Design studio proposes underground paths and an elevated ‘shelf’ across Park Avenue

To revitalize the drab medians of Park Avenue in Midtown, a design studio suggests building an elevated, multi-functional shelf to create more public space and ease pedestrian traffic. Studio JCW’s proposal, called Big Shelf, would be installed on every median of Park Avenue between 46th and 47th Street, according to designboom. The proposed design is meant to reflect a similar structural facade as the many skyscrapers around it.

Founded by Chanon Wangkachonkait and Jaehong Chung, Studio JCW believes Big Shelf would provide more programs, space, and better views. According to Chung, the avenue’s medians have been “a fixture of the major boulevard for more than a century.”

“Although the topical treatment of planting strategies and sculpture exhibits has been changed periodically, the foundational physical form of its stacked programs has been in existence since the railroad was covered,” Chung told designboom. “In its current state, Park Avenue is entirely surrounded by skyscrapers, which are comprised of mostly gridded, structural facades.”

The elevated areas would also provide more green space to the building-heavy area. According to the team, plants and shrubs would be added to absorb vehicular noxious gases, including carbon dioxide and methane.

The structure and trellises would be made from steel, with planters and pots using recycled glass, concrete and other similar materials. The interior structure of the shelf would also include recycled materials and perforated metal sheets, archdaily learned.

To address pedestrian congestion, while maintaining safety, JCW suggests connecting medians with underground paths. This means pedestrians can continuously travel along the entirety of Park Avenue without any crosswalks. Plus, the slope from the path to the medians will provide a new perspective for sightseeing.

[Via designboom]

RELATED:

• Finalists for Park Avenue design contest propose an artificial mountain and a river for kayak commutes
• Design competition proposals call for fish tanks and mini-golf in the middle of Park Avenue
• Skyscraper proposal drapes Billionaires’ Row tower with flexible materials

All renderings courtesy of JCW Studio