Queens Plaza, New York

Long Island City has been in a slowly evolving from a manufacturing district to a diversified sub-center of New York City for over 20 years. The "vision" promulgated by the city of a mixed-use commercial and residential core surrounded by artist's studios and light manufacturing, while compelling, remains largely unfulfilled. Zoning changes have had some effect, yet have been unable to establish a real foothold due to the ebb and flow of economic cycles. Mass-trasit service is excellent, but many worker still commute by automobile. The area remains a transit interchange more than a destination.

Architecture by its very presence can act as a catalyst for the identity of an area. Our project proposes an air rights building to be constructed in the center of Queens Plaza in alignment with the Queenborough Bridge, above the Queensborough Plaza elevated subway station. The 200,000 SF office building will be directly accessible to the station below; a pedestrian connector allows access to a large parking structure and through to the underground Queens Plaza subway station, directly connecting the building with seven subway lines. Future development of the Sunnyside Rail yards will allow connections to commuter rail lines.

The building has a double skin, creating an intermediate environment in the void. Opeable windows and a tolerable acoustic environment result. The outer skin is conceived of as a translucent rear-projection surface, creating an enormous surface area (130,000 SF) for advertising and other uses. The building acts as an active agent, definihng the urban district by its presence. The excitement of Times Square is inserted into the urban space, creating a natural condition for development.