At the Macaulay seminar meeting with speaker Leslie Koch, I found it interesting what Governor’s Island may turn into, and also how the process of construction was like. It was a shock to first find out how the island used to not exist on the map. Ms. Koch mentioned how she had to contact Google for them to come and look at the island to place it on Google Map. It was hard to believe that an island that fairly large was existing but basically unnoticed by the public.
Ms. Koch said that in designing Governor’s Island, their strategy used was to think of what New York City did not have, and if it was placed on the island, would it make sense. I agree with the way her team thought this through, because with a space that large, it would be smart to use it efficiently. Also, in order to get the public’s attention and future investors, one has to think about how to attract people to a small island that is off the mainland. One has to think, why would anyone want to leave Manhattan to go to Governor’s Island?
I thought it was amusing that one main idea for the island is themed around bikes. Although the park was designed with bikes as its primary transportation mode, it does seem a bit unfair to those who do not know how to ride a bike or those who do not own a bike. In addition, I am curious what she means by how the park is constructed in a way that is for bikes. The park as a car free biking area could mean that. To continue, Ms. Koch mentioned that there will be bike rentals, but I wonder how much it will cost. At least on Fridays, the bikes will be rented for free.
The second idea for Governor’s Island is the Hammock Grove. Now that really caught my attention about the island. It seems like a great idea to spend the spring or summer—just to sit and relax in a comfy hammock in the park. All parks in the city have benches and those tiny uncomfortable chairs that can be found in Bryant Park and even in Baruch’s own plaza. However, the use of hammocks gives the park a different feeling. Ms. Koch said that there are a few places on the island that has a great view of the river and even the Statue of Liberty. This would make the hammock idea even nicer.
Finally, the third idea for Governor’s Island is “flexible free public space for programming.” Thus, any ideas that are pitched to Ms. Koch’s department that is accepted can be done. There have been art programs, concerts, even our Macaulay Orientation, and more that were held on the island. This sounds like a good idea, because it will allow for the island to change constantly, and not stick to one particular structure.
Overall, I am interested to visit Governor’s Island when it is fully renovated and done with construction. A few questions I am wondering is how much will this cost? And how will they fund it? Also, how long will it all take?
