iF DESIGN and AIA new york discuss designing culture and community for urban life

IF DESIGN HOSTS PANEL TALK ON DESIGN & URBAN LIFE

On October 28, 2025, iF Design and AIA New York came together at the Center for Architecture for Designing Culture and Community, an evening of cocktails, conversation, and cross-disciplinary insight into the ways design shapes urban life. Moderated by Lisa Gralnek, Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability at iF Design, the panel featured Samara Karasyk (President & CEO, Hudson Square Business Improvement District), Joseph Shatoff (Capital Projects Advisor and former COO, The Frick Collection), and Anthony Evrard (Co-Founder & CEO, Court 16 – Tennis Remixed). Hosted as part of Archtober, New York’s month-long celebration of architecture and design, the event explored how design, culture, and community intersect across the city’s evolving public realm.

on October 28, 2025, iF Design and AIA New York came together at the Center for Architecture for ‘Designing Culture and Community’ | all images courtesy of iF Design

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES IN THE MOST COMPLEX CITIES

As part of Archtober, New York City’s month-long celebration of architecture and design, the discussion organized by iF Design and AIA New York examined how ‘third spaces,’ cultural infrastructure, and design-led placemaking can strengthen communities in one of the world’s most complex cities. 

With the Center’s current exhibition Searching for Super Publics as a backdrop, panelists shared insights from business, cultural, and community perspectives on building inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered environments for the future of New York.

from left to right: Joseph Shatoff, Anthony Evrard, Samara Karasyk, and Lisa Gralnek

WHAT DEFINES A SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY

What defines a successful community or cultural space?

Samara Karasyk (SK): My work is entirely focused on public open spaces – so for me, it’s a design that is welcoming to all users and gets plenty of use. I also think a lot about the space being appealing to our local population as well as people who may be passing through the neighborhood.

Anthony Evrard (AE): At Court 16, success means serving diverse needs while fostering connection and belonging. It’s about creating an environment where people of all ages and abilities—from young children to vision-impaired adults—feel welcome. A strong reputation built on trust and consistent experiences is key. Success isn’t just measured by foot traffic, but by how the space contributes to the social and cultural fabric of the neighborhood.

Joseph Shatoff (JS):  My experience is mainly with cultural spaces, which serve both paying visitors and casual passersby. A successful cultural space has distinction, not necessarily being unlike any other, but featuring elements that create a sense of place and connect people to memories. At the Frick, for example, it’s the Garden Court or our art-filled café – you might forget the Cobb salad, but you’ll remember the mural. Above all, the space must feel comfortable, inviting, and encourage people to linger, much like a public park.

hosted as part of Archtober, the event explored how design, culture, and community intersect across the city’s evolving public realm

We hear a lot of talk these days about third spaces. What is a third space? 

SK:  A third space is where people feel they are getting some sort of human interaction and can spend time comfortably with others, even when they want to be by themselves. It’s not just transactional in nature.

AE:  A third space is a neutral, welcoming environment outside of home and work where people can gather, socialize, and engage in activities. Court 16 functions as a third space by combining athletic, social, and cultural offerings under one roof. People come for tennis or pickleball, but they stay for the community, the programs, and the sense of belonging it provides. In a city like NYC, third spaces are essential because they offer social connection in an otherwise fast-paced and isolated urban life.

JS:  In my mind it’s a space that lets us relax into something other than our obligations to work or family, or what have you. For me, that’s a tennis court…I play at a place that is flanked by sitting areas where we can talk and relate, about our games, and our lives, that’s a third space to me.

with the Center’s current exhibition ‘Searching for Super Publics’ as a backdrop, panelists shared insights from business, cultural, and community perspectives on building people-centered environments for the future of New York

What role do they play in bringing people together in urban environments?

SK:  As our retail environment changes, these third spaces are hugely important in creating a vibrant retail corridor. People need a reason to go into a store or restaurant/café instead of purchasing something online or making a drink at home. And vibrant retail corridors are critical in having a dynamic and engaging urban environment. In our recent Neighborhood Survey, some of our respondents wrote in the request for “third spaces” instead of just checking a box for more grab and go lunch spots or coffee shops.

AE:  Third spaces act as community hubs, bridging gaps between different neighborhoods and demographics. At Court 16, for example, kids, teens, and adults share the same facilities in ways that encourage cross-generational interaction. These spaces create opportunities for learning, mentorship, and casual social interaction, which are often missing in a dense urban environment where people may not naturally connect with neighbors or coworkers.

’People need a reason to go into a store or restaurant/café instead of purchasing something online or making a drink at home,’ says Samara Karasyk

Let’s talk about the power of place: how and by whom does a neighborhood or a community get defined?

SK:  Neighborhood identity is a shared process between locals and anchor organizations. In Hudson Square, we’ve spent 15 years raising awareness of our neighborhood. Some hotels still say they’re in West Soho or the West Village, but about 80% of residents and workers proudly call it Hudson Square. Our identity comes from being a bit off the beaten path  – we don’t want to be Soho or the West Village.

AE:  Neighborhoods are defined by a combination of residents, local businesses, cultural institutions, and community stakeholders. At Court 16, we engage directly with local organizations, schools, and city partners to understand community needs. We actively seek input to ensure the space serves our community the best.

JS:  This is a thorny subject in cultural sites because there are so many stakeholders. Decisions may come from a cultural or visitor perspective, but in New York, money often prevails. Influence usually lies with those closest to the patrons. Great designers understand this dynamic—they either build consensus among stakeholders or hold firm to what the design needs to achieve.

’Decisions may come from a cultural or visitor perspective, but in New York, money often prevails,’ exclaims Joseph Shatoff

How do you ensure a space is welcoming? Safe? Inclusive?

SK: Greenery, trees, and art make a huge difference in making people feel welcome. Hudson Square can be congested due to proximity to the Holland Tunnel, so we focus on streets, sidewalks, and open spaces that prioritize pedestrians. For instance, a mural on the back of a toll sign is visible to pedestrians walking north while drivers see the toll side. We’re also expanding work on lighting, as perception of safety is crucial.

AE: We approach inclusivity through intentional programming, design, and operations. Our spaces serve diverse ages and abilities, from children to vision-impaired adults, with clear safety protocols and accessible facilities. We foster a culture of hospitality and respect among staff and users, and we actively listen to community feedback to improve. While we can’t satisfy everyone all the time, our goal is for most people to feel seen, heard, and included.

JS:  I think that’s all about the partnership between a design and client team. Both have to agree and be willing to listen and make decisions. A great space is for everyone, the challenge is getting people there in the first place.

’Neighborhoods are defined by a combination of residents, local businesses, cultural institutions, and community stakeholders,’ says Anthony Evrard

How important is design to the overall vision and execution of a cultural and/or community space? Practically speaking, how does this come to life?

SK:  Good design attracts people, encourages exploration, and invites repeat visits. Shade is critical in outdoor spaces, as is a balance of seating types. At Freeman Plaza West, we provide games like cornhole separate from café tables so everyone can enjoy the space. Spring Street Park has shaded areas that draw diverse users, from workers on lunch breaks to students after school.

AE:  Design is critical. It influences flow, safety, accessibility, and how people feel within a space. At Court 16, this takes shape through multi-purpose courts that accommodate kids, adults, and adaptive sports; social areas such as lounges and cafés that encourage interaction; and thoughtful lighting, signage, and accessibility features that enhance comfort and usability.

JS: I believe design is the pivot around which everything occurs. There may be an idea first, but clients need designs and proposals to respond to. Each project is different, so maintaining an active, engaged approach and fostering healthy tension between designer and client is essential. We’re in it together, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have arguments and debates along the way. 

’Each project is different, so maintaining an active, engaged approach and fostering healthy tension between designer and client is essential,’ mentions Shatoff

What are the unique complexities &/or considerations of building community and culture in NYC?

SK:  Communities are not monolithic; no design will please everyone. Engaging widely with residents, organizations, and programs helps create solutions that meet as many needs as possible. Long-term partnerships for open spaces, art, and programming are hard to find, which is where BIDs and local organizations play a crucial role. Focusing on the hyperlocal environment allows us to build and maintain strong relationships.

AE:  New York City’s complexity stems from its dense and diverse population with varying needs, a challenging regulatory environment with zoning, permits, and construction constraints, and intense competition for space and resources. To succeed, Court 16 must constantly adapt, balance commercial viability with social benefit, and maintain credibility in a city where expectations are exceptionally high.

JS:  This has been the focus of a lot of my work over the past 20 years. The design and construction process is commercial – and it has to be that way. But cultural institutions don’t behave in a commercial way, and that creates all sorts of gaps and leads to issues in terms of scope, cost, and schedule. Just that awareness is the first step. Once we understand our interests, we can begin to align.

Karasyk says that ’Communities are not monolithic; no design will please everyone’

In the culture business specifically — how does one balance commercial imperatives with community and learning benefits?

SK: Commercial and community interests can complement each other. For example, a new plaza next to a public high school and nearby offices accommodates both students and workers. Seating is designed for outdoor classrooms, solo breaks, or small groups, with areas for activity and areas for quiet respite. This approach comes from extensive public outreach.

AE: At Court 16, balancing revenue and public benefit means creating programs that serve a social mission while attracting engagement. Our Sound of Tennis program, launched in 2015, supports visually impaired athletes with adaptive equipment, modified courts, and a safe, skill-appropriate environment. It strengthens Court 16’s reputation as a community-focused space.

JS:  In my experience it is very dependent on the client. There is a structural deficit (financially) for most cultural institutions. So revenue is important to most. Lots to talk about on this subject, as no one has really cracked this problem yet, because revenues are still lower than what is needed. One might ask the taboo question if more partnership with the private sector is worth exploring.

in the culture business specifically – how does one balance commercial imperatives with community and learning benefits?

What’s the state of public space design right now? What are some major trends you’re seeing? What gives you the most hope for the future of NYC?

SK:  New Yorkers give me the most hope for New York City! There are so many talented, creative, and passionate people here. As the world feels more fragmented and people feel more isolated, the physical world is what brings us together. I think people are hungrier than ever to have a community around them – and that’s why public spaces have been and will continue to be something that unites us in New York.

AE:  Emerging trends include multi-use, flexible spaces, accessibility and inclusivity as core principles, and integrating social programming. At Court 16, these trends are reflected in multi-functional courts, inclusive programs, and community-centered design. The future of New York City is hopeful, as spaces prioritizing connection, accessibility, and inclusion gain momentum, showing that even in a fast-paced city, people deeply value culture and community.

‘as the world feels more fragmented and people feel more isolated, the physical world is what brings us together,’ concludes Samara Karasyk

event info:

name: Designing Culture and Community
organization: iF Design | @ifdesign with AIA New York
speakers: Samara Karasyk, President/CEO, Hudson Square Business Improvement District; Joseph Shatoff, Capital Projects Advisor and Former Chief Operating Officer, The Frick Collection; and Anthony Evrard, Co-Founder/CEO, Court 16 – Tennis Remixed
moderator: Lisa Gralnek, Managing Director, US & Global Head of Sustainability, iF Design
location: Center for Architecture for Designing Culture and Community, NY, USA
date: 28 October, 2025

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