by: Joseph Corbin
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Mayor’s Office recently hosted private tours showcasing four prototypes that adhere to the new outdoor dining regulations determined by the Dining Out NYC program. As key advocates for the program’s design and intersection with the public realm, members of the the Alfresco NYC coalition, comprising AIA New York, Regional Planning Association, Design Trust for Public Space, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and Open Plans, attended tours on April 13 and 20.
The four prototypes, or a Setup Menu, were developed with the assistance of WXY and Situ Studio, and designed to be lighter and easily removable to comply with seasonal restrictions, while also being fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The prototypes were rigorously tested in various urban conditions, including midblock (Warique), corner (Sunday to Sunday), slope (Dawa’s), and floating parking lane (Bodrum) scenarios. Despite encountering some challenges, the prototypes performed exceptionally well, demonstrating the program’s commitment to innovation and adaptability. This iterative and evolving approach is indicative of the Dining Out NYC program’s broader goals and new marketplace platform to foster a collection of outdoor dining setups that showcase and encourage creative solutions and enhances the city’s public realm.
Dining Out NYC, an initiative following the temporary outdoor dining arrangements during the pandemic, represents a significant evolution in New York City’s approach to public space utilization and restaurant culture. This program is not merely a lifeline for the restaurant industry, which faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, but also a catalyst for economic revitalization and urban innovation. Outdoor dining has introduced a new vibrancy to city streets, transforming them into lively social hubs that are inclusive of various residents and visitors, including disabled individuals, many of whom can now enjoy the restaurant scene for the first time. The success of this now permanent program is key to more New Yorkers, regulators, and lawmakers growing comfortable with alternative uses of street spaces and to see future utilizations beyond the restaurant industry.
AIA New York advocates for Dining Out NYC as more than an outdoor dining program; it is a transformative initiative that redefines the intersection of urban planning, design, and dining. It stands as a testament to New York City’s resilience and ingenuity, offering a model for other cities to follow in creating vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic urban spaces. The program’s success lies in its ability to balance the needs of the restaurant industry with the desire for a more accessible and engaging public realm, ensuring that the city’s streets are not just thoroughfares but destinations in their own right. AIA New York believes that the future of a more dynamic public realm and city rests in part on the success of this program, and we encourage architects and designers to play their part in delivering incredible designs for all New Yorkers.