NYC — Yangtong Zhao

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My central motivation to study and practice in architecture is rooted in my philosophical studies. This discipline has cultivated in me a habit of close observation and critical reflection, particularly around a question that continues to shape my work: how does space shape relationship between environment and human identity, and how should architects exercise this power with care and responsibility?

Email: yzhao182@syr.edu
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Apollonian and Dionysian

ARC407 Spring 2024 | Architecture Design VI
Instructor: Rami Abou-Khalil, Ivi Diamantopoulou | raboukha@syr.edu, idiamant@syr.edu
Site: New York, NY
Concept Phase Collaborator: Adam Zhao, Cathy Wang

Index

“ The LPC, grounded in debate and rigorous scrutiny, representing order and rationality of Apollonian. In contrast, the local community that has relied on surrounding green public space across generations represents emotional attachment and irrational experience of Dionysian. Great architecture relies on the dynamic equilibrium between these forces, never the triumph of one at the expense of the other. ”

This project focuses on designing a new building for the Landmarks and Preservation Commission (LPC). This space, part institution and part headquarters, will connect the agency with civic life by opening its archives, hearing rooms, labs, and offices. Project are tasked with reimagining the LPC’s offices, organizational structure, mission, and public relationship, envisioning the LPC as a new preservation prototype occupying and expanding a landmark.

The new LPC site located at Public School 64 in Alphabet City, Lower East Side, near Tompkins Square Park. It spans between East 9th and East 10th streets, designed by C.J. Snyder and built between 1904-1906. After closing in 1971, it became El Bohio CHARAS, a community center that played a vital role in neighborhood improvement. In 1998, the building was sold to a private developer but remained abandoned due to conflicting interests among stakeholders. Designated a landmark in 2006, it remains preserved yet deteriorating. The project aim to brings together the civic, public facing, and day-to-day workspaces that make the LPC all together using the existing building PS64.

Ground Floor Plan: multi-purpose plaza

Third Floor plan: connection between existing building and new program

Fourth Floor Plan: sky restaurant

Top Floor Plan: tennis court

At the core of this civic hub is the archive space, which displays historic documents from the LPC and offers educational resources to the public. Like the plaza, the archive acts as a bridge between the LPC and the community, housing LPC offices, meeting rooms, and exhibition spaces in both the west and east wings of the building. The scissor stairs play a crucial role in differentiating the internal programs of the LPC, guiding personnel to their designated areas while maintaining the confidentiality of commissioner meetings. While LPC programs follow a linear structure, the civic programs interspersed within are more fluid. Visitors are guided by the archive space to navigate between various floor levels, dispersing into diverse community spaces such as cinemas, art studios, and performance areas.

The axon render and axon structural diagram show how the concrete archive connects the two separated parts of the building while allowing community programs to grow outward from it. At the same time, the double facade applied to the new addition enhances the interactive qualities of the community space, allowing people to operate the openings according to their needs and creating in-between outdoor terraces. This design feature strengthens the sense of connection with the surrounding area.