Some of the groundwork for this visual approach came from a previous project; Buck’s Ege Soyeur collaborated with Transportation Alternatives on 25×25, a challenge that also proposed a reimagining of New York’s space. Using the 25×25 project as a “jumping off point”, Buck takes a pared-back approach to shapes. Environmental forms such as stairs or pedestrian crossings sometimes evoke data charts. This makes for seamless transitions within the film while emphasising how data has real-world impacts. Buck continues: “To add some warmth, we used subtle analogue textures to give it an inviting, hand-drawn feel.”
Through the film, Buck draws attention to the areas Spacial Equity NYC measures. For example, traffic volume, amount of protected bike lanes and land covered by tree canopy – a fact which impacts pollution and heat-related mortality – is visualised through animations comparing street views. The hope is that Spacial Equity NYC will ultimately make streets safer and fairer. Buck states: “The film uses dramatic lighting to help communicate its themes. There’s a dark, foreboding feeling to the setup of the city’s spatial problems, but as the film provides ideas and solutions, the lighting brightens, full of optimism and hope.”