Albee Square, located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, rewrites the definition of a public plaza. Anchored by a steel and glass kiosk and framed by a canopy that creates a shaded, protected area, the square welcomes a constant flow of pedestrians through this busy area.

This corner of Brooklyn needed cohesion. The site, fragmented and overwhelmed by daily pedestrian traffic, lacked both a clear identity and a sense of continuity. The challenge was to create a space that could absorb the city’s energy without being swallowed by it. 

The design builds from the ground up—literally and figuratively—using bold, organic forms to create cohesion and continuity. The steel canopy provides shade and frames the square as an inviting gateway. The kiosk, with its layered program of food service, security, and event information, anchors the plaza with a multitude of functions. Custom curved seating offers spots for rest that feel natural while the geometric paving helps create a cohesive sense of place.   

Albee Square’s design reflects its place—both its history and its present. WXY worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure the plaza could serve the Fulton Mall’s bustling retail corridor while providing respite for the corridor’s visitors. Every detail, from the seating to the lighting, was custom designed to respond to the site’s unique challenges and opportunities. 

The vision for Albee Square transforms a dense urban intersection into a civic landmark. It accommodates over 30,000 daily visitors while fostering moments of interaction, creativity, and rest. The design elevates the every day, offering a space that feels open, deliberate, and distinctly Brooklyn.