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THE SOLIDARITY SPAN AS PART OF THE REIMAGINING THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE DESIGN COMPETITION BY VAN ALEN INSTITUTE Sean Kuerzdoerfer 716 394 1711 kiqarch gmail com Brooklyn New York United States of America As Part of a 3 Member Team
THE SOLIDARITY SPAN OVERVIEW A centerspace to celebrate the unity prosperity of two cities to continue to unify all peoples that walk its span Our vision The Solidarity Span looks to reform a landmark that united two cities and their people By putting more emphasis on the pedestrian and cyclist this alteration looks to inspire increased planning on the human scale in future designs across the city Setting out to preserve Roebling s legacy our design looks to retain his vision while sensibly adding new features to enhance the Brooklyn Bridge experience for future generations TEAM DESCRIPTION Meet the members of the team Sean Kuerzdoerfer I am a graduate from the Bachelors of Architecture Program at SUNY Alfred State with a concentration in Urban Design I work in Manhattan and currently live in Brooklyn Along with my fascination for urban landscapes and the built environment I had the opportunity to study historical documentation in Italy I presently work in historical restoration Hannah Beaton I m a Brooklyn based video editor currently working in documentary film and I enjoy sketching in my spare time Growing up I developed my love of New York City and its landmarks from my favorite films For the first two years after I moved here I was able to work in Dumbo and appreciated every moment spent by both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges Alex Bitterman I am a professor and the chair of the Department of Architecture Design at SUNY Alfred State I continue to grow my education in architecture as well as a wide array of other fields to be as well rounded in my knowledge as possible I have also participated in over 50 international juried competitions
THE SOLIDARITY SPAN OVERVIEW A centerspace to celebrate the unity prosperity of two cities to continue to unify all peoples that walk its span Our vision The Solidarity Span looks to reform a landmark that united two cities and their people By putting more emphasis on the pedestrian and cyclist this alteration looks to inspire increased planning on the human scale in future designs across the city Setting out to preserve Roebling s legacy our design looks to retain his vision while sensibly adding new features to enhance the Brooklyn Bridge experience for future generations TEAM DESCRIPTION Meet the members of the team Sean Kuerzdoerfer I am a graduate from the Bachelors of Architecture Program at SUNY Alfred State with a concentration in Urban Design I work in Manhattan and currently live in Brooklyn Along with my fascination for urban landscapes and the built environment I had the opportunity to study historical documentation in Italy I presently work in historical restoration Hannah Beaton I m a Brooklyn based video editor currently working in documentary film and I enjoy sketching in my spare time Growing up I developed my love of New York City and its landmarks from my favorite films For the first two years after I moved here I was able to work in Dumbo and appreciated every moment spent by both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges Alex Bitterman I am a professor and the chair of the Department of Architecture Design at SUNY Alfred State I continue to grow my education in architecture as well as a wide array of other fields to be as well rounded in my knowledge as possible I have also participated in over 50 international juried competitions
NOW UNITED A TALE OF TWO CITIES With our approach preserving the bridge s history was key and was accomplished in a few ways The design of the bridge is focused around the center of the promenade this allows us to maintain unobstructed viewsheds and imagery for future photography In addition bicyclists have been removed from the historical walkway to their own lanes with individual access to the promenade allowing for better utilization and comfort for all parties Using the term we dubbed Industrial Gothic our approach merges classical styles and patterning with modern design philosophy to mimic the bridge s initial conception and respect Roebling s vision HISTORY WHAT THE BRIDGE REPRESENTS HOW THE BRIDGE FUNCTIONS Landmark An icon that both represents New York and the hopes and opportunity associated with America The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most prominent pieces of infrastructure in New York City The bridge offers multiple opportunities for the public to cross the East River through three different forms of transportation Walking Cycling Vehicular The bridge traffic was heavily dominated by automobiles through the mid 20th century the bridge was widened to 3 lanes of automotive traffic both inbound and outbound of Manhattan While the car experience has been altered to accommodate the increase of traffic the pedestrian cycling experience has remained relatively unchanged As more New Yorkers have chosen to utilize sustainable means of transportation the need for additional spaces allocated to those means has increased drastically Innovation The design of the bridge deftly combined unlikely technologies evidenced by how the classical architectural vernacular was infused with the pioneering use of steel to reach an unprecendented height and span This innovation would become the basis for new construction in New York City as well as facilitate its growth Unity The bridge has come to represent the prosperity and opportunity that resulted from the merging of two peoples two cities and two different times in New York s history Manhattan REPRESENTATION OF TWO CITIES Brooklyn Symbolism of the two distinct cities as well as the joining of the two are found on both promenade and cyclist levels Using color extractions from both Manhattan Brooklyn s flags in either city bound bike path a way to symbolize two distinct cities with different characters and origins can be found On the promenade level the Harmony Plaza tree depicts the unification of both cities and is accompanied by plaques
NOW UNITED A TALE OF TWO CITIES With our approach preserving the bridge s history was key and was accomplished in a few ways The design of the bridge is focused around the center of the promenade this allows us to maintain unobstructed viewsheds and imagery for future photography In addition bicyclists have been removed from the historical walkway to their own lanes with individual access to the promenade allowing for better utilization and comfort for all parties Using the term we dubbed Industrial Gothic our approach merges classical styles and patterning with modern design philosophy to mimic the bridge s initial conception and respect Roebling s vision HISTORY WHAT THE BRIDGE REPRESENTS HOW THE BRIDGE FUNCTIONS Landmark An icon that both represents New York and the hopes and opportunity associated with America The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most prominent pieces of infrastructure in New York City The bridge offers multiple opportunities for the public to cross the East River through three different forms of transportation Walking Cycling Vehicular The bridge traffic was heavily dominated by automobiles through the mid 20th century the bridge was widened to 3 lanes of automotive traffic both inbound and outbound of Manhattan While the car experience has been altered to accommodate the increase of traffic the pedestrian cycling experience has remained relatively unchanged As more New Yorkers have chosen to utilize sustainable means of transportation the need for additional spaces allocated to those means has increased drastically Innovation The design of the bridge deftly combined unlikely technologies evidenced by how the classical architectural vernacular was infused with the pioneering use of steel to reach an unprecendented height and span This innovation would become the basis for new construction in New York City as well as facilitate its growth Unity The bridge has come to represent the prosperity and opportunity that resulted from the merging of two peoples two cities and two different times in New York s history Manhattan REPRESENTATION OF TWO CITIES Brooklyn Symbolism of the two distinct cities as well as the joining of the two are found on both promenade and cyclist levels Using color extractions from both Manhattan Brooklyn s flags in either city bound bike path a way to symbolize two distinct cities with different characters and origins can be found On the promenade level the Harmony Plaza tree depicts the unification of both cities and is accompanied by plaques
HARMONY PLAZA INDUSTRIAL GOTHIC Harmony Plaza centralized on the promenade features a centerpiece of a tree symbolizing growth and prosperity Made of steel cabling it grows from the masonry of the old city sprouting steel into the air representing the city s ever increasing heights and continually growing aspirations Plaque floor plates inscribed with Manhattan and Brooklyn point in either direction at the tree s base Looking South John Roebling stands and stares at Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn cities that his ingenuity and vision would see connected Gazing North Washington Roebling sits with wife Emily comfortingly holding his shoulder in guidance to see the bridge complete As a form of historical patterning Symmetry is heavily pursued throughout the design to encourage a classical sense Collonades were a widely used classical form to give senses of entrance and significance On the promenade the newly proposed Cannoponade looks to capture the same sensation while adding greenery and selective viewsheds with minimal additions to the current path PHOTOGRAPHIC PRESERVATION PRESERVING A LANDMARK The Approach BEFORE The goal of the new promenade design was to make more interior based bridge modifications preserving the long standing continuity and iconic landscape of the current approach and exterior views View from Dumbo AFTER A term we dubbed this takes form in the additions and alterations to the bridge that are newly built They will reflect the bridge s history and character that balances its use of 20th century technology and its classical patterning BEFORE AFTER As part of the gothic inspiration details such as this underpass with gothic arch tracery for bikes not only look to maximize usage of the bridge but further reinforce Roebling s design sensibilities SKETCHING A LANDMARK PRESERVING THROUGH DESIGN These half arches are used to give a further sense of form to the walk with minimal interference to the existing roadcages They add a source of light and further reinforce symmetry and solidarity along the historical walkway Looking into the classification of the bridge as it stands we found that it was classified as Neo Gothic Looking into examples of Gothic NeoGothic architecture we wanted to extract a few aspects of this architectural style to inform our new design
HARMONY PLAZA INDUSTRIAL GOTHIC Harmony Plaza centralized on the promenade features a centerpiece of a tree symbolizing growth and prosperity Made of steel cabling it grows from the masonry of the old city sprouting steel into the air representing the city s ever increasing heights and continually growing aspirations Plaque floor plates inscribed with Manhattan and Brooklyn point in either direction at the tree s base Looking South John Roebling stands and stares at Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn cities that his ingenuity and vision would see connected Gazing North Washington Roebling sits with wife Emily comfortingly holding his shoulder in guidance to see the bridge complete As a form of historical patterning Symmetry is heavily pursued throughout the design to encourage a classical sense Collonades were a widely used classical form to give senses of entrance and significance On the promenade the newly proposed Cannoponade looks to capture the same sensation while adding greenery and selective viewsheds with minimal additions to the current path PHOTOGRAPHIC PRESERVATION PRESERVING A LANDMARK The Approach BEFORE The goal of the new promenade design was to make more interior based bridge modifications preserving the long standing continuity and iconic landscape of the current approach and exterior views View from Dumbo AFTER A term we dubbed this takes form in the additions and alterations to the bridge that are newly built They will reflect the bridge s history and character that balances its use of 20th century technology and its classical patterning BEFORE AFTER As part of the gothic inspiration details such as this underpass with gothic arch tracery for bikes not only look to maximize usage of the bridge but further reinforce Roebling s design sensibilities SKETCHING A LANDMARK PRESERVING THROUGH DESIGN These half arches are used to give a further sense of form to the walk with minimal interference to the existing roadcages They add a source of light and further reinforce symmetry and solidarity along the historical walkway Looking into the classification of the bridge as it stands we found that it was classified as Neo Gothic Looking into examples of Gothic NeoGothic architecture we wanted to extract a few aspects of this architectural style to inform our new design
COMFORT SAFETY SECURITY All newly modified sections of the bridge adhere to architectural codes and standards and comply with the accessibility needs of all users aspects including height clearances along with stair and ramp regulations Our approach also meets the needs of all users in the following four categories Photographers Individuals who wish to document their experiences of the bridge and city Scholars Those who desire to learn more about the bridge s history and its impact on the city Vendors People selling their goods and wares to others passing by Commuters Users seeking to quickly travel from one place to another FOR ALL The photographers experience is better improved by adding alcoves at the bridge towers where the existing plaques used to be now allowing these users full access to the space Scholars receive a better experience by having the historical plaques and homages moved to the center spaces of the bridge towers in order to avoid interference from photographers Vendors receive smaller sections at both tower platforms that are more advantageous for their usage than spaces dedicated to the other users Commuters are given an unobstructed centralized promenade walk that allows all other forms of pedestrians to disperse to the newly created observation points Separation between pedestrians cyclists and vehicular traffic are distinctly divided allowing all three modes of transportation their own spaces which will eliminate conflicts or dangers posed to users Along with further precautions to protect the bridge s vital structures such as supports and tension cabling from users the proposal looks to extend this endeavor through added security measures with surveillance components and accompanying police infrastructure to better maintain the bridge Matching existing planking color as well as supporting structure Use Quicker movement of people along Glulam Promenade historical walk new seating throughout Seating Planking Terracotta Pavers Supported by lightweight rebar mesh cement construction Match aesthetics to preserve legacy with longevity durability Use For slower circulation around designated space Use Manhattan Brooklyn floor plates all plaques Roebling Statues Bronze Stamping Recycled from bridge cable replacements Significantly longer lifespan than pavement as well as improved watershed performance Use Harmony Plaza tree sculpture Existing Recylced Steel Cabling Recycled Plastic Pavement Use Cycling automobile commuter roadways Further support exterior material lifespan Use Archways Harmony Plaza arch structure Glulam Beams
COMFORT SAFETY SECURITY All newly modified sections of the bridge adhere to architectural codes and standards and comply with the accessibility needs of all users aspects including height clearances along with stair and ramp regulations Our approach also meets the needs of all users in the following four categories Photographers Individuals who wish to document their experiences of the bridge and city Scholars Those who desire to learn more about the bridge s history and its impact on the city Vendors People selling their goods and wares to others passing by Commuters Users seeking to quickly travel from one place to another FOR ALL The photographers experience is better improved by adding alcoves at the bridge towers where the existing plaques used to be now allowing these users full access to the space Scholars receive a better experience by having the historical plaques and homages moved to the center spaces of the bridge towers in order to avoid interference from photographers Vendors receive smaller sections at both tower platforms that are more advantageous for their usage than spaces dedicated to the other users Commuters are given an unobstructed centralized promenade walk that allows all other forms of pedestrians to disperse to the newly created observation points Separation between pedestrians cyclists and vehicular traffic are distinctly divided allowing all three modes of transportation their own spaces which will eliminate conflicts or dangers posed to users Along with further precautions to protect the bridge s vital structures such as supports and tension cabling from users the proposal looks to extend this endeavor through added security measures with surveillance components and accompanying police infrastructure to better maintain the bridge Matching existing planking color as well as supporting structure Use Quicker movement of people along Glulam Promenade historical walk new seating throughout Seating Planking Terracotta Pavers Supported by lightweight rebar mesh cement construction Match aesthetics to preserve legacy with longevity durability Use For slower circulation around designated space Use Manhattan Brooklyn floor plates all plaques Roebling Statues Bronze Stamping Recycled from bridge cable replacements Significantly longer lifespan than pavement as well as improved watershed performance Use Harmony Plaza tree sculpture Existing Recylced Steel Cabling Recycled Plastic Pavement Use Cycling automobile commuter roadways Further support exterior material lifespan Use Archways Harmony Plaza arch structure Glulam Beams
IMPACT Feasibility Approaching design of this bridge in regards to feasibility the best course of action determined was to make as few new structural modifications or additional loading requirements needed as possible Only a few sections of the bridge were altered with this design approach These changes include the transition from cross bracing to moment bracing where cyclists can change direction under the promenade minor alterations to the roadway cages to make room for stairwells and the sizing up of structural steel members at the center span to accommodate the new Harmony Plaza to be similar to those used at the bridge towers Not only does replacing two car lanes in exchange for bicycle lanes redistribute loading from car infrastructure to dedicated pedestrian and cyclist spaces but replacing the current pavement with a significantly lighter recycled plastic pavement will further help to reduce loads on the bridge Historical Influence of Infrastucture FOR THE BETTER A Greener Brooklyn Bridge Transit Restructuring Our design looked heavily at the historical precedent in determining how new methods of transporation should be distributed With this design improved space infrastructure are dedicated to more sustainable means of transporation Environmental Benefit and Security 100 INCREASE 34 DECREASE 130 INCREASE Historical Cross Section of Bridge https www structuremag org p 10604 REMOVAL REMOVAL NEW NEW The proposal deters more disruptive forms of usage such as automobiles and replaces fossil fuel emissions in exchange for the further promotion of exercise and more sustainable travel The materiality of the concept pushes a recycling approach with the repurposing of old promenade walkways and steel cabling for adaptive reuses in the new design New materials such as recycled plastic pavement and Glulam used for new additions to the promenade walkways and arch structures will promote durability and longevity with less upkeep Our cycling pathways will be made of the recycled plastic pavement which will have a longer lifespan than traditional concrete is lighter thereby reducing loads on the bridge and will also improve the watershed performance Separation between pedestrians cyclists and vehicular traffic are distinctly divided allowing all three modes of transportation their own spaces which will eliminate conflicts or dangers posed to users
IMPACT Feasibility Approaching design of this bridge in regards to feasibility the best course of action determined was to make as few new structural modifications or additional loading requirements needed as possible Only a few sections of the bridge were altered with this design approach These changes include the transition from cross bracing to moment bracing where cyclists can change direction under the promenade minor alterations to the roadway cages to make room for stairwells and the sizing up of structural steel members at the center span to accommodate the new Harmony Plaza to be similar to those used at the bridge towers Not only does replacing two car lanes in exchange for bicycle lanes redistribute loading from car infrastructure to dedicated pedestrian and cyclist spaces but replacing the current pavement with a significantly lighter recycled plastic pavement will further help to reduce loads on the bridge Historical Influence of Infrastucture FOR THE BETTER A Greener Brooklyn Bridge Transit Restructuring Our design looked heavily at the historical precedent in determining how new methods of transporation should be distributed With this design improved space infrastructure are dedicated to more sustainable means of transporation Environmental Benefit and Security 100 INCREASE 34 DECREASE 130 INCREASE Historical Cross Section of Bridge https www structuremag org p 10604 REMOVAL REMOVAL NEW NEW The proposal deters more disruptive forms of usage such as automobiles and replaces fossil fuel emissions in exchange for the further promotion of exercise and more sustainable travel The materiality of the concept pushes a recycling approach with the repurposing of old promenade walkways and steel cabling for adaptive reuses in the new design New materials such as recycled plastic pavement and Glulam used for new additions to the promenade walkways and arch structures will promote durability and longevity with less upkeep Our cycling pathways will be made of the recycled plastic pavement which will have a longer lifespan than traditional concrete is lighter thereby reducing loads on the bridge and will also improve the watershed performance Separation between pedestrians cyclists and vehicular traffic are distinctly divided allowing all three modes of transportation their own spaces which will eliminate conflicts or dangers posed to users
Thank You Our goals for the design competition were to respect Roebling s vision enhance the bridge s function and hopefully influence the way public spaces are looked at in the future Taking a minimal impact approach to the bridge will change the dynamic of traffic flow thereby helping to promote smarter adaptive reuse in future designs for urban environments By reducing emphasis on the automobile and heightening the importance of the cyclist and pedestrians we desire to inspire a city wide focus towards planning on a human scale For Your Consideration