Jackson Heights is a neighborhood which hosts 167 languages. In 1960s, it begun to attract new immigrants coming from around the world due to its diversity. For this reason, currently multiple cultures such as LatinX, South Asians, Italians, etc. live in Jackson Heights. It portrays colors, food, music, art; a community based on togetherness, diversity and different religions. It has high accessibility, though the lack of public spaces is an important factor. Its identity is based on multicultural cuisines, cultural exchange and community togetherness. People know each other when walking through the streets or buying goods in local businesses. This is what makes Jackson Heights so attractive and vulnerable to identity loss with the incoming of big chains or corporations that would affect their lifestyle. For instance, preserving the place and reinforcing this togetherness is what is need to be done. 82nd street, where the main concentration of local businesses are, portray the essence described and by reconfiguring its design, the place-keeping of Jackson Heights will be denoted on it. The design of OPEN SPACES preserves the multicultural identity of Jackson Heights. They consist of the use of public spaces as outdoor spaces for local businesses and restaurants at 82nd Street and the redesign of their storefronts as an expression of culture; together with a building counter to Target that gathers diverse activities such as Community Center, Community Kitchen and Fridges, offices, community gardens. To promote cultural exchange and reinforces the togetherness of the neighborhood and its people.
