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Regerenration of Huntington Downtown, Long Island, New York, USA

This article deals with the new project of AKID Ltd, based in Sheffield, UK named "Regerenration of Huntington Downtown, Long Island, New York, USA". The design team of project was as follows: Ali Kashkooli (From Iran-Team Leader), Peter Babka (From Czech Republic), Katarina Kovalcikova (From Slovakia), Elina Spanoude (From Southern Cyprus), and Blazej Zemleduch (From Poland).

The first glance at Huntington downtown reveals a city of cars. In other words, a city mostly used as a big parking area, with no public zones, no delicate green spaces; the existing urban area sounds sparse and unbearably tarmac. The main intention of design was to prevent young people from migrating to New York and other cities due to lack of high-paying job opportunities and urban facilities which are major requirements of the youth.

The design project is done in two phases:

A-Research and analysis: Location, history, culture, climate, environment, economy, fashion,local architecture,landscape,local high-tech, etc.

B- Design (Design in theory & Design in action): developing various ideas through brainstorming and computerised methods (Artificial Intelegence) in order to perform the best possible functions in targeted areas (regarding the plot size, shape and position within the city). In detail, a new trade center (Huntington tower), an enterprise zone, four hotels, different types of apartment complexes,a shopping mall, two cultural centers and a leisure complex have been designed. Moreover, new public areas (plaza), green zones and multi-storey parking spaces have been proposed.

Furthermore, new suggestions for sustainability, and high-tech city (Ubiqutus city) have been made. Reducing the dependency on car by densifying the center and developing a good circulation of urban activities has been considered. In addition, a new transport system has been proposed to improve the commutation options as walking, bike, tram and bus. In summary, new Huntington downtown would be: a vibrant and dynamic place for the youth, attracting investors to bring businesses and lots of new job opportunities.