The Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge international design competition, hosted by NY City Council and the Van Alen Institute, launched with the goal to investigate how to transform the bridge into a better experience for all users. Prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic and demonstrations against police brutality and systemic injustice, the brief developed and required streets and shared spaces to address the present moment and past injustices, and to enable peaceful gatherings, safe transportation, and opportunities for small businesses to flourish.

Today, the bridge doesn’t meet users’ needs and some—particularly cyclists and walkers—are especially affected. Private vehicles occupy 78% of bridge span with all other users crammed into a mere 16’ corridor. Travel behaviors have also changed as automobile-dependence declines with a move towards cycling, walking, and efficient transit systems. Our concept restores the bridge to its original profile, and reallocates the vehicular space for a robust cycleway, dedicated transit routes, and a generous walkable promenade.
This triples the public realm along the bridge span including pedestrian access to the best skyline view in the City. It also results in a potential 200% increase of user utilization and a robust mobility experience across the East River which does not presently exist.