L-OOP CONNECTIVITY

In 2018, the MTA announced that the L train in New York City would shut down for over a year in order to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. This shutdown was the subject of our second-year studio project at Yale School of Architecture. Each group of students created a proposal designed to help mitigate the L train closure.

For our proposal, Kerry Garikes and I examined three sites within the New York City subway system in which two subway lines cross but do not connect.

Map of the three newly-connected subway stations. Drawing by Melissa Russell

While conducting our research, we discovered that connecting subway lines dramatically increased the property values of the surrounding area. We used this as leverage in order to “fund” the project.

Detailed map of our proposed connection between the Broadway G and the Hewes Street J,M stations. Drawing by Melissa Russell

L-oop Connectivity worked to increase connectivity in the urban fabric through an innovative point system. By scoring a selection of scalar interventions, we could demonstrate that even the smallest moves can create large gains.

Our mission was to promote a more connected, resilient, and vibrant Brooklyn.

Collage showing the user experience of our proposed connection at Broadway and Hewes Street. Rendering by Kerry Garikes

Our proposed connection between the Hoyt/Schemerhorn A,C,G and Nevins Street 2,3,4,5 stations. Diagram by Melissa Russell

This project was featured in the VICE News Article “Yale Students Are Trying to Solve New York’s Subway Shutdown” in May 2018.