GROWING INFRASTRUCTURE was submitted to the Red Hook Design Competition organized by the Forum for Urban Design.

Plan B: GROWING INFRASTRCUTURE is an urban design approach based on re-thinking the role of
industry and manufacturing in New York City, and in Red Hook in particular. Existing industrial spaces in
Red Hook would be adjusted into manufacturing ‘plug-in’ wetlands, which would in turn be installed
along the new network of bicycle paths. The wetlands will provide a barrier between bikers and
vehicular traffic and perform as a first step filtration system for storm water runoff, alleviating the
pressure on the city’s sewage system.

The bike path network is composed of 3 different layers. The RED LOOP is formed along the Streets Van
Brunt and Columbia, closing the loop by bridging over the sides of the famous Red Hook piers. The RED
LOOP is primarily recreational, introducing the industry as part of the biking experience. The second
layer of the network is the BLUE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR, tying together the different
neighborhoods of South Brooklyn. This network will provide access to the Bike Loft and to other subway
stations, NY water taxi piers and different city parks including Prospect Park and Carroll Gardens. A third
network is composed of additional bike paths, forming in a more “organic” manner, upon request of
street neighbors. The projected BROOKLYN WATERFRONT GREENWAY intersects with the different
networks and offers a scenic, continuous experience.
THE LOFT RAMP
The bike loft design was conceived as a ramp that would connect the street level and the 9th and Smith
train platform. Bikers are able to lock their bikes and proceed directly to the subway platform. The Ramp
provides 120 bike parking spaces and lockers, as well as flexible space for multiple programs such as a
Community Supported Agriculture distribution center, arts and culture, and bike related workshops and
activities.
Tying together existing urban systems and charging them with new responsibilities, industry, recreation,
ecology and transportation can begin to perform supporting roles in designing the city’s GROWING
INFRASTRUCTURE.

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Growing Infrastructure received an Honorable Mention from the Forum for Urban design.