Pier 70 Public Land Art Center

The initial precedent study of the Living Pyramid by Agnes Denes focuses on an interpretative analysis of the voided geometries of the land art. A carved volume is derived and used as a modular unit in order to transpose the sculptural language of the Living Pyramid into an experiential space for art exhibitions and design workshops. Physical modeling guided the formal and programmatic studies, which provided a quick and flexible way to explore the various arrangements of the modular unit and understand the different conditions of solid, void, and surface.

 

Rather than limiting the design to a single modular form, further developments emphasized continuity along the surfaces of merged volumes. Given the large area of the site, the design is divided into two sculptural masses to reduce its visual scale, inspired by the neighboring pair of historic buildings. This creates a public courtyard at the ground floor while adding to the planned network of mid-block passages. The building remains connected on the upper floors with social areas and terraces that encourage circulation between the two masses. Programmed spaces and experiential passages are created through volumetric carves, shifts, and intersections following a 20’x20’x20’ grid.