Connecity

Last Year, the US Surgeon General released a report that detailed the epidemic of loneliness that is sweeping developed countries. We are living increasingly disconnected individual lives, particularly for the vulnerable demographics such as youths and low-income households. This has significant negative impacts for our mental and physical health. There is a disappearance of free and low cost third spaces, as public space has become increasingly privatized and non-consumers have been shut out of traditional hang-out locations. At the same time, physical retail is dying with a lack of foot traffic and a rise in online shopping. Is there a way that these two problems can solve each other?

Vicky Yi Yun Luo, Alex Zijian Xu

Professors: Shachi Pandey, Jieun Yang

The loneliness epidemic in the United States has become a growing public health crisis, affecting individuals across all demographics but particularly impacting vulnerable groups like youth, the elderly, and low-income households. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report warning about the alarming rates of loneliness and social isolation. This report highlights how loneliness is a factor leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even increased mortality risks.

One of the most significant reasons is the way technology has transformed human interaction. While social media and digital communication have made it easier to stay in touch, they often replace deeper, in-person connections with more superficial interactions. Another reason is the reduction of public and community spaces where people can gather. Over the past few decades, third spaces—such as parks, libraries, and shopping malls—have either been privatized or diminished. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for individuals to engage in spontaneous, face-to-face social interactions. In particular, this affects non-consumers, who are often accused of loitering and removed from the premises.

Loneliness is more than a cultural creation, it is an urban and architectural one. Urban living has created pockets of single living spaces, exacerbated by the tower typology, as those who live above the fifth story no longer has a connection with the streets beneath them. Building amenities are often underused, and other shared spaces, such as corridors and elevators, are primarily spaces of movement and lead to very few meaningful connections. With the improvement of building technology, we no longer know what our neighbors are doing, save for the occasional waft of cooking BBQ drifting through the hallway or the sound of morning vacuuming from the floor above.

Our public spaces, too, have grown increasingly defensive in the name of order and safety. Defensive architecture frequently deployed in public spaces involves stringent signage and security guards that are more than willing to step in and govern nonconformity to corporate rules. Surveillance systems make residents more distrustful of each other, as it gives the appearance of an area being less safe. Hostile architecture, such as benches with a divider in between to discourage laying down, lean-only bus stop benches, or anti-homeless spikes all force loiters (or just anyone want to have a bit of a break on a long day out) from public space.

Proponents of defensive architecture argue that it helps maintain cleanliness, order, and safety in areas with high foot traffic. By discouraging behaviors like sleeping or loitering, these design elements are seen as protecting property values and improving the overall urban environment. However, defensive architecture also deepen social divides and further marginalizes vulnerable populations, as those who cannot afford to pay, or has the appearance of one who cannot afford to pay, are pushed out of public spaces.

Loneliness affects people across all demographics, but certain groups are disproportionately impacted. Young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 25, report high levels of loneliness despite being more connected digitally. This age group often experiences significant life changes, such as leaving home or starting new careers, which can disrupt social connections. Seniors, especially those over 65, also face heightened loneliness due to factors like retirement, loss of loved ones, and reduced mobility. Seniors are also the most studied demographic for loneliness.

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Retail vacancy in New York City is rising, with more storefronts sitting empty due to e-commerce growth, high rents, and shifting consumer habits. Brick-and-mortar stores are struggling, leading to closures, particularly in areas like 34th Street and Herald Square.

34th Street and Herald Square are managed by the 34th Street Partnership, a Business Improvement District (BID) responsible for maintaining public-private spaces. BIDs, introduced in the 1980s to revitalize declining commercial areas, are public-private partnerships where local businesses contribute funds to improve services like sanitation, security, and marketing. The goal was to create cleaner, safer, and more attractive environments to boost commerce and tourism. While BIDs has significantly cleaned up the streetscape, it has also created homogenous, sanitized spaces that prioritize consumers over residents. This has led to decreased foot traffic and a weakened connection between residents and the area, reducing both social and shopping opportunities.

Macy's flagship store in Herald Square faces financial challenges, sparking speculation about its future. The store is now exploring urban design solutions to revitalize the plaza and attract more visitors.

Reimagining Herald Square

Through observations and interviews, we documented a range of activities, from solitary relaxation to social engagements, offering insights into how different groups use these spaces. We focused on New York City parks and the areas around Herald Square as our study site.

We have created a diagram that categorizes activities based on the level of activeness, the age group involved, and the space required. For example, some individuals prefer passive, more private activities like reading or sitting, which demand smaller, quieter spaces, while others engage in more active pursuits, such as group exercises or social gatherings, which require larger, open areas. The diagram will help match these activities to appropriate spaces, ensuring a better fit between the type of activity and the environment.

Completely reimagining Herald Square, we are turning it into a seamless, vibrant landscape that flows from Macy’s straight to the park. Gone are the fences and bike path that disconnect the space—our design replaced it with soft berms, creating an inviting atmosphere where people can truly connect. These contours create subtle divisions without disrupting the flow, letting people enjoy personal space while still feeling part of the bigger community. The new bikepath also meanders through the new berms, allowing for the bikers to get a glimpse of the collective activities.

With flexible zones perfect for lounging, picnicking, or socializing, this new landscape will be a dynamic, adaptable space where everyone can find their moment—whether they’re looking to relax or join the buzz of activity.

We propose opening the first floor of Macy’s to the public through inflatable structures, transforming the current window display areas into semi-public spaces like sitting areas, coffee shops, and public kitchens. This will draw more visitors into Macy’s while providing much-needed indoor public areas, fostering community engagement. At night or in the winter, these structures can be deflated to create a defined indoor-outdoor space.

The project centers around overlapping zones and offsets, allowing people to share space while maintaining personal areas. A translucent canopy unites the plaza, accommodating up to 300 people, while furniture movable by several people working together—such as arced chairs, collective tables, and platforms—encourages interaction. This setup allows for flexible groupings and activities, from intimate gatherings to larger events.

A subtle grid on the ground helps guide furniture placement, ensuring the space remains organized while allowing for creative use. The design offers flexibility and structure, encouraging both individual and collective experiences within the space.