The famous American architect Daniel Gillen participated in the Van Alen Institute’s “Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge” competition.

The challenge was to modify, redesign in a contemporary key the iconic Brooklyn Bridge completed in 1883 by German engineer John Augustus Roebling, the first bridge built in steel.

Daniel Gillen created a version of it called “Brooklyn Bluff”.
Its shape is inspired by the surrounding environment, the natural characteristics of the terrain. “Brooklyn Bluff” is designed to improve public connection with nature and promote a new perspective on adaptive reuse projects.
Developed to provide continuous flexibility in its use, the program for this ambitious project contains accommodations, hotels, restaurants and much more.

To respect the original design, Daniel Gillen’s proposed architectural addition creates a clear and legible distinction between contemporary and historical. The strength and usefulness of the Brooklyn Bridge are balanced by a progressive approach to architecture, evaluating a multitude of factors including social conditions, fiscal longevity and security.