Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project

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Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project

Information

  • Project Name: Plug-In Community
  • Student Name: Yung-Ju Chung, Jaejun Choi, Sebastian Dominguez
  • Softwares/Plugins: Archicad , SketchUp , Rhinoceros 3D , Adobe Photoshop , Adobe Illustrator
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Excerpt: ‘Plug-In Community’ is a Masters Design Project by Yung-Ju Chung, Jaejun Choi, and Sebastian Dominguez from the ‘Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) – Columbia University’ that seeks to transform Luna Park Housing Corporation in Coney Island, New York into a more inclusive space. It introduces elevated walkways, rooftop public spaces, and new housing and community services, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging while creating a resilient framework for community-focused urban renewal.

Introduction: The Plug-In Community project seeks to address the ongoing social and spatial segregation in Coney Island, a legacy of earlier housing projects, especially those led by Robert Moses. This architectural initiative re-envisions the Luna Park Housing Corporation as a connective, inclusive space, promoting interaction between residents and visitors through innovative design. By introducing elevated walkways, rooftop public spaces, along with new housing and community services, the project establishes an integrated network that strengthens both social and spatial connections.

The project also incorporates climate resilience strategies in line with NYC’s 100-year flood hazard mitigation standards. It features adaptable structures designed to respond to rising water levels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green spaces that encourage a balanced relationship between nature and urban living. By seamlessly merging ecological considerations with thoughtful design, the project establishes a resilient, adaptive framework that addresses present needs while preparing for future environmental challenges, setting a new benchmark for community-focused urban renewal.

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Site Context

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Site Context of Luna Park Housing

The project is located in Coney Island, a historically significant but spatially divided area that has experienced gentrification phases frequently leading to a lack of community engagement and social exclusion. This intervention, which is focused on the Luna Park Housing Corporation, aims to bridge the gap between residents and visitors in order to promote an inclusive and welcoming urban environment.

Design Process

Sketching and the Imagination of Luna Park Housing

The design process began with an in-depth analysis of current conditions at the Luna Park Housing Corporation. This evaluation revealed a noticeable spatial and social disconnect between the existing buildings and the surrounding urban environment. The team identified a need to promote integration and connectivity within the site to resolve these challenges.

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
The Intertwining of The Old and The New
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
The Intertwining of The Old and The New

In response, the team developed a concept centered on elevated pathways that link different levels and areas of the complex, enabling easy movement for residents and visitors while maximizing exposure to natural light. Flexible façades were also added to incorporate green spaces, create communal zones, and enhance environmental sustainability. Acknowledging the site’s risk of exposure to NYC’s 100-year flood hazard, the design included flood-resilient elements such as raised walkways and rainwater collection systems to nourish green spaces.

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Uprising The Building | Plug-In Imagination

Throughout the design process, both physical and digital models were created to iteratively explore spatial organization, user experience, and resilience. This iterative approach enabled the team to continually refine their concepts, resulting in a cohesive, multi-layered urban network. The design successfully integrates varying elevations, enhances functionality, and fosters a strong sense of community within Coney Island, aligning social and ecological goals.

Final Outcome

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Final Axonometric of Plug-In Community
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Perspective Section

The final design for the project establishes a unified network of interconnected pathways and adaptable public spaces, seamlessly integrating the existing Luna Park Housing complex with new community units. By incorporating elevated walkways and rooftop gardens, the design overcomes spatial constraints while enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and flood resilience—addressing the unique environmental challenges of Coney Island.

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
The Layers of The Plug-In Community
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
An External Plug-In Structure Attached to The Housing

A sophisticated rainwater collection system nourishes vertical gardens and local vegetation, promoting a sustainable and flourishing urban ecosystem. This green infrastructure supports biodiversity while enriching the community’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the design directly links residents to the MTA system, improving mobility and fostering a harmonious integration of social and spatial elements to respect the island’s diverse communities.

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
The model, positioned directly beneath the projector, captures a dance of light and shadow, revealing the main, secondary, and contextual layers
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Down Projector and Wall Projector

Conclusion: The result is a dynamic urban environment where the boundaries between private and public spaces are blurred, encouraging social interaction and a collective sense of belonging. This vision outlines a resilient, inclusive Coney Island community that balances human activity with ecological sustainability, ensuring a neighborhood ready to adapt to evolving environmental and societal demands.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]

Site Context

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project

Design Process

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project

Final Outcome

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project
Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project

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