BIG's 'river ring' will now bring affordable housing to williamsburg waterfront

river ring: bjarke ingels responds to the community

bjarke ingels group (BIG) and james corner field operations have responded to community feedback following first looks at their ‘river ring’ waterfront proposal in williamsburg. the new york city council has approved a revised plan which will now include 263 units of affordable housing out of 1,050 units overall. these affordable units will feature the same design and amenities as those at market rate. in addition, 150 new affordable units will be designated for seniors.

developed by two trees management, the project is sited along the east river and seeks to introduce a new model for urban waterfront resiliency and transform the way new yorkers interact with the water. the masterplan’s most significant physical update since its last iteration in 2019 involves the redesign of its two gently sloping towers. while the BIG-designed towers were initially planned to rise to a height of 600 feet and 650 feet, they will now measure 710 feet and 560 feet. the structures will offer a mix of uses vital to the williamsburg community — not just housing, but also community space, local retail and offices.

all images © james corner field operations and BIG-bjarke ingels group, courtesy of two trees management

the two towers and the waterfront park

while bjarke ingels group (see more here) is responsible for the design of the river ring buildings, james corner field operations (see more here) designed the waterfront park extending into williamsburg’s east river waterfront. this park will make up three acres of public open space and another three acres of protected in-water access, including natural habitat — far beyond the 0.7 acres required under zoning regulations. the design aims to restore the critical ecology of its riverfront site, with a plan anchored by a first-of-its-kind protected public beach with a storm resilient edge will protect over 500 inland properties from flooding. two trees management,

the restorative design extends into the east river

the field operations-designed ‘river ring’ waterfront park in williamsburg is defined by its circular esplanade that extends into the east river. this element promotes access in and around the river, and introduces an amphitheater, large sandy beach, tidal pools, and a salt marsh. the ring connects to the park’s breakwaters which provide protection and form a series of nature trails that extend out to the existing concrete caissons. meanwhile, a boating cove at north 1st street includes a sandy beach for boat access surrounded by wetlands and is adjacent to a series of community kiosks and a children’s natural play area.

the BIG- and field operations-designed river ring masterplan will introduce a new green energy plan within the fabric of williamsburg. the development will integrate a cutting edge microgrid system for the large mixed-use complex. this system will mitigate demand from the overtaxed con edison system and will offload excess power to neighboring facilities and buildings, serving as a backup energy source for the community in case of a power outage.

the circular esplanade that extends into the east river
the park will restore the critical ecology of its riverfront site