MASterworks Explorations: Newtown Creek Nature Walk

2021 Winner for Best New Urban Amenity

Registration for this event is now full. Check out other MASterworks programs that you can attend at mas.org/events.

This fall, as a part of Archtober and NYCxDESIGN, MAS is celebrating design excellence in New York City with our 2021 MASterworks Awards! We have curated a selection of in person explorations and online in-conversations with this year’s honored projects.

On Friday, October 29 at 12:00-1:15 PM, join MAS for a visit to Newtown Creek Nature Walk, 2021 MASterwork winner for Best New Urban Amenity. Led by Alicia West, Director of Public Design Outreach at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, attendees will explore this unique quarter-mile stretch of waterfront designed by environmental sculptor George Trakas.

Located along Newtown Creek and Whale Creek in North Brooklyn, abutting the city’s largest Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, the Nature Walk allows visitors to explore the intersection of nature and industry of this tributary to the East River. Wander the layered histories of the site, learn about the connection to the adjacent DEP facility, and investigate the myriad of sculptural and interpretive details that make the Nature Walk one-of-a-kind.

Capacity is limited.

Learn more about the 2021 MASterworks winners and the full roster of programming here.

Friday, October 29
12:00 PM — 1:15 PM

Newtown Creek Nature Walk
Corner of Provost Street and Paidge Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Exact meeting location and directions to be provided upon RSVP

Nearest public transport: G at Greenpoint Avenue or B32 / B62 on McGuinness Blvd. or B24 on Greenpoint Ave. A Citi Bike station is also located at McGuinness Blvd. and Eagle St.

Tickets:
Member: $5
Non-member: $10

  • Newtown Creek Nature Walk. Photo: Jean Schwarzwalder and Department of Environmental Protection.
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  • Phase 2 Walkway over Whale Creek. Photo: Nathan Kensinger.
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  • A table etched with the blueprint for the USS Monitor, the famed ironclad warship that was built in Greenpoint during the Civil War. Photo: Nathan Kensinger.
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  • A second bioswale leads visitors through newly planted wetlands and to Whale Creek. Photo: Nathan Kensinger.
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  • Some of the oldest fossilized tree stumps in the world. Photo: Nathan Kensinger.
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  • Phase 3 benches. Photo: Newtown Creek Alliance.
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  • Outdoor classroom at Phase 1 section. Photo: Newtown Creek Alliance.
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COVID Safety Guidelines:
This program is limited to 20 attendees. As the program may bring individuals into close proximity with each other, we therefore ask that all attendees wear masks during the visit, regardless of vaccination status. Your guide and fellow participants will thank you for your cooperation. Should the group happen to venture indoors, masks and/or proof of vaccination may be required, so please be prepared to have both with you. For more information about coronavirus and a guide on how to stay safe, please visit http://nyc.gov/coronavirus.

About the MASterworks Awards:

Established in 2001, the MASterworks Awards pay tribute each year to projects that make a significant contribution to New York City’s built environment. Awards are presented in the following categories:

Best New Building for outstanding architectural design
Best Urban Landscape for a new or revitalized open space that contributes to livability and resilience
Best Restoration for a project that expertly enhances the original qualities of a significant historic building or structure
Best Adaptive Reuse for a project that demonstrates exceptional creativity in adaptive reuse of an existing building or structure
Best New Infrastructure for distinctive design in public service projects
Best New Urban Amenity for an addition to the built environment that contributes to a more livable city.

2021 MASterworks Jury:

Justin Davidson | Architecture and Classical Music Critic, New York Magazine
Lisa Switkin, FAAR, ASLA | Senior Principal, James Corner Field Operations
Calvin Tsao, FAIA, FAAR | Principal, Tsao & McKown Architects & MAS Board of Directors
Weston Walker, AIA, LEED AP | Design Principal and Partner, Studio Gang
Vicki Weiner | Adjunct Associate Professor and Academic Coordinator of Historic Preservation, Pratt Institute

Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact events@mas.org.