Projects

Brooklyn Tech Triangle Plan

Plazas
Brooklyn, NY
2013
A Blueprint for Supporting Innovation in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s Tech Triangle—Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, and the Navy Yard—is a growing nexus for technology and creativity. With over 500 innovation companies contributing $3.1 billion in economic output, the area is primed for growth but faces challenges in space, connectivity, and workforce alignment. The Brooklyn Tech Triangle Plan offers a roadmap to address these needs, combining urban design, strategic zoning, and infrastructure upgrades. This comprehensive approach aims to create a vibrant, tech-forward district where businesses and residents alike can thrive. 

Aerial map of Brooklyn Tech Triangle showing Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, and the Navy Yard.

The Brooklyn Tech Triangle map highlights key hubs, innovation centers, and transit connections.

Existing commercial spaces in the Brooklyn Tech Triangle are either fully occupied, outdated, or unsuitable for the flexible needs of tech firms. Transportation gaps and workforce misalignment further hinder growth, leaving startups and established firms disconnected from Brooklyn’s resources. The district requires a comprehensive strategy to support the innovation economy, including new spaces, better transit, and stronger links to local talent to sustain its momentum. 

Street-level view of a bustling urban area with pedestrians, cyclists, and modern buildings.

A rendering of the Brooklyn Tech Triangle with bike paths and pedestrian crossings.

The plan reimagines the district with design strategies that balance density and accessibility. Underutilized spaces like upper floors on Fulton Street and properties along Flushing Avenue become hubs for mixed-use developments, incorporating flexible office layouts, vibrant retail, and affordable housing. Infrastructure upgrades include new bike lanes, ferry landings, and a proposed trolley system to ensure seamless movement across the Triangle.

Public spaces are transformed with green medians, tree-lined sidewalks, and updated lighting to enhance safety and vibrancy. Interactive kiosks, expanded Wi-Fi, and tech-focused wayfinding tools create a high-tech identity, while adaptive reuse projects preserve the area’s layered character. 

Infographic outlining the components of the plan, including space for tech, new ecosystem, better connections, dynamic places, tech interface.

The five components of the Brooklyn Tech Triangle plan emphasize space, connectivity, and dynamic public interfaces.

The Brooklyn Tech Triangle Plan resulted from a coordinated effort between the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, and the DUMBO Improvement District. By working closely with landlords, businesses, and educational institutions, the coalition created a cohesive vision for the district.  

With 2.2 million square feet of new space and improved transit connections, the plan sets the stage for 18,000 new jobs and stronger ties between businesses and communities. Redesigned streetscapes and tech-forward public spaces create an environment that attracts talent and supports growth.  

Two colorful Brooklyn Tech Triangle reports with geometric designs on the covers.

Brooklyn Tech Triangle reports feature bold geometric covers reflecting innovation and connectivity.

Open report showing "Component 2: A New Tech Ecosystem" with a green title page and detailed text.

The report outlines a new tech ecosystem with strategies for talent integration and workforce growth.

Open report with detailed text on "Component 2: A New Tech Ecosystem" initiatives and challenges.

Detailed initiatives for the Brooklyn Tech Triangle include coder training, internship expansion, and STEM programs.

Open report showing initiatives for dynamic places and a map of greenways in the Brooklyn Tech Triangle.

The plan highlights greenway connections and vibrant public destinations like MetroTech.

Rendering of a shaded public plaza with greenery, seating, and pedestrian activity.

Rendering of a shaded public plaza with greenery, seating, and pedestrian activity.

Rendering of an urban plaza with greenery, seating, and views of Brooklyn’s skyline.

A reimagined Brooklyn Tech Triangle plaza connects green spaces with urban vistas.

Rendering of a park with a café, seating, pathways, and people enjoying green spaces.

A rendering of a park in the Brooklyn Tech Triangle that integrates a café, curved pathways, and shaded seating areas.

Rendering of a modern glass building with a café, crosswalk, and landscaped pathway.

A modern glass pavilion in the Brooklyn Tech Triangle features outdoor seating and pedestrian-friendly design.

Rendering of a pedestrian street with string lights, trees, and active storefronts.

A rendering of a pedestrian street with string lights, trees, and active storefronts.

Keywords

  • Economic Development
  • Culture

Type

  • Plazas

Client

  • Downtown Brooklyn Partnership
  • Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation
  • DUMBO BID

Collaborators

Awards

  • Meritorious Achievement Award, APA Metro Chapter

  • Meritorious Achievement Award, APA New York Metro