Collaboration with FAB314AW
Proposal, Unbuilt.
Located on a prominent corner site in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, 601 Union Street presents an opportunity to participate in the evolution of the neighborhood. Historically an industrial area, Gowanus has transformed into a vibrant and diverse community, with a recent infusion of mixed-use development adding to its numerous creative spaces and galleries. The site’s location offers an opportunity to contribute to this evolving community, bringing modern design sensibilities, enforcing environmental stewardship, and building on an existing cultural and historical fabric.
Our proposal for 601 Union St centers on 4 elements:
- A focus on families: A shortage in affordable family-sized apartments has driven young families farther from Brooklyn’s core. Our proposal seeks to alleviate this scarcity by creating a family-friendly environment with walkability at its core. Larger apartments, diverse amenities, and protected outdoor roofscapes promote a safe and supportive environment.
- Green Infrastructure: Aligning with the neighborhood’s sustainability goals, our design incorporates extensive green roofs, native planting, and on-site water retention. These green roofs double as green infrastructure and will offer residents recreational spaces with views of the cityscape.
- Sense of Place: Special attention was placed ensuring our project respects and complements Gowanus’s unique character. The architecture respects the neighborhood’s industrial heritage while introducing new features that builds on the area’s artistic and cultural richness.
- Community: Our design aims to strengthen outward and inward community ties through thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. At the ground level, a protected public plaza will feature retail spaces and art installations that resonate with Gowanus’s creative spirit, while the rooftop gardens and terraces will provide protected spaces for the buildings residents to create their own communal experiences.
Renderings: Magician CG