design response

With the construction of the BQE along the Brooklyn waterfront, thousands of Brooklynites for more than a generation have been cut off from their waterfront. Now a major park is being constructed along the waterfront from the Brooklyn Bridge south to Atlantic Avenue and New Yorkers are flooding to enjoy it.

But, access from the neighborhoods - Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Garden - is still difficult. One has to walk miles to get from the promenade down to the park.

This project, Brooklyn Steps, proposes a way for people to walk directly from their riverside neighborhoods to the waterfront: broad stone steps span from the Brooklyn Promenade edge, over the BQE and down to the river park.

The Steps are flanked by program spaces - for the flea, small shops, community events, skate and kayak rentals. Neighbors are reconnected with their park and river for the first time in generations.