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THE EDGE
LONG ISLAND CITY CONCEPT PLAN
The Vision for THE EDGE includes creating a connection between the community, the industrial history of the city, and the East River. Long Island City comprises a large number of manufacturing uses, resulting in it being the inspiration for THE EDGE design. By incorporating the industrial architectural style and adding modern elements to building and environmental designs, THE EDGE has become an extension of the pre-existing make-up of the city. Green space and walking paths that cater to the natural human-walking pattern are incorporated throughout THE EDGE design. By making the entire site a pedestrian plaza, it gives the community a break from the negative aspects of industrial cities, while still incorporating the industrial aesthetic.
Greenspace, green roofs, vegetation, and reviving the wetland to the left of the site are key design factors to bring nature back to this area. Trees will line all bikeways and be incorporated throughout the site to create a green way and structured path for individuals. Creating a relationship with the East River and extending the boundaries of the site is also an important factor to give people of the community options on how they want to use the public space.
THE EDGE design will incorporate mixed-use buildings in order to maximize capacity and incorporate a myriad of different uses and promote diversity. Long Island City is currently facing the issue of food insecurity. The entire site is located within a FRESH zone which “promotes the establishment and expansion of neighborhood grocery stores in under-served communities by providing zoning and financial incentives” (Long Island City Zoning Code). THE EDGE aims to fight this challenge by providing affordable grocery stores and farmer's markets in the commercial retail spaces and incorporating local fresh produce stands and kiosks throughout the pedestrian plaza.
THE EDGE will serve the community and be a place where cultural activities can occur, community groups can meet, kayaking clubs practice, a place where people walk, talk, and hang out with friends and family, or a place for people to live, work, and play. THE EDGE is about making connections between all members of the community and the natural environment.
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