Carol Nguyen

My project is an exploration into public spaces as an extension of home. Drawing from the unifying concept of home as identified by immigrants, first-generation, and people of color, I examine how we might transform the narratives within a public space to be more welcoming and hospitable. This exploration into public spaces as an extension of home centers New York City as the main case study. I specifically focused on the paradoxical phenomenon of “Privately Owned Public Spaces” or “POPS.” Any land reserved for public use and enjoyment in New York City cannot afford to be neglected or dismissed. Initially, I was eager to translate the information available on POPS to a mobile app prototype so users would have easy access to locate POPS near them, rate their quality, and suggest public programming to entice people to visit. However, upon my research, I found even native New Yorkers were unaware of these public spaces and that they have access to them. I pivoted to a focus on communication and ways to increase public awareness of POPS.