Harlem Civil Rights Foundation Part 2 Project 2003 John Baird Newcastle University | UK The Harlem Civil Rights Foundation is a timely inclusion to represent and interpret the history and general understanding of African American culture and heritage. The foundation is one of several interventions designed along the infamous Malcolm X Boulevard which, whilst economically deprived, remains a cultural and politically charged section of Manhattan serving an ambitious and colourful community. Special qualities of place are highlighted which go beyond a sense of physical identity that a location can convey. The building breaks through New York’s colour-line offering new open-ended public space to celebrate the vitality of everyday Harlem life. Urban landscaping is coupled with the creation of informal spaces in Central Park encouraging free movement into and out of Harlem and surrounding Manhattan . The formal cultural museum, the edifice, underpinned by research, is designed to represent the much longed after recognition of a race. The Harlem Civil Rights Foundation is a celebration of African American Culture in Manhattan, New York. John’s intelligent research into the complex urban and social issues that surround this project has generated an architecture that promotes cultural identity and community ownership. Located at the northern edge of Central Park, this dramatic building is an urban gateway to the rich urban life of Harlem and particularly Malcolm X Boulevard. A complex time-line of social events influenced the design of the internal spaces as well as allowing the student to determine the way objects and art should be displayed. This building is a container of history, culture, politics community and emotion. John’s wide ranging design skills have been demonstrated in his ability to resolve complex master planning issues as well as producing elegant small-scale design details. This is a successful project based on a passion for research, analysis and development.