‘Reimagining the Waterfront’ Contest Winner Proposes a Venice-Like Canal Network for NYC

Architecture student Joseph Wood has been chosen as the first place winner for <a href="http://civitasnyc.org/live/">Civitas</a>’ innovative contest, “<a href="http://reimaginethewaterfront-civitas.com/" target="_blank">Reimagining the Waterfront</a>.” The design competition asked architects and designers of all ages to redesign the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/the-east-river-blueway-will-make-the-waterfront-accessible-for-recreation-and-boating/" target="_blank">East River waterfront</a> to create a more vibrant and accessible public space. This contest focused on the stretch from 60th to 125th Streets in Harlem, and the winning ideas present some unique and thought-provoking solutions for the crumbling area.

Wood’s winning entry transformed the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/verdant-power-awarded-license-for-east-river-tidal-energy-project/" target="_blank">East River</a> into a Venice-inspired getaway.

Lanes of canals, with floating gondolas and wooden pathways link Midtown with the Upper East Side and into Harlem. Waterway inlets would connect the East River to land, offering a whole new method of transportation and urban adventure.

Daredevils could kayak along Hell Gate, while pedestrians could wander the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/frieze-art-fair-comes-to-new-york-with-a-temporary-pavilion-by-so-il-that-snakes-along-the-east-river/" target="_blank">water-surrounded promenade</a>, catching a unique view of the city and waterfront.

Wood’s plan also infuses a blast of greenery into the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/hao-architects-win-coleman-oval-skate-park-redesign/" target="_blank">East side</a>, hosting a series of plant levels that would help filter storm water from the East River to the canal inlets. The self sustaining system would bring fresh air and a new park like setting to the area.

Second place winner Takuma Ono imagined the crumbling current esplanade as a center for a new marine ecosystem to thrive. Cascading over the water’s edge, a system of boardwalks would <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/let-there-be-light-low-line-exhibit-opens-at-mark-miller-gallery-april-1st/" target="_blank">welcome pedestrians</a> for serene views, and allow researchers to maintain and care for the marine life below.

Matteo Rossetti’s vision enlisted the help of the community, asking interested members to provide their personal suggestions and interests for the area. Each of the honorable mentions will be on display at the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/the-greatest-grid-exhibit-showcases-manhattans-transformation-from-farmland-to-city-streetscape/" target="_blank">Museum of the City of New York</a> all summer, beginning June 6^th.