Arch 302 Portfolio

bridging boundary an urban cultural residency arch 302 housing studio | spring 2022 connor shanahan + mircea nastase

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present condition: highline as vertical boundary

proposal: highline as platform for integrating local culture

boundary For those visiting Chelsea, the Highline appears as a spectacle of urban renewal: a once deteriorating railroad that now enhances life for Chelsea residents. From the Highline, tourists gaze in awe at the wealthy lifestyle that is perpetuated through the continuous development of the area, shielded from the local community below.

Thus a vertical boundary is created, one that distances tourists from local Chelsea communities. We propose an architectural intervention that redefines the Highline into a platform for cultural experiences. The elevated park that once served as the divide separating low and high lifestyles is now used as a tool to connect tourists to cultures that would otherwise be left in the shadows of high-rise development. boundary condition analysis 3

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current local artisan mapping: dispersed culture

proposed artisan mapping: central cultural hub

bridging boundary By integrating local culture into the Highline, we blur the boundary between culture and tourism by connecting public and private space. Chelsea and the surrounding area are home to plenty of artists and craftspeople within the local community that have lived in the area for years, know what it has been through, and serve as an example of what the city represents. Because of the exclusivity of galleries in Chelsea, local artists and craftspeople face challenges in showcasing their work, work that reflects their life and experiences in the community. An architectural intervention can provide cultural residencies that allow these artisans to create their work and connect to visitors of the Highline in a singular building. bridging boundary manifesto 5

01 box

02 program

starting size: 100’x200’x140’

studios acting as blurred zone between public market and private residencies

03 open

04 extrude - extract

remove center of mass for better circulation, outdoor space, and views

manipulate massing to create desired scale and protruisions

05 circulation

06 refine

large central staircase connecting street and Highline levels to markets

refine form to fit program and massing composition

site isometric, between W26th St & W27th St along 10th Ave, NYC 6

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exploded isometric of program zones 8

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public circulation

private circulation

loading points

site circulation

site context Being situated between the Highline and 10th Ave., public markets for residents, local vendors, and passersby and easily accessible and visible. Plazas outside the entrances under the Highline activate formerly neglected space. Larger circulation masses connect to the ground level, inviting movement throughout the architecture. left: site plan describing ground level connection + activity 12

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southeast elevation, view from 10th ave.

basement courtyard outdoor market accessed off 10th ave.

public market From the entrance, a large stairway leads down into the basement courtyard where more market space is located. This lowered space creates a node away from the bustling street life for the public to congregate and socialize. In warmer months, the interior market can expand into the exterior and create even more activity in the space. The consistent materiality on the ground creates a seamless transition from interior to exterior and highlights the main pathway through the market. level 00 basement courtyard + market floor plan 15

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tourist ADA unit floor plan

heading south on the highline

the highline This level is the main access point from the Highline, making the culinary studios and dining amenities even more desirable on this level. Adjacent to the Highline, vendor spaces are integrated into a wide plaza that offers an extension to the interior market. This plaza brings the local culture directly to the Highline level and attracts tourists to interact with the local culture that would otherwise be overlooked. Temporary dwellings are provided to provide tourists opportunities to truly experience the local culture and learn from artisan residents. These ADA units are designed for short-term occupancy and are located adjacent to amenities desired by tourists visiting the Chelsea area. level 03 highline floor plan 17

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level 04 gallery under auditorium

descending stairs in studio bridge

cultural studios On level five in the public tower, the auditorium allows tourists to learn about specific cultures and performance arts from residents or invited speakers. After passing through a small gallery in the lobby, the studio cantilever connects to the public tower and offers collaborative studios and exhibition spaces where residents can share their processes, practices, and experiences through their art or craft. The floor plate is recessed from the exterior glazing so that from the Highline a seamless profile creates a “billboard” for work to be displayed. On the other end of this cantilever is a large collaborative studio for residents to work without feeling obligated to interact with other residents or tourists, but have more space than the residencies provide. level 05 studio floor plan 19

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residential unit type floor plans

one bedroom interior perspective

residential units The residential plan highlights the central cores in each of the towers. The private residential tower consists of three main unit types. These units are designed to offer flexibility and resources useful for creative professionals. Ample storage is provided in all units through a thickened wall while efficiently concealing overhead mechanical systems. Similarly, operable partition walls open space as the resident desires. To achieve flexibility in the level of privacy and daylighting, operable panels compose the facade of the residential units. As residents need more or less lighting, privacy, and ventilation, they can open or close their unit accordingly. level 07 residential floor plan 21

Designed to accommodate creative professionals, the studio unit allows two people to live comfortably. Given the small space, flexibility is created with sliding partition walls separating the main living and bedroom areas.

Ample storage is provided to help the cultural resident create their art or craft as they desire within their unit.

studio unit floor plan studio unit isometric

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The two-bedroom unit is designed to create opportunities for creative professionals with families to participate in the cultural residency opportunity. The large living area allows daily functions to occur alongside creative processes. In all rooms, operable panels allow each space to accommodate the resident and their lighting, privacy, and ventilation preferences.

2 bedroom unit floor plan 2 bedroom unit isometric

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residential tower elevation at day

residential tower elevation at night 24

coexisting in public + private space The Highline does not need to be the vertical boundary it currently is for the local culture; a prominent connection between the Highline and the street level can change this access and exposure. A cascading stairway leads tourists down with access points along the way to the interior market and public programs. Alongside the cafe bridge, directly above the Highline plaza, is the studio bridge. These two spaces act as the link between the public and private towers where residents and tourists interact, blurring the boundary between public and private space. southwest cross section, highlighting levels of public + private space

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conceptual model, exploring levels + form in relation to site and program 28

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