Advocates for excellence in the urban environment

We celebrate housing that contributes to the public good.

Collaborating with public and private partners, the Fine Arts Federation seeks to advance New York City as a global leader in affordable housing design.

Mayor de Blasio’s Housing New York 2.0 plan has put New York on a path to build or preserve 300,000 affordable housing units by 2026. Amid a citywide debate about affordability and gentrification, New Yorkers have an opportunity to ensure that this ambitious effort does much more than meet urgent affordability goals.

Working with partners at the New York City Public Design Commission and the AIANY Housing Committee, as well as a working group of city agencies, FAF has helped develop the 2018 publication Designing New York: Quality Affordable Housing. Drawing on seven case studies of excellent affordable housing design in New York, as well as examples from around the nation and the world, the publication shows how quality housing design can help achieve affordability while enhancing the public realm; supporting long-term sustainability; responding to the culturally diverse nature of New York neighborhoods; and positively impacting citizens’ health, safety, and well-being.

Image Credit: New York City Public Design Commission