In cooperation with the new york department of environmental protection (DEP), ennead architects  has designed a total renovation of the newtown creek wastewater treatment plant, seeking to update the architecture to reflect environmental mindfulness as well as capture the enterprising essence of new york city.
While the massive project is divided into nine phases over 25 years, the plant has been operational throughout the process. remarkably, the large-scale architectural changes have been complemented by the implementation of space-changing projects from the likes of vito acconci and george takas.
The physical changes to the plant have manifested in the addition of three major buildings; a welcome center, new centrifuge structure and a disinfection facility- all connected by glass walkways. while the water-bottle shaped digesters of the centrifuge have created a distinct mark on the skyline with bot form and rich lighting, the architecture has fundamentally changed the relationship of the civic project to the community. the renovation has used the confluence of art and architecture to incorporate the civic building into an informative hub and educational center.
Vito acconci's sculptural waterscape in the visitor center creates an accessible, desirable space, whereas george takas waterfront walkway successfully reclaims areas of ambulation for the community. the projects were executed as part of new york city's percent for art program, dedicated to democratizing public art by way of seamlessly weaving site-specific work into civic buildings.
The masterplan addresses the the community's concern with an expanding facility by employing color, aerial walkways, bridges and considered forms. the newtown creek area is buffered by green space and develops the complex as more than a strictly industrial area-- the result is a new typology for large-scale urban work.