ELYANA JAVAHERI

RECLAIMING THE LAND

“To a modern-day visitor, the site of Seneca Village resembles much of the surrounding Park, with rolling hills, rock outcrops, and playgrounds. But what many do not realize is that this area near the Park’s West 85th Street entrance has an important history,” writes the Central Park Conservancy. This is a profound statement, and one that I believe holds a lot of significance. On one hand, there is the notion that an area has an important history, yet it blends in with the rest of the Park. From studying many landscapes of significance throughout America, it is often the case that great care is taken into ensuring every detail is existing as it once was, and I can’t help but wonder, “why not Seneca Village”? It may be that Central Park as an entity is too important, but I believe that’s even more reason to highlight what Seneca Village was today and into the future.

My proposal for the Ideas Pinup is to reclaim the land, so that it stands out, as opposed to resembling ‘much of its surroundings’. I believe Seneca Village, in its original layout can be artfully and intentionally carved out, preserving the trees to the possible extent, to create a space that is unlike any other areas of the Park. Redrawing from the original walkways and streets, create a field of ornamental grasses (preferably those different than existing cultivars throughout the Park, possibly related to African plants) that from aerial view, streetview, and within the park looks different. Once entering Seneca Village, visitors can scroll through what was once a thriving community, and in place of the building, providing structures programmed for murals and performances by African American artists. This is just one way in which Seneca Village can become a living history, actively being a part of the African American landscape in America, and more importantly within the boundaries of Central Park.