designboom · Kreativität & Design

Roosevelt Island Cultural Plaza: An Inhabitable Landscape

Architect Zehua Zhang proposes a new model for a civic destination on Roosevelt Island, New York City, envisioning it as an inhabitable landscape rather than a standalone building.

The project integrates architecture, public space, landscape, and culture, with a continuous green roof that merges with the surrounding parkland, allowing visitors to traverse the building and enjoy river views.

This approach challenges the separation of built and natural environments, with the ground becoming roof and the building transforming into terrain, reflecting Zhang's interest in architectural continuity.

Roosevelt Island Cultural Plaza redefines civic identity through accessibility and openness, combining cultural and community facilities with plazas, gardens, and waterfront spaces.

A central 'civic living room' integrates functions like libraries, museums, and gathering spaces within an atrium that connects to the East River through transparent surfaces.

The project's location between Manhattan and Queens allows it to serve both local needs and attract city-wide visitors, connecting neighborhood and city scales.

Environmental strategies, including green roofs and rainwater harvesting, are integrated into the landscape framework to manage stormwater and improve the microclimate.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.