14th street and union square preservation plan - Columbia ...

wide lots. Through its modern interpretation of the
architectural elements and materials around it, such
as bay windows, cornices, and brick, the new design
is complimentary to but not indistinguishable from
its surrounding historic resources. The building takes
advantage of a through-lot to spread the institutional
program over a wider area, thus maintaining the current
rhythm of the twenty-five foot façade module on the
street.
Potential development within a defined streetscape is
relevant to other scenarios as well, such as the site on
Union Square addressed by another proposal (Figure 9).
This design addresses the dynamic and varying skyline
of the block, emphasizing the piston-like composition
of the adjacent buildings. The massing of the design
embodies the dynamic skyline in its own form, as well as
filling voids created by underbuilt surrounding buildings.
The façade design itself is a study in fenestration patterns
and rhythm in the historic context. The final outcome is
one in which the new design helps unify the different
buildings of the block.
In the instances where new buildings are developed in
proximity to buildings of monumental character, the
hierarchy in which these historic and contemporary
designs are placed is important. An example for this is
a proposed design for a site that is on the corner of
an intersection dominated by three monumental banks
(Figure 10). The proposal chooses not to detract from
the monumental buildings, but instead compliments
them with a building that relates proportionally to two
of the buildings and fills the void that currently exists
on the corner. The materials are modern, and do not
subvert the high quality of ornament and construction
of the three monumental banks with mimicry.
9. SPRING 2006 HISTORIC PRESERVATION STUDIO CHARRETTE
PROPOSAL FOR UNDERBUILT SITE IN UNION SQUARE.
10. SPRING 2006 HISTORIC PRESERVATION STUDIO CHARRETTE PROPOSAL FOR A SITE ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF 14TH
STREET AND EIGHTH AVENUE.
THE PLAN: ENCOURAGING SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT
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