reimagining brooklyn bridge competition: BIG among finalists

bjarke ingels group (BIG) and arup are among the finalists of ‘reimagining brooklyn bridge’, a competition that is looking to re-think one of new york’s most recognizable landmarks. the contest, which is being run by the van alen institute, inspires participants to re-think the bridge’s walkway. six proposals by the contest’s finalists have been divided into two groups: the professional category — ages 22 and up; and the young adult category — for those 21 and under. ‘the brooklyn bridge has the potential to serve as a testing ground for designs that serve our communities in need — not just in an imagined, idealistic future — but now,’ say the competition’s organizers. ‘with these considerations at heart, the six finalist proposals are a compelling and optimistic set of ideas for responsive short-term interventions and longer-term, large-scale reconfigurations of the brooklyn bridge.’

UPDATE: on august 17, 2020, the competition’s two winners were announced. see the winning schemes in detail here, and read more about each of the finalists in the words of their creators below.

back to the future — BIG + arup, new york | main image by colton duke on unsplash
(professional category — ages 22 and up)

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.

bridge X — ScenesLab + minzi long + andrew nash; new york, boston, and vienna
(professional category — ages 22 and up)

‘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’ re-imagines 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.

brooklyn bridge forest — team lead: scott francisco, pilot projects design collective, new york and montreal
(professional category — ages 22 and up)

‘brooklyn bridge forest’ improves 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 serve as green spaces.

the artery — lukas kugler, new milford, CT
(young adult category — ages 21 and under)

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 — aubrey bader and maggie redding, knoxville, TN
(young adult category — ages 21 and under)

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 — shannon hui, kwans kim, and yujin kim; hong kong, bay area, CA, and new york
(young adult category — ages 21 and under)

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.