SUNSET PARK: INFRASTRUCTURAL CHOREOGRAPHY
The Gowanus expressway project
seeks to reinvigorate the existing urban fabric through the development
of new infrastructures to replace the existing outdated systems.
The removal of the overhead highway presents several opportunities
for growth. This design scheme addresses the complex network of
circulation systems that exist in the neighborhood. Cars, Tractor
Trailers, Trains, Ships, Pedestrian, Bicycles, Buses, and Subways,
exist in tight proximity. The streets and buildings themselves
are incredibly outdated. This industrial infrastructure cannot
accommodate 60 foot long vehicles; tight corners cause delays
in the flow; the buildings lack adequate loading access; warehouses
are not properly suited to accommodate todays global economy.
The scheme is led by the development of a new road system, one
designed to maximize space and minimize time of travel to the
industrial area. The proposal calls for the expressway to buried
beneath second avenue. A New industrial road system is designed
to the specifications of tractor trailer trucks; turning radii
and docking designs inform the development of a new industrial
zone. With new technologies, there is less need for inventory,
and more need for product movement and distribution. Hence, less
actual storage space, but more transportation interface. The project
provides equivalent square footage to the existing, but allows
for 240 easily accessible off-street loading docks. The new industrial
buildings will be smart, designed to incorporate todays
infrastructural needs. Along the western edge of Third Avenue
is a new commercial buffer zone, serviced from behind, to soften
the industrial edge. Along the 11 block strip of new industrial
development there are three crossings from third avenue to the
water, two large pedestrian bridge/parks, with housing, institutional
and cultural programs, and one surface street. The southern of
the two bridge/ parks links to the proposed waterfront park.
The excessive expression of the project is intentional. When considering
the very pragmatic necessities that are being dealt with, turning
radii, new roads, etc..., we have attempted to find opportunities
within these seemingly closed systems. By combining different
systems and parameters of vehicular movement and building volume,
there arises the possibility for a new architectural expression
for Sunset Park. The proposal is not intended to be understood
as finished buildings, but rather should be understood as possible
reconfigurations, and additions to the existing fabric. The scheme
is similar to a zoning strategy, but with much more information,
introducing possible architectural organizations and additions
that would not be possible without the new network of infrastructures,
choreographed in ways to address todays global and local condition.
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