The Battery Park Water Observatory is a venue for the study of environmental changes resulting from rising tide and flood levels. In reference to the historical piers that once surrounded the waterfront, and in an attempt to calm the waters of the harbor with the pylon structure, the observatory is built out from the waterfront on the edge of Battery Park. Each level is made up of two bars which emulate pier structures. Two sets of circulation link the bars and provide open-to-below spaces to further connect each level's programs.