Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Caesura recently received a Design Award of Honor in Multifamily Housing from the Society of American Registered Architects of New York (SARA NY). As part of their annual awards program, SARA NY received a record 230 entries this year from professionals and students from all over the world.
Located in the heart of the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District, Caesura is a dynamic new mixed-use building, anchoring a key corner of Lafayette Avenue and Ashland Place, across from the BAM Opera House, Theater for a New Audience, and Arts Plaza. Designed in collaboration with Bernheimer Architecture, this new distinctively modern, human-scaled building stands out from the surrounding high-rise developments, offering a break from the intensity of the city.
The design approach is “boutique” in nature, independent and unique amongst the larger scale neighbors – like an urban park surrounded by a busy city. A sculptural screen at the residential entrance by artist Susan Hefuna reinforces the building’s cultural identity.
The public spaces—from the living room style lobby to the lounge, gym, conservatory, activity room, and the sprawling roof deck—all celebrate the same contrast. The best of both worlds, comfort and softness, contrasted with concrete, metal, and stone all sharing the same theme: sustainability and a sense of place.
Above the cultural base are 123 market-rate and affordable apartments. Each apartment is its own sanctuary. Large windows, white oak floors, and light finishes throughout give each space a warm and soft glow. The mix of rental apartments accommodates a range of modern urban households. Each unit is carefully designed to create light-filled spaces with high-quality finishes. Approximately 40% of the apartments are compact units. These apartments are offered with flexible, convertible furniture—a sofa and shelving unit that coverts to a bed and an expandable dining table—to optimize the living space.
