Through stakeholder engagement with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, we developed a unified streetscape that acts as a cohesive identity for the diverse cultural institutions and new developments in the four-block stretch bridging downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene called the Brooklyn Cultural District.  

This district is home to over 70 diverse cultural groups and local arts organizations, stretching across Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Built on the success of its central anchor, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), the district includes BRIC Arts Media Center (BRIC), Theatre for a New Audience (TFANA), and Irondale Center, among others.  

The streetscape layout encompassed six pavement types, several nonstandard and unkempt tree pits, and nine different lighting fixtures. This fragmented environment needed a recognizable brand and identity to go along with the significant public investment in the district's world-class cultural venues and public spaces.   

Our plan creates a dynamic streetscape using specular concrete with reflective glass and a constantly changing scoring rhythm that responds to each building. Solar-powered LED ground lights, located along the joint lines, heighten the perspective down each street and create a whimsical effect as they sparkle throughout the night. 

We also carefully selected a mixture of tree species, working around existing subway and tunnel obstructions, to create shaded areas and gathering points that complement the district's two main plazas. These strategically placed trees and new bench locations establish natural places for cultural patrons to congregate before and after performances. 

We met with all stakeholders, including the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, to design the streetscape plan. Government partners included the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Departments of Cultural Affairs. Cultural partners included BAM, Mark Morris Dance Group, TFANA, BRIC, and Urban Glass – key actors who control crucial aspects such as tenancy, funding, and knowledge of local cultural dynamics, programming needs, and community engagement strategies. Real estate developers engaged in the project included Gotham Organization, Two Trees Management Company, and others. 

The result of the comprehensive streetscape plan is an authentic district that serves diverse groups while maintaining its quintessential Brooklyn character and supporting a cultural ecosystem that has generated $310 million in economic impact.