The project begins with the challenge of reusing and restoring an existing , vacant brownfield site located on the fringe between Seattle's industrial district to the south and the heart of the city to the north. Positioned in Elliot Bay, the site demands a delicate articulation between the distinct urban fabric along the shore and the increased environmental exposure toward the water. The projects aims to yields the forces present on site, namely the exposure of wind and sun on the south edge of the south, while also taking advantage of these forces as well.
The presence of annual cloud cover also allows for a freedom in plan regarding daylighting access, something the project aims to benefit from as well. The 120,000 SF mixed use building adds 65,000 SF additional program to accomodate the larger site, such as facilities to take advantage of the nearby busy ferry terminal, as well as bike and outdoor recreational facilities to respond to the burgeoning urban density that place 101 Alaskan Way at its core.
