Our research proposes a new approach to the planning of our branch libraries as one networked system, rather than as independent branches, in order to most optimally plan for the future of our libraries. We propose that when we make decisions based on an understanding of the existing 207 branch libraries as interrelated parts of one system, and when we recognize that the system is not “flat” – that needs and services are unevenly distributed in the city – we can more equitably allocate resources in relationship to demand. And once we conceive of the libraries as a networked system of social infrastructure related to other public services, the libraries can help address both citywide systemic issues and respond to the local needs of their neighborhoods. This type of planning strategy would allow us to make policy responses that are not on a per-branch basis, but rather, we can bring multi-branch responses to pressing citywide concerns.

In order to intelligently plan within this networked infrastructure, we have developed new tools that can utilize comparative and relational data, changing data, so that any one branch in the network is planned with an awareness of other branches. We can take actions to strengthen the libraries’ position as a community hub, as a significant anchor of the neighborhood it serves. And as part of the social infrastructure of the city, supporting social growth and social equity, we are also proposing enhancing community engagement around the reinvestment in our libraries and actionable policy mechanisms, specifically in relationship to co-development opportunities, to further increase the value of our libraries for the public good.

Utilizing data for Brighton Beach we have designed a building that expands the library while also addressing pressing citywide needs of affordable housing and resiliency planning. In the Brighton Beach project, the library is the focus of the co-development project. It is located primarily on the second floor, serving as a significant piece of New York’s resilience planning and designed to support the community during events such as Sandy. The library connects to the street with an entry and event space, a 24-hour-accessed community room, a book drop, and a programming kiosk. New commercial uses wrap the corner at the street and encompass most of the first floor and third floors. There are opportunities for unique synergies to emerge between the retail spaces and the library on the first floor. The building takes advantage of the prominent site with views to the ocean on the upper floors of the housing. A green roof for tenants and outdoor reading garden for the library are some of the shared amenities.

This covered soccer field and expanded facilities for FC Harlem is designed to take advantage of a unique site sandwiched between existing large scale infrastructure in New York City. Using soccer to “connect with young people on and off the field,” FC Harlem is a community-based outreach program whose mission is to empower under-served youth, providing them with the “skills and support they need to be fearless in life.” The covered field is designed as one continuous surface on a modular space frame scaled to protect the field below from inclement weather while also creating unique new connections to the community. The project will transform the existing site using sustainable building strategies including photovoltaic cells integrated into the roof, rainwater collection, recycled materials, and significant site remediation.

This project consists of a gut renovation of the 12,000 sf, 4 story building to provide dance studios, performance spaces, music rooms, classrooms, and offices. Most of the instruction spaces are designed as multi-functional to allow flexibility in the scheduling and types of classes offered. Classrooms on the first-floor house a daycare program during the day and are then converted to dance studios for evening and weekend classes. The main dance studio on the second floor can be used for large classes or subdivided with a movable wall into two smaller classes and can also be utilized for large public performances.

All new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, a new elevator, and egress stairs are included in the renovation. The design and documentation was done entirely with BIM technology. The project is registered with the United States Green Building Council and achieved a LEED silver rating.

The objective of this project is to provide upgraded facilities for Princeton’s Field Hockey athletic field, team rooms, and public spaces. This project adds to the existing athletic complex at Princeton, integrating new facilities into a landscape of high performance playing fields. The scope of work includes: new team rooms for field hockey and lacrosse teams with space for trainers, team meetings and video reviews; the renovation of existing team rooms; the development of a new entry court with new finishes, donor recognition and ceremonial signage; an enlarged press box to service the new field; and the coordination of a new 1,500 seat grandstand.

This 32,000sf renovation will play host to two schools with distinct cultures and operations. Primary objectives for the new space are to support opportunities for mutual engagement, collaboration and the sharing of resources. It is also a priority for this project to explore new concepts for the organization of departmental space. The design proposes new typologies of working environments for NSPE. Private offices are organized on the interior of each floor with direct access to open areas around the perimeter that are reserved for shared workspaces, collaborative group work and informal social spaces. Flexibility is built into the open areas, which may be rearranged over time with changes in use. A strong organizational concept characterizes each floor while distinctive neighborhoods with distinguishing architectural characteristics support a diverse range of NSPE activity from formal presentations to ad-hoc production.

Central to the project is also the need to satisfy the complex programmatic requirements of each school while providing a unifying character and identity for NSPE. To counteract the density of program, the ceiling ties in the entire space through a pattern of openings that defines areas where higher, open ceilings were possible and that allows for required access to the mechanical systems.