Red Hook Grain Terminala new beginning for

the red hook community

Design Charrette - Architecture (A-Day)Blanche Palasi, Justin Sinanan, Xiao Xiao Wen, Shaiyan Hossain, Michael Moriarty, Kyrie

McIntosh, Boaz Kaufman, Anna Mumford

Situationa. The city is considering purchasing a vacant

warehouse in a blighted section of town. The area was once a busy manufacturing district along a riverfront near the downtown area. The city would like to convert the warehouse to a facility that provides a community service. The goal is to encourage redevelopment of the area.

Why the Red Hook Grain terminal?● Its location was ideal for expansion and growth

○ Located in a community of need (Red Hook, NY)■ 18.2% of the community live below the poverty

level; at least 19% have not completed high school○ Community has a quickly expanding artistic community;

big, open spaces offered by warehouse are perfect for artists

● Offered a wide variety of space with great potential○ There is more than 80,000+ ft2 of available space

which can be used for many different purposes ● Pre-existing Facilities

■ There is a 60 acre public park and a 346,000 ft2 IKEA

Map of Community● Grain Terminal circled

and colored in red● Park and Ikea outlined

in yellow● Neighborhood also

includes○ Many art galleries and

studios

○ Many artisanal food factories

○ A large Fairway with outdoor seating

○ Many historical buildings and landmarks

- 1918 -> NYC was lagging behind in national grain trade, wanted to boost trade

- The Red Hook Grain terminal was built in 1922 and was immediately described as a “magnificent mistake”

- Grain trade was declining in Port of New York -> Terminal never gained commercial success

- The government abandoned this 12-story “useless monster” in 1965- Originally built to invigorate the New York Barge Canal, which was

suppose to reroute and widen the Erie canal for facilitation of shipping

- City presented multiple proposals, but none of them worked out- Initially $2.5 million to construct building

History: “A Failure since Construction”

Demographics of red hook- Population: 7,172 (2008 estimate)in a 0.85 mi- Red Hook is mostly inhabited by people of color

- predominantly Black and Hispanic population- This is mainly a working class neighborhood

Conditions BeforeStatus of the building:

-Potentially harmful rust in the air, mold, and mildew

-Many of the structures inside the building (stairs, ladders, areas of floor are rusted away

-Several sections outside the building are collapsing or collapsed into the surrounding water

-No electricity and does not conform to modern fire safety protocol

-Peeling and even potentially dangerous paint that needs to be removed and/or repainted

Conditions Before

Conditions Before

Conditions after- Rusted away beams and structures are repaired

- The original,chipped paint is removed and the walls are painted in brighter colors

- Old materials are replaced with sturdier, newer cement and wood

- Asbestos and mold have been removed to make safe

- Some floors are renovated and separated into (class)rooms

Before renovation

After renovation

Group Member Roles● Health and Safety Engineer - Boaz

● Cost estimator - Justin

● Interior design - Blanche

● Urban Planner - Anna

● Structural Engineer - Kyrie

● Energy Consultant - Xiao Xiao

● Building Inspector/Code Enforcement officer - Michael

● Landscape architect - Shaiyan

Interior Design- Blanche ★ research health and structural safety prior to constructing designs★ collaborated with teammates to think of potential functions for

floors★ designed floor plans to maximize the efficiency of the building’s

space★ ensured the safety and functionality of the structure★ analyzed various examples of floor functions to comprise one,

collective design

Health and Safety Engineer-Boaz★ Ensures the conditions inside the building are hygienic and suitable

for public use★ Removed harmful asbestos tiles and paint and replaced them★ Replaced or removed crumbling and rusting structures and scrap metal★ Collaborated with Building Inspector to ensure that interior adheres

to health standards and fire safety protocol

Urban Planning-Anna● In charge of researching the

needs and demographics of the area

● Worked on determining what resources would be best to include in community center based on neighborhood needs

● Also worked on choosing location for project based on considerations like financial return and social impact

LANDSCAPE aRCHITECT -Shaiyan★ Involved with overall design of the community center★ This includes interior and exterior plans★ Makes sure that design of the community center reflects

the best interest of the community.○ Suggested ideas to utilize space efficiently ○ went over floor plans, structural design details ○ assessed final plans and designs

★ Suggested aesthetic improvements of the building

Energy consultant-Xiao Xiao- Establishing SOLAR PANELS on the rooftop- Energy efficient light bulbs - LEDs and CFLs- Geothermal heat pumps- Efficient lighting and heating

Building inspector/code enforcement officer -Michael● Ensured that all ideas for the building could be

constructed and carried out in a safe and plausible manner○ Ensured handicap access

■ Access ramps/elevators■ Braille in elevators and on signs

○ Ensured safety from hazardous materials■ lead poisoning■ certain types of mold■ General cleanliness

○ Fire safety ■ Stairs■ Fire escapes■ Fire alarms

Structural Engineer-Kyrie● Identify potential risks associated

with the structure (rust, mildew etc.).

● Identify potentially useful structures already present in the building (grain tubes that could be used to house electrical wires).

● Conceptualize building layout and collaborate with Urban Planner to most effectively meet the needs of the community.

● Design and sketch floor plans.

Cost Estimator - JUSTIN Identifying the total potential expenses and profit of the project, and also providing advice in ways to help make use of the available finances greater.

There were certain things to consider:

● Planning out the facilities that will be situated in the terminal and its effects on the environment

● Use of futuristic technologies to make the property profitable and environmentally friendly

● -Going past a realistic amount of expenditures.

Yet it was important to:

● Try to make the property future-proof and profitable. It should make a larger impact even outside the community in terms of the redevelopments of neighborhoods.

Functions of the Building ★ Outside: Dock and Playground ★ 1st Floor: Lobby and Historical Museum★ 2nd Floor: Food Court and Soup Kitchen★ 3rd-4th Floors: Library★ 5th Floor: Offices and Conference Rooms★ 6th Floor: Music Lessons★ 7th-8th Floors: Music Theaters, Practice

Rooms, and Performance Centers★ 9th Floor: Art Lessons★ 10th-12th Floors: Art Studios and Galleries★ Rooftop: Gardens

Outside: Docks and Playground★ Transform existing space into a waterfront park and a

playground★ Install a very small dock used for a pier and boardwalk★ Safe area for children, while allowing them to play

Examples

Playground and Dock Floor Plan

1st Floor: Lobby★ Registration and Check-In★ Information Desk (for local musicians and artists looking

to display their art)★ Map of community center to guide guests★ Museum of Red Hook Grain Terminal

○ pictures of factory in use, under construction, and present historical statistics and facts

○ Suggested donation, but no fee

Examples

Lobby Floor Plan

2nd Floor: Food Court and Soup Kitchen ★ Food chains sponsoring funding★ Multiple cuisines accessible ★ Soup kitchen available to provide meals for impoverished

individuals and families in the Red Hook community★ Offers volunteer opportunities for young adults

Examples

Food Court and Soup Kitchen Floor Plan

3rd-4th floors: Library★ Seating areas

○ emphasis on comfortable seating○ tables for books

★ Checkout area★ Computers and printers available★ Afterschool tutoring Center, which will help local

students with schoolwork★ NYPL branch

Examples

Library Floor Plan (3rd and 4th floors)

.

3rd Floor 4th Floor

5th Floor:Offices★ Office space for building’s department

○ (management, health, construction, parks, etc)

★ Conference rooms for meetings★ Desks and computers for employees★ Refreshment/ mini-kitchen space

○ Coffee machines○ Vending Machines○ Water and ice dispenser○ Fridge

★ Payed for by Parks Department

Examples

Office Floor plan

.

Elevator

6th Floor: Music Lessons ★ Singing Lessons★ Lessons for several musical

instruments★ Supports community bands★ Encourages an interest in the arts

for neighborhood youth★ Teachers work on volunteer basis

Examples

Music Lessons Floor Plan

7th-8th Floors: Theaters and Performance Centers★ Rentable space for parties and special occasions; source

of income★ Theaters for musicians and performers★ Performance spaces free; community center receives cut of

profit from ticket sales★ For poetry, drama, music, etc.

Examples

Performance Rooms And Theaters Floor Plan .

9th Floor: Art Lessons★ Beginner, intermediate, and expert classes★ Classes for all age groups★ Classes for painting, sculpture, and sketching★ Exposes community to the creativeness and inspiration

artists experience★ Some classes are free, some cost small fee; brings in

money

Examples

Art Lessons Floor Plan

★ Dedicated to art studios and galleries★ Individual rooms for rent or lent out, giving artists space to

create and exhibit their art★ Showcasing local artists supports the artistic community in Red

Hook ★ Easels , paintbrushes, charcoal, paints, etc★ Potential source of income for community center

10th-12th floors: Art Galleries and Studios

Examples

ART Gallery / Area Floor Plan .

Rooftop★ Rooftop community garden

○ several kinds of produce, herbs, flowering plants

★ Solar panels in and nearby plant beds (solar panels work

best at lower temperature, plants cool the air)

★ Seating available for community members to enjoy view of

the waterfront and Statue of Liberty

Examples

Rooftop Garden Floor Plan

Estimated Costs - JUSTIN ● Grain Terminal Pre-Total: ≈ $50 Million

○ Cost of workers: ($15/hr-500 workers-)○ Renovation Totals: ≈ $1.55 Million

■ Addition of Interior / Exterior Facilities: ≈ $565,000● Dock / Playground: ≈ $20,000 ● Lobby: ≈ $30,000● Kitchens: ≈ $50,000● Library: ≈ $100,000● Offices: ≈ $300,000● Music / Art Studios: ≈ $15,000 (Instruments not included)● Rooftops Garden: ≈ $40,000

○ Solar Panels: ≈ $25,000■ Return to a liveable environment: ≈ $1,000,000■ Government / Inspection Fees ≈ $35,000■ Removal of Toxic Substances / Cleaning costs: ≈ $490,000

● Mold: ≈ $150,000● Rust: ≈ $200,000● Paint ≈ $100,000● Pre-Existing Debris: ≈ $25,000● Water Cleaning: ≈ $15,000

Conclusion Questions1. Why is it important to recognize challenges and barriers during the charrette and then identify solutions?

Challenges and problems always exist in a given design or scenario. The sooner they are found and identified, the faster and more efficiently they can be solved before they grow into a larger issue. This progressive process greatly enhances the conceptual strength of the design and its practicality. In addition, we are able to collaborate better as a group and combine each individual’s strongest skills.

2. Among the ideas or thoughts that you prepared for the charrette, were there any that were disregarded by the group? Why? Do you think it was the right decision?

Our group welcomed most ideas, which encouraged creative and innovative thinking. This allowed the group to progress faster, and create a stronger project. The Red Hook Grain Silo was chosen over another candidate in central Brooklyn. Though both each had their own benefits, Red Hook Grain Factory proved to be a better choice in terms of location, less so in terms of health risks. However, the group did a good job in handling individual ideas, choosing the best ones, and incorporating them into the building’s larger design.

Conclusion Questions Cont.3. What is the value of using a charrette to investigate the feasibility and development of a building project? Describe specific advantages over a traditional approach in which the client meets with an architect and the architect develops the plan.

Much as an assembly line produces items better and more efficiently than a single skilled craftsman, a charrette utilizes the different skills of many individuals to create a design or project. It is a much faster design process than the traditional approach. Also, a single architect may have certain strengths and weaknesses, whereas a group of people harnessing their strengths in different areas produces a better well rounded project. Using a charrette, we can take the strengths of each member, provide feedback on his or her weaknesses, and construct a design of maximum potential.

4. Identify and explain a potential drawback of the plan your team drafted.The health risks are hard to manage — it would be extraordinarily expensive to clean up

the building, and remove the mold. This is complicated by the building’s location up against polluted water, which proposes additional health risks. Though these risks pose a potential threat, with enough time and work, they can be removed. The costs can be paid off with the money the community center will bring in from the neighborhood.

Responsibilities/individual contributionsMichael Moriarty - Aesthetics of the powerpoint (especially for the purposes of each floor slides); worked on developing ideas and specifics for the use of several floors; was part time timekeeper and notetaker; was the building inspector and code enforcement officer; assisted in the editing and design of slides

Xiao Xiao Wen - Timekeeper and recorder of the meeting agendas; Energy Consultant of the project; provided effective and efficient ways to save energy; was part time presentation organizer; researched the rich history of Red Hook Grain Terminal; developer of some slides and formatting

Shaiyan Hossain - Involved with listing and suggesting floors and functions; worked on demographics slide;researched history and surroundings of Red Hook;also helped list floors, and their functions;gave minor assistance to some slides and ideas; was landscape architect

Anna Mumford - Found the location that was chosen to develop; decided what would be in the community center based on community needs; made after picture; researched location; determined approximate dimensions of building

Responsibilities/ Personal Contributions con’tBlanche Palasi - Made agendas for group; organized group meetings; led brainstorming discussion about functions of floors; distributed individual responsibilities and made sure they were being carried out; ensured each member stayed on task; designed floor plans; created slides and organized slides; found example pictures for each floor function; provided feedback on the relevancy and efficiency of members’ ideas; organized the presentation of powerpoint and gave each individual slides to present

Justin Sinanan - Estimated costs for the total project; conducted research on government fees and regulations; researched the local demographics; helped with the planning of the implementation of facilities within the project; contacted many local companies to get accurate cost estimations; reviewed the proposed final project to analyze its potential impacts within the surrounding community(ies)

Kyrie Mcintosh - Suggested alternative building site; conceptualized building layout; worked with other group members to ensure the beneficially of the building to the community; identified safety problems with chosen building; uncovered footage of interior; identified efficient uses for already existing structures; designed and created blueprints for library, music rooms, art rooms, art galleries, food court; Created conclusion questions.

Responsibilities/ Personal Contributions con’tBoaz Kaufman - Assisted with initial historical research; helped and recorded floor function brainstorming session; researched health conditions of the terminal; found pictures of the terminal’s condition; Was Health and Safety engineer; wrote the slide for outside the terminal; minorly assisted in several other presentation slides

sources ● Alberts, Hana R. "Inside Red Hook's Grain Terminal, Left To Rot For 48 Years." Curbed NY. N.p., n.

d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.● "Community Centers." ADTEK Engineers, Commercial. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. ● Ellis, Will. "The Red Hook Grain Terminal." Abandonednyc. Will Ellis, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.● Enman, Scott. "Finding the Forgotten: An Urban Exploration of Red Hook's Grain Terminal." Brooklyn

Daily Eagle, 28 Feb. 2014. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. ● "Inside the Red Hook Grain Terminal." Brownstoner. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.● "Photos: Inside Red Hook's Massive, Eerie Grain Elevator." Gothamist. N.p., 17 Feb. 2014. Web. 21

Oct. 2015. ● "Red Hook Neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York (NY), 11231 Detailed Profile." Red Hook ● "Residential Solar Panels for Home - Solar Panels for House | SolarCity." Solar Panels for Homes.

N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. ● Neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York (NY), 11231 Subdivision Profile. City-Data, n.d. Web. 21 Oct.

2015.● "Venture Inside the Red Hook Grain Elevator, A Failure of Industrial Design." Atlas Obscura. N.p., 10

May 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.