Designing Infrastructures of Inclusion
- Luna Literacy
Branding | Campaign Design | Poster Design
This is a combination of two interconnected projects with graduate students from The New School/Parsons School of Design, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)/Pontifical University of Campinas (PUCC) in June 2021 to create research, methods for solutions on urban mobility corridors in the cities of New York, Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro. For my work specifically, I explored New York City’s Diversity Plaza in the Jackson Heights neighborhood, which ended with an individual project that tackles a problem within the public space and a published book with both individual and group project.
Click Here for the full publication
Individual Project - Diversity Plaza
Diversity Plaza is a multicultural public space that hosts festivals, food, and religious ceremonies in the public space. It stretches two blocks in a busy, heavily tracked area populated by mostly immigrants. The plaza was designed for pedestrians to explore the diverse neighborhood and create a peaceful place with greenery to appreciate the outdoor space. Despite being a diverse area, there are more men occupying the plaza than women and children. Gender equality is an issue, and so is the literacy rates for many residents.
Vision
This is a non-profit organization dedicated to immigrant women in Queens, New York, but specially for the Jackson Heights neighborhood near Diversity Plaza. Luna Literacy is composed of a variety of female professionals wishing to empower women and provide free education to those with limited access. They also aim to reconstruct Diversity Plaza into a safe and inclusive space for all age, gender, and origin to enjoy.
Design Concept
Luna Literacy creates promotional posters, billboard advertisements, and their mobile app are ways to develop support, awareness, and participation in their cause. Working with its partners and local groups, Luna Literacy acts as a platform to bring different events from these organizations to Diversity Plaza. They hold weekly meetings with organizations such as SUKHI NY that help fund Diversity Plaza and its partners for planning upcoming events.
Mission
Luna Literacy gathers women from across New York City neighborhoods to join the women in Jackson Heights at Diversity Plaza for educational and career events. In collaboration with the government agencies, educational and women’s non-profit organizations, museums, and community groups. Luna Literacy brings awareness to women on social, political, and personal issues to inspire them to make change for themself and society.
Special Assistance
To allow busy women tending children to participate in events, Luna Literacy provides a children’s play area. Active volunteers will help care for children while their mothers can attend workshops and lectures nearby.
