Field: design + planning
Est: 2013
hq: 196 state street
A community-centric studio shaping the public realm of Brooklyn and beyond
Downtown Brooklyn is a vibrant hub where architecture, forward-thinking design and community intersect. The neighborhood is home to prominent studios that shape New York’s built environment. Among these innovators is 3×3, a unique studio that goes beyond traditional design and planning. DBP visited 3×3 to learn more about their transformative work and their continued commitment to creating programs, services and plans centered on people’s lived experiences.
Founded in 2013 by Megan Marini and Priyanka Jain, 3×3 is a community-centered design studio that focuses on creating systemic change within the built environment… With backgrounds in architecture and planning, they initially launched the practice with a commitment to place-based activation and shared visions for public space, but over time their focus has evolved into one that addresses broader, intangible aspects of urban life such as access to services, economic and technological inclusion, public health and more.
This evolution reflects the growing demand for such expertise, with many city agencies and architecture firms now seeking out their unique blend of design and community planning. The studio’s design philosophy hinges on a specific toolkit for community-centered design that integrates “mindset + values.” This framework, which guides their approach to community engagement, has been adopted in a variety of ways across numerous projects, from architectural design to public realm initiatives. Additionally, this toolkit has been featured in curriculum of the American Institute for Architects of New York (AIA NY).
why Downtown Brooklyn?
For 3×3, Downtown Brooklyn was a natural choice for their base of operations. When Megan and Priyanka first started the firm, they chose the Metropolitan Exchange Building at 33 Flatbush Avenue for its collaborative environment and low-cost, co-working style setting. This building, home to designers, architects, artists, and film producers, provided a dynamic atmosphere that fueled their early growth. 3×3 moved to their current location in 2021, sharing space with Interboro Partners, an architecture and urban planning firm.
For 3×3, Downtown Brooklyn is an ideal location. Approximately 80% of their 18-person team lives in Brooklyn, making the easy commute a great benefit. The proximity to places like Brooklyn Bridge Park also adds to the appeal of the area, blending a vibrant urban environment with green spaces that are integral to their work.
work + what’s next
3×3’s portfolio includes projects that reflect their ability to bridge physical and intangible realms. A key project they have worked on is the BQE Corridor Vision, where they collaborated with 18 community organizations to assess the systemic impacts of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) on local neighborhoods. Through their work, they are exploring ways to mitigate the BQE’s negative effects on the surrounding communities, with a focus on long-term, sustainable change.
The studio has also partnered with NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) and the Center for Justice Innovation to enhance public space design, creating safer, more accessible spaces for residents. As part of their commitment to fostering deeper engagement, 3×3 employs a field team model for projects in which they may be required to expand on the cultural competencies of their diverse team. This model recruits a team of researchers who are culturally and linguistically attuned to the communities they are working in. This approach allows 3×3 to build trust with local stakeholders and ensures that their projects are both relevant and respectful of the communities they serve.
Looking ahead, the next decade of 3×3 (creatively named 203×3) is focused on growing their capacity to take on even more ambitious projects. With plans to expand their influence globally, the firm is set to continue playing an essential role in shaping cities for the better. 3×3 remains deeply rooted in Downtown Brooklyn, a neighborhood that has supported their evolution and will continue to be a key part of their story moving forward.
fun fact
3×3’s name emerged from the concept of bringing together three key stakeholder groups – communities, institutions and markets – and three core work dimensions – research, design and communication. The name symbolizes the transformative potential of bringing diverse perspectives together, creating a multiplier effect through collaborative dialogue.
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