Sidewalk sheds, commonly known as scaffolding, are erected to protect pedestrians walking on the street and are made out of wood or metal. Sometimes, the sheds stay up for months after construction or repairs have been completed, which for some people, are unsightly.
The new sheds, which the mayor unveiled with Buildings Commissioner Robert D. Limandri, don’t have the industrialized look first introduced in the 1950s. Ceilings of the new scaffolds are splashed with color and have arched ceilings, as revealed in an artist’s rendering.
“Sidewalk sheds are a part of New York life, reflecting the face of a city that is constantly changing—yet the sheds themselves haven’t evolved at all during the past four decades and its time to bring them into the 21st century,” said Bloomberg.
People from around the world submitted designs to an international competition called “ubranSHED International Design Competition,” which was held to find a new design for the old sheds. Young-Hwan Choi from the University of Pennsylvania won the contest for his design—“Urban Umbrella.”
The Umbrellas allow more air and natural light to penetrate through, adding to overall aesthetics. Business owners will also not have to worry as much about losing business when scaffolding goes up because the new design is less of an obstruction for pedestrians.
Other than looking pretty, the Umbrellas also will be safer for people walking under them and provide more space, said the mayor in a press release.
On New York City sidewalks, there are over 6,000 sheds currently in use. The mayor plans to construct a prototype of Choi’s design in Lower Manhattan soon.
Building contractors are not required to use the Umbrellas, although the mayor says they will be in the contractor’s best interest. They cost the same as the current design but are easier and cost less to maintain. Furthermore, business owners will most likely prefer the new design due to the Umbrella’s less obtrusive design.
The new sheds, which the mayor unveiled with Buildings Commissioner Robert D. Limandri, don’t have the industrialized look first introduced in the 1950s. Ceilings of the new scaffolds are splashed with color and have arched ceilings, as revealed in an artist’s rendering.
“Sidewalk sheds are a part of New York life, reflecting the face of a city that is constantly changing—yet the sheds themselves haven’t evolved at all during the past four decades and its time to bring them into the 21st century,” said Bloomberg.
People from around the world submitted designs to an international competition called “ubranSHED International Design Competition,” which was held to find a new design for the old sheds. Young-Hwan Choi from the University of Pennsylvania won the contest for his design—“Urban Umbrella.”
The Umbrellas allow more air and natural light to penetrate through, adding to overall aesthetics. Business owners will also not have to worry as much about losing business when scaffolding goes up because the new design is less of an obstruction for pedestrians.
Other than looking pretty, the Umbrellas also will be safer for people walking under them and provide more space, said the mayor in a press release.
On New York City sidewalks, there are over 6,000 sheds currently in use. The mayor plans to construct a prototype of Choi’s design in Lower Manhattan soon.
Building contractors are not required to use the Umbrellas, although the mayor says they will be in the contractor’s best interest. They cost the same as the current design but are easier and cost less to maintain. Furthermore, business owners will most likely prefer the new design due to the Umbrella’s less obtrusive design.
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