The Trust for Governors Island is creating shared public spaces for culture and play by embracing the new definition of culture.

1. Creating shared public spaces
for culture and play:
Lessons learned from
Governors Island,
New York City

2. Governors Island basic facts
• 172 acre island in the middle of New York Harbor
• Sits 800 yards from Manhattan’s Financial District and 300
yards from Brooklyn
• Former military base, closed to public its entire history
• Accessible only by boat
• First opened to the public in 2005
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3. 3

4. • In 2003, 150 acres of
Governors Island
transferred to New York,
now managed by The Trust
for Governors Island
• Remaining 22 acres of
Island declared a National
Monument, managed by
the National Park Service,
Federal agency
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5. Northern half of the Island
• 92 acre Historic
District, protected
by national and local
landmark laws
• More than 52 vacant
landmark buildings,
totaling 1.4 million
square feet
5

6. Southern half of the Island
• 80 acres of flat, featureless
landfill
• New park required, new
buildings and uses allowed
• Derelict buildings and
obsolete infrastructure
• Closed to public until 2009

7. The Island (in 2006)
• Residential housing and casino development
banned by deed
• Little to no credible interest from property
developers
• Little to no public visitation or constituency
• Limited available public investment for
infrastructure or required park

8. Start with public use,
with culture as the magnet
• Activate the island
• Create desirable place for public,
developers and political leaders
• Stimulate activity instead of drafting
conventional master plan
Put Governors Island on the City’s map

9. What is the traditional definition
of “culture”?

10. Culture is in a Box.
Lincoln Center, New York

11. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

12. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, FL

13. Culture is for spectators.

16. Culture needs an appointment.

17. Or at least a ticket.

18. And what is the role of parks?

19. Parks are for passive recreation.

21. Or active recreation.

23. Parks may allow “programming.”

24. But how does the public
on Governors Island
define and experience culture?

25. Culture is everything.

26. Jazz.

27. Electronic dance music.

28. Art installations.

29. African drum festivals.

30. Dance performances.

31. Theater.

32. Sculpture.

33. Culture includes food.

35. New Island Festival
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People like approachable culture.

39. Which is easier outdoors.

40. Children want to play.

41. And express themselves.

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So do adults.

44. Culture can be created by anyone.

48. Including the audience.

52. Culture is social.

53. With friends.

54. Or strangers.

55. Even better together.

56. Public spaces should let you relax,

60. And alleviate stress of urban life.

61. So should opera houses.
Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway

62. Created by and for New Yorkers,

63. Governors Island is

64. shared space for art and play.
New York City’s