What began initially as referential to the surrounding contexts and aesthetics of the site transformed into an observation of industrial complexes as a whole. Rather than trying to subvert or change the architectural language of industrial spaces, our goal was to use their existing languages and implement them (occasionally in a hyperbolic manner) in order to bring forward a fun and expressive experience out of what is typically considered to be stoic, cold, and mechanical. Our site is split into an asymmetrical grid with the nightclub on the south end of the site and the industrial to the north. We have implemented a dumping center off of division ave, allowing for dump trucks to conveniently come in and out of the site, avoiding the heavy traffic off of Kent avenue. The ferry terminal is located centrally at the west end of our site, creating an extension of the water line coming directly into our site allowing for easy access to either program element as well as the street at the ground level.
Spatially The larger structure creates irregular geometric spaces, and pockets for MEP and Egress. The waffle slab structure in the nightclub area influences a framework for the interior layout, similarly to the industrial where a series of beam systems allow for columns and arched barrel vaults to define its spaces. Our intention was to connect two seemingly contrasting spaces in a way that creates a sort of gradient between the two programs, implemented bridges, greenspaces, and courtyards as well as placing program elements in irregular contexts to create a seamless programmatic experience for the users, merging leisure in the form of the nightclub and production in the form of the industrial.
As the program moves vertically the gradient shows itself more clearly, programs within the industrial and nightclub alike begin to merge into a seamless spatial experience. The stoic contemplative spaces of the industrial begin to transform and merge with the highly expressive and animated moments within the nightclub blurring the language between the two. As the user moves up the building they are met with ample moments of ethereality from dancing within a colorful cave of light to experiencing the city of New York through the outdoor roof patio or the oculus located at the top of the project. The gradience and merging of the project formally allows for the transferral of systems through a series of cores and bridges
The bridging between the two buildings allows for systems to be transferred between the cores in each space through our project allowing for the air coming off our fresh air pillars to be adequately cooled. This systems also allows us to transfer heat from our incinerator in the industrial building into the surrounding spaces during the colder months, as well as allow for radiant heating within the floor slabs
We propose to implement recycled concrete into our Materials in our building, due to the large amount of concrete being used in this project, we feel it necessary to implement a level of reuse with the materials we propose to use. While still an experimental utilization of materiality, we propose to implement wastewater sludge in the mixture of our concrete alongside seashells to convey degradation. We propose to use the sludge accumulating in the Gowanus canal to help restore and serve the surrounding area and benefit the community beyond programmatic reasonings. We have created a modular block system to incorporate the experimental sludge concrete while also keeping the structural integrity of the building. These oversized CMU type modular blocks have a layer of structural concrete with insulation and waterproofing with the sludge or recycled concrete serving as cladding on the exterior.
Structurally our project implements a concrete waffle slab system alongside a column and arch system. This allows for longer horizontal spans and big open spaces in the nightclub and denser more vertical focused spaces in the industrial creating a spatial contrast between the two programs however keeping them consistent within the narrative of the project itself. The structure creates spatial pockets for our systems to be neatly placed and distributed throughout the project. Placing architectural motifs typical found within industrial complex in clever ways, we are able to abstract that notion as well as allow for higher forms of expression, fun, joy, and ethereality. The characteristics and forms call to a greater narrative of power within industrial aesthetics, and we aim to turn that notion on its head using ideas and forms within the same language to create something far more light hearted and enjoyable for those who experience it
Scattered throughout our building are stalagtite like objects which sit neatly within our waffle slab structure. Initially inspired by frost fractals, these resin cast stalactites are meant to enhance the experiential quality of the nightclub spaces during the day as well as at night, displaying a colorful matte during the day and shining a bright color in the evening due to the objects opaque materiality. The integration of the stalagtites calls back to the cold demeanor of industrial complexes, and through the simple use of LED lights they quickly turn into an expressive atmospheric element capable of livening up the dance floor
