Architecture office ODA has proposed a rezoning plan for New York that would allow developers to build higher in return for turning private courtyards into public space.
Called Beyond the Street, the scheme aims to address the loss of the city's traditional mixed-use neighbourhoods, where people can live, work and enjoy leisure time, due to development.
ODA has proposed a rezoning scheme for New York
ODA's proposal would allow developers to build more private spaces above street level in exchange for creating more pedestrianised areas for the public at ground level.
The practice, which was founded in 2007, has produced a video (above) explaining Beyond the Street's goals.
Private courtyards could be turned into public space
"The decline of traditional street-level retail, which typically covers the majority of the ground floor in many of the city's buildings has inspired us to seek more engaging and inclusive programming to replace it," said ODA. "In order to level the playing field, we need to create a more democratic and accessible ground floor experience that serves everyone, not just the wealthy who live above it," added the New York-based studio.
"There's an increasing desire to live in mixed-use neighborhoods that are walkable, diverse and accessible. We need to replace big box retail with more desirable local mom and pop shops and food and beverage experiences, which have been driven out."
Developers could add height onto buildings in re...