Arup-designed scaffolding sheds installed for the first time on New York City sidewalks

In 2024, the city hired Arup to help reimagine the pipe and plywood sheds that New Yorkers have dealt with for decades. The Arup team, including architect KNE studio, technical architect Reddymade, and contractor CORE Scaffolding, designed three modular sidewalk scaffolding concepts that were unveiled to the public at the end of last year. Today is the first time that New Yorkers will be able to see the sheds up close on a public sidewalk.

The two sheds now on view in Lower Manhattan are the “Flex Shed” and the “Rigid Shed” both designed by the Arup team. Through modular design and structural engineering, Arup conceived designs that bring open, free circulation, better lighting, and adaptability for varying site conditions. Above all, the designs center the pedestrian experience, with each featuring a small footprint on the sidewalk and minimal physical and visual obstruction.

The Flex Shed is a light-duty model intended for buildings undergoing maintenance work and emergency repairs. With easily adjusted roof heights and column placement, the design can be modified to work around unique building elements, as well as sidewalk obstructions like street signs and bus stop shelters. Options for a transparent deck also allow abundant natural light onto the sidewalk.

The Rigid Shed is a heavy-duty model intended for major projects, like renovations and new construction. Engineered for strength, the design features no cross-bracing but still allows longer spans between vertical supports to create a feeling of openness for pedestrians.

“These new shed designs will help New Yorkers see the sky and enjoy our city, while still protecting people safe from danger overhead. I’m thrilled to see the very first Flex Shed and Rigid Shed models in New York City, and I’m grateful for the work of the DOB, Arup, and PAU teams to design every new shed option and make them available to buildings across the city,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.

“In the warmer months of the year, our city sidewalks become an important conduit for civic life, giving us a venue where we can meet and interact with our fellow New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Tigani. “While sidewalk sheds in front of hazardous building facades and construction sites serve an important public safety purpose, but that doesn't mean we have to accept the current pipe-and-plywood eyesores that have shrouded our neighborhoods and eaten into those critical public spaces. Under Mayor Mamdani and Deputy Mayor Bozorg's leadership, we are quickly developing agency rules that will soon introduce our six innovative new shed designs that will help return that valuable sidewalk space back to the public.”

Under the leadership of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Department of Buildings is developing rules to make these two new sheds — along with Arup’s “Air Shed” and three other designs by the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism — available for use citywide at construction sites and buildings with hazardous facades. The rules are expected to be finalized this year.