A New Bronx Tale, Written in “Green” by FSC Students
May 14, 2018
Design by Kristen Loss
Except for when students from Bronx high schools enroll at FSC, the College and this NYC borough may not have had much in common. Until now, thanks to the Department of Urban Horticulture and Design.
More accurately, thanks to Professor Stevie Famulari and 14 of her students who are working on a “green” design project that will transform an urban space into one that more closely resembles a carefully manicured park.
It started when Professor Famulari struck up a conversation with Henry Obispo, a community entrepreneur who was planning a healthy-beverage shop named Born Juice in an iconic South Bronx building located in a markedly diverse neighborhood. A month later, a project that would include FSC students creating a “green” design was born.
“The project is for the students to come up with design concepts, plans, details, perspectives, construction documents, materials boards, and design narratives for the site,” Professor Famulari said.
The project – which has been featured on a Bronx cable TV show – is ongoing, and so far the students have produced interior and exterior designs. Choosing one, or grabbing pieces from different designs, is still to be determined. Completion of the project is still several months away.
“Working directly with the client gives me real-world experience in not only what the customer is looking for, but also how the customer’s desires have evolved over time,” said urban design student Jesse Friel.
Commented Professor Famulari: “I have the pleasure of seeing our students work hard and be proud of their work, going above and beyond the scope of the project. It gives them an opportunity to fly with their ideas in a forum which is safe to learn. And they’re doing just that.”
Design by Liam Reilly
