New York City Unveils Modern Sidewalk Shed Designs

By Y.M. Lowy

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo unveiled six new designs for sidewalk sheds, also known as scaffolding, that will be used at construction sites and buildings undergoing construction. 

The updated sheds are a big step up from the bulky green sheds that we see lining city streets. This is part of Mayor Adams’ “Get Sheds Down” initiative, which aims to make streets safer and nicer while protecting pedestrians from potential hazards.

Mayor Adams said the changes will improve city streets: “For too long, scaffolding and outdated sidewalk sheds have blocked sunlight, hurt small businesses, and cluttered our neighborhoods. Today marks a major step forward in reimagining New York City’s streetscape. Safety and good design can go hand in hand.”

In February 2024, the city hired two top architecture and design firms, Arup and Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), to help create the new designs. Each firm delivered three pedestrian protection designs focused on improving safety, beautifying the streets, and keeping costs reasonable for building owners.

The six new designs are a major improvement over the old, green wood sheds that have frustrated residents and business owners for years.