A new kind of community space has taken shape in Brooklyn, the most populous borough of New York, in the US!
At Marlboro Houses, in the Gravesend neighborhood, an underused outdoor area has been transformed into Village Vibes, a resident-led landscape designed to bring people together through play, movement, Nature, and social interaction.
Unveiled in July 2026, the initiative reimagines more than 7,200 sq. ft. of open ground across two sections of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) campus, creating a more welcoming environment.
At the center of this setting, a winding Corkeen pathway connects different parts of the site, introducing the natural qualities of cork into residents' daily lives.
Village Vibes was developed through the Green Space Connections initiative, led by the Public Housing Community Fund in collaboration with NYCHA and the Design Trust for Public Space.
The project was made possible through a partnership among NYCHA, The Cork Collective, and Amorim, whose shared commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable play environments helped bring the vision to life.
Designed by The Urban Conga, the space was shaped by input from Marlboro Houses residents, who called for more opportunities for recreation, social connection, access to Nature, and meaningful experiences outside.
Soft underfoot, with excellent drainage capacity, and comfortable to walk on, our cork-based surface supports the project’s focus on accessibility, environmental responsibility, and everyday use.
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Client: New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
Year of installation: 2026
Dimension: 7,200 sq. ft.
Applied solution
Corkeen combines cork's natural properties with proprietary technology to create a distinctive solution for outdoor environments.
Its soft texture provides a comfortable experience underfoot, while its outstanding drainage capacity helps keep the surface dry and slip-resistant, even after rain.
Made from a renewable, recyclable resource and engineered for reliable performance, Corkeen brings together comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility in a system designed for spaces where people can move, play, and connect.