Pop-up that changes New York
Street Lab transforms the street-level environment of New York City to improve lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and bring New Yorkers together. We partner with communities and city government to bring immediate benefits to residents while building support for long-term change. Here’s how we do it…
Public Space Activation
We deploy award-winning pop-ups that make a place for learning, play, and more. 500 times a year, city-wide, 94% in low-moderate income neighborhoods.
Open Street Development
We partner with communities to help them launch and operate School Streets, Play Streets, and other Open Streets.
30+ partners each year.
Design and Fabrication
We design and build pop-up infrastructure used on the street by our team and community partners. We also ship kits around the world to other cities.
How you can help
Every Street Lab pop-up starts with a request from a local group that is trying to improve their neighborhood, increase public safety, and bring people together. Community partnerships are at the heart of our work—320+ organizations to date, 900+ requests each year. Please donate or contact us to contribute in other ways. Thank you!
Street Lab is teaming up with the NYC Mayor’s Office, NYC Dept. of Transportation, NYC Public Schools, and Chobani to bring pop-up soccer celebrations to streets in front of 50 schools leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Bring Soccer Streets to your school!
Updates:
We just launched Soccer Streets, with an assist from a special guest… Learn more and see the photos.
Street Lab is offering a new youth leadership program for NYC high school students in Central Harlem.
See more Street Lab updates >
On the street:
3,046+ pop-ups in 501 locations to date
Calendar:
In the news:
Street Lab in the New York Times
Street Lab is an Official Charity Partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon!
See more press and awards >
Thank you to our supporters!
Awards & Press
2021 Best of the City Award, Time Out New York
Winner 2013 Innovations in Reading Prize
Winner 2014 Boston Public Space Invitational
Featured 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale
