PIER 42 WC
KAREN BAUSMAN + ASSOCIATES
Client - NYC DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
ROLE - PROJECT ARCHITECT
Pier 42 WC is part of a series of public restroom facilities designed for parks across Brooklyn and Manhattan, developed while working with Karen Bausman + Associates. The project responds to the challenge of integrating essential public amenities into the city’s waterfront and park infrastructure with a focus on accessibility, durability, and contextual sensitivity.
The pavilion’s simple rectilinear volume is wrapped in a combination of blue tile and perforated metal panels, balancing robustness with a civic sense of place. The design negotiates between the industrial character of the East River waterfront and the soft landscaping of the park, appearing both functional and quietly iconic within its urban setting. Stainless steel entryways and screened roof elements emphasize resilience and ease of maintenance, while also allowing the structure to subtly reflect its surroundings.
Beyond providing basic facilities, Pier 42 WC participates in the broader narrative of New York City’s reinvestment in its public waterfront spaces—transforming utilitarian infrastructure into architectural micro-landmarks that serve the daily rhythms of urban life.
COMMERCIAL project | 2021
