In an effort to beautify New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently unveiled a new design for sidewalk sheds – the wood and steel structures built to protect pedestrians walking alongside buildings under construction. There are approximately 6,000 sidewalk sheds in New York City, representing more than one million linear feet.
The competition winner, “Urban Umbrella,” was developed by Young-Hwan Choi, a 28-year-old, first-year architecture student from the University of Pennsylvania. Choi received a a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering from Korea University in Seoul, Korea, before moving to the United States in the summer of 2009. For his design, he was awarded a $10,000 prize.
“Sidewalk sheds are installed to protect pedestrians from construction or building maintenance work, and this design is a perfect way to improve safety and the quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said Buildings Commissioner LiMandri. “This new design is great for building owners because less of your building will be hidden, and it’s great for pedestrians because there’s more space to walk, run, or shop than ever before. I am confident this design will change the city’s landscape and make people fall in love with this city all over again.”
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Stunning. I love the first photo. Walking on that sidewalk would make me happy.
Wow! I can’t wait for this to actually be rolled out here in NYC! I wonder when that will actually happen. Maybe a few years after the 2nd Ave subway line is finished?
@Michele and Dave – I just arrived back from a trip to NYC and I totally agree. These urban umbrellas would totally make the city look so much better!