thick seams option studio
cornell university | fall 2022 | 4 months
nima javidi + behnaz assadi
cornell university | fall 2022 | 4 months
nima javidi + behnaz assadi
The island of Manhattan is at extreme risk of flooding, with ongoing pressures from the coast and the constant threat of stormwater flooding. The site, a city block adjacent to Tompkins Square Park in NYC, is marshland that was infilled after colonization, experiences high rates of stormwater flooding, and was subject to historical redlining. The site has an existing community garden, but the hours are very limited, and the other greenspace is all private rearyard. The proposed intervention would cross existing lot lines to unite the new building and existing garden.
Compared to many in NYC, the site is relatively permeable on the ground meaning that the majority of the water needing to be managed is collected at the roof level and directed to the ground through downspouts. The water management system of the block would utilize a portion of the existing motorcycle garage, the shortest building in the Eastern portion of the site, to collect rainwater from the neighboring roofs into a collection pool. This would release gradually into the main cistern located under the plaza via the passage that cuts across the block, sinking into the ground and weaving around existing trees. This passage also acts as a pedestrian throughway to the main building. Once the water reaches the plaza, it is filtered through phytoremediating plants on the steps that trickle into the cistern.
The building houses a community kitchen, community seating, teaching spaces and a greenhouse where the community can grow their own produce.
