Design and implementation of a pilot activation at Lou Gehrig Plaza, one of the few open spaces along the 161st Street corridor, with new shade and seating structures, space for public art, and community programming.
LocationThe Bronx, NY
Client161st Street Business Improvement District
CollaboratorsHabitat Workshop, Sighte Studio, Urban Design Forum
ServicesPublic Space Design, Visioning, Outreach and Engagement, Mobility and Streetscapes
Working in partnership with the 161st Street BID and supported by the Urban Design Forum, we conceived and built SAIL, a temporary shade installation that transformed the plaza into a welcoming, flexible public space. The structure introduced canopy elements, bright seating modules, and planter beds that created pockets of comfort without blocking visibility or interfering with maintenance operations.
In collaboration with Habitat Workshop and Sighte Studio, MUD Workshop designed the installation in-house, conducted site measurements, developed buildable drawings, sourced materials, and led physical fabrication. We coordinated closely with NYC Parks and DOT to secure approvals and address security, sightline, and ADA concerns. Alongside the design work, we facilitated outreach with BID stakeholders, planned activation events, and handled on-site construction and staging. The pilot was designed for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing the BID to use it as a recurring seasonal asset while demonstrating the long-term potential of plaza investment.