Newprojecte_rosa_barba

“This project connects urban neighborhoods to the waterfront across multiple barriers of infrastructure” The design team and landscape architect have been working on the public space design of two miles of the East River for eleven years. The 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. The design was conceived as a kit-of-parts to give the project an overall cohesiveness but allow for variation and adjustment in response to contextual conditions along its length.  Water edge features include fishing balconies, a stepped tidal get-down area, overlooks, and an innovative mussel habitat demonstration area, aka “Mussel Beach.” The project began with a master planning phase in 2005 and the project has been completed as a series of phases commencing with the “pilot project” that was completed in 2011, and followed by the construction of Pier 15 and “Mussel Beach” in 2012.  Pier 35 with its folded parterres and large scale folded topiary wall is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2019.