Sidewalk Sheds That Don’t Look Like Sidewalk Sheds
Willy Pilku of Core Scaffold Systems
Sidewalk sheds are a familiar part of construction in dense cities — and usually an unpleasant one. They’re functional, but often dark, cluttered, and disorienting for pedestrians passing underneath.
Working across New York City streets where sidewalk sheds often remain in place for months at a time, Core Scaffold Systems takes a different approach. The company designs and installs scaffolding and sidewalk shed systems with a focus on appearance and how people experience construction zones at street level.
One of the company’s best-known designs is the CORE Canopy, a modern sidewalk shed system that replaces the patchwork look of traditional sheds with clean lines and a consistent structure. The design creates clear walkways and a more deliberate street presence during construction.
The difference is often noticed immediately. As Willy Pilku explained, “Someone said it doesn’t look like a sidewalk shed — and that’s the key.”
That reaction was echoed during the conversation itself. Yossi Zweig observed, “It doesn’t look like an eyesore. Usually when you have construction like this, it looks nasty.”
Sidewalk sheds may be temporary, but in New York they often become part of daily routines for residents, workers, and visitors. When these structures remain in place for extended periods, how they look… and how they feel to move through… matters.
Core Scaffold Systems has been exhibiting at OJBA for nearly a decade. Willy said the show continues to be a place to reconnect with long-time customers and meet new ones.
At this year’s show, attendees had the opportunity to walk through the CORE Canopy. They saw how design-forward scaffolding can make even temporary construction infrastructure feel more orderly and intentional.
See Willy Pilku walk through the CORE Canopy and describe what sets it apart from traditional sidewalk sheds.
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