The City of New York wanted to create a community report for the area of Harlem to attract investors, developers and potential residents to the area. Just as the rest of New York, Harlem is going through a change both economically and physically. While the economic change is subject to alter the look of Harlem, culturally, the music, literature, and art from the Harlem Renaissance will continue to inspire creatives.
NYC wanted the report to push the idea that Harlem was "dense in population but rich in culture" and would show off the beauty and diversity of Harlem yet still be digestible and engaging.
The report is inspired by the Harlem Renaissance – which took place during the twenties – bringing artists, jazz musicians and poets to the area. The format and grid is inspired by the rhythm of jazz music, the colour palette and treatment of photography by Miles Davis and Blue Note Jazz.