Architecture

Twin skyscrapers dominate BIG's nature-friendly waterfront development

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Assuming it goes ahead, the River Street Waterfront Masterplan will be located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn and include a pair of mixed-use towers and a large circular walkway that encloses a protected cove
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will be located in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, New York City
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will include a swimming pool and a YMCA center
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
“Our proposal closes one of the last remaining gaps in the continuous transformation of the Williamsburg waterfront into a post-industrial natural habitat," says Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner and Creative Director at BIG
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will include a circular walkway that encloses a protected cove and offers choice views of the area
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will include multiple walkways, as well as nature areas and parks
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will create 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of new public park space
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will include water activities like kayaking
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will feature different groves and seating areas, as well as an outdoor classroom for learning about nature
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
Assuming it goes ahead, the River Street Waterfront Masterplan will be located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn and include a pair of mixed-use towers and a large circular walkway that encloses a protected cove
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management
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Despite a very busy 2019, which included completing two of our favorite buildings, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) isn't quite done yet, and has unveiled a plan to redesign a stretch of New York City waterfront in collaboration with James Corner Field Operations. The River Street Waterfront Masterplan is centered around two new skyscrapers, a circular pathway, and lots of carefully-landscaped park space.

Assuming it does indeed go ahead – which isn't yet definite – the River Street Waterfront Masterplan will be located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn and include a pair of residential towers. We've no word on their height at this early stage, but BIG says they will be oriented so as to minimize the extent to which they obstruct the view.

Elsewhere, the River Street Waterfront Masterplan will feature a YMCA center, retail space, and a swimming pool. More significant is the landscaping though, which will be ambitious, with 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of public park space, tidal pools salt marshes, groves, and a nature trail. Additionally, a circular path will enclose a protected cove and offer choice views of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The area's flood defenses will be upgraded too, using a new breakwater system.

The River Street Waterfront Masterplan will include multiple walkways, as well as nature areas and parks
BIG and James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of Two Trees Management

“Our proposal closes one of the last remaining gaps in the continuous transformation of the Williamsburg waterfront into a post-industrial natural habitat," says Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner and Creative Director at BIG. "Rather than stopping at the hard edge of the old dock, Metropolitan avenue is split into a pedestrian loop extending all the way in to the river, connecting the dots of the concrete caissons to form an urban archipelago of recreative islands while protecting a beach and body of water for water sports and wetlands."

According to Dezeen, the River Street Waterfront Masterplan is awaiting planning permission, which could take two years, while the construction in turn is likely to take five years to complete. The project is being developed by local developer Two Trees Management.

Source: BIG

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3 comments
bwana4swahili
Waterfront development in an era of climate change!? What an idiot plan!!
buzzclick
The renderings of this project are idyllic with happy people walking about and egrets in the grass. Everything nice and dandy, with 6 acres of waterfront to enjoy...but what isn't there? No homeless people in Brooklyn? Not a lifeguard in sight. If this space is not well lit at night it's going to attract a lot of unsavory elements. A walkway above the swimming pool will inevitably tempt a yahoo to take a dive in. The residents in the buildings may not be enchanted by the noise of people shouting and playing in the evenings. It is pleasant, but is it realistic? And as bwana above says, when the sea level rises it will become quite useless. There is still work to be done to make this viable in this particular NYC landscape.
ljaques
"Bbbut, muh TWENTY FOOT Sea Level Rise!" Algore gasped! (See, bwana knows. ;) )