Astor Place / Cooper Square
This project converts a confusing archipelago of traffic islands at Astor Place into valuable open space. The new streetscape balances conflicts between multiple modes of transportation, responsibly manages storm water runoff and makes special places for people to enjoy the city. The result is an enlarged open space that creates a new downtown precinct, stitching together disparate plazas and a historic city park at the landmarked Cooper Union Building.
To the north, the island surrounding the Astor Place subway entrance has been expanded and furnished with stepped seating areas under a canopy of honey locusts and willow oaks. The traffic island that hosts the “Alamo” cube sculpture has been enlarged, and retains its iconic urban character with simple concrete paving and tupelo trees at the southern edge.
Cooper Triangle, a small park last remodeled in the 1930’s, has been enlarged and given new, safer entrances and lush new plantings. The mature pin oaks were preserved, and their expanded tree pits have been developed as bioswales that reduce stormwater. Where Cooper Square meets Third Avenue, a single broad public plaza features planted areas and seating under a canopy of sweetgum and Virginia magnolia trees. Durable materials will ensure the longevity of this heavily used precinct. Tinted and textured concrete sidewalk with special scoring, custom-designed furnishings, contemporary lighting and a recurring selection of tree species build the sense of a special place within the city.
QRP was the landscape architect working with WXY Studio and city agencies including DDC as the lead agency, NYC DOT, DPR, MTA and NYC DEP, as well as involvement with Cooper Union, Grace Church School, the Village Alliance BID, and CB 2 and 3.
Location
Manhattan, NY
Client
NYC DDC
Role
Landscape Architect
Team
WXY Architects
Piet Oudolf
