Foster + Partners reveals New York charity boathouse vision

Architect’s view

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Hudson River was dotted with many timber boathouses along its banks. The new Harlem Boathouse recalls this tradition with a simple rectilinear structure made entirely from wood. The new building is fully accessible – a generous plaza foregrounds the building, from where a gentle folding ramp extends to the upper and lower levels of the building.

The lower level contains an expanded storage for boats, which is designed to withstand severe flooding, while the upper level features a large multipurpose hall alongside changing rooms and classrooms for after-school programmes. This expansive flowing space on the upper level opens onto a wide terrace on the building’s eastern edge, looking onto the river and framing views of early-morning sunrise as the rowers begin the first sessions.

The boathouse is shaded by a large folding timber canopy that sails over the structure, cantilevering over the plaza and terrace and providing shelter from the sun. Its distinctive timber lattice is a fusion of engineering and design, providing soft, dappled shade to the flexible multipurpose waterfront open space, a landscaped area designed for informal leisure activities as well as community events and performances. The boathouse will transform this stretch of the Harlem River into an arena at the heart of the community, furthering the wider social and educational aims of Row New York.