martin luther king jr. plaza

PROJECT: Commission 

YEAR: 2015 - Ongoing

LOCATION: Bronx, NY

AFFILIATION: MAGNUSSON ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING PC

STATUS: Under Construction

Concept:

Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza is a 13 story affordable housing project featuring 167 housing units located in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx. Previously designated an industrial site the project site has been rezoned to allow for residential housing, realizing the developers ambition to revitalize the neighborhood. 

Although affordable the project was built to a market rate standard, surpassing regional affordable standards and guidelines for a higher quality unit for residents. The project features expansive views of the Manhattan skyline, accessible roof decks, landscaped rear yard, exercise room, green roofs, large community facilities and is built to LEED Gold standards.

ROLE:

As Project Architect my role has been the development of the project throughout the design development, schematic, construction document, and construction administration phases. During the design development and schematic phases I worked to develop the design aesthetic and building layout while working to address Local/State/Federal building code requirements. In the construction documentation phase I was responsible for refinement of building layout, coordination of all trades, and the development of building details. The construction administration phase has shifted my responsibilities to regular site visits, overseeing the review of submittals in coordination with specifications and the review of contractor submitted RFI’s. It has also become my responsibility to further coordination and refine project details as required due to construction and financial changes throughout the lifespan of the project.

MLK Plaza_Lobby View V4.jpg

Design Elements & Details:

Acting as a beacon the main entry is the first pedestrian level presence when approaching from local transit lines. The entry lobby was designed as a transitional device which honors the neighborhoods industrial history and embraces the rise in development taking place throughout that area of the Bronx. Featuring a double height space the lobby also serves to challenge the common perception of traditional affordable housing buildings, by incorporating high end finishes, exposed structure, glazed curtain walls, and a custom canopy inspired by the neighborhoods industrial past.

As the project architect it was my responsibility to design and detail the main entry elements with consideration to structure, storm water managements, and fabrication. Designed to emulate the industrial past and present, the canopy is to be fabricated using steel plate and supported by tension rods fastened to the brick facade above. Suspended below are steel plate bent louvers with exposed fastenings which wrap the glazed lobby serving as both an aesthetic and functional element. The most outstanding feature of the lobby however is the exposed structural “V” column. Located just outside the lobby, the column is over twenty feet tall, supporting the tower above. The size and shape of the column provides a sense of grandeur or distinction to those entering the building. The base of the column is to be is surrounded by planting beds with built in seating, acting as a gathering point for residents of both the building and neighborhood.

Double Skin Daylight Control System: (BELOW)

The uppermost setback floors feature a semi-automated double skin facade designed to control natural daylighting and prevent excessive solar heat gain. To maintain usable natural daylighting on the interior the panels of the facade are designed to use a semi opaque mesh material, a material which creates even soft shadows but is strong enough to resist the elements. To emphasize the expansive views of upper Manhattan the facade also features a bi-folding window system which is programmed to open or remain closed depending on weather conditions. In the open position the windows act as horizontal louvers, retaining their shading qualities.