Reimagining The Waterfront: Manhattan's East River Esplanade

Revitalizing Manhattan’s East River: A Vision for Dynamic and Integrated Waterfront Spaces

In 2012, the international design competition "Reimagining the Waterfront: Manhattan’s East River Esplanade" called upon architects and urban planners to develop transformative solutions for a neglected stretch of the East River Esplanade in New York City. Sponsored by CIVITAS, the competition sought to inspire bold ideas for revitalizing the narrow strip of land between the FDR Drive and the East River. Our proposal, created in collaboration with colleagues Marco Corazza, Francesco Fusillo, Vincenzo Marcella, and Roberta Nardi, received an Honorable Mention for its visionary approach to the site’s potential. The design focused on crafting a vibrant public space that seamlessly connects urban life with the natural riverfront, addressing the site's unique challenges and opportunities. This innovative concept was showcased at the Museum of the City of New York from June 6 to October 28, 2012, highlighting diverse creative visions for the future of the East River Esplanade.

Our approach to reimagining the waterfront centered around a modular strategy using urban parcels and abacos—a flexible system of adaptable units designed to support the site's transformation over time. This method enabled the creation of interconnected public spaces that could evolve in response to community needs and environmental conditions. The urban parcels provided a versatile framework, adaptable for various functions such as recreational areas and cultural spaces, while the abacos served as dynamic design elements that integrated seamlessly with the urban landscape. This strategy was not just about designing a static object but about generating a living, responsive urban environment that promotes social interaction and maximizes ecological potential.

The necessity to reshape the East River Esplanade was seen not just as a design challenge but as an opportunity to introduce a new vision for this segment of Manhattan. Our aim was to envision the waterfront as a strategic urban project that responds to its surroundings, enhancing its connection to the city rather than existing as a standalone element. This perspective sought to generate urban qualities that extend beyond the obvious, turning the esplanade into an active contributor to the broader urban fabric of New York.

The project’s strategic vision redefined the East River Esplanade as a cohesive element within Manhattan's evolving cityscape. It aimed to create a resilient waterfront that adapts to changing urban demands, while also fostering a deeper connection between the city, its residents, and the riverfront. Recognized for its potential to significantly contribute to New York City's architectural and ecological identity, this proposal underscored the crucial role of thoughtful urban design in shaping sustainable urban environments (Assoc. Marco Corazza, Francesco Fusillo, Vincenzo Marcella, Roberta Nardi, and Mohammad Ali Behbahani, 2012).

Reimagining the Waterfront: Manhattan's East River Esplanade
by Mohammad Ali Behbahani, Marco Corazza, Francesco Fusillo, Vincenzo Marcella, Roberta Nardi. Milan, Italy, 2012.

Awarded an Honorable Mention, this CIVITAS-sponsored proposal presented visionary redesign solutions to revitalize a section of New York's East River Esplanade, recognized for its innovative approach.

Exhibited at the Museum of the City of New York from June 6 to October 28, 2012.