With a design chosen through a firm-wide competition, Stoop NYC continues our collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation to celebrate the front steps as enduring gathering space for families, friends, and communities. Installed in a parking lane, the object can facilitate a range of community-driven activities, from outdoor dining and performances to after-school program activities. Stoop NYC debuted on 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights.
Stoop NYC was inspired by DineOut and Open Stage NYC: two of our pro bono initiatives that addressed the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant and theater industries. Stoop combines open seating, staging and built-in storage, for the City’s Open Streets program.
Portable, lightweight custom-designed cubes (serving as both seating and tables), folding chairs and tables are stowed beneath the steps when not in use. We also designed a telescoping street barrier that unrolls and blocks off traffic during 34th Avenue’s Open Street hours. Local artist Deborah Wasserman adorned the Stoop with a graphic element inspired by the beauty of the neighborhood.
For community groups who wish to create their own Stoop, Rockwell Group is offering the drawings and an overview of the fabrication free of charge. The toolkit can be downloaded here.
Thank You to our Partners:
- New York City Department of Transportation
- 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition
- Deborah Wasserman
- Arcana (fabrication)
- The Horticultural Society of New York (maintenance)