Cityscape’s work complements a growing movement to found conservancies, friends groups, neighborhood associations, merchants associations, local development corporations and business improvement districts for the aesthetic enhancement, increased security, and better upkeep of public places. Serving these groups in an advisory capacity is central to our mission. In general, Cityscape's role of facilitating such local initiatives includes assisting the community in the following areas:

Developing a vision
The first step is to identify the desires and concerns of the community and draw upon these to develop and articulate a vision for the public space—what are the objectives for the space?

Forming a management structure
The community must then begin to put in place a management structure that will enable them to achieve their vision. This includes identifying leadership and establishing an organizational structure; developing working relationships with the responsible agency (in New York, Parks Department) as well as other relevant agencies and potential partners; and establishing a development (fundraising) strategy.

Assembling a planning/design team
Critical to the realization of a community's vision is the coordination of a talented design team which—depending upon the nature of the public space—might include planners, architects, landscape architects, lighting designers, environmental graphics designers, or other professionals.

Developing a restoration and management plan
Finally, Cityscape works to promote the planning/design team's development of a plan for the restoration and management of the public space. The plan should embody a vision supported by the community, and one that respects the original structure or historic aspects of the public space while at the same time accommodating new users and incorporating their priorities.

In addition to advising civic groups and government agencies with respect to the design, restoration, and management of their public spaces, Cityscape serves as an educational and information-sharing resource through Cityscape News and other publications and through the participation of its board members in lectures, design workshops, and panel discussions.

Cityscape’s projects and accomplishments since 1995 include the following:

Drawing upon the public-private partnership model pioneered in Central Park to assist in the formation of the Conservancy for Historic Battery Park, now a model of success in its own right.
Working with community groups, professional designers, elected officials, and city agencies to redesign, implement and maintain the Harlem Gateway Corridor and Lenox Avenue streetscapes in Harlem.
Commissioning designs for a coordinated series of innovative new street furniture and amenities, including street light fixtures, litter receptacles, and wayfinding signage.
Working with community groups, professional designers, elected officials, and city agencies to design, implement and maintain Malcolm X Plaza at the intersection of 110th Street and Lenox Avenue.
Developing—in collaboration with the NYC Parks Department, City Parks Foundation/Partnerships for Parks, and the Friends of Crotona Park—a restoration and management plan for Crotona Park in the Bronx.
Consulting with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation on the design of lighting and signage for City Hall Park.
Working with the Allen AME Housing Corporation to develop an open space/greenway plan for Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens.