METAMORPHO SPACE:
A SUSTAINABLE OFFICE EVOLUTION
Location: Manhattan, New York
In Collaboration with : Eva Jiang
BUILDNER SUSTAINABILITY AWARD for Buildner - Workplace Reimagined Competitions
March 2024
The recent global pandemic prompted a crucial reevaluation of workspaces, demanding an adaptation to the uncertainties of productivity. Conventional offices face a downturn, with sustainability, human-centric design, and new technologies becoming mandatory for discerning tenants. In response, our proposed architectural project introduces a replicable systems approach, intertwining innovative architectural production with sustainable repurposing of construction and demolition (C&D) materials.
At its core, the project commits to designing for productive uncertainty, utilizing recycled materials to foster dynamic architectural solutions. The recycling system strategically reduces material waste and carbon footprints. A pre-collection strategy efficiently gathers waste from the neighborhood, salvaging materials for construction reuse.
The initiative focuses on the adaptive reuse of materials from the deconstruction of Bunshaft’s 270 Park Ave building, systematically addressing curtainwall panels, fixtures, drywalls, and steel frames in reverse order. Unfolding in distinct phases, it starts by transforming an on-site commercial building into a recycling plant processing 270 Park Ave’s materials. C&D waste transforms into platforms for public activities and office building frameworks, while local waste becomes modular office hubs tailored to diverse company needs.
The Two Bridges site serves as a prototype, offering a blueprint for locations undergoing building demolitions. New office tenants participate in the design process through an open-source toolkit, fostering a negotiation dynamic yielding private and shared spaces beyond conventional boundaries. The project envisions the recycling plant seamlessly transitioning into an on-site waste re-purposing system, perpetuating sustainability and expansion.
In essence, this architectural endeavor transcends structure, embodying the transformative power of design thinking, marrying innovation with sustainability. It signifies a commitment to redefining architectural practice, addressing the evolving landscape of office spaces with foresight and resilience.
The modules comprising the future workspace offer unparalleled customization, utilizing locally sourced recycled materials predominantly manufactured on-site. This approach empowers users to efficiently tailor their office layout to suit their specific needs and preferences. The diverse open spaces interspersed among the modules facilitate a harmonious blend of work and leisure, fostering a conducive environment for productivity and well-being. Furthermore, these communal areas encourage inter-firm connections, as all occupants share access to a comprehensive range of amenities distributed equitably across each floor and throughout the building vertically.
In alignment with the imperative of sustainability, the design incorporates innovative features such as cross-nature ventilation and rainwater collection via onsite green roofs. This eco-conscious approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also maximizes resource efficiency. Recycled materials and captured rainwater are judiciously utilized within the facility, contributing to a closed-loop system that promotes sustainability and self-sufficiency.
