What if the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York was transformed into some sort of floating neighborhood?
That's exactly what the architect Daniel Gillen is proposed with his work presented at the Van Alen Institute in the framework of a very interesting competition which aims to rethink the Brooklyn Bridge. With a shape inspired by the natural features of the coastal stretches along the sides of Hudson Bay, this “Brooklyn Bluff” concept is truly futuristic. It aims, in its intentions, to improve public green areas and above all to promote a new perspective on adaptive reuse projects with a real living infrastructure.
Developed to provide continuous flexibility in its use, the program for this “living infrastructure” contains housing, hospitality, cultural, commercial and public functions. saving the structure with a habitable program, daniel gillen proposes to establish a symbiotic relationship between income revenue and bridge maintenance, ensuring longevity in functionality for the future.
Everything in its place
To respect the original design, the proposed architectural addition creates a clear and legible distinction between contemporary and historic. The strength and utility of the Brooklyn Bridge is balanced by a progressive approach to architecture that takes into account a multitude of factors. Social conditions, longevity and safety. A large public park, for example, balances private economic incentives for the site. Daniel Gillen, the designer, observes: “the issue of sustainability cannot be limited to environmental and social considerations alone, but must aim to recalibrate private profits towards the financial sustainability of public systems”.
Through this proposition, the audience is encouraged to recognize that the future is literally and figuratively “supported” by the past and the symbiotic relationship between the two. As bold and ambitious as the original bridge, the “Brooklyn Bluff” takes advantage of the original structure by embracing it and intertwining with it. One part is rooted in history, the other is reaching into the future, establishing a typology of contemporary living infrastructure.
Humanity clearly needs more from our cities and public spaces. a fair system that prioritizes the needs of the many over the few. architecture has the responsibility to facilitate this action.
daniel gillen
Brooklyn Bluff, architectural paradigm
In short, the bridge as an eternal metaphor for the passage. A structure that has always fascinated me. It is no coincidence that the story of famous bridges recurs on this site. From those that will change the future of the planet to those of famous people who they are recovered after centuries. Nothing like a bridge can join, ideally and physically.
Would you like a “symbiotic” living structure like this?
Here are more photos of the Brooklyn Bluff.
