NYLON: Activating Public Spaces in New York City and London

Join us for a discussion between New York and London (NYLON) on rethinking streetscapes to prioritize people, create dynamic and sustainable environments, and enhance the public realm. Co-organized by the AIANY Global Dialogues Committee and New London Architecture, this event brings together experts from both cities to share insights on rethinking streetscapes by reallocating space in favor of people. Focusing on two globally famous streets, Oxford Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York, we will explore the transformation needed to create dynamic, sustainable environments and enhance the public realm, strengthening the global status of both streets. Both Oxford Street and Fifth Avenue are prominent retail and tourist destinations facing significant transport and mobility pressures.

The discussion will emphasize the importance of partnerships and long-term strategies. In London, the Oxford Street program, led by Westminster City Council in partnership with The New West End Company, aims to declutter and enhance the area from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road with wider footways, rest areas, more greenery, and improved pedestrian crossings. In New York, a similar effort is currently undergoing feasibility studies to make Fifth Avenue more welcoming and functional for people.

The event will take place simultaneously in London (18:00-19.30 BST) virtually and in New York (1:00-2:30 PM EST) at the Center for Architecture.

Schedule:
NY    |     LDN
12:30pm | 5:30pm  –  Arrivals and registration 
 
1:00pm | 6:00pm  –  Welcome from London [Chair]
Emily Gabb, Head of Strategic Partnerships, NLA 
 
1:05pm | 6:05pm  –  Welcome from New York
Larisa Ortiz, Managing Director, Streetsence 

1:10pm | 6:10pm  –  Keynote
Cannon Ivers, Director, LDA Design 

1:15pm | 6:15pm  –  New York case study 
Isabel Castilla, Principal, Field Operations 

1:25pm | 6:25pm  –  London: Knightsbridge partnership 
Dan Johnson, Founder, Placemaking London 

1:35pm | 6:35pm  –  Panel discussion
Speakers above, plus: 
– Alexis Taylor, Vice President Climate Resilience, New York City Economic Development Corporation
– Madelyn Wils, Interim President, Fifth avenue association  
– Leif Lomo, Director, KPF 

2:00pm | 7:00pm  –  Q&A
 
2:30pm | 7:30pm  –  End – Networking in New York 

3:00pm | 8:00pm  –  Close