into a new public park, with lawns, water play areas and forest groves. \u201cThe project\u2019s groundbreaking reflects and advances the City&#8217;s mission to build a more equitable 21st century parks system,\u201d Kastanis added.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1004535824\" style=\"width: 1589px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1004535824\" data-attachment-id=\"1004535824\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/50-kent-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1579,743\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"50-Kent (1)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;50 Kent. Rendering courtesy of NYC Parks&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"wp-image-1004535824 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1579\" height=\"743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg 1579w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg?resize=300,141 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg?resize=768,361 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg?resize=1024,482 1024w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/50-Kent-1.jpg?resize=1536,723 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1579px) 100vw, 1579px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1004535824\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">50 Kent. Rendering courtesy of NYC Parks<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Greenery and biophilic design have gained popularity in both the private and public sectors. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/an-in-depth-look-at-nycs-office-landscape\/\">office leasing in Manhattan at historic lows<\/a>, landlords are integrating a variety of incentives to lure tenants back into their towers and outdoor space has been a crucial one.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn addition to the many COVID-19 safety protocols owners across the city have implemented in their office buildings, many are focusing on how they can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/manhattan-architects-reveal-the-future-of-the-workspace\/\">incorporate the outdoors into their offerings<\/a>,\u201d said Erik Horvat, managing director and head of real estate at Olayan America.<\/p>\n<p>RXR Realty and Olayan are in the process of reimagining 550 Madison, an iconic office tower designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee that became New York City\u2019s youngest landmark in 2018. The property includes a half-acre privately owned public space (POPS) that will receive a Sn\u00f8hetta-designed makeover. \u201cIt\u2019s more important than ever to provide amenities that promote wellness and healthy living,\u201d according to Horvat.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1004535798\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/550-Madison.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1004535798\" data-attachment-id=\"1004535798\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/550-madison\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/550-Madison.png\" data-orig-size=\"920,690\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"550 Madison\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Expected to be completed in 2022, the\u00a0privately owned public space attached to the 550 Madison tower will be twice its former size and will include an artisan food kiosk, open seating, water feature and public restrooms. Rendering courtesy of Sn\u00f8hetta, MOARE&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/550-Madison.png?w=920\" class=\"wp-image-1004535798 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/550-Madison.png?w=300\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/550-Madison.png 920w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/550-Madison.png?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/550-Madison.png?resize=768,576 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1004535798\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Expected to be completed in 2022, the&nbsp;privately owned public space attached to the 550 Madison tower will be twice its former size and will include an artisan food kiosk, open seating, water feature and public restrooms. Rendering courtesy of Sn\u00f8hetta, MOARE<\/p><\/div>\n<p>550 Madison Garden will be the largest green space in the Plaza District and will feature plants that thrive regardless of the season\u2014in anticipation of year-round use\u2014covering 40 percent of the building\u2019s outdoor space. The property will capture enough rainwater to fully irrigate its garden.<\/p>\n<p>In a dense urban core like Manhattan, POPS are an important part of the city\u2019s urban fabric, especially in commercial districts where open space is limited. Owned and maintained by private property owners in exchange for bonus floor area, the program dates back to 1961, when New York City\u2019s Zoning Resolution was last overhauled.<\/p>\n<p>Last summer, Mayor Bill de Blasio temporarily suspended certain zoning regulations for the nearly 600 New York City POPS attached to more than 380 buildings, setting up a blank stage for new dining and retail amenities.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat the executive order may ultimately lead to is a new trend in which future POPS will need to have a more extensive array of public services and programs,\u201d Aziz noted.<\/p>\n<h2>New possibilities&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p>Established last June, the New York City Department of Transportation\u2019s Open Restaurant Program is part of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/sl-green-to-launch-covid-19-testing-sites-across-nyc\/\">the city\u2019s recovery agenda<\/a>, allowing restaurants to expand outdoor seating. \u201cThe program has opened many New Yorkers to the possibility that curbsides can serve multiple, economically generative functions beyond street parking. &#8230; The value of these spaces will continue to rise in the post-pandemic era,\u201d Vega-Barachowitz believes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1004535799\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1004535799\" data-attachment-id=\"1004535799\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/zuccotti-park\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Zuccotti Park\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Zuccotti Park, a Cooper Robertson-designed POPS in Lower Manhattan. Rendering courtesy of Cooper Robertson&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"wp-image-1004535799 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/Zuccotti-Park.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1004535799\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Zuccotti Park, a Cooper Robertson-designed POPS in Lower Manhattan. Image courtesy of Cooper Robertson<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Community-based organizations, BIDs or groups of three or more restaurants on a single block now have the option to fully close streets, an extraordinary phenomenon in New York. There has been precedent for DOT allowing short-term weekend closures for events\u2014such as Summer Streets\u2014but the COVID-19 crisis has impacted street closures in a completely new way. The pandemic was the first time that the DOT regularly closed large swaths of street space to traffic, realizing the value of street space as public space across all five boroughs, according to Vega-Barachowitz.<\/p>\n<p>Starting out as an ad-hoc response to the pandemic, the initiative failed to meet expectations in its first stages, but as time passed, it became formalized and better designed. \u201cThe program helped generate a greater public understanding of the reality that you can\u2019t just plop down some cones on a street corner and call it a day. This is where city government has an obligation to step in and create the kinds of standards and guidelines that will help ensure programs like Open Streets engage with communities and meet a high-design standard,\u201d said Aziz.<\/p>\n<h2>Regulations needed&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p>While some streets may eventually become permanently car-free, more nuanced and flexible regulations are likely to emerge, such as after-school play streets and weekend closures. With outdoors lowering the risk of virus transmission, demand for street space is high, with a variety of institutions already interested in utilizing the newly accessible resource for cultural events and performances. According to Vega-Barachowitz, WXY has been working with multiple BIDs and neighborhoods on proposals to pedestrianize parts of their street networks after the COVID-19 crisis wanes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1004535829\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1004535829\" data-attachment-id=\"1004535829\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,675\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"wp-image-1004535829 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/downtown-brooklyn-public-realm-big_dezeen_2364_col_3.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1004535829\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Action Plan aims to improve the pedestrian experience of downtown Brooklyn&#8217;s public realm, spanning 370 acres from Columbus Park to the Barclay&#8217;s Center. Rendering courtesy of BIG, WXY<\/p><\/div>\n<p>In addition, over the past year, the pandemic-induced bicycle boom has highlighted the need for a better bike lane network. In 2020, the DOT constructed a record 28.6 miles of new protected bike lanes across all five boroughs\u2014the largest one-year expansion of protected bike lane construction in the city\u2019s history\u2014and an additional 35.2 miles of conventional lanes. Moreover, two of the Brooklyn Bridge\u2019s car lanes are also going to be handed over for cyclist use.<\/p>\n<p>COVID-19 has put the spotlight on public space quality and New York City\u2019s streetscape is undergoing one of the most dramatic transformations in modern history. \u201cPre-pandemic, who could have imagined that the city would give up street parking spaces to restaurants?\u201d Aziz wondered. And as the city gradually reopens, time will tell how the enhanced pedestrian experience will continue to evolve.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The pandemic has put the spotlight on public space, leading to dramatic transformations of New York City&#8217;s urban fabric. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":739,"featured_media":1004535749,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21808,21783,1600,21742,10,51037],"tags":[33486,32803,34010],"class_list":["post-1004535709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-investment","category-new-york","category-latest","category-northeast","category-trends","tag-cooper-robertson","tag-olayan-america","tag-wxy-architecture-urban-design"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Has the Pandemic Changed NYC\u2019s Public Realm Forever? - Commercial Property Executive<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Has the Pandemic Changed NYC\u2019s Public Realm Forever?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The pandemic has put the spotlight on public space, leading to dramatic transformations of New York City&#039;s urban fabric.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Commercial Property Executive\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CPExecutive\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-05-20T17:22:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-12-09T10:45:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2021\/05\/little-island-rendering-courtesy-of-heatherwick-studio_51172209936_o.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1131\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Beata Lorincz\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@cpexecutive\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@cpexecutive\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/has-the-pandemic-changed-nycs-public-realm-forever\/\",\"name\":\"Has the Pandemic Changed NYC\u2019s Public Realm Forever? 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