En Route: A New Belt Through Brooklyn
En Route: A New Belt Through Brooklyn
by En Route
Site Plan
Written Statement
The Belt is a simple, multi-use design that creates a series of outdoor rooms along the streetscape. It is comprised of three nodes, which are delineated by a series of concrete walls: a bike-node, a bus-node, and a tech-node. The street widths are decreased by twenty feet in order to insert the nodes within the urban fabric as well as to slow down the speed of traffic. The nodes are sited according to the users’ speeds and modes of transportation and are detailed with modern, sustainable technologies that correspond to the nodes’ specific functions. For instance, users can lock or repair their bikes after exiting the bike path that weaves throughout the Belt. Similarly, individuals waiting for the bus can download their respective routes on the mapping interface. Here, a concrete water feature, which recycles collected rainwater, creates a safe boundary from traffic. At the tech-node, users can recharge their laptops, cell-phones, or other electronic devices while also connecting to the internet. All of these systems run off of solar power cells that are installed on the roofs of the Belt.
Underneath the subway platform, a series of swinging benches create a more sociable environment for daily commuters. They are light, curvilinear pieces of furniture that hang within the space and create a playful, interactive atmosphere. Their ergonomic design and wood cladding are inviting to the touch and encourage people to stop and slow down. Similarly, the installation of streaming news tickers, which are located on the underside of the bridge, allow users to catch up on current events during their busy commute. While these solar powered devices are not only highly practical, as they can be updated instantaneously with local, national, and international news, they also give light and life to the dark, bleak space.
Section
Perspective
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