Reimagining the Brooklyn Bridge Design Competition

*Competition Update: New deadline extension - Sunday, April 19 by 11:59 pm ET

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The New York City Council and Van Alen Institute have launched Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge, an international design competition that aims to spark a new public conversation about New York City’s infrastructure

Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge challenges participants to rethink the iconic Brooklyn Bridge walkway. We will select six finalist teams who create unconventional designs that respect and enhance the bridge’s landmark status, think inclusively about mobility and access, and accommodate commuters, visitors, and vendors.

The competition has two finalist categories:

• Professionals: Three finalists will be 22 years of age and older. Each finalist will receive $13,000. Ultimately, one winner will be selected.
• Young Adults: Three finalists will be 21 years of age or under. Each finalist will receive $3,000. Ultimately, one winner will be selected.

Three finalists from each category will be selected by an interdisciplinary jury representing a wide-ranging set of perspectives on the Brooklyn Bridge. The jury will consider the following factors: team composition; accessibility and safety; environmental benefit and security; respect for the bridge’s landmark status; feasibility; and “magic”—i.e. new ideas that surprise, delight, and fascinate.

The competition is open to all. The general public, students, and international competitors are welcome, and interdisciplinary teams are encouraged to enter. The proposed designs should focus on the bridge’s walkway, but can include recommendations for the bridge’s roadway and nearby public spaces.

Finalists will work with Van Alen and City Council to further develop their ideas for two months. To select the winning designs, all six finalist proposals will be presented in a public event in mid-July and online. Members of the public will help choose a winner in each category through an online vote.

For complete submission guidelines, see the Design Brief

Proposals due Sunday, April 19 by 11:59 pm ET. Upload proposal here!

IMPORTANT DATES:

• ***April 19, 2020: Proposals due by 11:59 pm ET
• Early May 2020: Finalists announced
• Mid-May 2020: Finalists kick-off event
• May–July 2020: Proposal development
• Mid-July 2020: Public jury session
• Late July 2020: Winners announced

JURY:

• Peg Breen; President, New York Landmarks Conservancy
• Andrew Brown; Associate Director of Research, Van Alen Institute (non-voting)
• Marla Gayle; Managing Director, SOM
• Hon. Jonathan Gardenhire; Artist & District Leader, NYS Assembly District 65, Part B
• Danny Harris; Executive Director, Transportation Alternatives
• Helen Ho; Principal, Karp Strategies
• Isabella Joseph; Student, Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York
• Regina Myer; President, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership
• Amy Plitt; Editor, Curbed NY