Bridging Communities looks at the potential of hybrid buildings in the context of an art school, community center, a shared space between two communities. The site for the project is Morningside Park in NYC, wedged between Columbia University and the Harlem Community. Morningside Park is a particularly complex site to navigate due to a 5 story drop in elevation from Columbia to Harlem; this drastic topographic change, along with the slim profile of the park and the existing lines of circulation, produce certain design limitations.
Inspiration for this metropolitan insertion was drawn from the structure of a vertical lift bridge. Such bridges can be easily found along Harlem River relatively close to the site. The reinterpreted trussed structure acts as a public footbridge, and consequently lifts the hybrid building above the park allowing the exiting circulation and slope gradient to remain. The various academic spaces are located above and below the trussed circulation path, acting as a lantern to illuminate the park by night. More over, the symbolism of bridging between these two communities holds significant socioeconomic weight that expectantly will promote a positive synthesis.
