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!
Announcement
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.
We kicked off our project for the Beebe Plain Land Port of Entry, as a continuation of our work with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) through our national IDIQ contract. Located in northern Vermont along the U.S. and Canada border, this historic border station facility will be renovated to better serve travelers, helping to streamline the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The project will be a model for sustainable design principles in national infrastructure and will innovatively update the building, supporting the GSA in improving climate change resilience, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Our work with MASS Design Group continues on the design of a new building for the New Lots Library in East New York. 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. Sited near a historic African Burial Ground housing the remains of enslaved individuals, the design will have an emphasis on learning from the past to inform the future, interwoven with narratives of social activism, education, community, and restorative justice.
The New Lots library is one of the largest libraries in the BPL system, offering a diverse array of programs for all ages. Also a hub for educational adult learning programs, the library is one of five across the Brooklyn Public Library system that has a dedicated Adult Learning Center, catering to individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Over the past year, the branch hosted around 2,500 programs and welcomed over 168,000 visitors.