Underground Social Spaces in NYC
Underground spaces in New York City’s subway system—often overlooked as mere transit corridors—have long served as informal stages for social and cultural life. This two-part research project explores the potential of subway stations as public spaces, and the ways in which underground music performances contribute to a more democratic cultural landscape.
LOCATION
New York, NY, USA
COURSES AT NYU WAGNER
The Arts and Artists in Urban Revitalization – Tim Tompkins
Public Space and Urban Identity: Theory, Policy, Politics, and Design – Hilary Ballon
Markets, Design, and the City – Alain Bertaud
YEAR
2017
PART I: UNDERGROUND SOCIAL SPACES
This paper examines the social potential of New York City’s subway stations by analyzing how they are designated, regulated, and experienced. The research investigates the legal status of transit spaces within the broader definition of public space, and explores how physical design can either support or inhibit spontaneous interactions.
Using 14th Street–Union Square as a case study, the paper documents real-life usage patterns to assess how people interact with the station beyond its function as a transportation hub. It concludes by outlining both the limitations and opportunities for reimagining subway stations as vibrant, inclusive social spaces.
PART II: UNDERGROUND MUSIC: BOTTOM-UP CULTURE FOR NYC
This second section delves into the role of subway musicians in shaping the city’s cultural life. Through spatial and demographic analysis—looking at where musicians play, who they reach, and how ridership intersects with cultural accessibility—the research evaluates how performances in transit spaces contribute to a more equitable cultural ecosystem.
Current regulations and constraints on musical expression in subway stations are reviewed alongside opportunities for more inclusive cultural policies. The findings suggest that supporting bottom-up artistic practices in transit spaces could help democratize access to the arts across New York City.
Research, writing, and spatial analysis were led independently as part of a broader inquiry into placemaking and the use of overlooked public spaces.
Download the research paper here.
