INTERFACE

Kingston, New York // Columbia University, GSAPP // Year 3, Semester 2 // 2018 // Instructor: Galia Solomonoff

INTERFACE speculates on the future of a workspace, specifically Think Tanks, their influence at international local scales, and their integration with regional communities. 

The Think Tank HQ is an evolution of the modern workplace - rather than inserting standard work-spaces in a shell, it provides a variety of spaces-to-work. The project implements different environments to maximize the effectiveness of different work.

In response to the vertically-oriented, ubiquitously undesigned 21st Century offices, the project capitalizes on and integrates within the vast landscape of Kingston, manifesting horizontally to encourage interactions and attempt to better the mental health of inhabitants.

The building harmonizes with the landscape through the redistribution of land; lifting or burying as per the program within. The building is never read as a complete geometric form, but efficiently functions as one. 

The project breaks spaces down to function at an intimate level. Time-based zonal organizational allows for efficient arrangement of spaces – study, play, eat, live, meet. These zones have a dimensional and programmatic impact on the building, which expands and contracts accordingly.  The relationship with landscape creates a set of interior conditions that the occupants can choose from and move between at leisure. The architecture attempts to foster work and discussion, learning, living and community engagement in its Kingston site, with a primary focus on psychological health and long-term sustainability.