OJB designs park for BIG Freedom Plaza skyscraper development in Manhattan

Texas studio OJB Landscape Architecture has released updated designs for a 5-acre park surrounding the prospective Freedom Plaza skyscraper complex designed by BIG in New York City.

Following the unveiling of designs for BIG's Freedom Plaza development last year, OJB Landscape Architecture (OJB) shared designs of public greenspace that will surround the project's four skyscrapers, as well as a central spiral-shaped museum that will be "dedicated to democracy".

The development sits on a site just south of the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan's East Midtown neighborhood, spanning a total of 6.7 acres.

Renderings of the park show a central lawn atop an elevated platform between the base of the development's buildings. Features such as small fountains, food kiosks, benches and outdoor fireplaces are distributed throughout the greenspace.

According to OJB, the design was informed by "the natural beauty and cultural energy of New York City".

"The design of Freedom Plaza draws on the natural beauty and cultural energy of New York City, creating a space where nature, art, and urban life coexist seamlessly," said President of OJB Jim Burnett.

The park's central 18,000-square-foot (1,672 square metre) lawn will serve as its "heart", surrounded by meandering paths that weave through the site and overlook the East River. It will also connect to the East River Promenade, a pathway that borders the waterway.

The park will also "ascend" to meet the project's museum building, with renders showing the green space woven through the remaining site with similar pathways and plantings.

Major elements throughout the project include a water garden informed by the "geologic and ecological history" of the neighborhood and a 7,000-square-foot (650-square-metre) children's play area.

"From the East River Overlook to the intimate gardens, every detail has been carefully crafted to inspire and engage visitors. It is an honor to contribute to Freedom Plaza and to provide a meaningful gathering place for the community," said Burnett.

Developed by Soloviev Group and entertainment developer Mohegan, Freedom Plaza is set to encompass five total buildings – two residential skyscrapers clad in a dark glass, two hotel skyscrapers linked via skybridge, and a museum and community space referred to as the Museum of Freedom and Democracy.

According to OJB, "in order to maintain full compliance with the prior City approvals, the residential buildings have been slightly reoriented," as of early 2025.

The development is one of a reported eleven New York developments vying for a downstate casino license, with three winning proposals set to be awarded by the end of 2025.

Across the city, the SOM-master-planned Hudson Yards West development and The Avenir by CetraRuddy are also contending for a license.

The images are OJB Landscape Architecture.

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