Supercube 01.
location:
Maspeth, New York.
client:
NorthWoodBay LLC.
role:
Principal / Diverse Projects.
area:
700,000sf.
budget:
withheld.
date/status:
2017/concept design.
key points:
practice, distribution center, film studios, parametric facade, long-span light-weight structure, mixed use.
The client tasked Diverse Projects to do a test fit and conceptual design for the location of the maximum constructible area on the site, with the added complexity of permitting the maneuvering of tractor-trailers. Owing to its prime location in an industrial area on the outskirts of New York City and near highway access and with a railway spur directly to the rear of the property, the lower two levels of the building are programmed with loading docks and warehousing facilities to permit the site to be used as a distribution center for companies like Amazon or FedEx. The upper floor is designed to house eight film studios of various sizes, along with all of the support facilites required. Access is also provided for large trucks to delivery supplies and to move set pieces.
The site is basically square in shape, which permitted the location of a set of ramps in a spiral configuration: trucks enter on the left side of the entrance and loop up through the building before arriving at loading docks alternating at the front and rear of the facility before eventually ending up descending and exiting on the right side of the facade. This permits the efficient layout and width of the ramps to maximize the leasable area while providing safe conditions for the heavy traffic in the building.
The facade and roof are composed of lightweight long-span steel trusses clad with metal panels. The fins allow for a saw-tooth pattern typical of industrial buildings which opens to the north to maximize daylighting in the spaces, while also providing a recognizable 'brand identity' for the project, which the client intends to repeat in the future.