West 8 Named 2017 World’s Most Innovative Company of the Architecture Sector by Fast Company

For the past ten years, Fast Company has released an annual Most Innovative Companies list to recognize businesses’ positive impact. Their reporting team sifts through thousands of enterprises in search of those that tap both heart strings and purse strings, using the engine of commerce to make a difference in the world. West 8 is honored to be named the Most Innovative Company in the Architecture Sector of 2017 for “meeting the rising tides.”

Our firm has been operating since 1987 with a characteristically Dutch aptitude for resilience. As climate change becomes increasingly threatening, this approach becomes increasingly relevant and honestly urgent. West 8 is founded on this cognizance and incorporates it into the design process comprehensively from large scale master planning to custom site furnishings.

Our Governors Island Park and Public Space is Fast Company’s prime example of this innovative approach. Every element of the design from materials selection and sourcing to planting strategy and topographic manipulation responds to the site context with fundamental knowledge of wave action, storm surge and sea level rise. Our team curated 54 native plant species, thousands of new trees, permanent art installations and the longest slide in New York City atop clean and recycled fill sculpted to both celebrate sweeping views of the New York Harbor and combat events like Hurricane Sandy. Creative use of technologies to accomplish this resulted in an equally resilient and beautiful landscape that leads the vanguard of 21st century park design as a model for sustainability.

Fast Company’s affirmation of this approach is a humbling testimony to our effort and a gratifying advocacy for resilient design. Head to Fast Company’s website to read more and see who else is on the list.