Since August, my work (and subconscious) life has been all about Harlem. Never in all these years of school did I think I would be caught in a relatively fierce social, racial and political battle between the community of Harlem, and the development of Columbia University. It has been strangely exhilarating to work with such absurdly interstitial spaces that contain unbelievable history, heritage, and context. And to see all the politics duke themselves out in the public spaces of the landscape - as they often (and should) do. It's about social justice. Precisely why I keep on keeping on in landscape architecture.
Today we had word of a huge victory. We have been fighting with city agencies to provide Harlem with the most quality and consistent street lighting possible. The community wants whatever they can get fast because they are (rightly so) tired of dark and dangerous streets. The city agency agreed today to find and provide a distinctly 'Harlem' light that will span the whole island through the center of Harlem. One mark on the chalkboard towards quality public space.
This whole experience, thus far, makes my trek to New York worth it.
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