The Green Space Initiative partners with local community gardens, businesses, and volunteers to host appealing outdoor events and activities, such as gardening classes, meditation sessions, and movie screenings. Affordable ticket sales ($7-15) and vendor partnerships generate revenue, supplemented by grants and donations. The project is rolled out in phases, beginning with foundational setup, then community building, and finally full-scale operations to hold frequent, well-attended events across multiple sites.

Ultimately, the initiative aims to have 500 Lower East Side residents spending 5+ hours outdoors per week, with 8 monthly events averaging 40 attendees each, resulting in improved mental health, stronger community ties, and a vibrant network of active green spaces.

The rise of large coffee chains in NYC has accelerated a grab-and-go culture, prioritizing speed and convenience over the craft and enjoyment of coffee. As a result, coffee consumption has become more transactional, diminishing appreciation for its quality, origins, and cultural significance.

This project explores how the dominance of big coffee chains is shaping NYC’s coffee culture, shifting consumer habits away from sustainability and artisanal brewing. The goal is to understand this impact and develop a solution that reconnects people with the experience, tradition, and craftsmanship of coffee.