Prototype design unveiled as NYC's new sidewalk shed

There are few things drearier in New York City than those ugly sidewalk sheds outside buildings.

But on Tuesday, the Department of Buildings unveiled the winning prototype of a six-month competition to find a more visually pleasing sidewalk shed.

The winning design — by the Manhattan-based Agencie Group — can bring in more light to the sidewalks and has a canopy that resembles the inside of the umbrella, said Andres Cortes, an architect for the firm.

While there are about 6,000 sidewalk sheds across the city, contractors will not be required to use the new design.

A buildings department spokeswoman said a construction site is being found in lower Manhattan that will be the first to use the scaffolding.