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Capabilities

Overbuild Developments

We combine world-class engineering with an appreciation for placemaking to forge new connections and revitalize cities.

Lead Contacts

Stockholm Central Station
Stockholm Central Station in Sweden. Courtesy Foster + Partners
Burnham Place at Union Station
Burnham Place at Union Station master plan in Washington, D.C. Courtesy Shalom Baranes Associates
Hudson Yards Overbuild
Hudson Yards Overbuild in New York. Courtesy Related
Hudson Yards Platform
Revit model of Hudson Yards Platform in New York. Thornton Tomasetti
Hudson Yards overbuild construction
Hudson Yards overbuild construction in New York. Thornton Tomasetti
Hudson Yards
Steel trusses over active rail lines at Hudson Yards in New York. Thornton Tomasetti
Hudson Yards
Fabrication of heavy steel component of the overbuild platform at Hudson Yards in New York. Thornton Tomasetti
Sunnyside Yard Master Plan
Sunnyside Yard Master Plan in New York. Courtesy PAU

Overview

With undeveloped land in urban cores in short supply, many cities are looking to make new space by building over rail yards and other infrastructure. This can also be a way to revitalize adjacent – often historically neglected – neighborhoods. Well-planned overbuild developments can create physical and economic links to the rest of the city, making these communities more resilient and prosperous.

At Thornton Tomasetti, we understand the intricacies and logistics of building over complex sites on challenging schedules. And we know that overbuild platforms need to be tailored to what will be built on top to set a development up for success. So we ask the important questions up front. The answers guide our work, enabling us to best support the short- and long-term goals of project stakeholders.

Your Partner for the Long Haul

Capturing underutilized space within the urban fabric and creating better, denser communities doesn’t happen in a day – or even a decade. These projects often take years and involve many stakeholders, public and private, with differing constituencies and priorities. We believe that robust collaboration is vital to navigating potential conflicts and resolving challenges.

Integrated Disciplines for Efficient Solutions

With a portfolio that includes some of the world’s biggest projects, we’re experts at managing complexity without sacrificing the details – or your design vision. And our diverse suite of disciplines and services allow us to offer integrated expertise that can simplify design and construction.

From Conception to Construction – And Beyond

Our multidisciplinary master planning teams work with multiple stakeholders to define needs and common goals, then identify strategies to meet them. We also offer comprehensive consulting for protective design and security, resilience and sustainability. These elements – all critical to the success of overbuild developments – are best considered from the first. Early integration provides maximum effectiveness at lower cost than when they are addressed later in the process.

With expertise in structural, vibration and construction engineering, we can help in planning and design to ensure platforms – and the structures built atop them – are comfortable, durable, efficient and constructable. Knowledge gained from experience and expert application of cutting-edge technological tools enable us to deliver designs that can be built without interrupting the critical infrastructure services. And down the road? Our multidisciplinary team can support the development as it evolves over time, assisting with master-plan changes, renovations and additions. We also offer forensics, adaptive reuse and renewal services for existing overbuild developments.

Hudson Yards Platform
Hudson Yards Platform (Courtesy Related)

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