NEXUS ON THE RARITAN

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - At an event held at Rutgers University in 2016, Antonio Calcado, Senior Vice President for Institutional Planning and Operations for Rutgers University and Christopher Paladino, President of New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) presented and discussed the Rutgers 2030 – A Visionary Physical Master Plan (Sponsored by SMPS-NY/NJ).

At the end of the presentation, Mr. Calcado and Mr. Paladino encouraged the involvement of local architectural firms by bringing forward new ideas and innovations for consideration that could improve and build upon the Rutgers University Master Plan. As such, Somerset-based Design Resources Group Architects (DRG) recognized an opportunity in the proposed Master Plan to further develop the Raritan River Pedestrian Crossing in a way that would transmute the Raritan River into a valued feature, attraction and destination for the University, County, and City of New Brunswick’s enjoyment.

DRG Architects has proposed an ambitious enhancement to the Rutgers Master Plan pedestrian bridge, changing it into a Public Park suspended above the Raritan River, connecting the Master Plan’s proposed Campus Quad, Transit Hub, and the city to the other campuses, High Point Stadium, Johnson Park, and Rutgers Ecological Reserve. The proposed Nexus on the Raritan River will also create a cross circulation that will unify all campuses, the riverfront, and the City of New Brunswick as an iconic destination, providing a sense of place and pride by appreciating the Raritan River as a valuable resource and its essential role in the city’s history.

Victor Rodriguez, Project Designer at DRG Architects, believes Nexus on the Raritan River will “provide visual, spatial, and textural link to the cultural heritage of the New Brunswick area. This pedestrian bridge sits lightly in its environment and its expressive elemental forms create a powerful architectural identity that will forever represent, validate, and celebrate the history of the Raritan River.”

The design proposal was also submitted for the 2017 New Jersey American Institute of Architects Annual Design Awards, where it was the recipient of the 2017 New Jersey AIA Annual Design Honor Award in the Unbuilt Category. DRG Architects has stated that they would be honored to be included or assist in furthering the dialogue on the potentials of this portion of the Rutgers Master Plan for the pedestrian riverfront development and crossing.

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