A computer-generated rendering of a city sidewalk with a lush green park surrounded by benches, trees, and pedestrians, adjacent to buildings and street traffic including buses and cars.
A bird's eye view of an urban park with a curved pathway surrounded by trees, benches, and people walking.

Roberto Clemente Plaza is located at the crossroads of four converging thoroughfares in the South Bronx. Known by many as “The Hub”, the plaza provides its community with a primary shopping and fashion district, and a vital passageway for tens of thousands of commuters daily. In redesigning the plaza, our team faced the challenge of creating a space that embraces the neighborhood’s thriving culture, while also providing commuters and residents with a green oasis of calm amidst the chaos.

A 3D rendering of an outdoor urban park with trees, benches, seating areas, and a stage, with people walking and sitting.

Our design features an undulating, bench-lined, planted strip that accommodates commuter waiting and creates a flexible-use plaza centered on a fountain. The strip’s geometry makes diverse seating arrangements, including an area for café tables and gatherings. When idle, the fountain serves as a stage for performances. Paths through the strip give convenient shortcuts for commuters. The design of the Plaza creates a place of repose without interrupting the vibrant activity of the area.

The design of the Plaza incorporates a memorial, which will celebrate the humanitarian contributions of Roberto Clemente.

Site plan showcasing a landscaped area with three wooden benches with backrests, decorative granite seating walls, and a concrete paved surrounding. The plan includes measurements and legend indicating the materials used and dimensions of seating structures.
Landscape plan showing trees, a small blue structure, pathways, and a large building with a legend indicating different tree species like Quercus bicolor, Quercus rubra, and Hackanchoila.
Site plan showing pedestrian and bike pathways, waiting areas, green oasis area, flexible use area, and access points, with directional arrows and zones labeled for transportation and recreational purposes.
People walking and sitting in an urban park on a sunny day, with a large tree, modern sculptures, and high-rise buildings in the background.
People sitting and standing on benches in a public park with trees and plants, some engaging with their phones, and a bird flying overhead, during sunset.
People sitting on benches in an urban park area with trees and a fountain, surrounded by buildings and a bus in the background during sunset.

Client
NYC DDC Excellence Program

Status
Complete

Info
2018
Institutional
Bronx, NY