Pier 15 by SHoP Architects and Ken Smith Opens on the East River Waterfront Esplanade

We reported over the summer about the unveiling of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/east-river-gets-new-life-with-waterfront-esplanade/">East River Waterfront Esplanade</a> and mentioned plans to further extend it in coming years. Only six months later, Pier 15 just south of South Street Seaport, is now open. Designed by <a href="http://www.shoparc.com/">SHoP Architects</a>, with help from <a href="http://kensmithworkshop.com/">Ken Smith Landscape Architect</a>, the new two-story section features sharp angles, a colorful red roof, native flora, and a design that expands upon the existing esplanade. While winter is not the easiest month to get people to celebrate the newest addition at the breezy waterfront, you may find the solitude relaxing and perfect for enjoying the design without interruption.

The new pier is snuggled between the elevated FDR Drive, huge ships that are docked at South Street Seaport, and the open waters of the East River.

Following the hexagonal paving along the existing esplanade, visitors will immediately notice the slick red line that distinguishes Pier 15 from its surroundings.

What first appears to be a line is actually a series of slatted, red plastic boards that line the ceiling of the lower level.

SHoP specifically designed them to bow which creates the illusion of that you are looking at the hull of a ship- makes perfect sense given the site's nautical past.

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The waterfront is chilly in the winter, but the Pier's emptiness makes it a wonderful place to enjoy the water peacefully.

Facing the pier, visitors can enter the space in three ways.

A staircase leads up the left side of the park to the upper level. The stairs are made of wood and steel, making them very sturdy.

A wheelchair accessible ramp offers another option for reaching the second level.

For those who prefer to start on the lower level, a pathway leads through the bottom level, passing by what currently appear to be two empty, enclosed glass galleries. Plans are in place to bring a restaurant and maritime museum to these vacant spaces but for now visitors will have to pack their own lunch to enjoy on one of the many benches in the open air.

what truly marks the pier is the interplay of shadow, line, color, levels and materials that SHoP and Ken Smith have established throughout the design.

Benches can be found along the sides of the pier making for a great place to take in views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge to the north, Brooklyn's waterfront to the east or Pier 11, originally designed by Smith-Miller + Hawkinson, to the south.

The benches are similar in design to those found along the rest of the esplanade. Sharp edges define the ipe wood benches that are reminiscent of old shipping crates.

Picnic tables can be found at the entrance to the pier. A good place for a rest and to enjoy food from the soon-to-open restaurant.

Various resting points on the upper level allow guests to enjoy the views from multiple perspectives.

Native plants also play an important role in enlivening and greening the space situated between the two glass galleries.

The eastern most gallery provides relative protection from the wind and the south-facing garden receives excellent light throughout the day.

Unlike the lower level, the upper level has no overhead covering or red slats and the openness give it a similar feeling to the Highline.

On the lower level, two sections feature wide, descending stairs that allow visitors to get a little closer to the water as can be found along other parts of the riverfront design and many materials are the same.

The new pier is snuggled between the elevated FDR Drive, huge ships that are docked at South Street Seaport, and the open waters of the East River.