Archi-Tectonics

We were asked to redesign the waterfront on Echo Bay, a site directly connected to New Rochelle’s Main street. The site was to include the renovation of the Armory, a new hotel, housing and retail, all located in a new waterfront park. The site’s previous, industrial use inspired the notion of a “smart landscape.” Pollution is removed, healthy soil added, storm water filtered, and alternative energy sourced. A “Smart Landscape” concept that simultaneously activates the site with new recreational programs and strengthens its ecology.

Archi-Tectonics is transforming a previously industrial site along New Rochelle’s waterfront into a signature public space and wetlands conservancy that improves storm-water retention and promotes alternative energy use. The design remakes the waterfront into a social landscape that extends into the nearby city blocks, introducing vertical gardens and green roofs that create a network of green space anchored by the wetlands.

Boardwalk - The introduction of a new boardwalk joins the waterfront with its new hotel to Main Street, where a historic armory building is being restored. The boardwalk occasionally widens to create platforms with steps along the waterfront, providing a viewing pier, an outdoor theatre, and a kayak landing. Along Main Street are new housing units and retail stores, helping activate this previously overlooked district and spur growth for locally owned small businesses.

Housing & Retail - Smart prefab housing provides two living styles: Urban Dweller units and Waterfront units. The low rise housing is designed with sustainable materials and insulation, resulting in low energy consumption, no maintenance, and minimal environmental impact. The Prefab Housing combines high-performance, terra-cotta rain-screens and FSC certified, natural, wood siding. Also, a variety of flexible floor plans are provided. They introduce a new lifestyle with retail and hospitality along Main Street, thus re-invigorating New Rochelle’s economy and culture.

Credits

Year: Invited competition, Finalist 2018

Location: New Rochelle, NY

Client: The City of New Rochelle

Project Type: Invited competition: 12 acre park & landscape including, 29,000 sq ft Hotel, 80,000 sq ft Townhouses, 35,000 sq ft Retail, 2500 sq ft renovation Armory on waterfront

Size: 146,500 ft2 (13,500 m2)

Design Team: Principal in charge: Winka Dubbeldam, Assoc. AIA | Archi-Tectonics Team: Mithila Poojari, Fernando Herrera, Avra Tomara, Takanori Mizutani, Jang Hee Cho, Helena Yun

Consultants: Landscape Design: !melk

Photography: Renderings and Drawings: Archi-Tectonics and !melk

Credits

Publications