Bounded by the scenic Hudson to the east, Jersey City is lined with high-rise towers and waterfront parks offering views of Manhattan. To the west, the often-overlooked Hackensack features wetlands, industry, and degraded post-industrial sites. The Bayfront Redevelopment Master Plan aims to transform a formerly contaminated 100-acre site on the Hackensack River into a model of sustainable and equitable development. Upon completion, Bayfront will feature 8,000 residential units, 35% of which will be affordable, 340,000 square feet of commercial space, an intermodal transportation hub with light-rail and water-taxi service, 19 acres of public open space, and a publicly accessible waterfront. This project is set to be the largest mixed-income development in the Tri-State Area.
The interdisciplinary team led by Perkins Eastman, including SWA and Moffat & Nichol, aimed to ensure the master plan benefits not only future residents but also catalyzes the economic revitalization of Jersey City’s underserved west side, reconnecting diverse neighborhoods to the Hackensack Riverfront. The planning process involved extensive engagement with community groups, including the Bayfront Advisory Committee, and coordination with multiple city and state agencies.
The centerpiece is a half-mile waterfront park with two primary nodes, piers, docks for maritime activity, and newly created marshlands to absorb rising tides, improve water quality, and provide habitat. Two linear parks, built atop engineered caps isolating contaminated soil, connect upland neighborhoods to the riverfront. Central Park serves as the main access corridor, featuring a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Route 440, protected bikeways, trails, and recreational areas. Promenade Park offers more passive programming for the predominantly residential district. Both parks provide continuous green spaces while adhering to soil depth and loading limitations to protect the underlying cap system.
OCT Bao’an Waterfront Cultural Park
Bao’an Waterfront Park is an essential amenity for future residents of Shenzhen’s rapidly expanding Qianhai area, and is also an important connection between the urban fabric and the ocean. The key landscape frameworks for the park are its riverine interpretation aspects and water’s edge programs. The “Eco River” will bring water experiences into the green spa...
Fuyang Riverfront
Seizing the area’s reputation for “one of the best mountain and water views in the world,” the natural framework along both sides of the Fuchun River inspires this plan integrating urban spaces with landscape to create a harmonious skyline. Fuyang flourishes with economic prosperity while honoring its vibrant cultural heritage.
The scope includes urban d...
Longgang River Blueway System
The Shenzhen Longgang River Blueway System is envisioned to unlock the tremendous land value of this 13-mile-long suburban watershed and galvanize the city’s future growth. SWA’s proposal addresses urbanization issues pertaining to water, the environment, and open space shortage, while also activating industrial and cultural revitalization in the surrounding d...
Kaohsiung Waterfront Renovation
SWA, in association with Morphosis Architecture and CHNW, developed a vision for the future of Kaohsiung Harbor Wharfs, which includes 114 hectares of prime waterfront property formerly used for cargo shipping. The site, located in the shipping heart of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was historically subjected to environmental neglect and rampant uncontrolled development....