New Lower Hill Master Plan

The Penguins and McCormack Baron Salazar hired BIG to design the residences and public spaces at the 28-acre Lower Hill District of Pittsburgh. Building upon the city’s efforts from the past decade, BIG’s proposal redevelops the public space around the former Civic Arena, including a public space across from Consol Energy Center, and connects the property to Downtown, Uptown and the rest of the Hill District.

“The masterplan for the Lower Hill District is created by supplementing the existing street grid with a new network of parks and paths shaped to optimize the sloping hill side for human accessibility for all generations. The paths are turned and twisted to always find a gentle sloping path leading pedestrians and bicyclists comfortably up and down the hillside. The resulting urban fabric combines a green network of effortless circulation with a quirky character reminiscent of a historical downtown. Topography and accessibility merging to create a unique new part of Pittsburgh. “ Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner, BIG.

“BIG’s master plan seeks to become a catalyst for future investment into the Hill District, moving beyond the standard sustainability solutions and reversing a tendency to vacate, and instead to refocus and reinvest into building a strong community.” Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner, BIG.

BIG envisions a multifunctional and revitalized neighborhood that is centered along a meandering public realm that serves to connect the Hill District back to its downtown core. The proposal combines individual buildings with a variety of functions bounded by a network of accessible paths and triangular plazas. The terraced sloping roofs and varying building volumes take advantage of the steep slope that is so unique to Pittsburgh and provides the neighborhood its distinct qualities of incredible views, daylight and generous terraces.

Bill Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh, previously said: “This announcement is not just about developing. It’s about how adding on to what we have, which is already incredibly special, and building something for the next 50 years. By bringing BIG in, we’re taking that next big step on these 28 acres, and we’re looking at a way of not just building buildings there.”

The public realm designed by West 8, is punctuated by granite outcroppings that are inspired by the regions Allegheny landscape and follows a daylit storm system that encourages discovery and play. The street pattern and crosswalks are designed for an active public life and an efficient flow of pedestrians, bikes, public transportation and cars that are all possible through the weaving pattern of pedestrian pathways.

“The site, with its slopes and views, is perfectly suited for bringing an experience of the native landscape to this urban condition. The design creates a new open space identity but more importantly gives neighbors and visitors the sensations of nature in the heart of the city.” Jamie Maslyn, Partner, West 8.

The terraced roofscapes in the residential areas ensure that residents can access outdoor areas to enjoy the views and to also encourage a sense of community among its neighbors. Atelier Ten has developed a set of comprehensive sustainable goals that consider district scaled heating and cooling opportunities, retaining all rainwater on the site and utilizing it for irrigation of the public space.