Architectural details are largely a product of the relationship of design to industry. If the modernist detail was based on negotiating tolerances (differences) between pre-manufactured, standardized building components through separate systems of fastening, today we are shifting to methods of production that are based on the management and organization of information, where details, tolerances, and assembly logics are numerically controlled and fully integrated during design. In this context, CNC (computer numerically controlled) systems bring the process of design closer to the production of buildings, merging them through a common language of information.

Flatform is a panel system of flat stock stainless steel components that are cut, scored, and folded to form details of assembly without external fasteners.  Facing panels are joined through the face of the opposite panel.  The surface geometry of each panel is parametrically linked to the characteristics of the tabs and is limited by the ability of the material to bend.  The composition and number of tabs can vary to address specific performance requirements.

The design provides office space, gallery, and state of the art video conferencing spaces for this exciting new component of NYU’s academic mission linking the two components of their Global Network University.  Material and detail strategies throughout the space were applied to create an effective collaborative working environment as well as a space to receive and meet with dignitaries and guests of the new campus. Millwork ceilings and wall panels were designed and fabricated using digital CNC processes in order to increase efficiency and control over the level of customization.

The scope of the renovation included an acoustically isolated videoconferencing suite, full upgrades to MEP infrastructure, and the selection and incorporation of furniture into the design. The entire project was modeled and all construction documents were generated using building information modeling software, dramatically streamlining the design and construction coordination process.

The site is located on the eastern side of Staten Island adjacent to the Staten Island Expressway and close to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The site itself is an empty lot across from the existing firehouse surrounded by streets of varying traffic densities.

The building is designed as a large shed – a simple volume with a straightforward approach to the building systems. The steel frame structure has a 16ft clearance that allows for the special vehicle exhaust system and mechanical and electrical equipment to be suspended from above while maintaining the required vehicle clearances. The walls of the building are concrete block with a perforated metal screen as the exterior finish material. The screen wall is designed to take advantage of the large amount of daylight the site receives – casting shadows onto the wall behind it and using the sun to dematerialize the screen so that the letters “FDNY” are legible to the surrounding context. The pattern of the screen wall varies in its opacity and openness as it moves around the building, becoming more open at the location of the clerestory windows and the views inside the apparatus floor on the south side of the building. The approach to the site plan includes surrounding the site with a perforated metal fence similar to the screen wall of the building to create a visual coherence to the entire site.

Having previously designed two of their cultural outreach centers in Manhattan, Marble Fairbanks was asked by Tenrikyo to design this building for their religious ceremonies.

The spatial organization of the church centers on the Jodan – the stage for performances and the location of the shrines for offerings.  There is seating for 150 members in the worship hall, with the ability for that space to open to the outside for additional seating.  The religious service is followed by community dining, which takes place on the lower level. The dining hall looks out to an excavated garden along the north side of the building, with the Jodan floating above.  Other programs include office space, meeting rooms, a nursery, translation booths, and storage and preparation areas.

The exterior skin consists of cement board panels that alternate in tone to create a dynamic pattern on each elevation. A system of aluminum extrusions hold the panels in place as they wrap around the building in modules decreasing in size at 4-inch increments.

The proposal utilizes economy of manufacturing techniques as the basis for innovative design options, resulting in high quality living units and integrated public spaces for Pratt students.

The residence hall is organized to encourage socialization at multiple scales through strategically placed shared public areas.  The courtyard is an exterior extension of the student lounge and is activated by surrounding balconies and corridors; the corridors on each level are occasionally faceted to form small gathering areas; exterior balconies pair adjacent units together.  Scales of modularity in the living units and building components negotiate between the exterior public space and interior courtyard; the standard 14’ module of each unit is scaled down to organize windows along the street elevation while the courtyard elevation scales up the base module to group multiple units.  In addition to social considerations the design of the residence hall facility also utilizes green building systems including natural ventilation and light, radiant heating, and rainwater collection.