Located in the Hudson River Park near Tribeca, the 2.5 acre pier has a unique mission to bring to life the invisible dynamics of the ecologically sensitive Hudson River Estuary, The design includes a habitat walk through five indigenous ecological zones: woodland forest, coastal grassland, maritime scrub, rocky tidal zone and the river itself. The pier provides opportunities ecological education and leisure and recreation for people of all ages.

Lighting Pier 26 provided a unique challenge: Balance the needs of visitors for safety and pleasure while supporting the pier’s commitment to protect ecological habitat. Of special concern was preventing light trespass at the water’s edge. Carefully placed and shielded fixtures protect fish life and other species while providing an imaginative and restorative nighttime experience.

CLIENT
Hudson River Park Trust

TEAM
Olin Studio

AWARDS
2021 Municipal Art Society MASterworks Award: Best Urban Landscape
2020 Untapped New York’s Best of New York: Best New Park


Photography: Courtesy of Elizabeth Felicella