Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, along with Commissioner Jimmy Oddo of the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Director Lisa Flores of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS), announced the selection of Arup US and Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) to develop six innovative designs for scaffolding and pedestrian safety equipment. These designs aim to enhance aesthetics, reduce costs, and improve pedestrian experience. The redesigns will include four sidewalk-level shed options and two non-sidewalk-level pedestrian safety options, such as mesh fiber wraps or netting, all to be publicly available for contractors, fostering competition and cost reduction.
Part of Mayor Adams’ initiative, the “Get Sheds Down” plan, these designs will not only expedite the removal of scaffolding but also elevate the urban landscape, minimize costs for building owners, and offer more visually appealing pedestrian safety equipment. By integrating these designs into the building code and making them accessible to the public, the city aims to replace the current standard green pipe-and-plywood sheds by early 2025, redefining sidewalk aesthetics and enhancing safety.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of balancing safety with aesthetics, envisioning sheds and scaffolding that blend seamlessly into the cityscape. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi expressed confidence in Arup US and PAU as partners in creating an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment for New Yorkers. DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo highlighted the critical role of pedestrian safety equipment while committing to improving the design of sidewalk sheds to enhance, rather than detract from, neighborhoods.
Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu expressed confidence in the ability of Arup US and PAU to reimagine sidewalk sheds, aligning with the administration’s goal of legislative reform to expedite shed removal. Since the launch of the ‘Get Sheds Down’ plan in July 2023, significant progress has been made, with hundreds of sidewalk sheds removed, including long-standing eyesores like the 21-year-old shed in Harlem.
To further support these efforts, DOB has provided technical guidance, and the administration is collaborating with the City Council on legislation to improve shed regulations. Arup US and PAU were selected after a rigorous review process, demonstrating the most comprehensive plans to deliver innovative sidewalk shed designs for New Yorkers.
