BIG unveils mixed-use development in Fort Lauderdale

The residential towers feature a crack down the middle to aid pedestrian movement
BIG has unveiled plans for a mixed-use development in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. The development seeks to regenerate a currently run-down stretch along the New River with a pedestrian friendly public space and over 1,000 homes. The scheme, titled Marina Lofts, also includes space for retail and restaurants.

The residential towers will be built in three phases. The two towers of the first phase are treated as one building, breaking in the middle to form an opening to allow pedestrian activity to flow between the buildings. Bjarke Ingels said: The project fills the gap in the waterfront of downtown Fort Lauderdale stitching the existing fragments of promenade together into a new and revitalized river park adding density and life to the scenic setting. The two buildings are torn open to form a cave and a canyon opening up for the neighbourhood to reach the river . A design made through subtraction rather than addition. Construction will start on site in December.