KEN SMITH WORKSHOP
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
URBANISM
ART
East River Waterfront Esplanade, NYC
Start Date: 2004 - ongoing
NYC Economic Development Corporation, client
SHoP, architects
HDR/Arup, engineering
Tillotson Design Associates, lighting design
Peter Mauss / ESTO, photography
bottom images (plan and section) - Ken Smith Workshop
The two-mile site sits partially beneath the elevated highway and partially over water on marine platform structure and includes reconstruction of Piers 15 and 35. The open space program includes a continuous public esplanade for bicycles and pedestrians, improved connections to the adjoining neighborhoods, and needed open space amenities. Public features tucked under the elevated highway structure include restaurant pavilions, dog run, exercise platforms, swings, ball courts, skateboard area and seating areas.
Water edge features include fishing balconies, a stepped tidal get down area, overlooks and an innovative mussel habitat demonstration area, aka “Mussel Beach.”
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