THE NEW YORK STATE PAVILION COMMUNITY SURVEY PROJECT A F H N Y P E O P L E F O R T H E P A V I L I O N
Introduction The New York State Pavilion The New York State Pavilion is an historic structure originally built for the 1964-65 World s Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. The Project People for the Pavilion (PFP) partnered with AFHny to develop and implement informal surveys in three neighborhoods within the vicinity of the Pavilion to discuss the structure with its neighbors. These surveys were not intended to result in a definitive idea for a future for the structure, nor to result in a comprehensive study of the thoughts of the millions of residents of Queens. Rather, the project was undertaken with three primary goals: Architect Philip Johnson was commissioned to design what would be the largest and tallest pavilion at the Fair. Johnson s aim was to achieve an unengaged free space as an example of the greatness of New York, rather than a warehouse full of exhibit material. By the end of the second season of the fair, an estimated 6,000,000 fairgoers had passed through the Pavilion s gates. 1. To begin a conversation about the future of the Pavilion by engaging passersby in a conversation about the Pavilion; 2. To understand what, if anything, people might know about the Pavilion, and to raise awareness about interest in rehabilitating the Pavilion; 3. To gather both people and preliminary ideas about what the neighbors of the Pavilion would like to see it become. An engineering report commissioned after the Fair suggested the Pavilion s towers constituted a natural tourist attraction. The report proposed that the tent portion of the Pavilion be preserved, and indicated that it would provide a covered area for athletic events, dancing and concerts similar to those which have proved so popular as part of the New York State Exhibit. Currently closed, this unique and impressive historic structure offers an opportunity to once again serve as a vibrant public space.
Process The Survey In an effort to encourage the widest range of responses, the survey was designed to be as simple as possible. Three prompts were developed and printed on cards which were presented to participants, who selected a card after being shown a photo of the structure with the question Do you know what this is? The three options were: Yup, I know what this is! If an individual could correctly identify the structure and had at least some prior knowledge of what it was, this card was provided. I ve seen it, but I ve no idea what it is. If the structure looked familiar, but the individual had no other knowledge about its past, this card was provided. Nope, I ve never seen this before. If the participant had never seen the pavilion before and did not know what it was, this card was presented. Responses Anyone with at least some familiarity with the Pavilion was asked what they would like to see it become. Responses were recorded on the back of the card. Those who did not know the Pavilion at all were provided with more information, and were encouraged to visit Flushing Meadows. In total, over 140 individuals participated, resulting in over 220 ideas in three languages. These ideas fell into 7 overall categories. With this information, a broad picture of what residents were interested in seeing the Pavilion become became evident.
Flushing Queens Library Flushing On November 8, 2014, a table was set up in the main lobby of the Queens Library in Flushing. Prompts in this location were presented in both English and Chinese. The majority of responses were from Chinese speaking residents. 50% of those interviewed had seen the structure, but did not have any additional information about its past.
Corona Corona Plaza Concurrent to the even in Flushing, surveyors set up a table near Corona Plaza in Corona. Prompts were presented in both English and Spanish with Spanish speaking volunteers in attendance. As was the case in Flushing, a majority (72%) of those surveyed had seen the structure, but did not have any additional information about the structure.
Forest Hills Continental Avenue and Austin Street On June 27, 2015, the third and final survey was completed in Forest Hills, Queens. Volunteers set up a table on the street and again stopped passersby to discuss the Pavilion and their ideas for its future. All responses were completed in English. Many (72%) who stopped to participate did so because they recognized the Pavilion.
Results Summary Overall, half of those interviewed had seen the structure before, but did not have any additional information about its past, present, or future. However, many (43%) were at least somewhat familiar with the history and status of the Pavilion. A small minority (6.8%) had not seen the Pavilion before and did not know anything about it. Given the scale of the structure and it s decades-long life in Queens, it is unlikely that a resident would be completely unaware of it. Do you know what this is? 50.0% 43.2% 6.8% Seen it/don t know what it is - 50.0% Yes - 43.2% No - 6.8% Of those who submitted ideas for a potential future use for the structure, most sought a use related to arts, culture, or entertainment, with suggestions for recreational activities a close second. Some of the other ideas were related to food (5.8%, markets, restaurants, cafes), historic uses, (6.3%, create a World s Fair museum, preserve the structure as a landmark), and retail (3.9% open shops, flea markets). 3.9% What should the Pavilion be used for? 12.6% 1.9% 32.9% 28.5% 5.8% 6.3% 8.2% Arts/Culture/Entertainment - 32.9% Recreation - 28.5% Other - 12.6% Event Space - 8.2% Historic - 6.3% Food - 5.8% Retail - 3.9% No Comment - 1.9%
Results Arts/Culture/Entertainment As stated above, the majority of the ideas submitted were related to arts, culture, or entertainment (32.9%). Of these ideas, the majority sought a music venue (32.4%) or a performing arts center (17.7%). The Pavilion is situated within a close proximity to cultural institutions including the Queens Museum, the Hall of Science, and the Queens Theatre, as well as sports stadiums like Citi Field and the USTA. A large scale performing arts or concert venue could complement the existing Queens Theatre facilities, and provide a strong alternative to the existing museum and sports-based entertainment options in the area. Arts/Culture/Entertainment 4.4% 20.6% 17.7% 13.2% 11.8% 32.4% Music Venue - 32.4% Unspecified - 20.6% Performing Arts Center - 17.7% Gallery/Exhibition Space - 13.2% Move Theater - 11.8% Museum - 4.4% Recreation Of the ideas focused on recreation, most were related to either sports (28.8%) or children s activities/playgrounds (27.1%). Both options suggest an interest in maintaining the Pavilion as a flexible and active public space, in keeping with the rest of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The size, scale, and location of the structure allows for somewhat flexible recreation options, and could complement the existing facilities in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Event Space The third most common grop of suggestions revolved around the use of the Pavilion as an events space. These suggestions focused primarily on a use as a place for public or Recreation 6.8% 6.8% 6.8% 6.8% 10.2% 5.1% 1.7% 27.1% 28.8% Sports Facilities - 28.8% Children s Activities/Playground - 27.1% Youth Activities - 10.2% Skating Rink - 6.8% Amuseument Park/Circus - 6.8% Park - 6.8% Stadium - 6.8% Unspecified - 5.1% Olympic Stadium - 1.7%
Results community events (41.2%.) This suggests a need for a flexible space that could be shared by the myriad local organizations in Queens that lack their own facilities. Given the diversity of the borough, an open and flexible space could serve a number of constituencies while remaining open and accessible to all. Events Space 11.8% 17.7% 17.7% 11.8% 41.2% Other Many participants submitted suggestions that were not easily classified. Among these ideas were: UFO museum Greenhouse/botanical garden Tourist information center Senior center Business incubator Emergency shelter Observation deck Public/Community Events - 41.2% Private Events - 17.7% Unspecified - 17.7% Convention Center - 11.8% Community Education Center - 11.8% One participant suggested maintaining the structure, but leaving it as a ruin in it s current state, and two participants suggested the complete demolition of the structure.
Conclusion Next Steps 2014 and 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the World s Fair, which originally took place between April and October of 1964 and 1965. A broad coalition of partners recognized this milestone by celebrating the rich history of the New York State Pavilion. This anniversary has already sparked a broader discourse about the structure. As the discussion about the future of the Pavilion grows, it will become increasingly important to foster a community around the Pavilion comprised of those who will be most affected by its reuse. PFP sought to begin this process with this small but important first step, and were able to undertake this effort thanks to the support of AFHNY. As the conversation grows, PFP will continue to work with City partners, local institutions, and residents to build a community around the Pavilion that takes into account all voices. Thanks Special thanks to Queens Borough President Melinda Katz for her leadership and continued support of the Pavilion, and to Janice Melnick, Meira Berkower, and NYC Parks for their work preserving the Pavilion and maintaining Flushing Meadows Corona Park as an incredible public space. Volunteers: Kathy Mu, Bryan Lei, Ivy Chen, Nelson DeJesus, Ethan Silverman, Daniel Chan, Gonzalo Casals, Sai Velamakanni, and Alan Ye. Photographs courtesy Marco Catini and Sakeenah Saleem.
AFHny AFHny activates local, pro-bono creative professionals to deliver design and development solutions that actualize the potential of our local communities. Our volunteers work to build a more sustainable future across the five boroughs of New York. We believe that everyone deserves a well-designed environment. We strive to collaborate with local community organizations to develop and implement quality design solutions within their neighborhoods. We thrive when we bring together communities, like-minded organizations, and design professionals to implement the visions of New York City s neighborhoods. People for the Pavilion People for the Pavilion (PFP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to raising awareness of the historic value of the New York State Pavilion, and of its potential to serve as a vibrant and functional public space. PFP works to build a community around the Pavilion through public programs, events, and communications, with a focus on individuals, organizations, and institutions located around Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. People for the Pavilion