Projects
Project incubation and development is the core of what we do. We look for pressing systems challenges in the world around us and invent integrative projects that can turn these problems into opportunities for many people. Here is some of our current work:
Our bio-industrial armature proposed for the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn cleans sewer overflow waste water through a modular floodplain system. 40 shipping containers hold bio-remediation wetland plants and soil. An industrial gantry crane services each module and barge docking allows containers to be relocated with low-energy transport. Water cleaned by the system is released into the canal or further treated at the community center.
Status
Design conception: December, 2012
Budget: Undisclosed
Process: Awarded Honorable Mention for Urban Ecology
What do this bowler and this bowl have in common? Both are made on the same manufacturing equipment in Philadelphia. DESIGN DISCOVERY PHILADELPHIA is an initiative to showcase and reignite local manufacturing in a region once considered the “Workshop of the World”
Status
Design conception: 2012
Budget: $ TBD
Process: Soft launch September 2012 - currently creating design and manufacturing database.
Project launch March 2013
Preserve a landmark. Protect a rainforest. Cultivate a global partnership. Help shape New York City and secure a sustainable future for the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade.
Status
Design conception: 2008
Budget: $15M
Process: Research underway. Collaborating with conservation orgs on planning and logistics.
Can a feral cat shelter in Central Park provide an opportunity for hands-on learning and community building through play? Here is Pilot Projects’ contribution to the Architects for Animals annual cat shelter charity event in NYC, hosted by Steelcase.
Status
Design conception: 2013
Budget: $2
Process: Research based on extensive fort-building and wilderness survival training. Not seeking city approvals, but rather adventurous children ready to build forts for cats in the park.
Revive the public drinking fountain in New York City and start an international revolution in urban hydration? Yes. We’ll begin with 100 drinking fountains that reverse the trend toward plastic-wrapped water.
Status
Design conception: 2010
Budget: $9M
Process: Research completed 2012. Seeking city approvals. “Respect the Fountain” pilot: August 2012
What a waste, what an opportunity! A project to recover New York City’s abandoned bicycles, get them back in circulation and put young people to work.
Status
Design conception: 2012
Budget: $1M (annual) LES Pilot: $60,000
Process: In discussion with City officials, LES BID and cycling orgs for fall pilot.
A human powered air compressor that anyone can use – and everyone will want to try. A fun/ctional kinetic sculpture that promotes public health, energy conservation and increased awareness of both.
Status
Design conception: 2010
Budget: Estimated unit cost $20 - $50K
Process: In design development phase. Seeking funding partner
Imagine that your favorite NYC café was also a bike storage “valet,” with an urban roof garden, solar-electric bike charging station and a welcoming place to wait for the next bus or train.
Status
Design conception: 2012
Budget: $300K
Process: In conversation with NYC and local cycling orgs
Pumping up the volume on chess love in Central Park. The Chess and Checkers House was built in 1954. Now we’re helping Central Park attract nearby students, chess gurus and New Yorkers of all ages.
Status
Design conception: 2012
Budget: $1500 (first event)
Process: ChessMob implemented May 2012; next events pending
Projects that made us who we are
What is a Pilot Project? Something small and specific which catalyzes change in a large way.
Pilot Projects was born out of our past experiences - which have proved to us that small yet innovative interventions can lead to monumental change. Here are some of our stories that paved the way for our current work:
Sandbox: The origin of a new tool: 2 million square foot HQ, 3000 staff members, and 25 executives locked in a room negotiating workspace allocation
Steam Cafe: A story of how food meets tech to solve the problem of lackluster campus dining — and to get people talking, sharing and bonding
Idea Room: A story of how a siloed organization bumps up against a glass conference room, and siloes (not the glass) shatter
News Desk: A story about a mandate from a producer: “no technology on the table”
