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Background:

The Environmental Simulation Center, Ltd. (ESC) recently conducted a review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Brooklyn Bridge Park (DEIS). One of our comments was that this DEIS did not contain any verifiable visual simulations that illustrate the impact of the action on visual and historic resources. Typically, EIS's of this magnitude include visual simulations, especially when they are in a coastal zone. While not required under either the State or City Environmental Quality Reviews (SEQR/CEQR) these simulations are required in similar situations by the Scoping Document, which guides the contents of the specific EIS.

The following visual simulations were performed by the ESC using materials published in the DEIS and from the Sanborn Map Company. They are NOT an official part of the EIS and have not been approved by the project designers, the applicant or the lead agency. We encourage the Applicant and its consultants to produce similar materials for a supplemental DEIS so that the impact of the action on visual and historic resources can be better understood.

Questions about these materials should be addressed to George M. Janes, AICP 212-279-1851.

About the simulations:

The following visual simulations were produced using a method called verifiable digital photomontage, which is sometimes referred to as photo simulation.  These simulations were constructed by combining an existing conditions photograph with a dimensionally accurate CAD model of the site that includes both existing and proposed features. Each simulation is paired with an existing conditions photograph so that the impact on the view of the existing conditions photograph can be assessed.

The action was simulated using the building footprints as described in the General Project Plan extruded to the heights described in the EIS. Four foot parapets and mechanical penthouses were then added. The mechanical penthouses were simulated at a height of 25 feet to include both the elevator overruns and a water tank enclosure. While it is possible that these buildings will be built without a water tank, it is reasonable to assume that they will have them.  No buildings have been proposed for any of these sites so no facade was developed or simulated. Buildings to be added are represented as massing models with floor levels to give buildings scale. The site plan for the action was used as the ground texture where the action removes buildings. Other buildings to remain that are a part of the context model and are newly visible due to the action removing buildings are represented as gray massing models.  Other elements that are exposed because of the action have been simulated using both artistic and quantitative methods.
 

About the ESC

The Environmental Simulation Center, Ltd. (ESC) is a not-for-profit organization with a mission that includes the application of technology to help make better planning and design decisions.  The ESC is not an advocacy organization and takes no position on Brooklyn Bridge Park in any form.
 

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