The architectural plan is to turn the area around the New York Stock Exchange into a greener, more pedestrian-friendly environment
Are the vacation cabins at Wildwood State Park an example of this? Yes, these cabins are set in beautiful, rural landscapes. There was a restricted budget, so we needed to create something which would be simple to construct by the park’s carpenters. We really enjoyed figuring out the design. Although there are only two designs, the way they are set out means they don’t look identical. Those which are located on the rolling hills have double-pitched roofs which mimic the landscape, while those on the dunes have a more beach vocabulary. These cabins are clad in cedar shingles with reclaimed mahogany trim and metal roofing, but with different cladding they could be adapted for a number of uses in many different locations. You are soon going to be working to make the New York Stock Exchange more pedestrian friendly, what will this project involve? The main goal of the Stock Exchange District plan is to create a dynamic urban space which works for all its users, while celebrating the four centuries of history which have defined the heart of Lower Manhattan. To achieve this, the report is organised around three guiding
CLAD mag 2018 ISSUE 4
We ’ r e s t i l l c h a l l e n g e d w i t h c o m m u n i c a t i n g the value of architecture and design to people who are not architects and designers
principles: creating identity and a sense of place; enhancing pedestrian environment and improving mobility; and rationalising deliveries, separating trucks from pedestrians. Design features will highlight the entrances to the district, creating a sense of arrival, and more uniform and attractive materials will be used throughout the zone. Our redesign will enhance the pedestrian experience in the district, while creating more attractive and multi-functional seating options. Aligning the design of the district’s streets with how they are actually used, and eliminating redundant security devices, will create more room for pedestrians. New loading and unloading areas will accommodate the needs of the district’s residents and workers, while the new street designs will improve pedestrian flow and discourage trucks from parking on sidewalks.
What other projects are you currently working on? One of the projects we’re working on is a new bridge which will be erected in Manhattan near the World Trade Center, linking Battery Park with Lower Manhattan. With glass covering lenticular trusses, it will look attractive and serve the practical purpose of allowing people to cross the road at the mouth of the tunnel, but will also offer an experience and allow people to enjoy great views. What do you see as the most pressing challenges for architects? We’re still challenged with communicating the value of architecture and design to people who are not architects and designers. It’s hard to explain concepts such as sustainability, resiliency and the importance of public space and what we do and why. ●
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