As part of this year’s Discover Architecture program through the Center for Architecture, we had the pleasure of hosting Esther, a talented local high school student, in our office over the past few days. During her time with us, Esther immersed herself in a range of architectural topics, from touring local projects such as the Schomburg Center, Greenpoint Library, and Center for Brooklyn History, to hands-on experiences with Rhino tutorials and VR walkthroughs. It was inspiring to witness her curiosity and passion for architecture, and we look forward to seeing where her journey in the field takes her!
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We are thrilled to celebrate the unveiling of the design for the New Lots Library. MFA partnered with MASS Design Group and worked closely with Brooklyn Public Library and the East New York community to reimagine how a new public library can serve as a beacon of restorative justice, honoring the history of its site while creating new opportunities for celebration, connection, storytelling, and healing. Developed through a robust community engagement process, the design reflects a deep dialogue with the East New York community about their past, present, and vision for the future.
The new 25,000-square-foot library will replace the existing branch, expanding access to essential educational and cultural resources for generations to come. Thoughtfully designed to foster solidarity and shared memory, the space embodies a commitment to renewal and community-driven growth. At its core, the design for the library acknowledges the historic African burial ground on which the current library stands, providing a new space for reflection, renewal, and reconciliation.
Programming includes dedicated reading and music rooms, learning and exhibition spaces, an auditorium for community events, and outdoor areas for gathering and reflection.
“Public libraries are some of the most trusted places in our city, and each branch library has an opportunity to be responsive to the unique needs of their community. The Brooklyn Public Library continues to demonstrate their commitment to their communities, supporting designs that offer transformative visions for their libraries,” said Karen Fairbanks, Founding Partner of Marble Fairbanks Architects. “Here at the New Lots Library, we hope this project expands that trust by acknowledging past wrongs and offering spaces inside and out that empower the East New York community to grow, to make, to learn, to advocate and to continue their journey.”
By embedding these spaces within the community, the New Lots Library will be an anchor of social infrastructure in the New Lots and Brooklyn community—strengthening inclusion, deepening community connections, and contributing toward a more equitable future.
Earlier today, we were on campus at Brown University with the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) for “Building on Distinction,” exploring exciting campus developments and their broader impact.
During the event, Karen presented our renovation and addition project for Churchill House, home to Brown University’s Department of Africana Studies and Rites and Reason Theatre. Throughout the day, Jason and Tanya welcomed SCUP community members for building tours, highlighting the project’s innovative design elements and meaningful impact.
The event offered valuable opportunities to examine how our Churchill House project, alongside others presented, advances Brown University’s academic mission, aligns the campus with strategic initiatives, and strengthens vital connections with the Providence community.
This collaborative exploration demonstrated how thoughtful architectural interventions can honor institutional heritage while creating spaces that foster academic excellence and community engagement.
This fall, Karen presented the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education as part of the Designing Libraries for the 21st Century Annual Conference. Her talk focused on how the legacy of intense community activism around the environment shaped the project, leading to a design that heals past damage to the site and introduces new ways for the community to focus on environmental justice and education.
Karen joined Greg Raschke, Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, NC State University, on the panel Community-Centered Design: A Current Framing. The panel was moderated by Patrick Deaton, Associate Director, Learning Spaces and Capital Management, NC State University.
As part of the inaugural cohort for NYC Economic Development Corporation’s Mass Timber Studio, Jason Roberts from MFA and Justin Den Herder from TYLin | Silman Structural Solutions presented how our New Lots Library team has been exploring the use of mass timber in NYC. The first of its kind in the city, the Mass Timber Studio was created to prioritize the decarbonization of the built environment by supporting and helping to advance mass timber projects. During Climate Week NYC, we joined the six other project teams from the inaugural cohort for a final public presentation to share insights on design strategies, structural innovations, regulatory challenges, and other key lessons learned. Deepening our commitment to sustainable building practices and thoughtful material use, this project reinforces mass timber’s potential to reshape urban architecture.