Roberto Clemente Plaza, Bronx, NY

Roberto Clemente Plaza is a significant new open space in a congested transit hub in the South Bronx. With the creative realignment of streets and avenues, a floating triangular concrete island now attached to one side of a busy intersection creates the versatile, flexible plaza. The Garrison Architects team, of which we were a member, developed a design that snakes planting and seating through the site creating seating alcoves and a central water feature, while leaving a large unencumbered space for public gatherings, markets, and other community events. On the street side, the planting strip provides ample, shady seating for those waiting for the many bus lines that stop there, while gaps in the planting enable people to move easily from the plaza activities to the queues.

The planted strip functions as an on-site stormwater collection and infiltration area while acting also as an irrigation system for the trees in the planters. The trees and other plants are primarily New York natives chosen for their low-maintenance requirements as well as their beauty; other sustainable green features on the site include permeable pavers and durable, recycled and local materials.