Project: Teardrop Park, Natural Learning Initiative Location: Battery Park City, New York City College of Design Client: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates NC State University Project Dates: 1999 - 2004 Robin Moore, Director

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1. Base map rendering (used for behav- ior mapping research). 2. Parents relax while children use in ground slide. 3. Water play setting. 4. Private path setting. 5. Climbing on rock wall with water feature. 4

Teardrop Park is a public space located in Battery Park City, lower Manhattan, New York. The site is situated one block from the Hudson River Esplanade and is surrounded by four apartment buildings, ranging in height from 210 to 235 feet. Teardrop Park is designed as a place for people of all ages and ablilities to engage in active play, relax, and have fun. The stunning three-dimensional landscape invites exploration and provides multiple opportunities for secluded experiences of nature. Robin Moore and Nilda Cosco (NLI) were involved as members of the Michael Van 3 Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) design team throughout the project, participating in many client meetings with the Battery Park City Authority and Parks Conservancy and contributing to in-house design charrettes. NLI provided consultation and tech- nical assistance on the design of play settings, as well as safety review for the entire park. NLI also conducted a post-occupancy evaluation of the project,1 using behav- ior mapping to measure relative use of designed settings. NLI’s Subsequent contributions to MVVA projects (Union Square, Manhattan; Bos- ton Children’s Museum; and the Brooklyn Bridge Playgrounds) attest to the value of NLI contributions in the area of design for play and learning. Project Size: 1.8 acres Awards: 2009 ASLA Design Honor Award Client Contact Information: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates 16 Court Street, 11th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11241 718-243-2044 5 1. Moore, R. Reasons to Smile at Teardrop. Landscape Architecture Magazine, December 2007. Pp134-136. The Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University, Campus Box 7701, Raleigh, NC 27695 919-515-8345 - http://naturalearning.org