Seattle Waterfront Park by Field Operations Wins Monocle Design Award

Field Operations' Seattle Waterfront Park has been named Best in Urbanism, USA at the Monocle Design Awards 2026. The eight-hectare park replaces the Alaskan Way Viaduct, an elevated highway that was damaged by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in 2001 and subsequently demolished after two decades of political debate. Designed by New York-based Field Operations in collaboration with LMN Architects, the park features the Overlook Walk and Salish Steps. The $806 million project spanned seven mayors and was funded through a new tax and philanthropic donations. Field Operations founder James Corner noted that initial public resistance was overcome by renderings unveiled in 2012. The park includes piers, play areas, cycling paths, and water access. Ecological features include ribbed seawall panels and purplish glass panes that support marine life. Street furniture is oriented toward Elliott Bay views. Some elements were cut, including a mist cloud, floating pool barge, and ferry terminal rooftop space.