New York has installed two new sidewalk shed designs for the first time as the city reports a reduction of approximately 1,200 structures since January.
The Baseline Shed and Speed Shed, developed by a team led by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), are on display outside Department of Buildings headquarters in Lower Manhattan.
In its 19 October announcement, the city said shed numbers had fallen by more than 15%.
Baseline uses transparent polycarbonate decking and comes in heavy-duty and light-duty versions. The lighter-duty Speed Shed has a rockfall-netting roof and detachable wheels for relocation.
DOB expects to finalise rules enabling citywide use before the end of 2026. The designs are therefore not being presented as already available for general deployment.
For UK scaffolding contractors, the installations offer an international comparison in pedestrian protection and daylight around occupied buildings, rather than a change to UK requirements.
