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| August 28, 2012: West 8’s Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan has won an Honor Award in the Analysis and Planning category from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). This award honors the top parks and urban planning projects from across the U.S. and around the world. High-resolution images and full project information can be viewed at http://www.asla.org/2012awards/085.html. The entire Park and Public Space Master Plan can be viewed online at www.govislandpark.com. |
| The 2012 Jury called the plan “Iconic. A simple, big, bold move. And it’s a cool idea to have a promontory overlooking Manhattan.” The jury of leading design experts considered 620 entries and selected 37 winners for Professional awards. In addition to the quality of the design, the jury also weighed the environmental sensitivity and sustainability of each project. The September issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine features the winning projects. Winners will be honored at the ASLA Annual Meeting in Phoenix on Monday, October 1, 2012. |
| The Master Plan focuses on 87 acres of the Island including the landscapes of the National Historic District, a new 40 acre park on the Island’s southern end and a new 2.2 mile Great Promenade around the perimeter of the Island. The first phase of construction on the Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan is currently in construction. Phase 1 transforms 30 acres of the currently flat south island with sculpted, undulating topography, plants thousands of new trees, and adds new ball fields and lawns, water features, hedge gardens, seating, and play features. Phase 1 also includes the rejuvenation of green spaces in the Historic District, establishment of a new welcoming gateway to the Island at Soissons Landing, and the replacement of an asphalt parking lot with green space at the historic South Battery. The goal is to complete all of these spaces in Fall 2013. |
| “The Trust for Governors Island is making incredible progress by creating extraordinary public spaces that New Yorkers will enjoy for generations,” said Leslie Koch, president of The Trust for Governors Island. |
| About the Master Plan |
West 8 Governors Island offers a world apart from New York City, an extraordinary vantage point on New York Harbor and its icons, and the chance to experience the sounds and smells of a green Island surrounded by water. The Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan accentuates the special qualities of this unique place, and transforms Governors Island into a destination and landmark. The design delivers new hills with heart-stopping views, an oasis for car-free bicycling, and a sense of play in the elements, experiences and sensations of the new park and public spaces.
Five core principles are the foundation of the Park and Public Space Master Plan:
• Transformation Through Topography
• An Island Like No Other
• Carefree Island
• A Sustainable & Feasible Design
• Ideas From New Yorkers
These principles are rooted in a deep understanding of the Island’s inherent attributes and its potential as a resource for the entire region. And because Governors Island has become a summer playground for New Yorkers over the last several years, the design is informed by an appreciation of how real people experience and enjoy the Island. The principles reflect The Trust for Governors Island’s design imperatives and goals for the project and the collaboration between The Trust and the West 8 Team. |
| About West 8 and the Design Team |
| West 8 is an international office for urban design and landscape architecture, founded by Adriaan Geuze in 1987. Over the last 25 years West 8 has established itself as a leading practice with an international team of 75 architects, urban designers, landscape architects and industrial engineers. |
| With a multi-disciplinary approach to complex design issues, West 8 has extensive experience in largescale urban master planning and design, landscape interventions, waterfront projects, parks, squares and gardens. They also develop concepts and visions for large-scale planning issues that involve global warming, urbanization and infrastructure. |
| In 2007, the West 8 team won the international competition for the Governors Island Park and Public Space project. West 8’s New York office is the base for the Governors Island Park and Public Space project, with Adriaan Geuze serving as Design Director and Jamie Maslyn Larson as Principal-in-Charge. |
| For more information, please visit: www.west8.com |
PLANNING AND DESIGN TEAM:
West 8- Lead Design/Prime Consultant
Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects- Associate Landscape Architect
Rogers Marvel Architects – Associate Architect
Diller, Scofidio + Renfro – Associate Architect
Magnusson Klemencic Associates- Civil and Structural Engineering
AKRF- Local Engineer
Pentagram- Wayfinding and Signage
Tillotson Design Associates- Lighting
Faithful and Gould - Cost Estimating
ETM Associates – Operations and Maintenance
About The Trust for Governors Island
The Trust for Governors Island is the nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York that is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations of 150 acres of Governors Island.
The National Park Service administers Governors Island National Monument, which consists of twentytwo acres, including the historic fortifications Castle Williams and Fort Jay. The Trust’s mission is to bring Governors Island back to life, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as educational, not-for-profit, and commercial facilities. The Trust for Governors Island is the successor entity to the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. For more information, visit www.govisland.com. |
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