Welcome to Hive Brainstorms 2024!
- Hive Public Space
- Jan 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11, 2025
A Deep Dive into Public Spaces with Hive Public Space
In the vibrant tapestry of our cities, public spaces are the threads that weave communities together. At Hive Public Space, we're not just about designing spaces; we're about being intentional, sparking conversations, and sharing knowledge to redefine the way we perceive and shape public spaces. We strive for social, cultural, and racial equity.
In January 2024, We kicked off Hive Brainstorms! – A monthly virtual gathering where we cultivate conversations, share knowledge, and explore the dynamic world of public spaces. Join us for a captivating journey into the world of public spaces!
Cultivate Conversations | Share Knowledge | Explore Together:
Our goal is to create space for conversation that goes beyond physical design, delving into the heart of what makes public spaces truly meaningful.
Limited Spaces, Maximum Insights:
To ensure an intimate and dynamic conversation, we're limiting each session to just 10 attendees. We're opening 20 spots for registration, but only the first 10 registrants will secure a place in our Zoom meeting room. We want these gatherings to be more than just talks – we want them to be an interactive exploration of the issues that matter. Early birds get the knowledge worm, so arrive early to secure your spot!
Vol 01. 🚀 Launched with Alexa Gonzalez
Our Principal, Alexa Gonzalez, got things to kick things off! - She shared insights from her professional journey, and how she continues to deconstruct traditional structures within design studios at Hive Public Space.
From NYC to Seoul, our urban design chat brought public space enthusiasts together.
Vol 02. 🐝 Community Engagement
Our Lead Strategist, Priti Patel, presented HivePS's guiding principles for Community Engagement, sparking a vibrant discussion on metrics of success and engagement strategies.
From NYC to sunny California and Colorado, Vol 02 united public space enthusiasts.
Vol 03. 💕 Feminist Cities
Featuring Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman
The social pressures we face are reflected in our built environment - from skyscrapers to our streets - all of which impact our quality of life in these artificial habitats. In Vol 03, we will view cities and our public spaces through the lens of urban anthropology and learn about both the top-down patriarchal systems of control - and the bottom-up systems of care that recreate the city daily.
Vol 04. 🏓 Play in Public Spaces
Featuring The Urban Conga
Sparking community interactions through open-ended PLAY is one of the strategies that Hive Public Space and The Urban Conga share in common. For Vol. 04 Ryan Swanson and Maeghann Coleman, AIA from The Urban Conga delve into creating playful opportunities within our urban landscapes.
Vol 05. 🎨 | ART in Public Spaces
Featuring Yazmany Arboleda
For Vol 05, Hive Public Space explores how ART catalyzes trust-building, storytelling, and communication with the communities we interact with. We are joined by Yazmany Arboleda, the inaugural People's Artist for New York City at the Civic Engagement Commission and the Founder of The People's Creative Institute. An architect by training, Yazmany art practice fosters community connections through expansive public art initiatives.
Vol 06. 💡 | Co-Creating with Youth
Featuring Mallory Thatch
At HivePS, we believe in empowering youth as co-creators in our design process. By fostering creativity, we're allowing the future users of these spaces to shape the design and ensure it reflects what the community needs and deserves. For Vol 06, we’re joined by Mallory Thatch (Senior Program Manager, Placekeeping & Community Initiatives at Brownsville Community Justice Center) She’ll dive into our recent collaboration and how we engaged youth in discussing Placekeeping, healthy public spaces, and reimagining a public space in their neighborhood. (Brownsville, BK)
Vol 07. ⏭️ | Framework for the Future
Featuring Jackson Chabot
At HivePS, we celebrate the vital role of public space management!
Framework for the Future by OpenPlans outlines a framework for managing public spaces. Through its three pillars, Stewardship, Community Coordination, and Facilitation, we can understand the vital role of effective public space management, as well as the challenges we face under NYC’s current system. For Vol 07, we’re joined by Jackson Chabot, Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Open Plans. He will introduce Framework for the Future and will discuss how NYC has made progress, but this progress lacks a wider framework through which to view management and relies too heavily on volunteers and residents to manage their own spaces.
Let's co-create an experience that leaves a lasting impact. We look forward to your insights and suggestions for future conversations as we embark on this exciting journey together!
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