exchange the social hub lauren pogue
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exchange the social hub With nearly a mile of manufacturing and mixed-use buildings coming between Hunters Point and the surrounding sub districts of Long Island City, the Hunters Point community is currently isolated and underdeveloped. Bounded by the East River, Newton Creek and industrial zoning, the community is in the beginning process of reaching out to its neighbors. With prime views of Manhattan from the waterfront, the district has begun to redefine the area with Gantry Plaza State Park and a new residential development. With proposed residential units on the waterfront, the population is expected to increase from 5,623 residents to 13,837 by 2017. Though the new residential development will bring mixed-use blocks, a refurbished waterfront, and a surplus of people to the area, this does not guarantee success. How the current community adapts to change and future residents value the history of Hunters Point will help to merge residents into a unified neighborhood. In order to catalyze this exchange, a social hub will bring unity and identity to the future Hunters Point South community.
Hunters Point South was once a prominant industrial district. Greater Astoria Historical Society. www.astorialic.org
The social hub will be able to serve the community not only as a connection between a variety of social groups, but also serve as a bridge between the rich industrial background and new urban fabric. This hub is taking a different approach to what a library is, referring to itself as the exchange center rather than a library. The exchange center wants to not only provide resources, but to educate and improve the lives of those in the community. The community is encouraged to hang out in the library, meet friends, have coffee at the cafÊ and take classes. Residents will have the opportunity to take classes from local artists and display their work in the gallery. The exchange center is located with direct access to waterfront parks, on axis with the New York City street grid. This allows the community the unique opportunity to observe the Manhattanhenge event together. Occurring only twice a year, residents of Hunters Point South have a unique vantage point of Manhattanhenge, as the setting sun pierces through the island, creating our society’s modern Stonehenge effect. Thesis: To create a social hub for Hunters Point South which establishes a unified community while reflecting its history in the modern setting of Manhattanhenge.
site hunters point south, queens, ny Hunters Point has a rich history as an industrial district. This can be seen directly with original Pepsi Cola sign on the waterfront, restored car float docks to form the Long Island City sign in Gantry Plaza State Park. This area takes pride in its past, finding new programs to fit historic buildings. Not only will the proposed residential units bring an updated physical appearance to the neighborhood, it will also bring a new social dynamic.
ile radius 5m 0.
Manhattanhenge (noun): newton creek
a solar phenomenon occurring twice a year where the sun aligns with the east-west street grid in New York City, creating a modern Stonehenge effect with the setting sun.
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Research Lab Audio Lab Audio Visual Media Collection Reference Desk Community Spaces: Amphitheater Art Gallery Classroom(s) CafĂŠ Support Spaces: Entry Vestibule Staff Office Storage Restrooms Mechanical/Electrical Rooms Exterior Spaces: Observatory Deck Exterior sculpture gallery Reading Garden
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