2017 Theses Master's

Impacts of Public Art Projects on Underutilized Urban Spaces in NYC

Zhou, Amy

As more people move to cities and become urban population, active and dynamic urban spaces will become more desirable. Public art has the ability to bring beauty, attention, stir up discussion and involve various parties. All the above contributed to a dynamic and inviting urban space. But often times, there are doubts about the value of public art its contribution to urban spaces and urban life. As a result, for my thesis, I want to explore the impacts public art could have on underutilized urban spaces throughout NYC. The approach adopted for this study is a comparative case study method. I have selected three underutilized locations around New York City with public art work installations. I will compare the impact public art has created or failed to create in these three different spaces. Overall, public art installations encourage us to reflect on our physical and cultural surroundings, and our place within this complex landscape.