With the launch of the Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge competition earlier this year, the Van Alen Institute and New York City Council aimed to create an international open call for architects and designers to "rethink" how New York's iconic Brooklyn Bridge walkway could look in the future. The bridge's walkway is an iconic piece of the city; however, as the pandemic quickly swept across the globe, the idea of "reimagining Brooklyn Bridge" aimed to address more than just a simple redesign. 

According to the Van Alen Institute, "As made even more clear by the pandemic, the design of our streets and shared spaces must be responsive to the present moment and work to correct past injustices. They must foster equitable, accessible, and sustainable transportation options, create a healthy and safe environment for all New Yorkers, and opportunities for small businesses and vendors to flourish."

With these new judging conditions in play, the jury selected the following six proposals to advance as finalists in the Student and Professional category. 

FINALISTS - PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

"Bridge X"
By: ScenesLab + Minzi Long + Andrew Nash

Proposal Description: Bridge X proposes a Brooklyn Bridge that evolves in response to public feedback and adapts from a pandemic to a post-pandemic era. Through a phased approach, Bridge X reimagines the upper and lower decks to reclaim space for greater pedestrian and cyclist access, to make room for vendors and small businesses, and to offer new modes of engagement with the bridge. Digital tools and design interventions enable visitors to more easily access, explore, and reflect on their experiences of the bridge.

"Back to the Future" 
By: BIG + ARUP, New York

Project Description: Back to the Future seeks to return the bridge to its original state, both architecturally and functionally, and pilots innovations in autonomous mobility and public space design. By removing cars and related ramps, and providing more space for pedestrians, bikes and transit, this proposal moves more people and creates a stronger connection between Downtown Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and beyond.

"Brooklyn Bridge Forest"
By: Pilot Projects Design Collective, Cities4Forests, Wildlife Conservation Society, Grimshaw, and Silman

Project Description: Brooklyn Bridge Forest reimagines the bridge as an icon of climate action and social equity, improving mobility while respecting the landmark structure. The historic wooden walkway is expanded using planks sustainably sourced from a partner community in Guatemala that protects a 200,000-acre rainforest. A dedicated bike path and reclaimed traffic lane create new space for cyclists and low-carbon transit, while biodiverse “microforests” at either end of the bridge bring nature to New York City and serve as green spaces for underserved communities.

FINALISTS - YOUNG ADULT CATEGORY

"The Artery"
By: Lukas Kugler, New Milford, CT

Project Description: With sensitivity to different user groups, The Artery creates a contiguous modern transportation corridor between boroughs. On the bridge, the design incorporates designated spaces for vendors and three separate pathways for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. The substantial incorporation of greenery provides natural borders between these paths, creating an improved experience while encouraging native plants and wildlife to inhabit the bridge.

"The Cultural Current"
By: Aubrey Bader and Maggie Redding, Knoxville, TN

Project Description: Using a brightly colored path and cultural markers, The Cultural Current proposes a fluid integration of surrounding neighborhoods into a transportation and public space network that crosses the bridge. The proposal uses color in a playful way that’s also helpful for wayfinding, reuses existing wood boards and recycled plastic, and plans to phase car traffic off the lower roadway.

"Do Look Down"
By: Shannon Hui, Kwans Kim, and Yujin Kim; Hong Kong, Bay Area, CA, and New York

Project Description: Do Look Down’s installation of a glass surface above the bridge’s girders creates a whimsical new pedestrian space activated through art installations and seasonal programming. The lower roadway is converted into additional walkable and human-powered transport space that also offers opportunities for local vendors and performers. Powered by kinetic paving, an LED and projection system is mobilized to honor the city’s cultures, histories, and identities.

A virtual Design Showdown will be held on July 23rd at 6pm as the finalists will present their proposals virtually. The public in addition to the jury will be able to share their feedback/criticism and public voting will be held for their favorite proposals from July 23-30th. 

Winners will be selected and announced this summer.