New York, NY—In developing a proposal for the East River of Manhattan, it was essential not to limit ourselves to confined sites, but rather to consider proposals as one vast site necessarily involving a great expanse of river. We assert that this continuous frontage constitutes a distinct entity, which while necessarily linked to the various inland zones that it abuts, it nevertheless encompasses distinctly different systems, spaces, and ways of occupation. We capitalize on this hybrid condition, which like the parkway, may be used both locally and globally. We propose three general zones of mediation which arise through the intensive sectional development of the FDR right of way. The first is utilizing the FDR Drive, a high-speed, vehicular artery, that effectively defines the limits of a new attenuated park measured in miles. At the opposite extreme are proposed local zones where residents establish intimate and long-term uses of segments of the waterfront park. Between these poles exists an intermediate scale comprised of public amenities that realize the political space of each community. This chain of programmatic elements enhances the continuity of the water's edge. It becomes possible, then, to conceive of a public space at the waterfront which could function for the boroughs much like Central Park works for the various neighborhoods of Manhattan.

Principals: Jesse Reiser and Nanako Umemoto

Design Team: Yama Karim, Jason Payne, Nona Yehia

Interns and Assistants: Marcelyn Gowe, Armando Petrucelli, Todd Rouhe, Katrin Kloetzer, Andreas Vogt