Yuka Yoneda

Yuka is a writer and designer from Queens, New York. She received her bachelor’s in business management from Stony Brook University, and holds a degree in exhibition design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In 2008, Yuka looked in the mirror and didn’t like what she saw. Always feeling like there was something missing from her life, she had turned to excess, amassing a mountain of clothes, shoes, bags, and random tchotchkes to fill the void. In an act of desperation, she founded Swyyne.com as a guide for urbanites wanting to change their piggish ways and has been learning and smiling more ever since. When she isn't writing about sustainable design, Yuka amuses herself by making trash into treasure, hunting for goodies at her favorite thrift shop, and offering up vintage, secondhand and refashioned clothes from her own closet to raise money for Japan.

Follow Yuka on Twitter @yukayoneda.

5 Free Things to Do During Memorial Day Weekend in NYC

Memorial Day typically results in a mass exodus of NYC each year, but if you're sticking around on the homefront this weekend, there are plenty of free events and activities of which to take advantage. From a Central Park walking tour of monuments that pay homage to fallen heroes to a waterfront bike ride towards ships visiting for Fleet Week to a free family festival on Governors Island, read on to see all of the fun things you can do this weekend in the Big Apple!

PHOTOS: We Go Gaga for the Great GoogaMooga’s Carnival-Inspired Green Design

What seemed like a googol New Yorkers came out in gaggles for the Great GoogaMooga, a festival of food and fun that took over Brooklyn's Prospect Park last weekend. Googling "GoogaMooga" will lead you to many reviews of the festival's music and cuisine (some cheerfully positive and others not so upbeat), but what we were most interested in for Inhabitat NYC was the fact that many of the cool, carnival-inspired booth designs were made of reclaimed and salvaged materials. Read on to see which green GoogaMooga designs had us going gaga, as well as other earth-friendly considerations the organizers and acclaimed architect David Rockwell put into play at the much-talked-about event.

Eco-ttage: MOD{all} Studio’s Green Redesign of Conover Cottages in Red Hook Nearing Completion

MOD{all} Studio recently sent us their green redesign of the Conover Cottages in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Called Eco-ttage, the sustainable facelift was the winning entry in a competition to give the iconic (but not very attractive) homes a much-needed overhaul, and is nearing completion of construction. Featuring several …

HWKN Creates a Green Hill on an NYC Rooftop for BMW MINI

Wherever it is that your company holds its parties, it's not better than this verdant green rooftop event space by HWKN for BMW MINI, so if you're prone to jealousy, don't read on. Located atop an NYC building, the temporary installation was a part of MINI’s “Creative Use of Space” campaign celebrating the design elements of the Mini Cooper as well as its ability to pack a big punch in a small package. The festive setup featured a rolling green hill with "seating dimples," a performance stage and a luminous LED carpet leading to a panorama bar overlooking the Hudson.

Verdant PicNYC Table is Topped with Living Growing Grass

Who needs Central Park when you've got a grass-topped table that makes every meal a picnic? Okay, we still love Central Park, but on days when you can't go out to play, Haiko Cornelissen's PicNYC Table is a breath of fresh air. Unlike other faux foliage-filled designs we've seen, the PicNYC table features living, growing greenery, and you aren't just limited to growing grass. Spotted at the Wanted Design exhibition during NY Design Week, the clever double-duty piece can be planted with flowers or even herbs to pick and sprinkle right onto your meal.

Lower East Side’s Creative Little Garden Wins Daily News Best Community Garden Title

The Daily News has awarded its prize for best community garden in NYC, and we’re excited to say it’s one that’s near and dear to our hearts – the Lower East Side’s Creative Little Garden. Located on Sixth St. between avenues A and B, the tranquil space beat out many larger city gardens for the title, proving that when it comes to garden design, size doesn’t matter. True to its name, the urban oasis has many out-of-the-box features including a distinctive red birch-chip path that is anything but on the beaten one.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Blue Hill at Stone Barns is All That and a Bag of Homemade Veggie Chips

"Farm-to-table" seems to be a hot buzzphrase in the food world right now but if you're looking for the real deal, it doesn't get more legit than Blue Hill at Stone Barns. In fact, the restaurant, voted one of Food & Wine's top 10 life-changing eateries, might more accurately be described as "table-on-farm", considering that many of the freshly-plucked veggies and aromatic herbs that star on their menu come from just a few yards away. We recently visited this truly unique sustainable food destination to nosh on one of award-winning chef Dan Barber's famous "farmer's feasts." Read on see to a sampling of what we ate - from a homemade melt-in-your-mouth parsnip steak to soft-shell crab with phytoplankton mayo to a colorful wall of crispy and sweet homemade veggie chips.

Thousands of New Yorkers Recycle Electronics at the City’s Safe Disposal Event in Queens

Nearly 4,000 New Yorkers carted, rolled, and carried their electronics, paint, and other hazardous waste to the city's SAFE Disposal recycling event in Queens this past Saturday. Organized by the Department of Sanitation, the event couldn't have come at a better time for people looking to get their spring cleaning done without having to dump their e-waste in landfills. Inhabitat was on the scene disposing of our own CRT TV, and we were astonished to see the hordes of people approaching the parking lot of St. John's University with their disposables. If you couldn't make it to the Queens event, don't worry. There are still three more events - in the Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn - this spring. Read on for the details.

Photos: Katharine Harvey’s Glittering Plastic “Chandelier” is Made from 1,000s of Pieces of Garbage

Made from glittering strands of plastic garbage, artist Katharine Harvey's massive "Chandelier" has made its way to downtown New York just in time for Earth Day. The artist strung together water bottles, sandwich trays, muffin tins, salad boxes, egg cartons, and other trash to create the almost crystalline 21-foot tall and 15-foot wide sculpture, which currently hangs in the World Financial Center Winter Garden. Commenting on the "glut of plastic in consumer society," the deceptively beautiful light fixture will be on display from April 15th through May 11th, suspended above a luxurious marble staircase.

Curious Irish Hunger Memorial is a Green-Roofed Monument in Battery Park City

Even the most been-there-done-that New Yorkers might find themselves surprised to stumble upon the Irish Hunger Memorial, a sloping patch of wild grass that protrudes from Vesey Street and conceals one of the city's hidden gems beneath. Designed by artist Brian Tolle, landscape artist Gail Wittwer-Laird and 1100 Architect, the green-roofed monument entices passersby with its curiously overgrown field and, once they are inside, educates them about the Great Irish Famine and Migration of 1845-1852, a devastating event which actually led many Irishmen to make New York their new home. Comprised of an elevated limestone plinth supported by stones from each of Ireland's 32 counties, the beautiful structure contains a dark passageway that eventually leads to an idyllic knoll that reaches towards Ellis Island, symbolizing the new beginning that many Irish found in America.

New York Flower Show: 30 Greenery-Topped Tablescapes Fill a Manhattan Ballroom with Blooms

Fashion and flowers overtook 583 Park Avenue last week for The Horticultural Society of New York's magical showcase of greenery-topped tables and fantastical floral arrangements. Taking just one day to complete their task, 30 different New York designers filled the Delano & Aldrich-designed architectural gem with their lavish creations reflecting this year's theme of “Couture en Fleur." Tying in everything from 1920s Paris fashion to Alexander McQueen's book "Savage Beast" to the over-the-top visuals of Cirque du Soleil, the fanciful tablescapes featured moss-covered mannequins, gowns made of botanical buds and more.

PHOTOS: Patrick Blanc’s Enchanting Vertical Garden Wonderland is Laced with 7,000 Orchids

If you love the drama and wonder of green walls but have never experienced one in real life, don't miss your chance to see Patrick Blanc's dazzling display of living tapestries created for the New York Botanical Garden's 10th Annual Orchid Show (it ends this weekend!). The annual Orchid Show already inspires an enthusiasm akin to mania amongst orchid-lovers, but for their 10th year, they really wanted to blow people away botanically. So they sought out the help of Patrick Blanc, a botanist who has created some of the world's most jaw-dropping vertical garden installations. With the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory as his canvas and flora as his medium, Blanc painted a tropical wonderland, lacing archways, walls and even a breathtaking "green cube" with 7,000 luscious orchids. If you can't make it to the show before it ends on April 22, you can click through the vibrant photos we snapped to see everything you'll be missing, but you really have no excuse since Inhabitat readers get 20% off admission (keep reading for the details). And if you need even more coaxing, one of the NYBG's gardeners told us that even Sigourney Weaver stopped by to marvel at the magical gardens.

Paul Lightfoot, Mario Batali and Marty Markowitz Kick Off Plan for World’s Largest Rooftop Farm in Brooklyn

Members of the media and local food aficionados gathered yesterday outside of Brooklyn Borough Hall to witness the official announcement that the world's largest rooftop farm will be coming to Kingsborough. Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, and celebrity chef Mario Batali were all there to lend support as Brightfarms CEO Paul Lightfoot broke the news and tore a white drape off of a rendering of the future 100,000 sq. ft. farm. We got the chance to speak to Mr. Lightfoot after his speech and pick his brain about when the farm will be completed and how the development will change the way New Yorkers eat. Read on to see what he shared with us.

Brightfarms Announces Plan to Build World’s Largest Rooftop Farm in Brooklyn

If all goes according to BrightFarms‘ ambitious new plan, Brooklyn, New York will soon be the home to the world’s largest rooftop farm. The hydroponic greenhouse company announced last week that Sunset Park was chosen as the location for the future 100,000 square ft., multi-acre farm rooftop farm, which would be able to grow enough food to meet the fresh produce needs of 5,000 New Yorkers. Up until now, trying to find produce grown in Brooklyn yielded slim pickins’ (though we know a few great spots). The new facility will create 25 new full-time jobs and could change the business models of many local merchants by providing them with a producer that’s just a few miles, or even a few blocks, away.

PHOTOS: Macy’s Flower Show Features Giant Toucan Topiary Covered in 25,000 Flowers and Leaves

For the first time in 38 years, Macy's famous Flower Show has bloomed inside a massive tent in Herald Square instead of in the store itself - and those who step inside are in for a Brazil-inspired treat. Capturing all of the colors of Carnival, the show has been delighting floraphiles since last week with its themed gardens that offer New Yorkers an escape to the Amazonian rainforests. We popped into the show on Saturday and the lavish displays of greenery, vibrant blossoms and working waterfall were the perfect way to avoid the dreary, drizzly weather outside. Step into our gallery to see all of our favorite parts of the show, including this giant toucan topiary covered in 25,000 hand-dipped Brazilian button flowers and magnolia leaves.

Fashion Designer Joann Berman Creates Trippy 3D Furniture from Vintage Sofas in Queens

Native New Yorker Joann Berman has dressed the likes of Michael Jackson, Diddy, Salt-n-Pepa and Jodeci, but now she's focusing on a client that's a little bit closer to home - your home, that is. The fashion designer's trippy aesthetic and talent for transforming old into new earned her the moniker "the reigning queen of reconstruction," and now she has turned her sights to furniture design with a bevy of bespoke chaises, couches and sidechairs in retina-searing hues. Screened with 3D images that will have you wondering exactly what kind of mushrooms were in your marsala, the custom-made line is made of upcycled vintage furniture that is printed in Long Island City, Queens. We recently visited JoJo at her Bushwick, Brooklyn studios to find out more about these one-of-a-kind treasures.

MVRDV Apologizes for World-Trade-Center-esque “Cloud” Twin Towers as Outrage Spreads

MVRDV just ignited a media firestorm as “The Cloud” – their new project for Seoul, Korea featuring two towers linked by a pixellated mass – drew comparison to the exploding form of New York City’s Twin Towers on 9/11. The architecture firm recently addressed cries of outrage by apologizing for the design, stating “It was not our intention to create an image resembling the attacks nor did we see the resemblance during the design process. We sincerely apologize to anyone whose feelings we have hurt, the design was not meant to provoke this”, however Jan Marbles, one of MVRDV’s architects who worked on the project stated “I must admit that we just thought of September 11, 2001″. Many are still shocked and appalled by the design – according to MVRDV, they’ve received “threatening emails and calls of angry people calling us Al Qaeda lovers or worse”. So what do you think – Are the towers offensively similar to the flaming World Trade Center buildings on September 11th, 2001? Tell us what you think after the jump.

Amali is the Upper East Side’s Newest and Greenest Mediterranean Dining Experience

"Katharos" is a Greek word that means pure, clear or clean, and it is a particularly apropos way to sum up Amali, the Upper East Side's newest Mediterranean restaurant. "The food from that region is all about taking humble, fresh ingredients and making the most of what is available," explained owner James Mallios. "I thought the materials used in the space should also reflect that." Just like the rustic, farm-to-table fare served at Amali, the eatery's finishes are minimal in number but masterful in their combined effect. And although the intimate resto has only been open for about a week now, it already has about a thousand tales to tell. We visited Amali this week to hear the stories for ourselves, check out the newly revamped dining room created by architect Caleb Mulvena and, of course, sample the food. Step in for a taste of what we saw and savored.

HOW TO: Make an Incredible Edible Sushi High Line for Thanksgiving!

Cornucopias are cool, but if you really want to blow your Thanksgiving guests away this year, let them feast their eyes on an incredible edible High Line park-themed centerpiece! If you love the High Line (and what New Yorker doesn't?), you can craft your very own miniature version of the celebrated elevated park using recycled sushi boxes, chopsticks and some of your favorite T-day foods like stuffing and mashed potatoes. Hit the jump to check out our DIY tutorial and more pics of this awesome example of foodscape architecture!

PHOTOS: Ray Villafane Carves the World’s Largest Pumpkin into an Intricate Spine-Tingling Sculpture

Last week, we brought you news that the world's largest pumpkin was going under the knife, and now we have actual photos of the carving in action! We were on the scene yesterday at the New York Botanical Garden, as carving master Ray Villafane whittled away sections of the 1,818.5 lb pumpkin to reveal an incredibly intricate three-dimensional scene of zombies and demons busting out of the orange shell. Click through our gallery to see our photos of the hair-raising sculpture, including close-ups of all the chilling details.

Last Chance to Go Skating at the High Line Retro Roller Rink!

Is it just us or did Summer 2011 pass by in the blink of an eye? It felt like just yesterday that we announced the opening of the Uniqlo Retro Roller Rink at the High Line lot and it's already closing in just a few days! The pop-up rink, which has provided hours of free-wheelin' entertainment for New Yorkers will be closing up shop this Monday, September 26th, so if you haven't had a chance to skate a lap or twenty, head on over there right now!

The Insert ____ Here Project Paints Bright Yellow Arrows Where Change is Needed in NYC

Have you ever passed an abandoned lot on your ‘hood and thought “Man, I wish they would do something about that”? Well artist Eve Mosher and 350.org really wanted to point out (literally) the spots in NYC that are overdue for a change, so they teamed up …

Have Some Free Eco Fun at the OPENgreenHOUSE Hosted by the 14th Street Y

If noshing on yummy organic treats and sipping fresh juices while rocking out to a solar-powered DJ in an Urban Oasis sounds like your kind of party, mark your calendar for the 14th Street Y’s OPENgreenHOUSE, happening this Sunday, September 18th! The 14th Street Y, a Lower East Side institution, has been throwing their annual Open House for some time now but this year, they’re taking it to the next level by greening the whole event. The fair will be open to the public with tons of concerts, activities and fun, all of which will also help educate the community on simple ways to lessen our carbon footprint and support the local businesses in our neighborhood. Oh, and did we mention that the whole thing is totally FREE?

6 Important Facts You May Not Know About One World Trade Center

With the ten year anniversary of 9/11 in just a few days, many of us can't help but recollect the gleaming Twin Towers that once were a defining characteristic of our skyline until all too quickly, they weren't. But like true New Yorkers, we walk with our heads facing forward, looking to the future, which comes in the form of a new building called One World Trade Center. And while talks surrounding the design of this new icon started nearly seven years ago and the tower itself has been under construction for five, ask most New Yorkers and they'll admit that the details of the building by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill still seem to be shrouded in a bit of a fog. When will it be complete? How many stories will it be? What will the new safety features be and how will it honor the victims of that fateful day? And since we're a sustainable design site, we of course have to ask if the building will be green. If you're looking for the answers to these questions and more, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn six important facts you may not know about One World Trade Center and check out our exclusive pics of the building going up!

PICS: Mysterious Tree-Topped Former Factory in LIC is Almost Completely Wrapped in Ivy

Long Island City is known for being more grey than green, which is precisely why we were blown away when we spotted this ivy-enrobed building there one day. Much more jungle than concrete jungle, the verdant cube sits right on Vernon Boulevard and is a stark contrast with the industrial nature of the surrounding buildings and steely Queensboro Bridge behind it. Entranced by its greenery-wrapped exterior, we crept up to get a closer look and upon bending our heads back realized that there were trees of all shapes and sizes growing out of the roof! But what exactly was this mysterious building? (We saw of a few signs but they were almost completely obscured by the prolific ivy.) Read on to see what we were able to unearth about the green-roofed edifice's origins and what goes on in there today.

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