A Forest of Knowledge

four freedoms foundation | new york, new york

victoria baran | spring 2024

The Four Freedoms Foundation at South Point Park maintains the only public access area south of the Greensboro Bridge. It remains open to the public and provides a place of respite for the residents, visitors, staff, researchers, and other users of Roosevelt Island. It honors president Roosevelt’s work and dedication toward progressing the United States forward, including his work toward conservation of the country’s natural environment. The grand sightlines at the site provide visitors and researchers excellent views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The four libraries; literary, political, music+performance, and fine+graphic art, are embedded within the parkscape. They provide clear views through and beyond the site, creating a forest of knowledge that embraces the context of the existing site and creates a space that allows researchers to quietly study the impact of President Roosevelt.