Van Alen Connects!
A transformation design project done in partnership with the Van Alen Institute,
a non-profit located in Brooklyn, New York, The goal was to identify solvable problems that will help the residents of the Gowanus neighborhood through the rezoning of the area.


Initial Questions about the Identity of the Residents of Gowanus

What are the disparities within community?

How does building more residential buildings impact Gowanus?

How do new businesses and restaurants affect the cultural diversity?

Do we see gentrification within the community?

Why is there tensions amongst old and new?

How is diversity within Gowanus being preserved or promoted? 


Primary Research executed during Van Alen’s annual Block Party! 




Research Probe


How do you see yourself in a neighbourhood that is changing?

Time
5 minutes

Activity
Inviting people to pick an emoji and place it on the board while considering the intensity of this emotions. The participants are probed to explain their choice.





Field Notes from the Block Party


Quotes Overheard at the Block Party



Emoji Themed Observations


Happy

Housing will be more accessible and affordable

Growing city for new businesses and restaurants

Welcoming new people and diversity

Good for better public space utilization


Confused

Overwhelming Construction and high rise buildings

Skeptical about high rise buildings replacing views

Unsure if the rezone is good or bad

Unhappy

Artists fear the change in artistic nature of area

Pressure on existing residents to change feel that their voice does not matter


How Might We...resolve tensions betwwen the old and the new?


A newcomer resident of Gowanus feels disconnected about neighborhood changes and needs community connection but lacks access to information.

A old resident of Gowanus feels wary about neighborhood changes and needs a reassurance to raise their concerns.

The Artists of Gowanus: a case study
feel anxious about the changing creative neighborhood, and sees the new developments as “changing the creative scene” and needs reassurance that the art industry is being preserved.



User Journey of the Artists of Gowanus





Ideation and Chosen Idea

Meet n Greet for Artists Featuring

A customised meeting opportunity at set venue

For different social groups within Gowanus

Old and New share experiences and concerns

Organise themselves and address needs

Networking Events

Find information and share resources

Kid friendly events 


Considerations Frequency
Accessibility
Weather 
Information
Venue


Designed Tool Kit


Physical pop up carts, baskets

Navigational templates for identity, posters, brochures and wayfinding

Facilitation event planing guides, templates for personalised games, icebreakers, etc. 

Fun stickers for children, notebooks, other collectibles







Designed Guide for self-appointed Event Planners within the community