We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort for the New York City Mass Timber Studio through our work on the Brooklyn Public Library New Lots Branch in collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library, Mass Design Group, Envoie Projects, and Silman Structural Solutions.
The first of its kind in New York City, the Mass Timber Studio program prioritizes the decarbonization of the built environment by supporting mass timber projects in their early phases. Projects selected for the inaugural cohort include those that provide community space, residential development, and adaptive reuse.
The New Lots Library, located in East New York is one of the largest libraries in the BPL system, offering a diverse array of programs for all ages. We are now in Schematic Design, working closely with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and the community to explore opportunities to transform and expand the branch to better serve its present-day patrons as well as future generations. Read more.
Karen recently spoke as a panelist in the Architectural League of New York’s lecture series, Current Work: Revisiting Branch Libraries. Marking 10 years since the completion of the Architectural League’s Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study, this lecture explored approaches to accessibility as public libraries continue to evolve through the current work of the firms that led the Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study in 2014. Additional panel speakers included Andrew Berman of Andrew Berman Architect, and Stella Betts and David Leven of LEVENBETTS. The panel was moderated by Leah Meisterlin.
Our 2014 Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study analyzed the 207 branch libraries within the New York Public Library system, Queens Library system, and the Brooklyn Public Library system looking at data related to public and social infrastructure, demographics, growth, and resiliency. The study also included a proposal for a new co-development opportunity that includes library space, affordable housing, and retail space. Read more about the Re-envisioning Branch Libraries project here.
Over the past few days, we had the pleasure of hosting Griffin, a local high school student, as part of the Center for Architecture’s Discover Architecture program. It was exciting to discuss our shared passion for architecture and introduce him to the profession. During his time at MFA, we toured local architecture, visited Greenpoint Library, and explored some of our latest projects using VR. We wish Griffin all the best as he continues to pursue his passion for architecture!
This November, Karen led her advanced elective studio course for Barnard and Columbia seniors to Cyprus where they are working in collaboration with the University of Nicosia faculty and students. Karen, along with Barnard alum Alessandra Swiny, a faculty member at the Architecture Research Center at UNIC, are jointly leading studios to research and propose design projects for the internal refugee housing in Nicosia. This housing, built as temporary housing in the 70’s and now owned by the original occupants, suffers from continual disinvestment in the social spaces and shared infrastructure. The studio topic more broadly addresses global issues of migration, identity, untold histories, trauma, community, and the role of architecture in the design of our built environments. Students have been framing their interests, adjusting their work after intense on-site research, and developing projects relating to a broad range of topics including: adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure, social infrastructure for community gathering and collecting local histories, spaces for local agriculture and circular economies supporting local food production, and support for diverse religions outside the dominant religious cultures in Cyprus.
We have kicked off Design Development for the National Parks of Boston (NPB) Headquarters building in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Over the past few months, we have been working collaboratively with NPB staff to forge a clear vision for the project, aiming to streamline NPB operations and create a more cohesive, adaptable working environment. The renovation will ultimately revitalize the 1901 building, fostering improved teamwork and efficiency, while recognizing the unique history of the building, vibrant culture of the National Parks of Boston, and significant location in the Charlestown Navy Yard.