Providence Riverwalk
Providence, RI

Our approach to this waterfront redesign draws inspiration from the movement of the Providence River, creating a continuous network of curving landforms, accessible paths, and immersive planting. At Waterplace Park Basin, flowing walkways, granite seating edges, and cobblestone contour lines shape a nature-inspired environment for strolling, resting, and gathering, with trees, shrubs, and soft river edges bringing visitors closer to the water. New features such as a kayak launch, small group “Nook” space, and intimate seating zones support recreation and community use.

Along the Riverwalk, the design strengthens resilience and access by elevating flood-prone paths on the south bank, refreshing surfaces and lighting on the north bank, and introducing generous planting between the walkways and Memorial Boulevard, while a continuous weathered-steel palette ties the site together. Major infrastructure improvements, including a sculptural two-level pedestrian bridge, accessible switchback connections, a new Downtown Connector, and an enhanced Memorial Boulevard Tunnel, create seamless movement between city and water and establish the Providence Riverwalk as a welcoming and ecologically attuned waterfront.

*The above renderings were created by Byencore.

Collaborators
ARUP
In-form Studio
VHB