THE VENUE STRATEGY
START WITH USING WHAT EXISTS

Leverage existing resources, especially vacant office spaces, and other urban assets in need of revitalization. Transform select streets into pedestrian zones, and establish a network of urban hubs addressing critical needs—such as micro cargo and transit stations, waste management, public restrooms, and more. This physical strategy is enhanced by a parallel presence in the metaverse, extending accessibility and engagement beyond the city's physical boundaries.

It is the antithesis of building from scratch sites like NEOM, Telosa and Masdar, which are all interesting, but cannot do what a Carbon Zero City could do in getting climate crisis solutions into the marketplace.

NEOM
Year-round growth, local food security, and new local job opportunities.

WORKING WITH CO₂
Turning emissions into materials for building and manufacturing.

WATER INNOVATION
Purification and sustainability through displays and expert-led workshops.

VACANT OFFICE SPACE

Aligned with Carbon Zero's "use what exists" mantra, FiDi's vacant office spaces will host exhibits showcasing innovative solutions, offering a modern twist on the trade mart.

SUPPLY Inventory Vacant
Finance West 6,211,658 sf 2,103,351 sf
Insurance 12,587,451 sf 4,678,003 sf
World Trade 24,144,411 sf 4,814,215 sf
Finance East 29,924,952 sf 7,966,073 sf
Totals 72,868,472 sf 19,561,642 sf
DEMAND  AREA Needed
Carbon Zero Direct 2,000,000 sf
Carbon Zero Indirect 3,000,000 sf
Totals 5,000,000 sf

SIGNIFICANT SUPPLY
Chronic office vacancies pose a problem, but also offer space for unique events. (Source: Cushman Wakefield Q1 2024)

MODEST DEMANDS
Vacancies are a challenge, but provide room for innovative events. (Source: Cushman Wakefield Q1 2024)

URBAN AGRICULTURE
Year-round growth, local food security, and new local job opportunities.

WORKING WITH CO₂
Turning emissions into materials for building and manufacturing.

WATER INNOVATION
Purification and sustainability through displays and expert-led workshops.

Other Urban Assets

Carbon Zero’s strategy revitalizes urban spaces while generating revenue for maintenance. Pop-up opportunities may follow models like Urban Space in Union Square and Bryant Park. Learn more in the facilities strategy.

Alleyways and Narrow Streets
FiDi's underutilized alleyways, such as 6 Dutch Street.
Vacant Retail
Vacant spaces along Fulton and Nassau Streets with a 22% vacancy rate. (Source: Broadsheet)
Public Spaces
Historic sites like Golden Hill Plaza could host privately funded installations.
Under the FDR
Planned new park and flood protection infrastructure as part of the LMCR Project.
Vacant Land and Parking Lots
Lots like Gotham Parking could be repurposed for public exhibits.
Large Facilities
Locations like Winter Garden and Pier 17 could host temporary exhibits.
Educational Facilities
Summer use of spaces like Pace University for sustainable projects.
Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS)
Publicly accessible but privately maintained spaces like 59 Maiden Lane.
Street Parking Sheds
Inspired by NYC’s Open Restaurant Program, proposes adaptable shed structures.

PEDESTRIANIZED STREETS 

For years, New Yorkers have advocated for pedestrianizing parts of FiDi, but the economic case was weak. Now, with high office vacancies, pedestrianization is not just viable—it's essential for real estate competitiveness. Inspired by the Make Way for Lower Manhattan plan, Carbon Zero City supports selectively pedestrianizing key streets (recommended, not required).

Increased Foot Traffic & Retail Sales
More pedestrians boost visibility, driving higher sales for shops and restaurants, encouraging premium leases for commercial spaces.
Higher Property Values
Pedestrian-friendly areas enhance appeal, driving up property values and creating a desirable environment.
Tourism Growth
Pedestrian zones improve tourist experiences, increasing spending and bolstering local tourism industries.
Attracting Investors & Job Creation
Car-free zones attract businesses, leading to investments and job growth across sectors.
Reduced Infrastructure & Energy Costs
Less traffic lowers road maintenance and promotes energy savings by encouraging walking.
Improved Quality of Life & Environmental Benefits
Reduced traffic improves air quality, public health, and talent retention, creating better living and working conditions.
Pedestrianized Success stories
Times Square, New York
Foot traffic surged by 300%, raising retail rents and establishing it as a top global commercial hub.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Boosted tourism and nightlife, generating significant revenue for the city’s entertainment sector.
Carnaby Street, London
Revitalized retail and fashion with increased foot traffic, raising property values and sales.
Strøget, Copenhagen
Major pedestrian street that enhanced economic activity and retail sales.
Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul
Cultural and commercial hub driving growth in retail and tourism.
Orchard Road, Singapore
Transformed into a premier shopping destination, boosting retail revenue and tourism.
La Rambla, Barcelona
Key cultural node that increased tourism and revenue for local shops and restaurants.
Grafton Street, Dublin
Became a major shopping artery, driving retail and commercial investment.
Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Top shopping street in China, fueling retail and tourism growth.
Takeshita Street, Tokyo
Vibrant youth culture hub, boosting retail and tourism.
Clusters worldwide

Successful Pedestrianizations. Source: Various.

Urban Hub Network

Carbon Zero City's Urban Hubs support the carbon cluster by managing micro-cargo, transit, waste, and sanitation. These reduce GHG production, and enable operations in a climate changing world. These hubs enable creation of pedestrian zones and improving certain city functions.

hubs
Possible Components
Micro Mobility
Offers bike sales, rentals, repairs, and secure parking, promoting cleaner, congestion-free travel.
Micro Cargo
Addresses waste and rising package delivery demand, leveraging waterways to improve efficiency.
Micro Waste Stations
Innovative waste management hubs that handle delivery and waste removal efficiently.
Public Toilets
Expands access to sanitation for tourists, workers, and vulnerable populations.
William Street

Pedestrianization of William Street.

Pedestrianization enhances street appeal and increases foot traffic. It attracts tenants,  raises occupancy rates, and elevates property values, particularly in areas with high vacancies.

William Street

↑ Pedestrianization of John Street near Broadway.

Metaverse Component

The metaverse is part of Carbon Zero City's "urban nervous system," using AI, AR, and VR to promote climate solutions. It reduces CO2 by minimizing physical interactions, showcases carbon-zero products globally, and offers real-time climate simulations, enhancing engagement and sustainability efforts.

PROSPECTIVE COMPANIES
Meta
Leading in virtual space innovations that decrease travel and emissions.
Microsoft
Integrates mixed reality into urban planning and training.
NVIDIA
Supports architects with the Omniverse platform for sustainable design.
Unity Technologies
Provides 3D solutions for realistic urban simulations.
Epic Games
Develops complex simulations for disaster management and urban planning.
metaverse
Roadmap

Problem

VACANT SPACE

Problem

OTHER URBAN ASSETS

PEDESTRIANIZED STREETS

URBAN HUB NETWORK

METAVERSE