The Boogie Down Booth (Freeman St.)
Signage and graphic identity by Neil Donnelly
2014
MDO plywood, latex paint, wood, sandbags, directional speakers, LED lights, photovoltaic panels
12' x 8' x 8'
The Bronx, NY

The Boogie Down Booth is a temporary site-specific installation underneath the elevated 2/5 subway tracks in the Bronx. The installation is part of Under the Elevated: Reclaiming Space, Connecting Communities, a project of the Design Trust for Public Space, in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation that looks at ways to maximize the function and spatial qualities under New York’s elevated transit infrastructure. The installation is meant to test out ideas for more permanent solutions in these spaces. Working closely with the community collaborators (The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco), the Bronx Music Heritage Center (BMHC), and the Southern Boulevard Merchant Association), the team sought to address many of the concerns heard from local residents and business owners who participated in a community workshop or were interviewed. The Booth provides seating and lighting, and plays music that originated in the Bronx (curated by BMHC). This music both celebrates the rich musical heritage of the borough and covers up the train noise from above.

Under the Elevated Team:
Neil Donnelly, Graphic Design Fellow; Susannah Drake, Urban Design Fellow; Krisanne Johnson, Photo Urbanism Fellow; Chat Travieso, Participatory Design Fellow; Douglas Woodward, Policy Fellow

Community Collaborators:
WHEDco, BMHC, the Southern Boulevard Merchant Association

Press:
New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Daily News
WNYC
AM New York
DNAinfo New York
NY1
Streets Blog NYC
WFUV