This thesis project is situated in Greenwich Village in New York City with a focus on the waterfront of the Hudson River.
It involves theoretical research and the design of two sites.
The video underneath explains the full project.
The project started with the experience of borders in Greenwich Village. This experience is translated into lines that uncover the relation of the waterfront of the Hudson River with the built fabric of Greenwich Village. There were three lines discovered with different focus, and an extra line involving the floodplain. Each line extends in multiple transition zones that work as places of exchange, social binders and integrate their surroundings. This theoretical research was then translated into the design of two transition zones. The two sites involved a close relation with the three lines and the flood line. They each work within the same framework but follow a different agenda and context.
Theoretical lines and flood line.
At the first site, Weehawken, a Historic District in disuse was transformed into a place with high social cohesion. The strategy works from within the existing by creating space, intensifying existing functions, filling in the blanks of disuse and restoring historical connections.
Existing situation
Proposed
Plan of full proposal.
The canopy works as a frame for farmer markets and spontaneous activities.
Section from the waterfront to the built Greenwich Village.
The second site called Gansevoort deals with the lack of residential affordable units in a wealthy commercial neighborhood. A new residential building was designed on top of an existing industrial building, creating new opportunities, connections and engaging social life.
West elevation.
High Line connection
Street level
First floor plan.
Section.
Social corridor.
The two designs act as transition zones. They add to the existing structure of the lines and proof the importance of their presence of these zones as social cores and spaces to identify for the inhabitants in fast-changing cities as New York City.
