Critical Conversations: bridging pathways forward to greater understanding and creative solutions.

New Futures for Urbanism: Congratulations to the GCPE Class of 2024

June 28, 2024

A group of five people standing closely together outdoors, smiling at the camera. The group consists of four women and one man. The woman on the far left is wearing a light-colored dress with pink patterns, the next woman is wearing a black top, the woman in the center is wearing a pink dress and holding a drink, the woman next to her is wearing a black sleeveless top, and the man on the far right is wearing a blue sweater over a striped shirt. They are all standing in front of a large pillar with other people in the background, blurred out.
A group of people gathered in front of a brick building, engaged in conversation. In the foreground, a woman with short white hair, wearing a patterned dress, is speaking to a group. Behind her, a man with a bald head and beard, wearing glasses and a black suit, stands attentively. To his right, a woman in a blue and white floral top, a woman in white with short gray hair and glasses, a blonde woman in black, and a young woman with long brown hair in a beige top are listening. The group is diverse, and several people in the background are also watching the interaction.
A group of seven women standing closely together outdoors, smiling at the camera. They are in a lush, green environment. The women are dressed in a variety of outfits: the woman on the far left is wearing a navy blue dress, the next woman is wearing a black dress, the woman in front of them is wearing a purple top and patterned skirt with glasses, the next woman is wearing a black top with a red purse and a black-and-white patterned shawl, the woman in the center is wearing a black-and-white patterned dress, the next woman is wearing a beige top with a brown shoulder bag, and the woman on the far right is wearing a light yellow dress with a floral print. They all appear happy and are enjoying each other's company.
A group of three people standing closely together outdoors, smiling at the camera. The group consists of two men and one woman. The man on the left is wearing a light yellow polo shirt and has short dark hair and a beard. The man in the middle is wearing glasses and a light blue striped button-up shirt; he has dark hair and a beard. The woman on the right is wearing glasses and a blue sleeveless dress with white patterns; she has short dark hair. They are standing in front of a brick building with greenery in the background.
A group of ten people posing together in front of an orange poster at an indoor event. The group consists of six women and four men. In the back row, from left to right, a woman wearing a cap and a dark shirt is making a peace sign, a man in a gray jacket is smiling, a man with a beard is wearing a Michigan shirt, and a man in a denim jacket and cap stands on the far right. In the front row, from left to right, a woman with glasses and a checkered jacket is kneeling, a woman wearing a white and light blue top is sitting next to her, another woman wearing a graphic t-shirt is sitting, a woman with short dark hair and a gray jacket is sitting, and a woman in a black and white striped jacket is kneeling on the far right. The background features a poster with text about the Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment and various other posters.

Images (Top-Bottom, L-R): 2024 cohort graduate celebration; Pratt President Frances Bronet (far left), School of Architecture Dean Quilian Riano (left) and GCPE Chair Eve Baron (right) congratulate Class of 2024; 2024 cohort graduate celebration; Pratt Shows GCPE installation and exhibitor team.

The GCPE graduating class of 2024 is making its mark! From designing infrastructure; to conceptualizing new types of spaces for shelter, culture, commerce, services and social connection; to inclusion of the natural world into built environments; to the elevation, celebration, and preservation of diverse forms of heritage–how we create, and for whom we create–sit at the heart of student inquiries at the Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment. Join us in welcoming sixty-two practitioners to the fields of preservation, placemaking, environmental sustainability and planning, whose research and commitment to community-based work expands and redefines our disciplines. We encourage you to connect with our graduates to learn more about their research and professional pursuits. Congratulations to the Class of 2024.

Eve Baron, Chair, Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment

Historic Preservation, MS

The Historic Preservation program proudly congratulates its 2024 graduates! During their time at Pratt they delved deeply into how heritage conservation practice can address some of the most challenging issues of our time. Their intriguing Thesis projects propose strategies to strengthen traditional communities impacted by climate change, repurpose historic buildings to provide economic opportunity, and uplift the historic narratives of people whose stories are too often forgotten. We welcome these new preservation professionals to the field!

Vicki Weiner, Academic Director
A group of eleven people standing outdoors in front of a large white pillar structure, smiling at the camera. The group consists of eight women and three men. The woman on the far left is wearing a blue dress with a pattern and glasses, holding a certificate. Next to her, a woman is wearing a light-colored dress with pink patterns, followed by a woman in a black dress, a woman in a pink dress, and a woman in a black sleeveless top. An older man with glasses and white hair stands behind them. To the right, a woman with dark hair and glasses is wearing a floral dress, another woman is in a dark green sweater and floral skirt, and an older woman with curly hair is wearing a blue jacket and scarf. Another man stands behind them wearing a light shirt and another man in a dark jacket stands further to the right. The background shows greenery and more people socializing.
Three women sitting on the floor in front of a display of posters. The woman on the left is wearing a white shirt with blue overalls and has her hands clasped in her lap, smiling. The woman in the middle is wearing a light pink dress with a floral pattern, holding a straw hat in her lap, and smiling. The woman on the right is wearing a pink shirt over a white top with blue pants and red shoes, smiling with her arms resting on her knees. The posters behind them showcase various projects and designs related to heritage and preservation.
An abstract design featuring a three-dimensional cityscape with various buildings depicted in shades of gray and brown. Overlaid on the cityscape are white and yellow lines, dots, and shapes that form intricate patterns, suggesting movement or connections. There are also elements like footprints, circular nodes, and tree outlines integrated into the design. The image has a dynamic, layered appearance, blending architectural elements with artistic lines and shapes.
An infographic illustrating the interconnectedness of various sectors and stakeholders involved in gingerbread house preservation. The diagram features a central circle labeled 'Gingerbread House Preservation' with subcategories such as 'Domestic Residents,' 'General Public,' 'Commercial Residents,' and 'Local Community.' Surrounding the central circle are six overlapping petal-shaped sections labeled 'Policy,' 'Development,' 'Tourism,' 'Education,' 'Media,' and 'Local Industry + Employment.' Each section lists relevant stakeholders and entities, such as 'Ministry of Planning,' 'National Trust,' 'UNESCO,' 'Businesses,' 'Ministry of Tourism,' 'Designers,' 'Students,' and 'Architects,' among others. The design visually represents the complex relationships and collaborative efforts needed for heritage preservation.
Three individuals standing indoors, smiling at the camera and holding up their conference badges that read 'SPEAKER.' The woman on the left is wearing glasses and a dark outfit, holding her badge that reads 'Radhya Kareem.' The woman in the middle is wearing a light-colored blazer and a light green top, holding her badge that reads 'Radhika Swain.' The man on the right is wearing glasses, a dark green shirt, and a black headband, holding his badge that reads 'Tarin Jones.' They are standing in front of a wooden-paneled wall, and there is a round table with a black tablecloth in front of them.
A detailed infographic titled 'Traditional Livelihoods of Goa' describing the biocultural indigenous identity of coastal societies in Goa. The text explains the dependence of native Goans on coastal resources for sustenance, focusing on the Khazan ecosystems, an intertwined system of marine, mangrove, and estuarine mudflats. The infographic highlights the estuarine mudflats formed by tidal silt deposits, which support mangrove growth and provide breeding grounds for aquatic fauna. It describes the role of native Goans in developing khazan lands for fishing and salt panning while cultivating salt-tolerant paddy varieties. The text emphasizes the two main communities: farmers and fishermen. The background features a montage of images, including farmers working in the fields with oxen, fishermen with their nets, boats in the water, and scenic views of Goa's landscape. The images are integrated into a map of Goa, providing visual context to the text.
A group of thirteen people standing together in the Leo J. Kuhn Entrance Lobby, smiling at the camera. The group consists of both men and women, with a variety of outfits. They are standing in front of an exhibition display with posters titled 'Rammed Earth' and 'Down to Earth.' The display features images and information about construction and earth-building techniques. The background shows an orange floor and white walls with additional images and text related to the exhibition. The group includes individuals of different ages and styles, indicating a diverse and collaborative event.
An abandoned industrial building with a brick facade and numerous broken windows. The large multi-story structure has rows of rectangular windows, many of which are shattered or missing panes, giving the building a derelict appearance. The facade features some decorative elements near the roofline. In front of the building, there is a chain-link fence, an overgrown patch of grass, and a red fire hydrant. The sky above is overcast, adding to the bleak atmosphere of the scene.
A map titled 'Off-Off-Broadway and Off-Broadway Theaters' depicting areas in New York City most affected by urban development and gentrification. The map is created using a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool. It includes various sections of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, indicated by different shades of brown and green, representing census tracts with varying levels of gentrification risk. Black dots mark the locations of Off-Off-Broadway theaters, while larger circles indicate Off-Broadway theaters. The map's legend explains the color coding and symbols, with a scale bar at the bottom right. The map also includes a section of Jersey City and the surrounding waterways. Below the map, a description emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural institutions by recognizing the challenges faced by the Off-Off-Broadway theater scene.

Images (Top-Bottom, L-R): HP Class of 2024 with faculty Vicki Weiner, Kevin Wolfe, Ward Dennis, Rebecca Krucoff; students Adams, Swain, Kareem with thesis posters at Pratt Shows; Thesis detail Kareem; Thesis detail Adams; students Kareem, Swain, Jones presenting at NYS Preservation Conference; Thesis detail Swain; “Down to Earth” student exhibition; Thesis detail Holland; Thesis detail Patel.

Ashley Adams – Outstanding Community Service Award
From Fretwork to Framework: a Conservation strategy for Port of Spain’s Gingerbread Houses

Olivia Holland – Outstanding Merit Award
Industrial Heritage: Preserving (De)Industrialized Space in Cleveland

Tarin Jones – Applied Research Award
Beyond Marronage: Placekeeping as Heritage Preservation

Radhya Kareem – Excellence in Academic Achievement Award
Hacking Heritage: Jugaad as a Preservation Tool

Urvi Patel
Reviving the Stages: A Preservation Paradigm for NYC’s Off-Off-Broadway Theaters

Tara Ritz – Outstanding Community Service Award
The Revival of Water and the Basilica of Neptune

Anisha Swain
Shifting Tides of Heritage; Designing a Transposable Strategy for Coastal Communities in Goa

Alison Weidman (Fall 2023)
Making of Superblocks: Preserving Empowerment and Play in Crown Heights

Sustainable Environmental Systems, MS

We are proud of the seventeen Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 MS in Sustainable Environmental Systems graduates! Throughout their time at Pratt, and in their Capstone projects, these emerging sustainability professionals demonstrated their thoughtfulness and ability to engage with a plurality of perspectives. Graduates have produced projects that respond to the urgency of the Climate Crisis, include actionable outcomes for clients and stakeholders, and envision a more resilient, adaptive, inclusive, and just future. We look forward to their future work and contributions!

Leonel Lima Ponce, Academic Director
A group of fifteen people posing together outdoors on a grassy area in front of a building with greenery. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying a gathering. The group includes both men and women, dressed in a variety of casual and semi-formal outfits. Some are standing while others are kneeling in the front. The background features bushes, trees, and part of a brick building.
A map titled 'Potential Sites Analysis' highlighting priority neighborhoods for community solar in New York City. The map uses different shades of red to indicate the priority index, with darker shades representing higher priority areas. Key features include: Rooftop Mounted: Identified by black icons, including LL24 solar-ready buildings and LL97 private buildings. Ground Mounted or Solar Canopies: Highlighted areas for parking lots, inactive landfills, brownfields, and vacant lots (≥25,000 sqft). An inset map shows child asthma emergency room visits, indicating that 1 in every 3 children suffers from asthma in Hunts Point, Bronx. The priority index ranges from low to high, represented by varying shades of red. The map provides a visual representation of the best areas for community solar projects, factoring in building readiness and public health concerns.
A map depicting different zones within a specific area, marked by various colors and patterns. The map includes: Blue Areas: Representing one type of zone. Yellow Areas: Representing another type of zone. Brown Areas: Representing yet another zone type. Green Dots: Scattered throughout the map, possibly indicating specific locations or points of interest. Red Outlines: Highlighting certain areas within the zones. Striped Patterns: Overlaid on some of the colored areas to indicate additional information or subzones. The map provides a visual representation of different regions and their classifications within the depicted area.
A flowchart titled 'Inner Sustainability' explaining the interaction between cultural values, social advocacy movements, education, and personal values. The flowchart consists of several labeled boxes connected by arrows, showing the relationships and influences: Top Level: 'Movements' box. Left Side: 'Societal values' box connected to the 'Movements' box. Right Side: 'Personal values' box connected to the 'Movements' box. Middle Level: 'Education' box connected to 'Movements' and 'Personal values' boxes. Bottom Level: Four boxes under 'Education' labeled 'Compartmentalization of knowledge,' 'Excessive individualist mentalities,' 'Unhealthy competition,' and 'Profit seeking motives,' connected to the 'Education' box. The flowchart illustrates how cultural values shape social movements, which influence education and personal values, perpetuating unsustainable practices.
A flowchart titled
A diagram illustrating the concept of proactive equitable managed retreat using Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) and the proposed Interborough Express Corridor. Top Section: Three boxes connected by arrows. The first box is labeled 'Goal: Proactive Equitable Managed Retreat.' The middle box is labeled 'Tool: Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD).' The last box is labeled 'Opportunity: Interborough Express Corridor (proposed).' Bottom Section: An illustration showing a coastal area with buildings and a future floodplain. The left side is labeled 'Relocating Communities: At high risk - sea level rise & recurrent tidal flooding.' The right side is labeled 'Receiving Communities: Safe, sustainable & transit-oriented communities.' Arrows indicate the movement of communities from the high-risk coastal area to the safer, transit-oriented communities along the transit corridor. The transit corridor is marked with a pink line and labeled 'Transit Corridor,' with a 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile radius indicated around transit points. The illustration provides a visual representation of the proposed relocation strategy to mitigate the risks of sea level rise and flooding.
A diagram illustrating the concept of proactive equitable managed retreat using Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) and the proposed Interborough Express Corridor. Top Section: Three boxes connected by arrows. The first box is labeled 'Goal: Proactive Equitable Managed Retreat.' The middle box is labeled 'Tool: Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD).' The last box is labeled 'Opportunity: Interborough Express Corridor (proposed).' Bottom Section: An illustration showing a coastal area with buildings and a future floodplain. The left side is labeled 'Relocating Communities: At high risk - sea level rise & recurrent tidal flooding.' The right side is labeled 'Receiving Communities: Safe, sustainable & transit-oriented communities.' Arrows indicate the movement of communities from the high-risk coastal area to the safer, transit-oriented communities along the transit corridor. The transit corridor is marked with a pink line and labeled 'Transit Corridor,' with a 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile radius indicated around transit points. The illustration provides a visual representation of the proposed relocation strategy to mitigate the risks of sea level rise and flooding.
A map titled 'Last Mile Distribution Warehouses in Red Hook' showing the locations of warehouse facilities in use and planned sites for development. The map features an aerial view of Red Hook, Brooklyn, highlighting: Red Areas: Warehouse facilities currently in use. Purple Areas: Planned sites or those in development. White Background: The street grid and waterfront areas of Red Hook. Inset Map: A smaller map highlighting the Red Hook area within the larger context of New York City. The map provides a visual representation of the distribution and planned development of warehouse facilities in the Red Hook area.
A detailed infographic titled 'Risk Assessment Approach' focusing on heat exposure risks for outdoor workers in New York City. The infographic is divided into several sections: Top Left Section: 'Heat Index in New York City' with a chart showing the relationship between humidity and air temperature, and a map highlighting urban heat islands. Left Section: 'Exposure' details factors contributing to heat risk, including: Work Schedule: Excessively long working hours, full-time drivers working more than 6-7 days a week. Work Environment: Outdoor job nature, waiting on the curbside, mode of transportation (65.5% use e-bikes), and urban heat island effect. Impact of Heat: Information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with visuals showing symptoms. Top Right Section: 'Vulnerability' focusing on: Social Profile: Age range (20-39 years old), gender (76% male, 24% female), languages (25 different first languages). Economic Profile: Low-income working group, classified as independent contractors. Environmental and Health Risks: Highlighting heat vulnerability due to factors like long working hours, no hazard pay, and low English literacy. Right Section: 'Response' includes recommendations: Heat Vulnerability Index for Outdoor Workers. Wearable Heat Stress Meter. Install Solar Powered Rest Stops. Make Cooling Centers More Inviting and Supportive. The central circle labeled 'Risk' connects all sections, illustrating the comprehensive approach to assessing and mitigating heat-related risks for outdoor workers.

Images (Top-Bottom, L-R): SES Class of 2024 with faculty Leonel Ponce, Dr. Yuliya Dzyuban, Dr. Rafael de Balanzo Joue, Martha Molfetas; Capstone detail Jhamb; Capstone detail Debnath; Capstone detail Nigiri; Capstone detail Lucerna; Capstone detail Makadiya; Capstone detail Galande; Capstone detail Chow; Capstone detail Lawzi

Jassi Anand (Fall 2023)
Providing EV Infrastructure for Disadvantaged Communities in Town of Babylon

Ricky Bourke  
Electrifying Urban Transportation: Overhead Charging Solutions for NYC School Buses

Melissa Chow 
Marine Highways: A Better Way to Deliver. Reducing the Impacts of Last Mile Distribution in Red Hook

Shibani Debnath – Applied Research Award, Environmental Sustainability Award
Mapping Stormwater Systems: Towards an Equitable Stormwater Framework for Southeast Queens

Alli DiGiacomo (Fall 2023)
Enhancing Resilience and Affordability in the Built Environment: Modular Construction in New York City

Aditi Galande – Outstanding Merit Award
Beat the Heat: Transforming Pedestrian Corridors for Seniors in Mott Haven, Bronx

Apurva Jhamb – Capstone Impact Award
Empowering Communities: Energy Equity with Neighborhood Level Solar Energy Systems

Yassmin Lawzi 
Extreme Heat Hazard Impact on App-Based Food Delivery Workers in New York City: Exploring Measures for Workplace Safety and Protection

Raísa Lin Garden-Lucerna – Eva Hanhardt Environmental Advocacy Award
Centering Community-Led Change: Reimagining Planning and Policy Processes in Environmental Justice Communities in Brooklyn, New York

Bansri Makadiya – Excellence in Academic Achievement Award
A Proactive Vision for Equitable Managed Retreat: Leveraging Opportunity Zones for Relocation along Transit Hubs in NYC

Syed Nabil 
Reconnecting The Divided: Investigating the Potential of Green Infrastructure Deck Parks for New York City’s Urban Expressways

Nicole Nigri 
HUMAN NATURE: An alternative pedagogical approach to transforming self-awareness into environmental preservation

Radhika Patel 
Revitalizing Ahmedabad’s Streets: A Guide for Urban Planners to Boost the City’s Green Spaces

Shruti Rathi 
Urban Mobility in Pune: Developing strategies to shift attitudes towards public transport

Nia Starr – Jaime Stein Innovation in Sustainability Award (Fall 2023)
Turning Policy Into Progress: The Inflation Reduction Act’s Path to Equitable Home Electrification

Omer Topaz
Enhancing Sustainability in New York City Restaurants: A Comprehensive Approach to Energy, Water, and Waste Management Practices

Urban and Community Planning / City and Regional Planning, MS

2024 was a milestone in the 65-year history of the planning program: we graduated the final cohort of City and Regional Planning students, and graduated the inaugural cohort of Urban and Community Planning students. The work of both groups of students lived up to the principles of people-first, justice based practice that challenges conventional thinking and pushes the boundaries of the field. We look forward to seeing these new alumni step into leadership roles. 

Eve Baron, Academic Director
A group of twenty-three people standing closely together outdoors on a grassy area, smiling at the camera. The group includes both men and women dressed in a variety of outfits, from casual to semi-formal. They are standing in front of a dense hedge with trees visible behind them. In the foreground, there is a small round table with a few items on it, including drinks and books.
Three people sitting outdoors on gray lounge chairs in a grassy area, engaged in conversation. The person on the left is gesturing with their hand while holding a drink. The person in the middle is holding a drink and wearing glasses, while the person on the right is also holding a drink and smiling. They are surrounded by greenery, with bushes and trees in the background.
A map showing gradient areas for assigned to data.
A map titled 'FRESH Stores, March 2024' showing the locations of FRESH stores within a specific area. The map includes: Green Circles with Shopping Cart Icons: Indicating the locations of FRESH stores. Green Shaded Areas: Representing the FRESH stores' footprint. Outlined Zones: Marked as FRESH zones. Labeled Areas: With numbers such as 301, 302, 303, 304, 308, 309, 316, 317, and 355. Inset Map: Showing a larger regional view with the FRESH zones highlighted. Scale Bar: Indicating distances of 0.25 and 0.5 miles. Legend: Explaining the symbols used for FRESH stores, FRESH stores footprint, and FRESH zones. The map provides a visual representation of the distribution and impact area of FRESH stores within the defined region.
A young man standing in front of a poster presentation, speaking to an audience seated in a classroom. The poster behind him is titled 'Redistributing the Core: Improving Transportation Equity at Sunset Park' and includes various charts, graphs, and diagrams. The audience members, visible from the back, are attentively listening and taking notes. The room has large windows, and other educational materials are displayed on the walls.
A detailed infographic showing the history and redevelopment proposals for two sites: 550 West 20th St (former Bayview Correctional Facility) and 31-33 West 110th St (former Lincoln Correctional Facility) in New York City. Left Section (550 West 20th St): 1931: Seamen's House YMCA is built. 1974-2012: Facility transfers to the NY State Department of Correctional Services (DOCCS) and becomes a medium-security correctional facility for women. Closed in 2012 due to Superstorm Sandy damage. 2014-2019: Empire State Development issues RFP; NoVo Foundation plans to redevelop as The Women's Building but abandons plans in 2019. 2023 RFP: Empire State Development issues RFP for permanent low-income affordable housing and supportive housing for families and individuals with unmet housing needs. Right Section (31-33 West 110th St): 1914: Young Women's Hebrew Association built. 1976-2019: Lincoln Correctional Facility, a minimum-security prison for men. 2022: Proposal for Women's Center for Justice, ultimately unsuccessful. 2023: Temporary housing for asylum seekers. 2023 Seneca Proposal: Empire State Development issues RFP for affordable housing with homeownership or rental units. Proposal includes 105 affordable homeownership units at 80%-100% AMI. Map of Manhattan: Showing the locations of the two sites with dotted lines connecting to inset photos of the buildings. Bottom Section: Contains logos for Empire State Development and other project-related visuals. The infographic provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context and future redevelopment plans for these sites.
A detailed infographic showing the history and redevelopment proposals for two sites: 550 West 20th St (former Bayview Correctional Facility) and 31-33 West 110th St (former Lincoln Correctional Facility) in New York City. Left Section (550 West 20th St): 1931: Seamen's House YMCA is built. 1974-2012: Facility transfers to the NY State Department of Correctional Services (DOCCS) and becomes a medium-security correctional facility for women. Closed in 2012 due to Superstorm Sandy damage. 2014-2019: Empire State Development issues RFP; NoVo Foundation plans to redevelop as The Women's Building but abandons plans in 2019. 2023 RFP: Empire State Development issues RFP for permanent low-income affordable housing and supportive housing for families and individuals with unmet housing needs. Right Section (31-33 West 110th St): 1914: Young Women's Hebrew Association built. 1976-2019: Lincoln Correctional Facility, a minimum-security prison for men. 2022: Proposal for Women's Center for Justice, ultimately unsuccessful. 2023: Temporary housing for asylum seekers. 2023 Seneca Proposal: Empire State Development issues RFP for affordable housing with homeownership or rental units. Proposal includes 105 affordable homeownership units at 80%-100% AMI. Map of Manhattan: Showing the locations of the two sites with dotted lines connecting to inset photos of the buildings. Bottom Section: Contains logos for Empire State Development and other project-related visuals. The infographic provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context and future redevelopment plans for these sites.
A map highlighting the location of Nostrand Houses in Sheepshead Bay, New York. The map includes detailed street grids and is marked with a green arrow pointing to the Nostrand Houses area, which is shaded in light green. Below the map, there are three green boxes with text: 'NYCHA should establish trust with residents through true partnership around preservation.' 'Researchers must engage in participatory action research with NYCHA residents.' 'NYCHA should assist residents in forming and promoting Resident Management Corporations.' The text emphasizes the importance of community engagement and participatory research in preserving and managing public housing.
A map titled 'Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Developments and Median Income by Census Tract' showing the locations and types of housing developments in New York City. The map includes: Red Dots: Indicating mixed income developments. Blue Dots: Indicating 100% affordable developments. Color-Coded Areas: Representing median income ranges from $11,500 to $250,001, in shades of purple and gray. The legend explains the color coding and symbols used for different income ranges and types of developments. The map provides a visual representation of the distribution and economic impact of inclusionary housing developments across various census tracts in the city.

Images (Top-Bottom, L-R): UCP/CRP Class of 2024 with faculty Eve Baron; faculty & students converse at graduate celebration; Thesis detail Teiman; Thesis detail Bement; Thesis poster presentation Willis; Thesis detail Dwyer; Thesis detail Alruwais; Thesis detail Drane; Thesis detail Litwin

Evan Acardi – American Planning Association Metro Chapter Outstanding Student Award
Innovation or Gentrification? An examination of developer-led upzonings as a supply-side solution to the housing crisis

Danielle Baez (Fall 2023)
Let’s Turn This (Temporary) House Into a (Permanent) Home: Adapting the Post-Disaster Housing Prototype

Alyssa Bement 
Nourishing People and Policy: Revisiting Fresh Food Access in NYC’s FRESH Program

Nadav Bigelman – Community Service Award (Fall 2023)
Just Shade: Mapping Brooklyn Street Trees’ Canopy

Jenna Blakeman 
How Can Anchor Institutions Create and Preserve Affordable Housing in Northwest Arkansas?

Molly Blann 
Home Care in New York City for Older Adults: From Individual Need to Community Infrastructure

Emily Drane
NYCHA’s Transformation: Evaluating resident choice in preservation decisions

Sage Dumont – Community Planning Award
Planning for Low-Income Communities: A reflection of planning processes and housing in East New York

Natasha Dwyer
Housing Justice and Planning for State Prison Closures in NY

Monali Gandhi  
Transit Oriented Development in Atlanta: Addressing the affordable housing crisis through green infrastructure and construction strategies

Jack Holmes
Forgotten Ground, Found Commons: How New York City can Equitably Expand Green Space through the Rehabilitation of City-Owned Vacant Lots

Pratap Jayaram (Fall 2023)
Evictions Are Violent, We Will Not Be Silent: Exploring Tenant Harassment Risk in Brooklyn

Bhavini Kapur – Commitment to the Profession Award
Building (with) Cannabis Economies: Promoting Cannabis-based Community Economic Development in the South Bronx, NY

Shoshana Levy – Outstanding Merit (Fall 2023)
Renter Wealth Building: A paradigm shift in economic sovereignty for low-income families 

Stephanie Lichaytoo  
Industry Matters: The Case of Northwest Brooklyn, New York

Tal Litwin  
Understanding the Impact: A Comprehensive Study on the Effectiveness of Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) in Alleviating New York City’s Housing Crisis

Roman Lombardo
Aging in Place: the Use of Inclusive Design for Healthier Communities

Saba Mahmood
Creating Urban Resilience with Climate Adaptation and Local Knowledge Research

Amal Malik
Implementing Safe Routes to School Initiatives in Port Chester/Rye Brook, NY

Aqsa Modak
Parks for all? Exploring equity in access to urban green space in New York City

Lucy Pidcock – Excellence in Academic Achievement
A Holistic Interpretation of Blue Highways in Context: Climate Policy, Community Needs & Waterfront Agendas 

Sydney Tiemann – GCPE (MS in UCP) Applied Research Award
Unearthing Groundwater in NYC

Evan Tuten – Excellence in Academic Achievement (Fall 2023)
An Equity Planning Approach to Joint Development in New York City: Improving the Transit-Land Use Connection

Fransini Alberto Vasquez (Fall 2023)
Navigating a Crisis: Studying the Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrant Small Businesses in Brooklyn

Benjamin Werner – American Institute of Certified Planners Outstanding Student Award
Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Affordable Housing Development

Michael Willis
Reclaiming the Curb: Improving Transportation Equity in Sunset Park

Minal Yellewar
Green Urban Development in NYC: Creating Green Cities through Sustainable Energy Planning

Alex de Rege
Shrinking City, Growing City: Food Sovereignty in Shrinking Cities

Urban Placemaking and Management, MS

2024 saw the eighth year of graduating UPM students. From our small program the UPM alumni group grows and swells the ranks of Placemaking groups around the world. This year’s graduates produced a wide variety of topics for their final DPC project, showing the depth of intellectual diversity within the placemaking discipline.

David Burney, Academic Director
A group of ten people, standing and posing for a picture. All people smiling, with trees, and concrete columns behind them.
A detailed map titled
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An architectural layout and collage titled
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An infographic with information regarding the building of cities of the future, with meeting needs outlined
An infographic summarizing key findings about sidewalk restrooms. The layout includes text, icons, and illustrations to convey various points. Top Section: Text:
An infographic titled

Images (Top-Bottom, L-R): UPM Class of 2024 with faculty Meg Walker and David Burney; DPC detail Goshinski; DPC detail Anderson; DPC detail Khanapure; DPC detail Hoy; Thesis detail Ratner; DPC detail Jones; DPC detail Godovskiy; “Carceral Geographies” poster by Vesneske, Hoy, Miller for the Decarceral Visionings Conference, published in Place Dialogues.

Lewis Anderson
Harmony on the Streets: Building Community Cohesion and Trust in the Pursuit of Traffic Safety

Ziqing Feng
Bottom-up Forces: Observations of Artists’ Placemaking in Historic Industrial Spaces in SoHo, 1940’s – 1970’s

Will Godovskiy – Stuart K. Pertz Award
Loo York: Pathways to Public Restrooms in Public Spaces

Lauren Goshinski – Service Award
A Sound Place: Sustaining Sonic Culture & Communities in the Built Environment

V Hoy – Outstanding Merit Award & Place Dialogues Award
Built Forms and Social Relations: Designing for Disalienated Public Space

Dennae Jones – Applied Research Award
Moody City: Retreating and Resetting in the Chaotic Urban Landscape

Riya Khanapure 
Cultural Kaleidoscope: A Multicultural Hub in Jackson Heights

Noah Miller – Place Dialogues Award
Radical Reimagining: Housing as a Decarceral Practice

Benjamin Ratner – Excellence in Academic Achievement Award
City of Roots: Community Gardens, Civic Value, and a Future of Self-Determination

Maya Vesneske 
Caring Spaces / Caring for Space: Exploring new publics, practice, and pedagogies in the planning and placemaking field

All photography by Carlos Rodriguez.