CityWorks - TRANSPORTATION TIMES
CityWorks - TRANSPORTATION TIMES
How do all of the people and things get where they need to go?
How do all of the people and things get where they need to go?
Embedded Files
Exhibition Musings
The development phase started back in 2019, and was rudely interrupted by a global pandemic. Just as we neared the light at the end of the NYSCI-reopening-tunnel, hurricane Ida reminded us of how little control we have in the world. But we’re back on the CityWorks development track, and we can’t help but notice that the world feels a little different now than it did in 2019… the city changed, and so did we… and so should the exhibition.
The word that immediately comes to mind (probably b/c we’ve heard it one million times) is resilient. We slogged through the muck of 2020, and then again in 2021, and we’re still slogging (ugh. Omicron, srsly?)… but a slogging we shall continue. Humans are sloggers when we have to be, and while we should pause and recognize this truly astounding ongoing feat (give yourself or a loved one a hug, you’re doing great), we shouldn’t give our city, our home, a free pass to continue putting us in these slog-worthy situations forever. I don’t know about you, but I’d really like a vacation from being resilient.
There have to be other options, right?
So in the context of the past two years, I’d like to reframe our thinking around this city systems exhibition, by asking the question:
How can our city be more [adaptable] so we can be less resilient?
Wait, what's this exhibition about again?
The city is a work in progress.
This exhibition digs into city systems, encouraging visitors to explore the many moving parts that keep the city moving.
Personal experience is key to setting the tone. As city residents, young and old, we all feel the effects of city life -- some good and some bad. We aim to invite these conversations, and tap into these personal connections as an entryway into larger infrastructure thinking.
Our goal is that visitors leave with a better understanding of how the city works, how their own actions affect city systems, and challenges and opportunities for the future.
Sidewalk Stories:
Sidewalk Stories:
How hitting the pavement shapes our city experience.
What is walkability, and how does it affect us?
How do we design a walkable city?
Walkability starts with urban design and planning. The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is an association formed to exchange transportation ideas, insights, and practices and cooperatively approach national transportation issues. They aim to "build cities as places for people, with safe, sustainable, accessible, and equitable transportation choices that support a strong economy and vibrant quality of life." Check out the URBAN STREET DESIGN GUIDE to learn more about their principles.
**CALLING ALL CITY RESIDENTS AND URBAN PLANNERS**
NYC is currently updating their urban design principles, and you can be a part of the process! Share your urban planning thoughts, opinions and/or stories here.
Do you walk on the sunny or shady side of the street? Read about NYC's brightest and darkest blocks here.
When you can't walk, ride.
When you can't walk, ride.
Transportation systems: trains, buses and more
MTA ridership really took a hit when so many New Yorkers set up offices and virtual classrooms in their kitchens, bedrooms, or upstate getaways. You can keep track of how one of the world's busiest public transportation systems is recovering by tracking the daily ridership numbers here.
NYC transit system, while moving millions of passengers on a daily basis, is plagued with delays, old and dilapidated technology, funding concerns, and major challenges in light of climate change.
The MTA has a lot of work to do, but it looks like, thanks to the Biden administration's infrastructure bill, we might avoid fare hikes... for now.
*TRANSIT WORKER SPOTLIGHT*
Shout out to NYC sandhogs -- thanks for all of your underground work, risking your lives to help keep us all moving smoothly. Learn more about what they do here.
Do you have what it takes to be a train conductor?
*SOCIAL CORNER*
Meet @subwaycreatures -- an instagram account that captures the action that makes the subway so... special.
Cardboard City:
Cardboard City:
How does the transportation of goods affect us and our city?
Delivery truck traffic isn't a new city challenge, but it's getting worse as online ordering surges. Not ready to give up the convenience of groceries landing on your doorstep? Read about how cities can reduce delivery truck congestion here.
NYC is proposing charging delivery vans by the hour. See the full plan here.
There are over 65,000 food delivery workers in NYC. With long hours, exposure to the elements, low wages and unfair treatment from app-based delivery services -- it's pretty high on the list of unforgiving and under appreciated jobs.
Read harrowing tales, and learn about the challenges (and hacks) of their day-to-day here.
Next time that late night pizza craving strikes, think twice about how you order it. Also, be nice and tip well!
Have you ever wondered what it's like to work in a delivery fulfillment center?
Go behind the scenes with journalist Gabriel Mac to learn just what it takes to get that brown box to your doorstep...
Thoughts, comments, suggestions?
Thoughts, comments, suggestions?
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