Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano jr.
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A variety of housing types creates the diversity necessary to convince the City of New York to divest itself of a land that was formerly owned by the Brooklyn Union Gas Company and was later converted into a public place. Planning a large civic project in a city as unique as New York requires the support of the Mayor, City Councilman, Assemblyman, Local Political Groups, the Community Board and the City Planning Commission. With much remediation and a now cleaned Gowanus Canal behind the site, a large tract of vacant land raised public interest, typically followed by concerns of overcrowding, street congestion, and a burden on municipal services in the immediate area. To diffuse this concern, the program embraces a variety of housing styles ranging from individual town-homes and small-scale three and four-family brownstone residences, through mid-rise loft residences along the perimeter of the site, near the elevated train tracks, to a seniors assisted-living building along the canal and a block of subsidized rental apartments. A block of market-rate condominiums completes the mix and helps to stabilize financing for the overall development. All these contribute to the diversity sought by those who participated in the development process.
Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano jr.
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This design for a convention center is a key link in an ongoing cultural revitalization and development process. The design composition consists of two volumes placed parallel to each other, separated by "gardens of water" and a grand stair, which leads to the main auditorium, an ellipsoid which absorbs light during the day and radiates at night. The design is guided by the realization that a convention center must be a place for people to exchange knowledge and information, but also a place to congregate and interact with a maximum degree of flexibility, variety and stimulation. The planning includes a 3,500 seat auditorium, 14 smaller auditoriums, an I-Max movie theatre, classrooms, office spaces and public areas. The program called for a "great hall" with a large degree of flexibility. We took this to the extreme by designing a subdivision system of retractable partitions concealed in the ceiling, which can create up to 12 enclosures within this one space. These mini-auditoriums can be used all at once, and are each equipped with all required amenities. The main structural and finish material is poured in place concrete, along with glass and steel fenestration, travertine floors, wood ceilings and custom furniture. Water is implemented as a "living material", mirroring the buildings and life around them, a poetic notion of human existence.
Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano jr.
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Wildwood's master-plan for the design and construction of a summer camp for inner-city children in a quiet rural setting in upstate New York was a welcome departure from the standard work of our firm. With over twenty rolling acres, a stream and a lake, this picturesque setting makes for an ideal escape from the rigors of city life. The program consists of religious and gathering spaces, both out-door and indoor, dormitory accommodations, a cafeteria, dining room and sports facilities. Working with the site to create distinct zones, the design allows for the separation of uses while maintaining uniformity of places. Buildings designed for individual uses create a simple architectural statement that helps to unite the functions in a recognizable style and provide the sense of permanence sought by the institution.