Gia Biagi’s Post

SUMC recently published an evaluation report of the first 18 months of the Chicago Department of Transportation's #BikeChicago program, which aims to put more than 5,000 bicycles directly in the hands of Chicago residents. Beginning in 2022 with the goal of promoting active transportation and greater mobility access, the Bike Chicago program has successfully distributed over 2,000 bikes. As evidenced through our report's research findings and user testimonials, the introduction of these bikes to the community has not only expanded accessibility, but also shifted transportation habits and attitudes. Unlike other U.S.-based programs, which are smaller in scale or require participants to apply for e-bike vouchers, this program covers the entire cost of a single-speed bike, helmet, and lights. This approach helps eliminate cost and administrative barriers, particularly for marginalized communities, and provides near-immediate access to mobility. In addition to combating lacking mobility and economic insecurity, the Bike Chicago program is providing a cost-effective and inclusive model for future initiatives. To learn more, read our full report here: https://lnkd.in/gZhNCyvr

Are you looking for a creative and collaborative environment where you can apply your design talents to projects that create positive change for communities and our shared, natural environment? If so, come join us! We're seeking full-time Designers, Project Leaders, and Marketing professionals to join our friendly and supportive Studio. If you’re an enthusiastic and creative problem solver with a passion for iterative design development and collaboration, we would love to learn more about you. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/erD4ck8d #nowhiring #architecturejobs

🌱 An Education Hub Breaks Ground at #NYCHA's Marlboro Houses 🏦 We’re excited to announce that construction has begun on the innovative Marlboro Agricultural Education Center (MAEC) at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)'s Marlboro Houses in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Designed by the acclaimed Studio Gang, this 9,900-square-foot facility is set to empower young Brooklyn residents with knowledge about nutrition and provide access to healthy food. Project Highlights: The center will feature a rooftop greenhouse, a teaching kitchen, an on-site pantry, and a multipurpose room for programs and workshops. The design emphasizes sustainability with durable materials, passive heating and cooling, solar access, all-electric systems, and rainwater storage and reuse. Thanks to the city’s Design-Build initiative, the project is slated for completion in summer 2025. 🌟 A Vision for the Future Jeanne Gang, Founding Partner of Studio Gang, shares her vision: “The Marlboro Agricultural Education Center will serve as a model for addressing food insecurity, promoting healthy food access, and increasing equity in our cities.” 🌿 Operated by The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) The center will host cooking classes, indoor markets, job training, and community programs. TCAH’s “Green Teens” internship and certificate programs will also be featured, fostering partnerships with community schools and non-profits. 🏙️ Community Impact This project strengthens food autonomy and security in underserved neighborhoods, enhancing connections within the community with large sidewalks and transparent windows. 🚀 Support for Design-Build Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi emphasizes the importance of Design-Build: “Marlboro Greenhouse will green the Marlboro Houses year-round and demonstrate the efficiency of Design-Build. We urge Albany to expand this tool citywide.” Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative project that brings sustainability, education, and community together! 🌿 Story by 6sqft Image renderings Studio Gang #ClimateandSustainability #GreenInitiatives #UrbanAgriculture #StudioGang

UGH. https://lnkd.in/geCsPHdF

Nice to meet you, La Placita! Reflecting on my early consulting career, memories flood back via torrent of text messages last week when Chicago Department of Transportation announced the groundbreaking of Logan Square . A decade ago, we danced the intricate tango of engagement and design, weaving a tapestry of innovation around the groundbreaking for the revamped Logan Square. 🌳 While the media coverage has been positive, it has not captured a fraction of the impact of this project. 🏙️ Logan Square, for the last century was the mobility equivalent to the island of mismatched toys. The redesign now boasts a harmonious blend of curated green space and a clear safe orchestration of ground transport. Picture this: the Centennial Monument standing tall, framed by a unified park space and embraced by verdant foliage. 🌿🚴♂️ New bike facilities omnipresent across the square, inviting cyclists to safely access any connecting facility. Streets realigned, like chess pieces on a grand board, guiding vehicles with newfound grace. 🚗 🌇 And then there’s La Placita—the nice surprise of this transformation. This urban plaza will serves as the CTA Blue Line’s front yard. Can't wait to meet you and your future Instagram fame. 🌆 None of this would be possible without a courageous group of advocates and critical political support for this change. 🎉 Chicago Department of Transportation, Chicago Transit Authority, and the Logan Square Community: this is an amazing victory. A symphony of collaboration, where architects, planners, and dreamers came together to create the space this community deserves. So thankful to have collaborated with Nathan Roseberry Bridget P.E.Jeff SmithlineMark de la VergneStacey MeekinsErica Salutz, PEMichael Groh, AICPEllen GottschlingJohn Wirtz, PE, PTOEChad HammerlVeronica CruzCraig Jakobsen, PE, PTOERebekah ScheinfeldKevin O'MalleyNilay MistryDaniel BurkeRyan Westrom, P.E., PTPCharlie Keel and so many more. https://lnkd.in/ew_XffiX https://lnkd.in/ediu4kaH