Where, What, and Why
RedHook area potentially is a great place to enjoy your free time away from the noise of the big city yet in direct view of it. Area is contrasting with a vast expanse of the bay leading into ocean. It isn’t as industrialized as it used to be, and on its way to be transformed into a remarkable place of destination.
• Why am I researching this building typology?
Site#3 is on the edge of the water with the view towards Valentino Park, Verrazano Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Governor Island, and the Lower Manhattan. It is positioned at the end of the bike trail which is under development at the moment, and starts at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. As of now there is no distinct nor significant point of destination for touring or exercising bikers. Site#3 will be one.
• What is the specialty of this building type?
It shall provide bikers, runners, joggers, walkers and tourists a place to reflect on experiences of their 2 mile trip, rest, eat, or exercise. It may be a point of destination, as well as a turning point to bike back, or even a rest stop before exploring RedHook area.
•• Which building typology am I researching, and the program elements that I see included
The future facility will be a Sport Center which will combine Bike-Share parking, gym, cafeteria, observation deck, shop, and the cyber-library to name a few. It should be welcoming for an unsuspecting tourist, and convenient for members of the gym. It should also reflect its purpose in architecture as it is seen from the shore and the sea.
• What are my goals for working with this building type?
By working with this particular typology, on this particular site I’m planning to develop a better understanding of this typology, which is an essential element of any community. I will learn how to incorporate different programs “under the same roof”, on the same site, to create an articulate welcoming message. Context of the site (park, water, pier, warehouse, zoning code in regards to the street) creates a challenge; my goal is to seamlessly fit my building within this context.
Hello Vlad,
ReplyDeleteI like your building typology. Mainly because it seems specific to a particular audience. With that in mind I would ask you to be more specific. Think about who this is for and why that is the case. There is other sports facilities in the area. You mentioned that your facility is for people using the Brooklyn greenway. Capitalize on that.
On a different note, I don't see your site analysis or the location of your site anywhere. By now you should have these two. Post them.
Although I am not personally familiar with the area, it would strike me that athletic facilities are dime a dozen. Given that you are looking to interact with a public use adjacency, push yourself to break the mold of a traditional typology of athletic complex or sports facility and look toward the public use aspects of the space. Maybe even look to create a "PLACE" as opposed to a structure. In this, look to the programme as well as to the experience of your efforts in conjunction with park and bike trail. For example, incorporate exercise facilities not by building a traditional gymnasium, but rather by exploring the interior and exterior aspects and making non traditional occupiable spaces, i.e. a continuous helical ramp that encloses space but is also for hill training as cyclists can ride up and down the exterior as well.
ReplyDeleteThe class wasn't focusing on the particularities of the ideas for the building. That is the reason why it isn't on paper yet. But I was thinking about it, actually "continuous helical ramp" was my first thought as well. Thank you for comments, I appreciate it. In due time I'll incorporate your input into further development.
ReplyDeleteFully understand that. However food for thought always tastes good. Let it marinate...
ReplyDelete