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Underground Garden in NYC : Interview with James Ramsey


James Ramsey and Dan Barasch have some amazing design work in where they envision an underground garden built beneath NYC. They have recently posted a kickstarter. I got a chance to ask James Ramsey some questions about the project. You can get more info at these websites. delanceyunderground.org or thelowline.org

Bryan Ogden: What made you think to put a garden underground?

James Ramsey: In working with light redirecting technologies, I realized that there was really no limit to the places you could actually grow plants. As an amateur urban archeologist, I thought about how cool it might be to begin to bring sunlight and greenery to some of our "lost" underground spaces.

Bryan Ogden  How does this work sustainably? What sort of maintenance would it require?

James Ramsey: It requires maintenance from several perspectives, from the light tech itself, to drainage, to the care of the plantings themselves.

Bryan Ogden  What purpose does the project serve for ecology and city infra-structure?

James Ramsey: It is a potential transit connection node, on the one hand, but it's also an opportunity to bring a much needed amenity to a historic neighborhood.

Bryan Ogden  What challenges do you face designing a space like this technologically?

James Ramsey: Tons. This is something never attempted before, so the range of engineering challenges will be very broad.

Bryan Ogden  How far are you in your timeline to accomplish this?

James Ramsey: We are at the early stages, but not the beginning. We are building large scale prototypes, as well as working with several world renowned experts and firms.

Bryan Ogden  What is needed to accomplish a "Lowline"?  

James Ramsey: Technology, good design, popular will, and money.

Bryan Ogden  Are ongoing funding sources required for it's future upkeep?

James Ramsey: Certainly. We are working with several funding models with the consultancy HR&A, who worked with the Highline in realizing their visions as well.
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