Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation, unveiled a new series of asphalt art murals across pedestrian spaces in the neighborhood's Shared Street network.
The project features Brooklyn Blossoms, a large-scale public artwork created by New York City-based artist Carla Torres that is designed to enhance the streetscape while helping define pedestrian-priority areas.
The artwork spans 21 locations throughout the district, adding colorful designs to streets already equipped with planters, granite blocks, bike corrals and public seating. The murals are part of DOT's Shared Street initiative, which supports slower vehicle speeds while giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining access for deliveries, parking and essential services.
“Every year, Downtown Brooklyn’s new asphalt art serves as a reminder that Downtown Brooklyn is a true people-first neighborhood,” said Regina Myer, president of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “Carla’s vibrant new artwork welcomes pedestrians to this dynamic neighborhood that is always evolving. We are grateful to our partners at NYC DOT for working with us to improve our downtown and look forward to the streets being transformed into inspiring works of art for everyone to enjoy.”
The Shared Street network was introduced on Pearl and Willoughby streets in 2019 and continues to expand across Downtown Brooklyn.
The project is part of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership's Public Realm Action Plan, developed with design firms Bjarke Ingels Group and WXY architecture + urban design.
The plan outlines improvements intended to transform the area into a more people-centered downtown by expanding public space, improving safety and creating a more connected streetscape.
Brooklyn Blossoms combines abstract forms with flowers, leaves, birds and other nature-inspired elements drawn from Brooklyn's native plants and neighborhoods. Bright colors and overlapping shapes symbolize growth, renewal and community, while each mural represents one section of a larger composition spread across multiple sites.
The design encourages pedestrians to experience different parts of the neighborhood as they move through the Shared Street network.
The murals add another layer to Downtown Brooklyn's ongoing public space improvements as the partnership and DOT continue expanding the Shared Street network and implementing projects outlined in the Public Realm Action Plan.
