All Work and No Play: The Marx Brothers Playground

Posted on March 31, 2017 by brianabelfer

The Marx Brothers Playground sign, posted on its fenced entrance. Photo taken by Briana Belfer.

By: Briana Belfer

Public parks and fields are spaces aching to be filled. The Marx Brothers Playground is an expansive field located on East 96th Street and 2nd Ave, situated near bustling neighborhood activity. The park is flanked by schools, a hospital, retail locations, and a brand new Q subway station on the recently finished 2nd Ave Subway line. One would expect that it would be thriving and filled with life, sports and laughter. In my two site visits, this wasn’t exactly the case, but perhaps, there is hope for growth. […]

Constructing the Country We Want

Posted on February 20, 2017February 20, 2017 by brianabelfer

By Briana Belfer

A model and photo of the Harlem Hospital Pavilion Facade within the exhibit, depicting the story of the African diaspora. Photo by Briana Belfer.

By the People: Designing a Better America is an exhibit that envisions an American future in which our physical surroundings are reflective of change. Many of the featured projects are ideas meant to benefit local citizenry; but with some variation and original thought, they could be implemented elsewhere. […]