NYC 2012 Olympics
The Olympic and post-Olympic Village deserves intensity and visibility. MVRDV propose to achieve this by dividing the given plot into two radical, synergetic elements: one empty, one full. The skyline beach makes the site a NYC attraction with views and unimpeded space; the "weaving" towers are slender at the top and tilted to reveal views from the Village. These urban moves generate a three-dimensional neighborhood, reflecting the Olympic spirit and challenging the current Manhattan tower typology.
- Location
- United States
- City
- New York City
- Year
- 2003
- Surface
- 500000 m²
- Client
- New York City Council
- Status
- Competition
- Programmes
- Residential , Master plan
- Themes
- Architecture , Housing , Public
The urban public space at the river faces a dense urban neighborhood: the Village on the Beach. The urban beach, due to its size and use, opens the site as a New York City attraction: views plus unimpeded space.
The Village condenses all the program into a portion of the site to stimulate a NYC-style urbanity that would otherwise be diluted on the entire site. Dense city grid energizes the new neighborhood; spacious skyline beach brings even more New Yorkers to the neighborhood.
By differentiating the towers in program and appearance, a collection is created that stimulates a sense of individuality and belonging. The ground level of towers contain public functions, lobbies and parking entrances.
Residents park their cars under the plinth, leaving the above surface for public use with views over the beach, the creek, the skyline and the rail yard. The towers house the apartments with varying floor plate sizes and incorporate private and public gardens.
Living spaces surround atria with sports elements that “open up” the towers. Slender toward the top and slightly tilted, the buildings allow for views from and to the towers more inland.
At some occasions these tilting acts connect neighboring towers (“kisses”). This leads to a three-dimensional group of differentiated, weaving, polite towers that echo the Olympic Spirit and challenge the current Manhattan tower typology. One block is kept empty at the waterfront, surrounded by the “weaving” towers: an Olympic Plaza.
Gallery
Credits
- Architect
- Principal in charge
- Design team