The FDR Drive overpass at E 20th St. and Avenue C illustrates a common issues facing many urban spaces beneath elevated infrastructure. Currently serving as a parking lot for public and construction vehicles, this area suffers from litter and neglect, creating an uninviting atmosphere for pedestrians heading to nearby East River Park. Unfortunately, spaces like these are often overlooked in urban planning, left underutilized, and contribute to urban blight. By reimagining these voids, cities could transform them into valuable public spaces that enhance urban livability.

What is Under Grounds?

Under Grounds is a project that investigates these overlooked spaces beneath New York City’s elevated infrastructure. The project seeks to understand how these spaces can be reimagined and transformed, with the aim to uncover the potential for these spaces to serve our communities, address urban challenges, and foster creative development.