Dattner Architects is a women-owned design firm. This is a milestone for our practice, which was founded 60 years ago. Our long-standing commitment to equity and inclusion has organically fostered women to thrive and achieve at the highest level of leadership. Today the firm is led by 10 partners, half of whom are women; and the women are the majority owners. We are a firm that continues to evolve and advance.
Our core mission is unwavering, and it unites our work and our practice. We proudly take on the planning and design of the region’s most essential projects, creating architecture that enriches the urban experience, transforms environments, and strengthens communities.
Today Dattner Architects is over 100 people, 59% of whom are women, 41% BIPOC, and 17% LGBTQ+ all working together from one office in New York City. A steadfast dedication to our mission, a strong and varied portfolio of that spans sectors, and a thoughtful leadership transition plan allows our 60-year-old practice to continue to remain vital and vibrant—reflecting the diversity and relevancy of our practice.
"Driven to work at the urban scale, I initially sought out Dattner Architects because the firm had designed many of the civic spaces that were formative in my life," notes Gia Maneiro, Principal and Corporate President. "This passion fueled my career here—from junior designer to Principal—supported by the confidence, camaraderie and mentorship that defines the culture of the office. Raising my daughter solidified my commitment to leadership in the future of sustainable public architecture, and I could not be more proud to share in a majority women owned partnership that embodies these values."
Dattner Architects is certified as a WBE with New York City, New York State, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York City School Construction Authority, and the City of Philadelphia.
Dattner Architects is proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of six distinguished professionals with promotions to new levels of leadership.
In recognition of their outstanding leadership and deep-seated passion for enriching urban environments with projects that respond to the needs of our time, Harriet Andronikides has been promoted to Associate. Heather McKinstry and Rem Bruhn are now Senior Associates. Patrick McAffrey, Shefali Sanghvi and Philippe Martelly have been elevated to Associate Principal. These advancements reflect the dedication, commitment to sustainable and innovative civic architecture, and the high level of professionalism these architects bring to our firm.
“Each of these professionals has excelled in remarkable and individual ways. They all successfully lead complex projects with ease and joy, while providing opportunities for others to shine. We are pleased to be able to recognize their achievements and their commitment with these promotions, and we are excited about their evolved role in the leadership of our firm.”—Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal.
Harriet Andronikides, AIA, Associate has worked on a variety of project types, including parks, multi-family residential, and performing arts venues. She strives for clear and meaningful communication through all phases of a project, and particularly enjoys the Construction Administration phase where she can see the building come to life. As a New Yorker, Harriet has an endless fascination for the built environment and the inner workings of the city.
“When I joined Dattner Architects, I saw that I had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on my home city and community. I knew that this firm was a special place where I could achieve that.”—Harriet
Heather McKinstry, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC, Studio Director, Senior Associate believes that architecture’s most important role is to create inclusive, healthy, and sustainable environments for our communities, helping to build a more equitable world. After completing her thesis on disaster relief housing, her commitment to environmentalism and community focused urbanism led her to work creating spaces for all New Yorkers while minimizing the environmental impact of new buildings.
“I'm so proud of how this office has evolved since I started. I was hired to work on the design of 425 Grand Concourse, our first Passive House project, and now we have become passive house experts with many of our housing projects in design aiming for that standard. I'm also thrilled by the progress the office has made to become a women owned business.”—Heather
Rem Bruhn, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Associate joined Dattner Architects in 2015, eager to work in a mission-driven firm, designing projects positively influence people’s daily lives. He enjoys working with diverse stakeholder groups, and he takes pride in developing a concept that is carefully considered, from the macroscopic down to the smallest details. With each project he seeks to contribute to the sustainable evolution of our cities.
“When I joined Dattner Architects, I was drawn in by the firm’s mission, and the work we do to make New York City a better place to live for everyone, from affordable housing, to infrastructure, to schools and libraries, and so much more—and I was proud to go home and tell people where I worked and the type of work we did. Nine years later, this is as true as ever: as we grow and evolve, I’m still very proud of our work, and grateful for the brilliant and dedicated people that I work with.”—Rem
Patrick McAffrey, AIA, Studio Director, Associate Principal joined the firm as an emerging architect today leads our largest studio. He’s continued to grow with each challenge and excels at every opportunity. Formally trained in both architecture and product design, Patrick’s passion for intelligent urbanism has led him to focus his work on infrastructure and transportation projects, which he believes have profound impact on the building fabric and urban lifestyles they support.
“I am proud of the work we do as a firm, continuing to contribute to the built fabric of New York in a meaningful and civic way. Specifically, in our transportation and infrastructure studio, I have always found it fulfilling to be able to observe how appreciated and used our work is in the public realm. Looking back on my time here, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to work with so many talented individuals and the thoughtful mentorship provided by this firm. I am humbled and excited to be a part of this leadership group as we enter a new chapter as a women-owned business.”—Patrick
Shefali Sanghvi, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Amb., ENV SP, Director of Sustainability, Associate Principal has over 15 years of experience working in sustainable projects, with an emphasis on resiliency, occupant health and comfort, and energy efficiency. An expert on urban Passive House projects, she is dedicated to designing buildings that are socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable. As the firm’s Director of Sustainability, Shefali serves as a thought leader across Dattner Architects’ studios, and beyond, championing sustainability as integral to architecture. She is a person who identifies opportunities to do things better—and puts in the work to develop a system to make it happen. Like each of the folks being promoted, Shefali is always looking out for the firm.
“Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group gave me a platform to research issues that I felt really passionate about and talk about them with people who felt the same drive to change the way we design our communities. The reality is that every time we do what we do, we have one chance to do it right, to lessen its impact on the planet. Every time we build a project, it is important that we build the most sustainable version of our project that we can. Dattner Architects provides the opportunity for us to do that, together.”—Shefali
With in-depth expertise managing large, multifaceted projects, Philippe Martelly, AIA, CPHC, Studio Director, Associate Principal is deeply invested in understanding the human experience and social impact of healthy, sustainable, and well-conceived affordable housing. Philippe has not only excelled as a project manager, studio director, mentor and coach but also used his skills for business development—cultivating new and existing clients to bring in new projects. He represents the firm on the board of the prestigious CHPC (Citizens Housing & Planning Council).
“I’ve always believed that Civic Architecture is about giving back, and practicing Architecture in service to society is a beautiful endeavor. It is a complex and difficult job, and we at Dattner Architects are among the privileged few in this society who can actually do it so well. The populations that our projects continue to serve are counting on all of us to get it right. They deserve our very best. They deserve that bright spark of ours that we let shine here each and every day. And our tremendous collective expertise and profound social consciousness places us in a position to give them our best. Our Firm is a very special place, and I am very proud of what we’re doing here. We operate successfully in one of the greatest Cities in the World, and the civic impact of our work extends beyond its borders, across generations, and beyond our own personal timelines.”—Philippe
We are honored to announce that The Architect’s Newspaper has selected Dattner Architects for the 2024 Best of Practice Award (XL Firm – Northeast). AN's Best of Practice program seeks to define an expansive meaning of excellence that not only considers the firm’s individual projects, values and culture but also inclusivity, social impact, sustainability, regional relevance, and technological innovation. This recognition highlights our commitment to addressing the complex challenges faced by the architecture industry today and acknowledges the collective efforts of our team.
As a mission-driven, women-owned design firm, we design impactful architecture that responds to the issues of our time. We have proudly taken on the planning and design of the region’s most essential projects, creating architecture that enriches the urban experience, transforms environments, and strengthens communities. Our approach involves integrating sustainable practices and prioritizing projects that serve the broader community, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and social responsibility.
Dattner Architects has long fostered equity and inclusion, and we have championed employee professional growth and recognition. Our commitment to diversity includes a team of over 100 people, 59% women, 41% BIPOC, and 17% LGBTQ+.
Our innovative buildings have enriched NYC's urban fabric, positively impacting countless New Yorkers. We are humbled to see the warmth, appreciation, and life brought to our projects by those who inhabit, recreate, learn, and work in these buildings.
[caption id="attachment_21452" align="alignleft" width="2000"] Architectural League First Friday at Dattner Architects 2024[/caption]
View the full list of winners:
https://www.archpaper.com/2024/06/announcing-the-winners-of-ans-2024-best-of-practice-awards/
The Dattner Architects-designed 425 Grand Concourse is featured in “Mapping Community: Public Investment in NYC,” representing housing in the Bronx.
Last month, the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY) held a public opening for MAPPING COMMUNITY at the Center for Architecture. The exhibition demystifies the complex process of capital planning in New York City by explaining the rules that govern the capital process for our city, the various city agencies that implement projects, and the ways everyday New Yorkers have a say in what types of investment they would like to see in their neighborhoods. MAPPING COMMUNITY also looks at how public projects are achieved at the local level by illustrating five types of public infrastructure – housing, transit, parks, schools, and libraries – and how example projects navigated through their respective local community boards.
One such example highlighted in the exhibit is 425 Grand Concourse. Located in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, this new mixed-use and mixed-income development will create 277 units of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. Residents are offered a wide variety of amenities including a recreation room, landscaped roof terrace, a lounge space and fitness room, laundry rooms, bike storage, and a parking garage. The two-story base will house educational space for a public university, a medical facility, supermarket, and community support space including a social services facility. A new accessible walkway connects Walton Avenue to Grand Concourse, alongside Garrison Playground, and a new comfort station will be housed within the building for the park.
The 26-story tower is designed to Passive House standards and will consume up to 70% less energy than a conventional housing project. The largest passive house project planned for North America to date, the development will implement high efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The project will also incorporate NYC Active Design Guidelines to encourage opportunities for physical activity.
Led by the development team of Trinity Financial and MBD Community Housing Corporation, and designed by Dattner Architects, 425 Grand Concourse balances the critical need for affordable homes and the need for a high-quality and attractive development that promotes street activity. As a gateway to the historic Grand Concourse, one of the Bronx’s great boulevards, the new development will anchor this important corner and enhance the Mott Haven neighborhood.
MAPPING COMMUNITY is on display at the Center for Architecture until August 31, 2019. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
The Dattner Architects-designed 425 Grand Concourse is featured in “Mapping Community: Public Investment in NYC,” representing housing in the Bronx.
Last month, the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY) held a public opening for MAPPING COMMUNITY at the Center for Architecture. The exhibition demystifies the complex process of capital planning in New York City by explaining the rules that govern the capital process for our city, the various city agencies that implement projects, and the ways everyday New Yorkers have a say in what types of investment they would like to see in their neighborhoods. MAPPING COMMUNITY also looks at how public projects are achieved at the local level by illustrating five types of public infrastructure – housing, transit, parks, schools, and libraries – and how example projects navigated through their respective local community boards.
One such example highlighted in the exhibit is 425 Grand Concourse. Located in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, this new mixed-use and mixed-income development will create 277 units of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. Residents are offered a wide variety of amenities including a recreation room, landscaped roof terrace, a lounge space and fitness room, laundry rooms, bike storage, and a parking garage. The two-story base will house educational space for a public university, a medical facility, supermarket, and community support space including a social services facility. A new accessible walkway connects Walton Avenue to Grand Concourse, alongside Garrison Playground, and a new comfort station will be housed within the building for the park.
The 26-story tower is designed to Passive House standards and will consume up to 70% less energy than a conventional housing project. The largest passive house project planned for North America to date, the development will implement high efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The project will also incorporate NYC Active Design Guidelines to encourage opportunities for physical activity.
Led by the development team of Trinity Financial and MBD Community Housing Corporation, and designed by Dattner Architects, 425 Grand Concourse balances the critical need for affordable homes and the need for a high-quality and attractive development that promotes street activity. As a gateway to the historic Grand Concourse, one of the Bronx’s great boulevards, the new development will anchor this important corner and enhance the Mott Haven neighborhood.
MAPPING COMMUNITY is on display at the Center for Architecture until August 31, 2019. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Last week New York City hosted the 2019 North American Passive House Network Conference (NAPHN). Dedicated to sharing the latest Passive House innovations with an international audience, this year’s conference encouraged presenters and attendees to discuss low carbon solutions.
On the second day of the conference, Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT joined the multi-disciplinary panel “Multifamily Towers: MEP Integration and Operation”. Alongside co-panelists Mark Ginsberg, Lois Arena, and Ryan Lobello, John examined the intersection of architectural design and MEP Systems within the context of Passive House buildings, and explored the potential benefits of a more complete system integration between the disciplines.
John presented lessons learned from several Dattner Architects Passive House projects, including Chestnut Commons, a mixed-use, 275-unit affordable housing development in East New York, and 425 Grand Concourse, a mixed-use development with 277 units of affordable housing, community facility space, retail, and healthcare space.
Dattner Architects’ Senior Associate David Levine AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C also joined the conference. David moderated the panel “Technical Relatives: Making Accessibility and Acoustics Work in Passive House Buildings”. The panelists examined Passive House design and the integration of ADA components as well as the importance of noise regulation and acoustics design within the famously quiet housing typology.
Last week New York City hosted the 2019 North American Passive House Network Conference (NAPHN). Dedicated to sharing the latest Passive House innovations with an international audience, this year’s conference encouraged presenters and attendees to discuss low carbon solutions.
On the second day of the conference, Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT joined the multi-disciplinary panel “Multifamily Towers: MEP Integration and Operation”. Alongside co-panelists Mark Ginsberg, Lois Arena, and Ryan Lobello, John examined the intersection of architectural design and MEP Systems within the context of Passive House buildings, and explored the potential benefits of a more complete system integration between the disciplines.
John presented lessons learned from several Dattner Architects Passive House projects, including Chestnut Commons, a mixed-use, 275-unit affordable housing development in East New York, and 425 Grand Concourse, a mixed-use development with 277 units of affordable housing, community facility space, retail, and healthcare space.
Dattner Architects’ Senior Associate David Levine AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C also joined the conference. David moderated the panel “Technical Relatives: Making Accessibility and Acoustics Work in Passive House Buildings”. The panelists examined Passive House design and the integration of ADA components as well as the importance of noise regulation and acoustics design within the famously quiet housing typology.
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.
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.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Associate Principal Steven Frankel picks two words to sum up Dattner Architects:
“It’s a balance of thoughtfulness and creativity… we look at how our work impacts the city, we focus on the big design ideas, but we also know how to build.”
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Associate Principal Steven Frankel picks two words to sum up Dattner Architects:
“It’s a balance of thoughtfulness and creativity… we look at how our work impacts the city, we focus on the big design ideas, but we also know how to build.”
Heron Preston – creative director, content creator, influencer, and DJ – is widely considered to be a youth-culture icon. The designer’s impressive series of collaborations have consistently helped facilitate some of the most significant shifts in streetwear culture. Through his namesake label, he continues to push boundaries, tackling critical issues in the fashion industry.
Preston held his first formal Fashion Week presentation – UNIFORM, a collaboration with NYC Department of Sanitation emphasizing sustainability – in 2016 at the Dattner Architects-designed Spring Street Salt Shed in New York City. He approached Dattner Architects earlier this year to collaborate on the presentation of his Spring/Summer 2020 (SS20) Runway show – entitled “Concrete Jungle” – during Paris Men’s Fashion Week. Held at Palais de Toyko, Dattner Architects designed the show's set, which features multi-level scaffolding wrapped in a skrim, using reusable, low-waste materials. Video projections of custom New York City street vignettes, lensed by Nicholas Heller aka NewYorkNico, were projected along the scaffolding. By maximizing the impact of lighting, sound, and motion, the set design is reflective of the eco-friendly, low-waste methodology that is central to the ethos of both Heron Preston and Dattner Architects, informing their collaborative history and the many intersections within their work.
Inspired by urban living, particularly New York City, CONCRETE JUNGLE embraces the dichotomies of city life, hybridizing signature elements of workwear and formal wear into a capsule of tailored and casual pieces with an emphasis on dynamic, multi-functional interventions. In addition to the set design, Dattner Architects collaborated with Heron Preston on a SS20 runway-only iteration of Tyvek suiting featuring 3D quilted triangles and foam-impregnated lining. Worn by model Alton Mason, the customized suit was the show opener, setting the stage for SS20’s collection of up-cycled and low-carbon production pieces. The combined SS20 menswear and womenswear collection was created using a pallet of organic materials, recyclable nylon and tweed, and pineapple leather.
Dattner Architects’ design portfolio has been widely regarded for its significant impact on the urban realm. We are proud to expand this through our CONCRETE JUNGLE collaboration with Heron Preston, and the presentation of his innovative, bold, and environmentally conscious work.
Heron Preston – creative director, content creator, influencer, and DJ – is widely considered to be a youth-culture icon. The designer’s impressive series of collaborations have consistently helped facilitate some of the most significant shifts in streetwear culture. Through his namesake label, he continues to push boundaries, tackling critical issues in the fashion industry.
Preston held his first formal Fashion Week presentation – UNIFORM, a collaboration with NYC Department of Sanitation emphasizing sustainability – in 2016 at the Dattner Architects-designed Spring Street Salt Shed in New York City. He approached Dattner Architects earlier this year to collaborate on the presentation of his Spring/Summer 2020 (SS20) Runway show – entitled “Concrete Jungle” – during Paris Men’s Fashion Week. Held at Palais de Toyko, Dattner Architects designed the show's set, which features multi-level scaffolding wrapped in a skrim, using reusable, low-waste materials. Video projections of custom New York City street vignettes, lensed by Nicholas Heller aka NewYorkNico, were projected along the scaffolding. By maximizing the impact of lighting, sound, and motion, the set design is reflective of the eco-friendly, low-waste methodology that is central to the ethos of both Heron Preston and Dattner Architects, informing their collaborative history and the many intersections within their work.
Inspired by urban living, particularly New York City, CONCRETE JUNGLE embraces the dichotomies of city life, hybridizing signature elements of workwear and formal wear into a capsule of tailored and casual pieces with an emphasis on dynamic, multi-functional interventions. In addition to the set design, Dattner Architects collaborated with Heron Preston on a SS20 runway-only iteration of Tyvek suiting featuring 3D quilted triangles and foam-impregnated lining. Worn by model Alton Mason, the customized suit was the show opener, setting the stage for SS20’s collection of up-cycled and low-carbon production pieces. The combined SS20 menswear and womenswear collection was created using a pallet of organic materials, recyclable nylon and tweed, and pineapple leather.
Dattner Architects’ design portfolio has been widely regarded for its significant impact on the urban realm. We are proud to expand this through our CONCRETE JUNGLE collaboration with Heron Preston, and the presentation of his innovative, bold, and environmentally conscious work.
What is the difference between Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression? What does it mean to be an Ally and how can employers show support to their LGBTQ employees?
On June 18th, Dattner Architects’ Associate Principal Ruth Ro explored these very topics and more at FXOne’s “Let’s Talk Identities” panel. Hosted by FXCollaborative, LET’S TALK IDENTITIES helped audience members better understand the LGBTQ spectrum and the importance in creating a more understanding and inclusive workplace.
Ruth was joined by Aditya Ghosh (Architectural Designer, FXCollaborative), A.L. Hu (Designer, Solomonoff Architecture Studio), Marti G. Cummings (Founding President, Hell’s Kitchen Democrats; Board Member, Manhattan Community Board 9; Drag Artist), and Tabitha Tavalaro (Principal, Arup) with Toby Snyder (Senior Associate, FXCollaborative) as moderator.
What is the difference between Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression? What does it mean to be an Ally and how can employers show support to their LGBTQ employees?
On June 18th, Dattner Architects’ Associate Principal Ruth Ro explored these very topics and more at FXOne’s “Let’s Talk Identities” panel. Hosted by FXCollaborative, LET’S TALK IDENTITIES helped audience members better understand the LGBTQ spectrum and the importance in creating a more understanding and inclusive workplace.
Ruth was joined by Aditya Ghosh (Architectural Designer, FXCollaborative), A.L. Hu (Designer, Solomonoff Architecture Studio), Marti G. Cummings (Founding President, Hell’s Kitchen Democrats; Board Member, Manhattan Community Board 9; Drag Artist), and Tabitha Tavalaro (Principal, Arup) with Toby Snyder (Senior Associate, FXCollaborative) as moderator.
On June 15th, the southeast side of the PATH Harrison Station opened to the public. The northeast side previously opened in the fall of 2018. Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) led the project with Rob Eisenstat FAIA as Chief Architect. As part of the project, Dattner Architects and WSP teamed as a Joint-Venture. The replacement and upgrade of PATH Harrison is a critical component of the Harrison Waterfront Redevelopment Plan. This new state-of-the-art facility provides the community with a fully accessible and elegantly designed, high-performance station and public space.
The replacement station consists of new station houses and new elevated platforms located where the railway viaduct crosses a major boulevard. The design of the new station houses reconfigures and significantly enhances public access to the platforms in anticipation of the 10-car PATH expansion program. PATH Harrison is airy, promoting a clarity of circulation, and the new elevated platforms’ glass and steel roof canopies protect passengers from inclement weather and sun. The station is designed to PANYNJ Sustainable Building Guidelines, LEED Silver equivalent, and is designed to respond to new FEMA projects for flood elevation.
On June 15th, the southeast side of the PATH Harrison Station opened to the public. The northeast side previously opened in the fall of 2018. Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) led the project with Rob Eisenstat FAIA as Chief Architect. As part of the project, Dattner Architects and WSP teamed as a Joint-Venture. The replacement and upgrade of PATH Harrison is a critical component of the Harrison Waterfront Redevelopment Plan. This new state-of-the-art facility provides the community with a fully accessible and elegantly designed, high-performance station and public space.
The replacement station consists of new station houses and new elevated platforms located where the railway viaduct crosses a major boulevard. The design of the new station houses reconfigures and significantly enhances public access to the platforms in anticipation of the 10-car PATH expansion program. PATH Harrison is airy, promoting a clarity of circulation, and the new elevated platforms’ glass and steel roof canopies protect passengers from inclement weather and sun. The station is designed to PANYNJ Sustainable Building Guidelines, LEED Silver equivalent, and is designed to respond to new FEMA projects for flood elevation.
Our Inside the Studio video series was honored with a Merit Award at the 2019 Liberty Ball by the New York Society of Marketing Professional Services.
The series provides viewers a unique peek into our design studio through a series of interviews with current firm members. Each video is short-form—upbeat and interesting, without being fussy or gimmicky. The format and content represent our firm culture: organic, caring, dynamic, passionate, and curious. Individually and collectively these videos showcase the thoughtful, creative individuals who make up our firm.
Thank you to each of the participants for sharing their insights and enthusiasm, and to our in-house team for planning and producing the videos.
Our Inside the Studio video series was honored with a Merit Award at the 2019 Liberty Ball by the New York Society of Marketing Professional Services.
The series provides viewers a unique peek into our design studio through a series of interviews with current firm members. Each video is short-form—upbeat and interesting, without being fussy or gimmicky. The format and content represent our firm culture: organic, caring, dynamic, passionate, and curious. Individually and collectively these videos showcase the thoughtful, creative individuals who make up our firm.
Thank you to each of the participants for sharing their insights and enthusiasm, and to our in-house team for planning and producing the videos.
As cities grow, so does the need for public housing. However, much of the current and aging public housing in the United States is based on decades-old design principles and located in areas unequipped for the latest economic and cultural evolution. How do we maintain public housing without pushing other residents away?
Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT explored this topic at the “Reinvesting in Public Housing” panel (SA414) on June 8, 2019. Held at the Las Vegas Convention, as part of the AIA Conference on Architecture 2019, John was joined by Dylan Salmons (Senior Developer, Pennrose Properties) and Dwan Stark (Senior Project Manager, NYCHA). These three experts, each with different perspectives – Architect, Private Developer, Public Agency – presented case studies of reinvestment in public housing that successfully utilizes contemporary urban planning principles that can be implemented and tailored to locations, user needs, and stakeholder requirements.
One such case study is Prospect Plaza. Designed by Dattner Architects, Prospect Plaza is a mixed-use affordable housing redevelopment project encompassing five buildings and three blocks in Brownsville, Brooklyn. It was developed by NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) and NYC Housing Preservation and Development (NYC HPD), alongside Pennrose Properties, Blue Sea Development, Duvernay + Brooks, and Rosenberg Housing Group working together as Oceanhill II LLC.
Constructed in three phrases, the full development replaces former NYCHA apartment blocks housing 1,200 people, which were emptied in 2000, with a promise to families they could move back following renovations. For over a decade the buildings sat empty and deteriorating. Perseverance, creativity, and commitment led to the successful public-private redevelopment of the site. Prospect Plaza now adds much needed affordable housing, a new supermarket with healthy food choices, active design elements to benefit the entire neighborhood, an integrated community center, and a new public park. The new park is a partnership with the NYC Parks Department and incorporates multi-generational uses with active and passive recreation areas, including play areas for children, a basketball court, game tables, seating, landscaped walkways, and open areas. The project’s partnership with NYCHA helps to ensure that the next generation of New Yorkers will have access to safe, sustainable, and well-designed public housing within this affordable housing development.
Reinvestment in public housing is a commitment from public and private entities, designers, and the community. John, Dylan, and Dwan helped attendees understand how to effectively work with stakeholders to achieve their vision of a successful development and learn how to articulate the importance of design in creating healthy, affordable, and vibrant communities.
As cities grow, so does the need for public housing. However, much of the current and aging public housing in the United States is based on decades-old design principles and located in areas unequipped for the latest economic and cultural evolution. How do we maintain public housing without pushing other residents away?
Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT explored this topic at the “Reinvesting in Public Housing” panel (SA414) on June 8, 2019. Held at the Las Vegas Convention, as part of the AIA Conference on Architecture 2019, John was joined by Dylan Salmons (Senior Developer, Pennrose Properties) and Dwan Stark (Senior Project Manager, NYCHA). These three experts, each with different perspectives – Architect, Private Developer, Public Agency – presented case studies of reinvestment in public housing that successfully utilizes contemporary urban planning principles that can be implemented and tailored to locations, user needs, and stakeholder requirements.
One such case study is Prospect Plaza. Designed by Dattner Architects, Prospect Plaza is a mixed-use affordable housing redevelopment project encompassing five buildings and three blocks in Brownsville, Brooklyn. It was developed by NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) and NYC Housing Preservation and Development (NYC HPD), alongside Pennrose Properties, Blue Sea Development, Duvernay + Brooks, and Rosenberg Housing Group working together as Oceanhill II LLC.
Constructed in three phrases, the full development replaces former NYCHA apartment blocks housing 1,200 people, which were emptied in 2000, with a promise to families they could move back following renovations. For over a decade the buildings sat empty and deteriorating. Perseverance, creativity, and commitment led to the successful public-private redevelopment of the site. Prospect Plaza now adds much needed affordable housing, a new supermarket with healthy food choices, active design elements to benefit the entire neighborhood, an integrated community center, and a new public park. The new park is a partnership with the NYC Parks Department and incorporates multi-generational uses with active and passive recreation areas, including play areas for children, a basketball court, game tables, seating, landscaped walkways, and open areas. The project’s partnership with NYCHA helps to ensure that the next generation of New Yorkers will have access to safe, sustainable, and well-designed public housing within this affordable housing development.
Reinvestment in public housing is a commitment from public and private entities, designers, and the community. John, Dylan, and Dwan helped attendees understand how to effectively work with stakeholders to achieve their vision of a successful development and learn how to articulate the importance of design in creating healthy, affordable, and vibrant communities.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Brandon Wang discusses how his interests and extracurricular activities at Dattner Architects have influenced his understanding of the design process—and what he looks forward to about becoming licensed.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Brandon Wang discusses how his interests and extracurricular activities at Dattner Architects have influenced his understanding of the design process—and what he looks forward to about becoming licensed.
How do you define wellness? What factors are visible and invisible? Tangible and intangible? How can the design community communicate wellness to users and the public? Why is designing for wellness important?
Dattner Architects’ Director of Interiors explored this increasingly relevant topic and more at the “Wellness in Living: Elevating Design in Affordable Housing” panel on May 20, 2019. Held at the Javits Center, as part of the ICFF Talks Conference, Sara was joined by Christoph Stumph (Vice President, Trinity Financial), Elena Brescia (Principal, SCAPE), Thomas Ciano (Vice President of Real Estate Operation, Monadnock Development), Anna Obraztsova (Vice President, Delos), and Deborah Rose (Deputy COO, ICL) with Amanda Kaminsky (Founder & Principal, Building Product Ecosystems) as moderator.
Affordable housing has evolved significantly over time. While always rooted in providing low- and moderate-income Americans with a home that is within their means, it is often institutionalized and focused on cost and durability, rather than how a home can be impactful in changing people's lives.
At Dattner Architects, we believe interior spaces are transformative. With the power to shape the experience of each person, the interiors of a home, office, classroom, library, and hospital convey more than just the physical components of their design. These intimate spaces have the power to impact each person emotionally and subconsciously. Unlike a building's exterior/facade, these are the spaces we inhabit, where we come in closest contact, enabling them to have the greatest impact in our lives. Thoughtful interior architecture can inspire, empower, heal, and teach.
In designing for the public realm, our mission is that great design should be accessible to all. Mindful of the needs, health, and wellness of our affordable housing clients, thoughtful design, healthy and inspirational materials, and appropriate lighting can inspire and empower those who are most vulnerable. We are changing the paradigm of affordable housing. Well-designed and healthy buildings have a strong human impact on the daily lives of the individuals that inhabit them, improving the quality of life and instilling the pride of “home.” Each affordable housing project has the ability to positively impact the neighborhood, revitalize communities, and create safer environments. Furthermore, non-profit and community service organizations who closely collaborate and develop these projects are having greater visibility for their organization’s mission.
The “Wellness in Living” panel brought together voices from these various backgrounds, allowing for a well-rounded and well-informed discussion on wellness and the commitment to providing a healthy and safe space for families to live and play.
How do you define wellness? What factors are visible and invisible? Tangible and intangible? How can the design community communicate wellness to users and the public? Why is designing for wellness important?
Dattner Architects’ Director of Interiors explored this increasingly relevant topic and more at the “Wellness in Living: Elevating Design in Affordable Housing” panel on May 20, 2019. Held at the Javits Center, as part of the ICFF Talks Conference, Sara was joined by Christoph Stumph (Vice President, Trinity Financial), Elena Brescia (Principal, SCAPE), Thomas Ciano (Vice President of Real Estate Operation, Monadnock Development), Anna Obraztsova (Vice President, Delos), and Deborah Rose (Deputy COO, ICL) with Amanda Kaminsky (Founder & Principal, Building Product Ecosystems) as moderator.
Affordable housing has evolved significantly over time. While always rooted in providing low- and moderate-income Americans with a home that is within their means, it is often institutionalized and focused on cost and durability, rather than how a home can be impactful in changing people's lives.
At Dattner Architects, we believe interior spaces are transformative. With the power to shape the experience of each person, the interiors of a home, office, classroom, library, and hospital convey more than just the physical components of their design. These intimate spaces have the power to impact each person emotionally and subconsciously. Unlike a building's exterior/facade, these are the spaces we inhabit, where we come in closest contact, enabling them to have the greatest impact in our lives. Thoughtful interior architecture can inspire, empower, heal, and teach.
In designing for the public realm, our mission is that great design should be accessible to all. Mindful of the needs, health, and wellness of our affordable housing clients, thoughtful design, healthy and inspirational materials, and appropriate lighting can inspire and empower those who are most vulnerable. We are changing the paradigm of affordable housing. Well-designed and healthy buildings have a strong human impact on the daily lives of the individuals that inhabit them, improving the quality of life and instilling the pride of “home.” Each affordable housing project has the ability to positively impact the neighborhood, revitalize communities, and create safer environments. Furthermore, non-profit and community service organizations who closely collaborate and develop these projects are having greater visibility for their organization’s mission.
The “Wellness in Living” panel brought together voices from these various backgrounds, allowing for a well-rounded and well-informed discussion on wellness and the commitment to providing a healthy and safe space for families to live and play.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Rachel Ehrlich, a Housing Studio Director and Senior Associate at Dattner Architects, talks about making meaningful contributions to the city at “the center of the universe” through good design and team leadership.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Rachel Ehrlich, a Housing Studio Director and Senior Associate at Dattner Architects, talks about making meaningful contributions to the city at “the center of the universe” through good design and team leadership.
Largely unseen—and usually unappreciated—a seldom regarded architecture represents an essential prerequisite for urban life. The provision of clean water, the disposal and treatment of human waste, the collection of solid waste, the cleaning and salting of streets, the shipment of waste out of the city—are all critical infrastructure we can’t live without. More visible, but equally essential, are the transit facilities allowing urban movement and the structures housing the firefighters and police who maintain a safe city. These buildings are the necessary underpinning for the entire urban constellation of work places, commercial establishments, housing, educational facilities, cultural buildings, streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Kicking off the 2019 NYCxDesign week – New York City’s annual celebration of all things design – Richard Dattner led a Design Talks presentation featuring and defining New York City’s Essential Architecture. Richard founded the firm in 1964. Under his leadership and creative direction, Dattner Architects has designed a wide variety of award-winning projects. With Dattner Architects’ strong roots in the design of critical urban infrastructure, we are proud to lead the conversation as well as convey how modern infrastructure facilities can be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve.
Largely unseen—and usually unappreciated—a seldom regarded architecture represents an essential prerequisite for urban life. The provision of clean water, the disposal and treatment of human waste, the collection of solid waste, the cleaning and salting of streets, the shipment of waste out of the city—are all critical infrastructure we can’t live without. More visible, but equally essential, are the transit facilities allowing urban movement and the structures housing the firefighters and police who maintain a safe city. These buildings are the necessary underpinning for the entire urban constellation of work places, commercial establishments, housing, educational facilities, cultural buildings, streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Kicking off the 2019 NYCxDesign week – New York City’s annual celebration of all things design – Richard Dattner led a Design Talks presentation featuring and defining New York City’s Essential Architecture. Richard founded the firm in 1964. Under his leadership and creative direction, Dattner Architects has designed a wide variety of award-winning projects. With Dattner Architects’ strong roots in the design of critical urban infrastructure, we are proud to lead the conversation as well as convey how modern infrastructure facilities can be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve.
When we asked four architects to name the woman who most inspired them, the unanimous response was "my mom." They shared insights into the role they played in supporting, encouraging, and inspiring them on their career paths. Today we celebrate all mothers!
When we asked four architects to name the woman who most inspired them, the unanimous response was "my mom." They shared insights into the role they played in supporting, encouraging, and inspiring them on their career paths. Today we celebrate all mothers!
Dattner Architects’ Carbon Copy Skyscraper received an honorable mention in eVolo Magazine’s 2019 Skyscraper Competition. Established in 2006, the competition annually awards innovative ideas that challenge conventions of vertical architecture.
Out of 478 total projects received this year, the Jury selected three winners and 27 honorable mentions.
Dattner’s submission proposed a solution to the rampant deforestation and resulting disruption of the carbon cycle through an infrastructure of large-scale horizontal and vertical timber grids that aim to counterbalance deforestation with a taller and denser “skyforest.” This systemic solution relies on minimal human intervention and posits a new natural habitat for animals, birds, and trees while sequestering greenhouse gasses.
The concept incorporates a modular system of tree-supporting structures that extend vertically off of the forest floor using a three-dimensional grid, leaving the forest floor open for continued plant growth, animal migration, bird flight, and vehicular and human passage. Each tree is planted in a high tensile fabric pouch that contains the root ball and is secured on all four sides within 20’ x 20’ x 20’ modular timber frames. The trees are placed in a staggered pattern vertically within the structure to allow sun and rain to reach each tree.
The modularity of the system allows for the structure to seamlessly respond to natural obstacles and changes in topography. When an obstruction on the forest floor meets the grid, it compensates for the loss of tree modules by increasing in height.
Planted as saplings, the mixed tree species will encourage biodiversity. As they grow, their falling seeds will take root in the suspended soil and eventually take over the entire structure. Both the trees and the timber structure sequester carbon dioxide that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere. Finally, natural decay will destroy the structures, which will have to be re-built, reusing the high strength tensile fabric.
As human development outpaces the planet’s capacity to sustain it, this project plays its part in restoring earth’s equilibrium through carbon sequestration and super reforestation.
Dattner Architects’ Carbon Copy Skyscraper received an honorable mention in eVolo Magazine’s 2019 Skyscraper Competition. Established in 2006, the competition annually awards innovative ideas that challenge conventions of vertical architecture.
Out of 478 total projects received this year, the Jury selected three winners and 27 honorable mentions.
Dattner’s submission proposed a solution to the rampant deforestation and resulting disruption of the carbon cycle through an infrastructure of large-scale horizontal and vertical timber grids that aim to counterbalance deforestation with a taller and denser “skyforest.” This systemic solution relies on minimal human intervention and posits a new natural habitat for animals, birds, and trees while sequestering greenhouse gasses.
The concept incorporates a modular system of tree-supporting structures that extend vertically off of the forest floor using a three-dimensional grid, leaving the forest floor open for continued plant growth, animal migration, bird flight, and vehicular and human passage. Each tree is planted in a high tensile fabric pouch that contains the root ball and is secured on all four sides within 20’ x 20’ x 20’ modular timber frames. The trees are placed in a staggered pattern vertically within the structure to allow sun and rain to reach each tree.
The modularity of the system allows for the structure to seamlessly respond to natural obstacles and changes in topography. When an obstruction on the forest floor meets the grid, it compensates for the loss of tree modules by increasing in height.
Planted as saplings, the mixed tree species will encourage biodiversity. As they grow, their falling seeds will take root in the suspended soil and eventually take over the entire structure. Both the trees and the timber structure sequester carbon dioxide that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere. Finally, natural decay will destroy the structures, which will have to be re-built, reusing the high strength tensile fabric.
As human development outpaces the planet’s capacity to sustain it, this project plays its part in restoring earth’s equilibrium through carbon sequestration and super reforestation.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, designer Juan Perez talks about practicing in NYC, his current project, and how the work aligns with both the mission of Dattner Architects and his own principles.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, designer Juan Perez talks about practicing in NYC, his current project, and how the work aligns with both the mission of Dattner Architects and his own principles.
On April 15th, The Forum at Columbia University was recognized with a Merit Award at the AIANY Honors and Awards Luncheon. Held each April at Cipriani Wall Street, the Luncheon honors recipients of the AIANY Design Awards. In this year’s competition, there were five distinct categories: Architecture, Interiors, Urban Design, Projects, and a new addition, Sustainability. While the architecture class is specific in distinguishing design excellence in completed buildings, the entire awards program gives praise to architects and clients that push the boundaries and take risks.
Among 27 winners, the Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Dattner Architects-designed Forum was applauded for navigating a challenging site in an innovative and simple way.
Opened in the fall of 2018, the Forum completes a triad of new buildings, complementing the neighboring Jerome L. Greene Science Center and Lenfest Center. Serving as a welcoming and transparent gateway to Columbia University, the glass-enclosed Forum is a highly visible and iconic component of campus.
Jury members mentioned overall themes amongst the Design Winners – the important connection to the site and being a “good neighbor” to the surrounding community. The Forum’s ground floor flexible spaces establish an “Urban Layer” and are designed to encourage thought-leaders and scholars from across the university and the world to come together to share ideas. The new facility spaces are open to the Morningside Heights community, creating an important connection between the neighborhood and the City.
This new academic conference center provides much-needed education and civic engagement space as well as a shared resource for students, faculty, and the local community. The multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art auditorium, break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces, including a public garden, café, and information center. The auditorium, whose function requires opaqueness, is expressed with a prefabricated concrete skin, whereas the offices, which require daylight, have a glazed façade, and the transparent ground floor both conceptually and physically openly blends to the public.
The Jury commended the Forum’s “modest expression of the interior life of the building.” We are proud to have collaborated on this important landmark project.
On April 15th, The Forum at Columbia University was recognized with a Merit Award at the AIANY Honors and Awards Luncheon. Held each April at Cipriani Wall Street, the Luncheon honors recipients of the AIANY Design Awards. In this year’s competition, there were five distinct categories: Architecture, Interiors, Urban Design, Projects, and a new addition, Sustainability. While the architecture class is specific in distinguishing design excellence in completed buildings, the entire awards program gives praise to architects and clients that push the boundaries and take risks.
Among 27 winners, the Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Dattner Architects-designed Forum was applauded for navigating a challenging site in an innovative and simple way.
Opened in the fall of 2018, the Forum completes a triad of new buildings, complementing the neighboring Jerome L. Greene Science Center and Lenfest Center. Serving as a welcoming and transparent gateway to Columbia University, the glass-enclosed Forum is a highly visible and iconic component of campus.
Jury members mentioned overall themes amongst the Design Winners – the important connection to the site and being a “good neighbor” to the surrounding community. The Forum’s ground floor flexible spaces establish an “Urban Layer” and are designed to encourage thought-leaders and scholars from across the university and the world to come together to share ideas. The new facility spaces are open to the Morningside Heights community, creating an important connection between the neighborhood and the City.
This new academic conference center provides much-needed education and civic engagement space as well as a shared resource for students, faculty, and the local community. The multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art auditorium, break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces, including a public garden, café, and information center. The auditorium, whose function requires opaqueness, is expressed with a prefabricated concrete skin, whereas the offices, which require daylight, have a glazed façade, and the transparent ground floor both conceptually and physically openly blends to the public.
The Jury commended the Forum’s “modest expression of the interior life of the building.” We are proud to have collaborated on this important landmark project.
In our latest Inside the Studio interview, Senior Associate Mia Lee discusses how she discovered the profession, what drew her to Dattner Architects, and the joy of enriching the urban experience both within her own community and the further reaches of New York City.
In our latest Inside the Studio interview, Senior Associate Mia Lee discusses how she discovered the profession, what drew her to Dattner Architects, and the joy of enriching the urban experience both within her own community and the further reaches of New York City.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that two of our projects won awards for Excellence in Development from the Urban Land Institute-New York. Revealed during last night’s 2019 ULI-NY’s Awards Gala, Essex Crossing Phase 1 won in the Mixed-Use category and Columbia University’s new Manhattanville Campus Phase 1 won in the Institutional Development category. Both projects represent developments that are transforming New York and designed to ensure positive impacts in their communities for generations to come. They were recognized as being “exceptional development projects that exemplify ULI New York’s mission and values,” including innovation, responsible land use, and beneficial community impact.
Essex Crossing is a 1.9 million square foot development in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, encompassing over 1,000 new residences, 400,000 square feet of office space, and 450,000 square feet of retail.
“Essex Crossing is a testament to how holistic planning with community partners can yield transformative mixed-use projects, and we are honored for this recognition.” – Don Capoccia, partner at Delancey Street Associates and Principal at BFC Partners.
Located at 175 Delancey Street, the Goldin – designed by Dattner Architects – was one of the first buildings to be completed as part of the transformative development. The 15-story building includes senior apartments. Named after longtime LES housing activist, Frances Goldin, the 100 one-bedroom units are compact but bright with modern and elegant finishes. The residential tower is located on top of a five-story with rooftop gardens, one of which is reserved for the residents, the other shared with the senior center. The design and planning of 175 Delancey is intended to change the perception of affordable senior housing. A variety of senior-oriented support programs, including cultural, social, and medical, are present in the building – allowing residents to live independently, even if their mobility diminishes.
Dattner Architects also designed all the spaces at the base of the building including an Ambulatory Care Center, the GrandLo Café, and social service and administrative spaces for Grand Street Settlement and Henry Street Settlement.
The Goldin at Essex Crossing was developed by Delancey Street Associates – a joint venture of L+M Development Partners, BFC Partners, and Taconic Investment Partners.
Columbia University-Manhattanville is a 17-acre urban campus in Morningside Heights. Phase 1 comprises of three new buildings, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Lenfest Center, and Forum. The Forum was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Dattner Architects as Executive Architect; it serves as a welcoming and transparent gateway to the Manhattanville campus. Triangular in plan, this new academic conference center spans three levels above and one level below grade with the main lobby and retail space establishing an “Urban Layer” at the street level.
Conceived to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between thought-leaders from all over the world, the Forum features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces – including a public garden, café, and information center – provide generous shared meeting space. The Forum was recently certified LEED Gold.
"This new campus is a once-in-a-century opportunity to expand one of the greatest universities in the world and to do so in ways that reflect modern sensibilities about design, the academic mission, and the relationships with local communities and neighborhoods.” – Lee C. Bollinger, Columbia University President. This open, collaborative urban campus is changing how the university researches, teaches, and communicates.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that two of our projects won awards for Excellence in Development from the Urban Land Institute-New York. Revealed during last night’s 2019 ULI-NY’s Awards Gala, Essex Crossing Phase 1 won in the Mixed-Use category and Columbia University’s new Manhattanville Campus Phase 1 won in the Institutional Development category. Both projects represent developments that are transforming New York and designed to ensure positive impacts in their communities for generations to come. They were recognized as being “exceptional development projects that exemplify ULI New York’s mission and values,” including innovation, responsible land use, and beneficial community impact.
Essex Crossing is a 1.9 million square foot development in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, encompassing over 1,000 new residences, 400,000 square feet of office space, and 450,000 square feet of retail.
“Essex Crossing is a testament to how holistic planning with community partners can yield transformative mixed-use projects, and we are honored for this recognition.” – Don Capoccia, partner at Delancey Street Associates and Principal at BFC Partners.
Located at 175 Delancey Street, the Goldin – designed by Dattner Architects – was one of the first buildings to be completed as part of the transformative development. The 15-story building includes senior apartments. Named after longtime LES housing activist, Frances Goldin, the 100 one-bedroom units are compact but bright with modern and elegant finishes. The residential tower is located on top of a five-story with rooftop gardens, one of which is reserved for the residents, the other shared with the senior center. The design and planning of 175 Delancey is intended to change the perception of affordable senior housing. A variety of senior-oriented support programs, including cultural, social, and medical, are present in the building – allowing residents to live independently, even if their mobility diminishes.
Dattner Architects also designed all the spaces at the base of the building including an Ambulatory Care Center, the GrandLo Café, and social service and administrative spaces for Grand Street Settlement and Henry Street Settlement.
The Goldin at Essex Crossing was developed by Delancey Street Associates – a joint venture of L+M Development Partners, BFC Partners, and Taconic Investment Partners.
Columbia University-Manhattanville is a 17-acre urban campus in Morningside Heights. Phase 1 comprises of three new buildings, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Lenfest Center, and Forum. The Forum was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Dattner Architects as Executive Architect; it serves as a welcoming and transparent gateway to the Manhattanville campus. Triangular in plan, this new academic conference center spans three levels above and one level below grade with the main lobby and retail space establishing an “Urban Layer” at the street level.
Conceived to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between thought-leaders from all over the world, the Forum features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces – including a public garden, café, and information center – provide generous shared meeting space. The Forum was recently certified LEED Gold.
"This new campus is a once-in-a-century opportunity to expand one of the greatest universities in the world and to do so in ways that reflect modern sensibilities about design, the academic mission, and the relationships with local communities and neighborhoods.” – Lee C. Bollinger, Columbia University President. This open, collaborative urban campus is changing how the university researches, teaches, and communicates.
The third installment of our Inside the Studio series features Founding Principal Richard Dattner, FAIA discussing civic architecture, his favorite design technology, and the most gratifying project of his career.
The third installment of our Inside the Studio series features Founding Principal Richard Dattner, FAIA discussing civic architecture, his favorite design technology, and the most gratifying project of his career.
We design schools to thrive as learning communities where children develop cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills in a variety of settings. In response to pedagogical shifts and the evolution of the student body, YOF and Dattner Architects embarked upon a master plan to improve the academic and social environment of their school. The plan outlined a series of phased additions and renovations that support traditional teaching methods as well as interactive modes such as seminars, team-based learning, self-directed study, and hands-on learning.
Classrooms for the future – Informed by current thinking about how children learn, Dattner Architects designs classroom environments attuned to students’ different stages of development and the full range of learning modalities. Joel Braverman High School offers classrooms that provide welcoming and inspiring environments that are easily adaptable to fit the activity or pedagogical method the teacher chooses for that day’s lesson.
We see tomorrow’s classrooms as “learning studios”—flexible environments that promote different modes of learning within the same space. The master plan established zones for small group project study, individual self-directed learning, and larger discussions and presentations. Many of these shared, flexible spaces also provide a connection to the outdoors, both indirectly, allowing for natural light, and directly, providing a connection to outdoor play terraces that extend the learning environment beyond the building. “Learning studios” are also clustered around a central Student Commons, forming distinct “learning communities” that encourage collaboration and strengthen the students’ sense of shared identity.
Learning is not restricted to the classroom; it often occurs in shared spaces, in group settings, and through formal as well as informal instruction. The physical environment can become a place of inherent collaboration and team-building when meaningful, flexible spaces are made available to students and teachers. While the Student Commons reinforces the concept of informal learning, space for studying, student gatherings, and socializing between classes, the double-height Beit Midrash emphasizes the dual nature of the school’s program. An important place for both study and prayer, the room's lower region is comprised of a full ring of custom bookshelves, containing literature to aid in the study of the Torah, and above the texts, the walls open up to a 15-foot high curtainwall, culminating in a dramatic ceiling.
Scheduled for completion in 2020, the design team has embarked upon the final phase of the project, integrating truly innovative programming and technology into the design of new classrooms and gathering space.
We design schools to thrive as learning communities where children develop cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills in a variety of settings. In response to pedagogical shifts and the evolution of the student body, YOF and Dattner Architects embarked upon a master plan to improve the academic and social environment of their school. The plan outlined a series of phased additions and renovations that support traditional teaching methods as well as interactive modes such as seminars, team-based learning, self-directed study, and hands-on learning.
Classrooms for the future – Informed by current thinking about how children learn, Dattner Architects designs classroom environments attuned to students’ different stages of development and the full range of learning modalities. Joel Braverman High School offers classrooms that provide welcoming and inspiring environments that are easily adaptable to fit the activity or pedagogical method the teacher chooses for that day’s lesson.
We see tomorrow’s classrooms as “learning studios”—flexible environments that promote different modes of learning within the same space. The master plan established zones for small group project study, individual self-directed learning, and larger discussions and presentations. Many of these shared, flexible spaces also provide a connection to the outdoors, both indirectly, allowing for natural light, and directly, providing a connection to outdoor play terraces that extend the learning environment beyond the building. “Learning studios” are also clustered around a central Student Commons, forming distinct “learning communities” that encourage collaboration and strengthen the students’ sense of shared identity.
Learning is not restricted to the classroom; it often occurs in shared spaces, in group settings, and through formal as well as informal instruction. The physical environment can become a place of inherent collaboration and team-building when meaningful, flexible spaces are made available to students and teachers. While the Student Commons reinforces the concept of informal learning, space for studying, student gatherings, and socializing between classes, the double-height Beit Midrash emphasizes the dual nature of the school’s program. An important place for both study and prayer, the room's lower region is comprised of a full ring of custom bookshelves, containing literature to aid in the study of the Torah, and above the texts, the walls open up to a 15-foot high curtainwall, culminating in a dramatic ceiling.
Scheduled for completion in 2020, the design team has embarked upon the final phase of the project, integrating truly innovative programming and technology into the design of new classrooms and gathering space.
Dattner Architects’ new INSIDE THE STUDIO video series continues with Ruth Ro AIA, LEED BD+C, Associate Principal. In Ruth’s interview, she shares why she is passionate about social infrastructure, her favorite thing about being an architect, and what she loves about NYC.
Dattner Architects’ new INSIDE THE STUDIO video series continues with Ruth Ro AIA, LEED BD+C, Associate Principal. In Ruth’s interview, she shares why she is passionate about social infrastructure, her favorite thing about being an architect, and what she loves about NYC.
Opening February 20th, 10 Halletts Point is the first building of seven completed in this new 2.4 million-square-foot mixed-use waterfront community planned and designed by Dattner Architects for the Durst Organization. With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, this new neighborhood is located within minutes of Astoria’s vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scene and offers easy access to the NYC ferry.
The 526,000 square foot 10 Halletts Point features two 22-story towers rising from a large podium topped with a lush outdoor terrace. To support the 404 residential units, the building includes 25,000 square feet of amenity space with fitness center / yoga center, children’s area, and community library space with co-working facilities. Clad in a custom copper and glass skin, which wraps around the towers, responding to the solar orientation and opening up towards the internal raised courtyard. 10 Halletts Point redefines green living with an approach that respects nature and promotes resident wellbeing. The Dattner-designed project is targeting LEED Gold for Building Design and Construction for the building, with emphasis on four core elements: water, energy, air and earth.
Scheduled to open in May, 10 Halletts will also provide the "the first grocery story to open in the area in years". Once complete, the multi-phase Halletts Point will be a vibrant mixed-use waterfront destination with a new public waterfront esplanade, contemporary living options, and retail space.
Opening February 20th, 10 Halletts Point is the first building of seven completed in this new 2.4 million-square-foot mixed-use waterfront community planned and designed by Dattner Architects for the Durst Organization. With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, this new neighborhood is located within minutes of Astoria’s vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scene and offers easy access to the NYC ferry.
The 526,000 square foot 10 Halletts Point features two 22-story towers rising from a large podium topped with a lush outdoor terrace. To support the 404 residential units, the building includes 25,000 square feet of amenity space with fitness center / yoga center, children’s area, and community library space with co-working facilities. Clad in a custom copper and glass skin, which wraps around the towers, responding to the solar orientation and opening up towards the internal raised courtyard. 10 Halletts Point redefines green living with an approach that respects nature and promotes resident wellbeing. The Dattner-designed project is targeting LEED Gold for Building Design and Construction for the building, with emphasis on four core elements: water, energy, air and earth.
Scheduled to open in May, 10 Halletts will also provide the "the first grocery story to open in the area in years". Once complete, the multi-phase Halletts Point will be a vibrant mixed-use waterfront destination with a new public waterfront esplanade, contemporary living options, and retail space.
The first in a new series of short video interviews produced by Dattner Architects, this episode of Inside the Studio profiles Patrick McAffrey AIA. Patrick shares why he practices architecture in New York City, what civic architecture means to his work, and where to find the best food in the neighborhood.
The first in a new series of short video interviews produced by Dattner Architects, this episode of Inside the Studio profiles Patrick McAffrey AIA. Patrick shares why he practices architecture in New York City, what civic architecture means to his work, and where to find the best food in the neighborhood.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce our new Associate promotions, which recognize individual professional accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to our firm and our mission. Our new Senior Associates are David Levine and Mia Lee. Jen Switala, Adam Siegel, John Seward, Philippe Martelly, and Mary Beth Lardaro have become Associates.
Senior Associates
A leader in Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group, David Levine AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC was one of the firm’s first architects to achieve certification as a Certified Passive House Consultant.
Deeply interested in architecture’s manifestation at all scales, Mia Lee AIA approaches design holistically and is fascinated by the many ways in which the built environment is experienced.
Associates
Dedicated to socially responsible design, Jen Switala AIA believes that architecture evokes something different in each individual, and that this variety of experience creates a meaningful complexity to the urban realm.
Informed by his background as a musician, Adam Siegel AIA, LEED AP approaches design with the appreciation that a creative process involves many layers of complexity, rules, opportunities, and limitations.
Before studying architecture, John Seward AIA, LEED AP BD+C flew on C-17s in the Air Force for four years, experiencing the world and learning the value of discipline and collaboration.
Philippe Martelly AIA comes from a family of educators and is naturally adept at mentoring and team building, contributing to his belief that architects have a responsibility to the profession to help produce good architects.
As the Human Resources Director, Mary Beth Lardaro focuses on nurturing an equitable workplace culture that celebrates diversity, provides professional development opportunities for all employees, and supports the firm’s civic mission.
EVOLUTION OF OUR PRACTICE
This year, William Stein FAIA transitions to Senior Consulting Principal. In this new role, Bill remains in a leadership position, engaged with projects, the firm, and with his professional associations, including serving on the board of the Citizens Housing Planning Council and chairing a NYC Code Revision Committee.
The evolution of Dattner Architects also includes the appointment of a Director and Resource Leader for each of our four studios. Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Keith Engel AIA, CHPD, LEED AP BD+C; Eric Epstein AIA, LEED AP; and Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C are serving as Studio Directors, overseeing practice areas. Our Studio Resource Leaders are Mia Lee AIA; Heather McKinstry AIA, LEED AP; Shefali Sanghvi LEED AP BD+C; and Adam Siegel AIA, LEED AP. Studio Directors and Studio Resource Leaders work together within and across the studios to promote the exchange of design ideas; to foster knowledge sharing; and to build community and culture.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce our new Associate promotions, which recognize individual professional accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to our firm and our mission. Our new Senior Associates are David Levine and Mia Lee. Jen Switala, Adam Siegel, John Seward, Philippe Martelly, and Mary Beth Lardaro have become Associates.
Senior Associates
A leader in Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group, David Levine AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC was one of the firm’s first architects to achieve certification as a Certified Passive House Consultant.
Deeply interested in architecture’s manifestation at all scales, Mia Lee AIA approaches design holistically and is fascinated by the many ways in which the built environment is experienced.
Associates
Dedicated to socially responsible design, Jen Switala AIA believes that architecture evokes something different in each individual, and that this variety of experience creates a meaningful complexity to the urban realm.
Informed by his background as a musician, Adam Siegel AIA, LEED AP approaches design with the appreciation that a creative process involves many layers of complexity, rules, opportunities, and limitations.
Before studying architecture, John Seward AIA, LEED AP BD+C flew on C-17s in the Air Force for four years, experiencing the world and learning the value of discipline and collaboration.
Philippe Martelly AIA comes from a family of educators and is naturally adept at mentoring and team building, contributing to his belief that architects have a responsibility to the profession to help produce good architects.
As the Human Resources Director, Mary Beth Lardaro focuses on nurturing an equitable workplace culture that celebrates diversity, provides professional development opportunities for all employees, and supports the firm’s civic mission.
EVOLUTION OF OUR PRACTICE
This year, William Stein FAIA transitions to Senior Consulting Principal. In this new role, Bill remains in a leadership position, engaged with projects, the firm, and with his professional associations, including serving on the board of the Citizens Housing Planning Council and chairing a NYC Code Revision Committee.
The evolution of Dattner Architects also includes the appointment of a Director and Resource Leader for each of our four studios. Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Keith Engel AIA, CHPD, LEED AP BD+C; Eric Epstein AIA, LEED AP; and Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C are serving as Studio Directors, overseeing practice areas. Our Studio Resource Leaders are Mia Lee AIA; Heather McKinstry AIA, LEED AP; Shefali Sanghvi LEED AP BD+C; and Adam Siegel AIA, LEED AP. Studio Directors and Studio Resource Leaders work together within and across the studios to promote the exchange of design ideas; to foster knowledge sharing; and to build community and culture.
Compiled by Preservation magazine, “40 Under 40 Places” assembles 40 of the most important, compelling, and interesting American places under 40 years old. The list includes sites both urban and rural, and high-end and low-budget. While places are not typically considered “historic” until they have been around for at least 50 years, Preservation magazine has chosen to highlight these younger sites to broaden public awareness of the value of saving these significant locations BEFORE they become truly historic. Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects’ Via Verde is one of seven sites featured in 40 Under 40’s Housing category.
Nearly a decade ago, NYC HPD, AIA New York, NYSERDA, and Enterprise Community Partners sponsored an international architectural competition to transform a former South Bronx freight yard. The goal was to create affordable, sustainable housing in an era of accelerating urban growth. The Phipps Houses/Jonathan Rose Companies/Dattner Architects/Grimshaw Architects’ winning entry, Via Verde was completed in 2012 as an affordable, sustainable, mixed-use development.
“It’s such a unique site that the design is not replicable, but since we designed it there has been a lot of innovative work on affordable housing in New York City that incorporates and builds on elements of Via Verde.” – William Stein FAIA, Dattner Architects’ Principal
The building takes the form of a “tendril” rising from grade to the tower, enclosing the courtyard and emphasizing a relationship to the natural world. A dynamic garden serves as the organizing element for residents and the community. The ground level courtyard spirals upward through a series of programmed roof gardens, creating a promenade for residents. The top floor of the tower contains a multi-purpose community room with access to a terrace and spectacular views. The gardens create opportunities for active planting, fruit and vegetable cultivation, recreation, and social gathering, while providing added benefits of storm water control and enhanced insulation. The ground floor features retail, a community health center, and live-work units, creating a lively street presence.
Since its completion, Via Verde continues to be an example of how to develop the next generation of social housing. Dattner Architects’ Principal William Stein FAIA reflects on Via Verde’s enduring impact: “[Via Verde] is symbolic in that government agencies, developers, architects, and designers think about affordable housing not as being utilitarian, but aspirational and holistic.”
From January 7-18, 2019, the public will be able to vote for their favorite places with top vote-getters featured in the Spring 2019 issue of Preservation. Preservation is the award-winning magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Compiled by Preservation magazine, “40 Under 40 Places” assembles 40 of the most important, compelling, and interesting American places under 40 years old. The list includes sites both urban and rural, and high-end and low-budget. While places are not typically considered “historic” until they have been around for at least 50 years, Preservation magazine has chosen to highlight these younger sites to broaden public awareness of the value of saving these significant locations BEFORE they become truly historic. Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects’ Via Verde is one of seven sites featured in 40 Under 40’s Housing category.
Nearly a decade ago, NYC HPD, AIA New York, NYSERDA, and Enterprise Community Partners sponsored an international architectural competition to transform a former South Bronx freight yard. The goal was to create affordable, sustainable housing in an era of accelerating urban growth. The Phipps Houses/Jonathan Rose Companies/Dattner Architects/Grimshaw Architects’ winning entry, Via Verde was completed in 2012 as an affordable, sustainable, mixed-use development.
“It’s such a unique site that the design is not replicable, but since we designed it there has been a lot of innovative work on affordable housing in New York City that incorporates and builds on elements of Via Verde.” – William Stein FAIA, Dattner Architects’ Principal
The building takes the form of a “tendril” rising from grade to the tower, enclosing the courtyard and emphasizing a relationship to the natural world. A dynamic garden serves as the organizing element for residents and the community. The ground level courtyard spirals upward through a series of programmed roof gardens, creating a promenade for residents. The top floor of the tower contains a multi-purpose community room with access to a terrace and spectacular views. The gardens create opportunities for active planting, fruit and vegetable cultivation, recreation, and social gathering, while providing added benefits of storm water control and enhanced insulation. The ground floor features retail, a community health center, and live-work units, creating a lively street presence.
Since its completion, Via Verde continues to be an example of how to develop the next generation of social housing. Dattner Architects’ Principal William Stein FAIA reflects on Via Verde’s enduring impact: “[Via Verde] is symbolic in that government agencies, developers, architects, and designers think about affordable housing not as being utilitarian, but aspirational and holistic.”
From January 7-18, 2019, the public will be able to vote for their favorite places with top vote-getters featured in the Spring 2019 issue of Preservation. Preservation is the award-winning magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that our Founding Principal Richard Dattner has been awarded the Clara Fox Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Housing Conference (NYHC) in recognition of the transformative impact on affordable housing his work has had, and the inspiration he has provided so many to design the much-needed quality housing that our city deserves.
Richard is the first architect to receive this recognition and was honored at the NYHC’s award luncheon on December 4.
Richard received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from MIT in 1960 and founded Dattner Architects four years later. Under his leadership and creative direction, the firm was built on a strong foundation of civic architecture. Today, Dattner Architects’ portfolio includes a wide array of project types from residential, education, healthcare, and recreation to transportation, infrastructure, institutional, and commercial. Our work has enriched the ever-growing urban fabric with distinctive, innovative, and inspiring buildings—positively impacting countless residents
Ranging from small to mid-rise to high-rise affordable, supportive, and market-rate for rental and ownership, including micro or compact units, Dattner Architects has designed more than 14,000 apartments in New York City. Richard has long promoted the term ‘Social Housing’ to replace the ‘affordable’ and ‘public’ designations currently used, believing that quality housing should be accessible to all. He talked about this very notion during his acceptance speech saying, “The simple—but essential—prerequisite for ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness’ is a decent place to live within one’s means.”
“I’m … thankful to New York City for the opportunities—unequalled in any other American city—which enable the creation of a dignified, varied, and inclusive civic environment. The talented architects working in our firm—from 20 countries and as many states—reflect the remarkable diversity of our great city. They all share my enthusiasm for creating new buildings, restoring existing ones, and enhancing New York’s neighborhoods,” Richard Dattner FAIA.
Recognizing that it “takes a village” to build even a single affordable residential project in this city, Richard thanked the firm’s partners, fellow NYHC award honorees, and all those in attendance.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that our Founding Principal Richard Dattner has been awarded the Clara Fox Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Housing Conference (NYHC) in recognition of the transformative impact on affordable housing his work has had, and the inspiration he has provided so many to design the much-needed quality housing that our city deserves.
Richard is the first architect to receive this recognition and was honored at the NYHC’s award luncheon on December 4.
Richard received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from MIT in 1960 and founded Dattner Architects four years later. Under his leadership and creative direction, the firm was built on a strong foundation of civic architecture. Today, Dattner Architects’ portfolio includes a wide array of project types from residential, education, healthcare, and recreation to transportation, infrastructure, institutional, and commercial. Our work has enriched the ever-growing urban fabric with distinctive, innovative, and inspiring buildings—positively impacting countless residents
Ranging from small to mid-rise to high-rise affordable, supportive, and market-rate for rental and ownership, including micro or compact units, Dattner Architects has designed more than 14,000 apartments in New York City. Richard has long promoted the term ‘Social Housing’ to replace the ‘affordable’ and ‘public’ designations currently used, believing that quality housing should be accessible to all. He talked about this very notion during his acceptance speech saying, “The simple—but essential—prerequisite for ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness’ is a decent place to live within one’s means.”
“I’m … thankful to New York City for the opportunities—unequalled in any other American city—which enable the creation of a dignified, varied, and inclusive civic environment. The talented architects working in our firm—from 20 countries and as many states—reflect the remarkable diversity of our great city. They all share my enthusiasm for creating new buildings, restoring existing ones, and enhancing New York’s neighborhoods,” Richard Dattner FAIA.
Recognizing that it “takes a village” to build even a single affordable residential project in this city, Richard thanked the firm’s partners, fellow NYHC award honorees, and all those in attendance.
Last Thursday, November 1, Dattner Architects joined 29 other teams for CANstruction 2018. CANstruction is both an annual design competition and unique food charity. The competition challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of canned food. The large-scale structures are currently on full display at Brookfield Place until November 15. All cans will later be donated to City Harvest for distribution to those in need during the holiday season.
Dattner Architects’ design contains 2,552 cans of Black Beans, Tomato Paste, Regular Vienna Sausages, and Hot Vienna Sausages that will each be donated to help feed the hungry. Inspired by the foundation and protection that a construction boot gives, the Dattner team wanted to create a sculpture that could be a symbol of how we can fulfill our social responsibility through design – that together, we can give hunger the BOOT, one can at a time.
We are grateful to be a part of such a meaningful event and look forward to competing again next year.
Voting is open for the People’s Choice Award. Our entry, “CANstruction Boot,” is #13.
Last Thursday, November 1, Dattner Architects joined 29 other teams for CANstruction 2018. CANstruction is both an annual design competition and unique food charity. The competition challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of canned food. The large-scale structures are currently on full display at Brookfield Place until November 15. All cans will later be donated to City Harvest for distribution to those in need during the holiday season.
Dattner Architects’ design contains 2,552 cans of Black Beans, Tomato Paste, Regular Vienna Sausages, and Hot Vienna Sausages that will each be donated to help feed the hungry. Inspired by the foundation and protection that a construction boot gives, the Dattner team wanted to create a sculpture that could be a symbol of how we can fulfill our social responsibility through design – that together, we can give hunger the BOOT, one can at a time.
We are grateful to be a part of such a meaningful event and look forward to competing again next year.
Voting is open for the People’s Choice Award. Our entry, “CANstruction Boot,” is #13.
Every New Yorker deserves a safe and affordable place to live, in a neighborhood providing opportunities and resources to get ahead. Housing and living costs are soaring and active gentrification drives rents up and lower-income residents out. With the affordable housing crisis on the rise, architects and city planners are “going green” to help address the problem. The Atlantic tackles this issue and the importance of sustainable design in a recent October 2018 article featuring two transformative projects, including Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects’ Via Verde – The Green Way.
Nearly a decade ago, NYC HPD, AIA New York, NYSERDA, and Enterprise Community Partners sponsored an international architectural competition to transform a former South Bronx freight yard. The challenge was to create a plan for affordable, sustainable housing units in an era of accelerating urban growth. The Phipps Houses/Jonathan Rose Companies/Dattner Architects/Grimshaw Architects' winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, Via Verde was completed in 2012 as an affordable, sustainable, 222-unit residential development providing healthy, urban living in the South Bronx. The project reflects a public commitment to create the next generation of social housing.
Apartments are arranged in three distinct residential typologies: a 20-story tower at the north end of the site; a 6- to 13-story mid-rise duplex apartment component; and 2- to 4-story townhouses to the south around a series of gardens. The building takes the form of a “tendril” rising from grade to the tower, enclosing the courtyard and emphasizing a relationship to the natural world. A dynamic garden serves as the organizing element for residents and the community. The ground level courtyard spirals upward through a series of programmed roof gardens, creating a promenade for residents. The top floor of the tower contains a multi-purpose community room with access to a terrace and spectacular views. The gardens create opportunities for active planting, fruit and vegetable cultivation, recreation, and social gathering, while providing added benefits of storm water control and enhanced insulation. The ground floor features retail, a community health center, and live-work units, creating a lively street presence.
Affordability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive–sustainable design does not necessarily mean higher costs. Via Verde achieved LEED NC Gold certification and features stepped roofs providing solar access, a green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting, and drought-tolerant vegetation. These sustainability measures saved on up-front construction costs while retaining scarce energy resources.
A model for future development–locally, regionally, and beyond–Via Verde has set a new standard for sustainable, urban housing. Quoted in The Atlantic, Dattner Architects’ Principal Bill Stein reflects on the enduring impact that Via Verde and similar developments have on neighborhoods and cities: “People are pretty happy. They take a lot of pride in the building and you can sense a real sense of community there. Via Verde has become a symbol for the resurgence of the South Bronx.”
Every New Yorker deserves a safe and affordable place to live, in a neighborhood providing opportunities and resources to get ahead. Housing and living costs are soaring and active gentrification drives rents up and lower-income residents out. With the affordable housing crisis on the rise, architects and city planners are “going green” to help address the problem. The Atlantic tackles this issue and the importance of sustainable design in a recent October 2018 article featuring two transformative projects, including Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects’ Via Verde – The Green Way.
Nearly a decade ago, NYC HPD, AIA New York, NYSERDA, and Enterprise Community Partners sponsored an international architectural competition to transform a former South Bronx freight yard. The challenge was to create a plan for affordable, sustainable housing units in an era of accelerating urban growth. The Phipps Houses/Jonathan Rose Companies/Dattner Architects/Grimshaw Architects' winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, Via Verde was completed in 2012 as an affordable, sustainable, 222-unit residential development providing healthy, urban living in the South Bronx. The project reflects a public commitment to create the next generation of social housing.
Apartments are arranged in three distinct residential typologies: a 20-story tower at the north end of the site; a 6- to 13-story mid-rise duplex apartment component; and 2- to 4-story townhouses to the south around a series of gardens. The building takes the form of a “tendril” rising from grade to the tower, enclosing the courtyard and emphasizing a relationship to the natural world. A dynamic garden serves as the organizing element for residents and the community. The ground level courtyard spirals upward through a series of programmed roof gardens, creating a promenade for residents. The top floor of the tower contains a multi-purpose community room with access to a terrace and spectacular views. The gardens create opportunities for active planting, fruit and vegetable cultivation, recreation, and social gathering, while providing added benefits of storm water control and enhanced insulation. The ground floor features retail, a community health center, and live-work units, creating a lively street presence.
Affordability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive–sustainable design does not necessarily mean higher costs. Via Verde achieved LEED NC Gold certification and features stepped roofs providing solar access, a green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting, and drought-tolerant vegetation. These sustainability measures saved on up-front construction costs while retaining scarce energy resources.
A model for future development–locally, regionally, and beyond–Via Verde has set a new standard for sustainable, urban housing. Quoted in The Atlantic, Dattner Architects’ Principal Bill Stein reflects on the enduring impact that Via Verde and similar developments have on neighborhoods and cities: “People are pretty happy. They take a lot of pride in the building and you can sense a real sense of community there. Via Verde has become a symbol for the resurgence of the South Bronx.”
On Monday, October 29th, Dattner Architects joined Institute for Community Living (ICL), Community Healthcare Network, Paul Francis from the NYS Health & Human Services, NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, City Council Rafael Espinal, and partnering community leaders for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the East New York Health Hub.
Institute for Community Living and community members came together to celebrate a 31-year commitment to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods. With a nonprofit goal of providing health care services in the most underserved areas of the city, ICL truly does essential work to advocate for the community’s physical, mental, and behavioral health needs. The opening of the Hub will have a transformative impact on East New York.
Dattner Architects retained and rehabilitated a portion of the existing three-story, turn-of-the-century structure, and paired it with new construction to expand ICL’s programs from 9,000 to 45,000 square feet. East New York Health Hub, conceived as a one-stop-shop community health facility, provides nine different health programs ranging from mental health and social services to care coordination. The building’s design encourages both physical and mental healing through visual connections to nature and the community. Garden and terrace spaces, views, and access to light and air reinforce the link to the natural environment, while framing activities to engage the street and support the relationship with the community. All spaces were designed with careful consideration for ICL’s diverse support programs and promote safety, wellness, and a sense of community.
During this ribbon cutting ceremony, members from the Institute for Community Living reflected on the opening of this new facility.
“Today is the culmination of a dream that began with the people of East New York who guided us every step of the way to ensure that the East New York Health Hub is welcoming and accessible to all. There is one door into the Hub: Everyone who walks through that door will have access to the highest levels of health and mental health care and to crucial community resources.” - Institute for Community Living
This community-based care center will build vital health assets and drive long-term outcomes for the people and families in East New York. We are proud to have collaborated on such an important community facility!
On Monday, October 29th, Dattner Architects joined Institute for Community Living (ICL), Community Healthcare Network, Paul Francis from the NYS Health & Human Services, NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, City Council Rafael Espinal, and partnering community leaders for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the East New York Health Hub.
Institute for Community Living and community members came together to celebrate a 31-year commitment to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods. With a nonprofit goal of providing health care services in the most underserved areas of the city, ICL truly does essential work to advocate for the community’s physical, mental, and behavioral health needs. The opening of the Hub will have a transformative impact on East New York.
Dattner Architects retained and rehabilitated a portion of the existing three-story, turn-of-the-century structure, and paired it with new construction to expand ICL’s programs from 9,000 to 45,000 square feet. East New York Health Hub, conceived as a one-stop-shop community health facility, provides nine different health programs ranging from mental health and social services to care coordination. The building’s design encourages both physical and mental healing through visual connections to nature and the community. Garden and terrace spaces, views, and access to light and air reinforce the link to the natural environment, while framing activities to engage the street and support the relationship with the community. All spaces were designed with careful consideration for ICL’s diverse support programs and promote safety, wellness, and a sense of community.
During this ribbon cutting ceremony, members from the Institute for Community Living reflected on the opening of this new facility.
“Today is the culmination of a dream that began with the people of East New York who guided us every step of the way to ensure that the East New York Health Hub is welcoming and accessible to all. There is one door into the Hub: Everyone who walks through that door will have access to the highest levels of health and mental health care and to crucial community resources.” - Institute for Community Living
This community-based care center will build vital health assets and drive long-term outcomes for the people and families in East New York. We are proud to have collaborated on such an important community facility!
With our aging population expected to double in the next few decades, a new issue has been identified in that we are also aging for longer. As life expectancy changes so does our view of getting older. Understanding the evolution of the aging population and its effect on the built environment, the design industry recognizes the need to plan and build for this need. Metropolis Magazine's October Edition, themed Ecologies of Wellness - Design with Nature, weaves in the important subject of Design for Aging – featuring ground-breaking initiatives and noteworthy projects that are significantly impacting both our industry and our communities.
Bringing attention to the evolution of the aging population, how the design community is intrinsically involved, and identifying opportunities and challenges within our built environment, Dattner Architects is proud Metropolis selected our recently completed project, The Goldin at Essex Crossing, to represent how design can strengthen and enrich a community and how this "New Development Is Rebuilding a Community Lost 50 Years Ago."
Opened to residents over age 55, The Goldin, is one of the first buildings to be completed as part of Essex Crossing, a major 1.65 million square foot development in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This new 15-story building provides much-needed affordable senior housing and community service space to the neighborhood. Named after a longtime LES housing activist, the 100 one-bedroom units are compact but bright with modern and elegant finishes. The residential tower is located on top of a five-story commercial base with rooftop gardens, one of which is reserved for the residents, the other shared with the senior center.
The design and planning of 175 Delancey is intended to change the perception of affordable senior housing. A variety of senior-oriented support programs, including cultural, social, and medical, are present in the building – allowing residents to live independently, even if their mobility diminishes.
With our aging population expected to double in the next few decades, a new issue has been identified in that we are also aging for longer. As life expectancy changes so does our view of getting older. Understanding the evolution of the aging population and its effect on the built environment, the design industry recognizes the need to plan and build for this need. Metropolis Magazine's October Edition, themed Ecologies of Wellness - Design with Nature, weaves in the important subject of Design for Aging – featuring ground-breaking initiatives and noteworthy projects that are significantly impacting both our industry and our communities.
Bringing attention to the evolution of the aging population, how the design community is intrinsically involved, and identifying opportunities and challenges within our built environment, Dattner Architects is proud Metropolis selected our recently completed project, The Goldin at Essex Crossing, to represent how design can strengthen and enrich a community and how this "New Development Is Rebuilding a Community Lost 50 Years Ago."
Opened to residents over age 55, The Goldin, is one of the first buildings to be completed as part of Essex Crossing, a major 1.65 million square foot development in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This new 15-story building provides much-needed affordable senior housing and community service space to the neighborhood. Named after a longtime LES housing activist, the 100 one-bedroom units are compact but bright with modern and elegant finishes. The residential tower is located on top of a five-story commercial base with rooftop gardens, one of which is reserved for the residents, the other shared with the senior center.
The design and planning of 175 Delancey is intended to change the perception of affordable senior housing. A variety of senior-oriented support programs, including cultural, social, and medical, are present in the building – allowing residents to live independently, even if their mobility diminishes.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Caesura received a national Honor Award in the 2018 SARA Design Competition! The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), an organization focused on promoting growth and advancement of architectural professionals, hosts this annual awards program to recognize design excellence nationally and abroad in architecture and allied disciplines.
Caesura is a distinctively modern, human-scaled building that stands out from the surrounding high-rise buildings in Downtown Brooklyn’s Cultural District. The building offers a break from the intensity of the city—a thoughtful balance of sanctuary and community, and the natural and cultural. A textured terra-cotta base contrasts a lighter brick tower, while a shifting pattern of windows creates a lively rhythm.
This mixed-use, mixed-income 12-story building offers 123 units above the cultural base. This space is home to the Center for Fiction—the only organization in the United States devoted solely to the vital art of fiction—as well as the Mark Morris Dance Center rehearsal studios and retail space facing the Arts Plaza.
Above the cultural facilities, a variety of affordable and market-rate apartments, ranging from micro units to two-bedrooms, accommodate a range of modern urban households. Each unit is carefully laid out to create light-filled spaces with high-quality, contemporary finishes. Caesura uniquely maximizes shared communal areas by offering a fitness center and bike room to encourage an active lifestyle, a common goods lending library, a community lounge for social gatherings, and a double-height conservatory for yoga and quiet contemplation. This project was designed in collaboration with Bernheimer Architecture.
This year’s awards competition recognized 31 honorees. Jury members ranked projects based on clarity of concept, strength of solution, community relevance, and overall innovative and design aesthetics. This year’s awards were presented at the 62nd Annual SARA National Conference, in Miami, FL this past weekend.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Caesura received a national Honor Award in the 2018 SARA Design Competition! The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), an organization focused on promoting growth and advancement of architectural professionals, hosts this annual awards program to recognize design excellence nationally and abroad in architecture and allied disciplines.
Caesura is a distinctively modern, human-scaled building that stands out from the surrounding high-rise buildings in Downtown Brooklyn’s Cultural District. The building offers a break from the intensity of the city—a thoughtful balance of sanctuary and community, and the natural and cultural. A textured terra-cotta base contrasts a lighter brick tower, while a shifting pattern of windows creates a lively rhythm.
This mixed-use, mixed-income 12-story building offers 123 units above the cultural base. This space is home to the Center for Fiction—the only organization in the United States devoted solely to the vital art of fiction—as well as the Mark Morris Dance Center rehearsal studios and retail space facing the Arts Plaza.
Above the cultural facilities, a variety of affordable and market-rate apartments, ranging from micro units to two-bedrooms, accommodate a range of modern urban households. Each unit is carefully laid out to create light-filled spaces with high-quality, contemporary finishes. Caesura uniquely maximizes shared communal areas by offering a fitness center and bike room to encourage an active lifestyle, a common goods lending library, a community lounge for social gatherings, and a double-height conservatory for yoga and quiet contemplation. This project was designed in collaboration with Bernheimer Architecture.
This year’s awards competition recognized 31 honorees. Jury members ranked projects based on clarity of concept, strength of solution, community relevance, and overall innovative and design aesthetics. This year’s awards were presented at the 62nd Annual SARA National Conference, in Miami, FL this past weekend.
The Dattner Architects and WSP-designed Number 7 Subway Line Extension at Hudson Yards Station has been honored with a Merit Award in the Structures category during the inaugural AIANY + ASLANY Transportation + Infrastructure (T+I) Awards. This brand new award program recognizes exceptional design by New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania AIA and ASLA members. Award winners reflect a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and civic architecture.
The first new extension and station added to the New York City subway system in over 25 years, our project extends the Number 7 Subway line from its present terminus at Times Square along 41st Street and then south along Eleventh Avenue. The design for this deep station addresses 21st century passenger safety, comfort, and convenience, as well as the technical system challenges such as egress, power, and ventilation.
Universal design concepts guided passenger circulation, introducing the transit system’s first glass-enclosed inclined elevators, providing ADA access and promoting visual connection and safety among all riders. Open stairways lead from the mezzanine to a 35’ wide, column-less train platform, further enhancing riders’ sense of security and safety.
Glass canopied station entrances are integrated into Hudson Park, and focalize this new public open space that serves Hudson Yards, Javits Convention Center, and the High Line. The Station’s Main Entrance leads to the Upper Mezzanine fare zone and is graced with brilliant public art and abundant natural light. A Secondary Entrance was opened on September 1, 2018 to accommodate the anticipated continued growth of passenger flows. Throughout the Station material choices and color palettes capitalize on indirect lighting to produce glowing architectural form.
The extension provides a new station at 34th Street, new station entrances onto public plazas, and four supporting systems buildings that provide power, ventilation, and egress for the station and the running tunnel portions of the line extension. This major infrastructure upgrade has spurred what is being called the largest development in the U.S.: Hudson Yards. More than 50 million square feet of development is anticipated.
An integral part of New York City Department of City Planning’s redevelopment plan for the far west side of Manhattan, the 34 Street-Hudson Yards Station exemplifies how modern transit facilities can be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve.
The Dattner Architects and WSP-designed Number 7 Subway Line Extension at Hudson Yards Station has been honored with a Merit Award in the Structures category during the inaugural AIANY + ASLANY Transportation + Infrastructure (T+I) Awards. This brand new award program recognizes exceptional design by New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania AIA and ASLA members. Award winners reflect a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and civic architecture.
The first new extension and station added to the New York City subway system in over 25 years, our project extends the Number 7 Subway line from its present terminus at Times Square along 41st Street and then south along Eleventh Avenue. The design for this deep station addresses 21st century passenger safety, comfort, and convenience, as well as the technical system challenges such as egress, power, and ventilation.
Universal design concepts guided passenger circulation, introducing the transit system’s first glass-enclosed inclined elevators, providing ADA access and promoting visual connection and safety among all riders. Open stairways lead from the mezzanine to a 35’ wide, column-less train platform, further enhancing riders’ sense of security and safety.
Glass canopied station entrances are integrated into Hudson Park, and focalize this new public open space that serves Hudson Yards, Javits Convention Center, and the High Line. The Station’s Main Entrance leads to the Upper Mezzanine fare zone and is graced with brilliant public art and abundant natural light. A Secondary Entrance was opened on September 1, 2018 to accommodate the anticipated continued growth of passenger flows. Throughout the Station material choices and color palettes capitalize on indirect lighting to produce glowing architectural form.
The extension provides a new station at 34th Street, new station entrances onto public plazas, and four supporting systems buildings that provide power, ventilation, and egress for the station and the running tunnel portions of the line extension. This major infrastructure upgrade has spurred what is being called the largest development in the U.S.: Hudson Yards. More than 50 million square feet of development is anticipated.
An integral part of New York City Department of City Planning’s redevelopment plan for the far west side of Manhattan, the 34 Street-Hudson Yards Station exemplifies how modern transit facilities can be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve.
In celebration of architecture, urban design, and New York City, we were honored to take part in this year’s Open House New York (OHNY) Weekend! From project tours to a behind-the-scenes look into our firm, Dattner Architects was excited to share our passion, commitment, and holistic approach to making our city better through distinctive and innovative design.
Tours
Every October, OHNY provides unprecedented access to more than 250 buildings and projects across New York City’s five boroughs. As part of that effort, we were proud to provide tours through some of our most high-profile and award-winning projects, including the Hub and the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed.
Team members from Dattner Architects led four tour groups through the Hub, our much-anticipated mixed-use residential building in Downtown Brooklyn. Winner of the Building Brooklyn Residential High-Rise Award – celebrating the best built and renovation buildings in the borough – the Hub is currently the tallest building in Brooklyn and features over 40,000 square feet of amenities.
The design team led visitors from the Hub’s lobby to the amenities floor and up to the penthouse and Sky Lounge. With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the apartments, OHNY attendees were impressed with the expansive views of the New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline. From the 75-foot three-lane lap pool and the lushly landscaped sundeck to the media room and fully-equipped gym, the diversity of amenities was a hot topic of conversation. Overall, every group was excited and engaged, creating a relaxed and fun environment.
Back in Manhattan, overlooking the Hudson River, we were joined by WXY and NYC Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) Assistant Chief Keith Mellis to tour OHNY Weekenders through the award-winning Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed. These two iconic structures always elicit great enthusiasm from visitors, and it is rewarding for our designers to share in that passion while on these tours.
Moreover, the DSNY is a part of every New Yorker’s every day existence, but the garbage collection process is not well known to the public. Therefore, these tours not only serve as an opportunity for us to demonstrate the value of these infrastructure facilities and their presence in the community, but also for DSNY to explain their processes and workflow.
Open Studio at Dattner Architects
This year, OHNY provided access to not only projects, but also to studios and offices of some of the city’s leading architects and designers. On Sunday, October 14, we opened our doors to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how we approach civic architecture. From who we are and where we work to what we do and why we do it, our goal was to convey both our passion for architecture and our commitment to enriching the built environment.
Along our studio pin-up wall, we showcased a select group of works-in-progress, including 116th Precinct Station House, WSFSSH at West 108, and Scarsdale Public Library. In addition, the conference rooms exhibited our competition entries and award submissions, like our recently awarded Plasma Power: Getting to Zero Waste in the New Millennium.
In celebration of architecture, urban design, and New York City, we were honored to take part in this year’s Open House New York (OHNY) Weekend! From project tours to a behind-the-scenes look into our firm, Dattner Architects was excited to share our passion, commitment, and holistic approach to making our city better through distinctive and innovative design.
Tours
Every October, OHNY provides unprecedented access to more than 250 buildings and projects across New York City’s five boroughs. As part of that effort, we were proud to provide tours through some of our most high-profile and award-winning projects, including the Hub and the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed.
Team members from Dattner Architects led four tour groups through the Hub, our much-anticipated mixed-use residential building in Downtown Brooklyn. Winner of the Building Brooklyn Residential High-Rise Award – celebrating the best built and renovation buildings in the borough – the Hub is currently the tallest building in Brooklyn and features over 40,000 square feet of amenities.
The design team led visitors from the Hub’s lobby to the amenities floor and up to the penthouse and Sky Lounge. With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the apartments, OHNY attendees were impressed with the expansive views of the New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline. From the 75-foot three-lane lap pool and the lushly landscaped sundeck to the media room and fully-equipped gym, the diversity of amenities was a hot topic of conversation. Overall, every group was excited and engaged, creating a relaxed and fun environment.
Back in Manhattan, overlooking the Hudson River, we were joined by WXY and NYC Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) Assistant Chief Keith Mellis to tour OHNY Weekenders through the award-winning Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed. These two iconic structures always elicit great enthusiasm from visitors, and it is rewarding for our designers to share in that passion while on these tours.
Moreover, the DSNY is a part of every New Yorker’s every day existence, but the garbage collection process is not well known to the public. Therefore, these tours not only serve as an opportunity for us to demonstrate the value of these infrastructure facilities and their presence in the community, but also for DSNY to explain their processes and workflow.
Open Studio at Dattner Architects
This year, OHNY provided access to not only projects, but also to studios and offices of some of the city’s leading architects and designers. On Sunday, October 14, we opened our doors to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how we approach civic architecture. From who we are and where we work to what we do and why we do it, our goal was to convey both our passion for architecture and our commitment to enriching the built environment.
Along our studio pin-up wall, we showcased a select group of works-in-progress, including 116th Precinct Station House, WSFSSH at West 108, and Scarsdale Public Library. In addition, the conference rooms exhibited our competition entries and award submissions, like our recently awarded Plasma Power: Getting to Zero Waste in the New Millennium.
October is here, and with that we are proud to celebrate Archtober as well as the annual Open House New York (OHNY) weekend! Dattner Architects will be providing behind-the-scenes access to two of our award winning projects as well as opening our doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look into our firm and our works-in-progress.
Saturday, October 13
On Saturday, we will give tours of the Hub – currently Brooklyn’s tallest tower and home to 40,000 square feet of amenities atop a low-rise base of double-height retail spaces. Fostering a social lifestyle, amenities include a 75-foot year-round lap pool, a lushly landscaped sundeck and lawn, indoor and outdoor movie screens, a dog run, kids playroom, party room, and a Sky Lounge and terrace on the 53rd floor. Complementing the character of the neighborhood, the stepped profile of this 600-foot residential tower provides scale and articulation, while affording numerous corner windows throughout the apartments.
Sunday, October 14
Also sign up to tour the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed. Visitors will be guided through the garage, up to the green roof, and into the Salt Shed, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to manage the city’s waste stream, and to keep our streets clean. Led by members from DSNY, Dattner Architects, and WXY, the tours will showcase how and why these infrastructure facilities have become two of the City’s newest iconic structures.
Join us in our office on Sunday anytime between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm! We will offer Open Access to OHNY Weekenders with an Open Studio tour and discussion, showcasing our commitment to enriching civic space and the urban experience through our process, projects, and social commitment. Select works-in-progress will be on view, and visitors will have an opportunity to gain insights into our firm culture, illustrating our dedication to industry involvement, professional development, philanthropy, and advocacy.
October is here, and with that we are proud to celebrate Archtober as well as the annual Open House New York (OHNY) weekend! Dattner Architects will be providing behind-the-scenes access to two of our award winning projects as well as opening our doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look into our firm and our works-in-progress.
Saturday, October 13
On Saturday, we will give tours of the Hub – currently Brooklyn’s tallest tower and home to 40,000 square feet of amenities atop a low-rise base of double-height retail spaces. Fostering a social lifestyle, amenities include a 75-foot year-round lap pool, a lushly landscaped sundeck and lawn, indoor and outdoor movie screens, a dog run, kids playroom, party room, and a Sky Lounge and terrace on the 53rd floor. Complementing the character of the neighborhood, the stepped profile of this 600-foot residential tower provides scale and articulation, while affording numerous corner windows throughout the apartments.
Sunday, October 14
Also sign up to tour the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed. Visitors will be guided through the garage, up to the green roof, and into the Salt Shed, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to manage the city’s waste stream, and to keep our streets clean. Led by members from DSNY, Dattner Architects, and WXY, the tours will showcase how and why these infrastructure facilities have become two of the City’s newest iconic structures.
Join us in our office on Sunday anytime between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm! We will offer Open Access to OHNY Weekenders with an Open Studio tour and discussion, showcasing our commitment to enriching civic space and the urban experience through our process, projects, and social commitment. Select works-in-progress will be on view, and visitors will have an opportunity to gain insights into our firm culture, illustrating our dedication to industry involvement, professional development, philanthropy, and advocacy.
On September 26, Dattner Architects joined Columbia University and Renzo Piano Building Workshop for the opening of THE FORUM at Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus. Serving as a welcoming and transparent gateway to the new 17-acre urban campus, the Forum provides much-needed educational and civic engagement space, supporting and further enhancing Columbia’s academic mission while providing a shared resource for students, faculty, and the local community at large.
Completing a triad of new buildings, the 56,000 square foot, glass-enclosed Forum is open to the public at the street level, echoing elements of the neighboring Jerome L. Greene Science Center and Lenfest Center. Complementary to the first two buildings, which are dedicated to science and the arts, respectively, the Forum adds communication and community into the fold – fundamental elements needed to establish and anchor the campus. Triangular in shape, this new academic conference center is a highly visible and iconic component of campus, comprised of three levels above and one level below grade, with the main lobby and retail space establishing an “Urban Layer” at the street level.
Conceived to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between thought-leaders from all over the world, this multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces, including a public garden, café, and information center, provide generous shared meeting space.
Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Dattner Architects as Executive Architect and Caples Jefferson Architects as Associate Architect, the functions accommodated within dictate the building’s architectural vocabulary. The auditorium, whose function requires opaqueness, is expressed with a prefabricated concrete skin, whereas the offices, which require daylight, have a glazed façade, and the transparent ground floor both conceptually and physically openly blends to the public. The 4,200 square foot café offers a casual place for light meals and conversation over coffee, and will also serve as a catering facility. The building’s 2,000 square foot ground floor lobby provides flexible space for a range of activities, from pop-up exhibits to University events, and other public gatherings. in addition to being designed to LEED Gold standards, the Forum is also part of a NYSERDA initiative.
Complementing the new campus’ connections between Columbia and its local community, the Forum serves both as a gateway to Manhattanville and a case study for how one of the city’s largest landowners can coexist with a community. Providing a public-facing alternative to the sequestered academic environments of the past, this open, collaborative urban campus is changing how the university researches, teaches, and communicates.
On September 26, Dattner Architects joined Columbia University and Renzo Piano Building Workshop for the opening of THE FORUM at Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus. Serving as a welcoming and transparent gateway to the new 17-acre urban campus, the Forum provides much-needed educational and civic engagement space, supporting and further enhancing Columbia’s academic mission while providing a shared resource for students, faculty, and the local community at large.
Completing a triad of new buildings, the 56,000 square foot, glass-enclosed Forum is open to the public at the street level, echoing elements of the neighboring Jerome L. Greene Science Center and Lenfest Center. Complementary to the first two buildings, which are dedicated to science and the arts, respectively, the Forum adds communication and community into the fold – fundamental elements needed to establish and anchor the campus. Triangular in shape, this new academic conference center is a highly visible and iconic component of campus, comprised of three levels above and one level below grade, with the main lobby and retail space establishing an “Urban Layer” at the street level.
Conceived to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between thought-leaders from all over the world, this multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces, including a public garden, café, and information center, provide generous shared meeting space.
Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Dattner Architects as Executive Architect and Caples Jefferson Architects as Associate Architect, the functions accommodated within dictate the building’s architectural vocabulary. The auditorium, whose function requires opaqueness, is expressed with a prefabricated concrete skin, whereas the offices, which require daylight, have a glazed façade, and the transparent ground floor both conceptually and physically openly blends to the public. The 4,200 square foot café offers a casual place for light meals and conversation over coffee, and will also serve as a catering facility. The building’s 2,000 square foot ground floor lobby provides flexible space for a range of activities, from pop-up exhibits to University events, and other public gatherings. in addition to being designed to LEED Gold standards, the Forum is also part of a NYSERDA initiative.
Complementing the new campus’ connections between Columbia and its local community, the Forum serves both as a gateway to Manhattanville and a case study for how one of the city’s largest landowners can coexist with a community. Providing a public-facing alternative to the sequestered academic environments of the past, this open, collaborative urban campus is changing how the university researches, teaches, and communicates.
The Goldin at Essex Crossing has been named “Grand Winner” for Affordable Senior Housing in the 2018 Multifamily Executive (MFE) Awards!
“Affordable Apartments Serve as a Centerpiece of NYC Mixed-Use Project” - MFE
50 years ago, Seward Park Urban Renewal Area residents were forced to relocate due to the demolition of their buildings, making way for a supposed massive urban renewal project. Instead, the site remained vacant for decades. Now, Delancey Street Associates and Dattner Architects have come together to provide affordable senior housing, giving priority to the previous residents to come back and live at The Goldin at Essex Crossing – calling the area home once more.
Located on the Lower East Side (LES) of the city, the building is designed to cater to the needs of an aging population. Offering 99 one-bedroom units, 590 square feet to 620 square feet in size, for low-income seniors, the development’s podium is home to the 55,000-square-foot New York University Langone Joan H. and Preston Robert Tisch Center as well as a social-services provider, Grand Street Settlement, that offers “close-to-home” programming, engaging senior residents and community members in on-site activities. Integrated within the context of this community through both design and programming, the ground floor also includes retail space for small businesses, including the GrandLo Café, a social enterprise eatery that will provide jobs to local youths and offer programming focusing on business and entrepreneurial skills.
Named after longtime LES housing activist, Frances Goldin, the development is oriented so that residents may enjoy expansive views of the Manhattan skyline with rooftop gardens providing beautiful recreational space. The building includes solar panels to reduce the cost of the building’s electricity, and is designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities and NYSERDA requirements.
This densely programmed, versatile new building demonstrates what is possible, even on a modest budget, in providing high-quality housing, health care, job training, and community services in a single location. Redefining how people view senior housing, The Goldin at Essex Crossing offers a glimpse into this new development’s impact on the diverse tapestry of the Lower East Side.
A nationwide awards submission, the MFE Awards select the most innovative multifamily housing projects each year. From nearly 450 entries this year, MFE selected 28 developments, amenities, and programs – 17 Grand Winners and 11 Merit Winners – that showcase creativity, thoughtfulness, inventiveness, and exceptional design. Overall, the 2018 MFE Award winners define what it means to design and build communities to an unmatched standard. Each project helps to “reimagine an exciting, life-altering future for multifamily community design, investment, development, and management.”
The Goldin at Essex Crossing has been named “Grand Winner” for Affordable Senior Housing in the 2018 Multifamily Executive (MFE) Awards!
“Affordable Apartments Serve as a Centerpiece of NYC Mixed-Use Project” - MFE
50 years ago, Seward Park Urban Renewal Area residents were forced to relocate due to the demolition of their buildings, making way for a supposed massive urban renewal project. Instead, the site remained vacant for decades. Now, Delancey Street Associates and Dattner Architects have come together to provide affordable senior housing, giving priority to the previous residents to come back and live at The Goldin at Essex Crossing – calling the area home once more.
Located on the Lower East Side (LES) of the city, the building is designed to cater to the needs of an aging population. Offering 99 one-bedroom units, 590 square feet to 620 square feet in size, for low-income seniors, the development’s podium is home to the 55,000-square-foot New York University Langone Joan H. and Preston Robert Tisch Center as well as a social-services provider, Grand Street Settlement, that offers “close-to-home” programming, engaging senior residents and community members in on-site activities. Integrated within the context of this community through both design and programming, the ground floor also includes retail space for small businesses, including the GrandLo Café, a social enterprise eatery that will provide jobs to local youths and offer programming focusing on business and entrepreneurial skills.
Named after longtime LES housing activist, Frances Goldin, the development is oriented so that residents may enjoy expansive views of the Manhattan skyline with rooftop gardens providing beautiful recreational space. The building includes solar panels to reduce the cost of the building’s electricity, and is designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities and NYSERDA requirements.
This densely programmed, versatile new building demonstrates what is possible, even on a modest budget, in providing high-quality housing, health care, job training, and community services in a single location. Redefining how people view senior housing, The Goldin at Essex Crossing offers a glimpse into this new development’s impact on the diverse tapestry of the Lower East Side.
A nationwide awards submission, the MFE Awards select the most innovative multifamily housing projects each year. From nearly 450 entries this year, MFE selected 28 developments, amenities, and programs – 17 Grand Winners and 11 Merit Winners – that showcase creativity, thoughtfulness, inventiveness, and exceptional design. Overall, the 2018 MFE Award winners define what it means to design and build communities to an unmatched standard. Each project helps to “reimagine an exciting, life-altering future for multifamily community design, investment, development, and management.”
Dattner Architects' Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT co-led a panel discussion at the 13th Annual North American Passive House Conference (NAPHC) in Boston, Massachusetts. Held on September 22, the panel focused on the design and construction solutions that have been developed for a large-scale, mixed-use passive house project, 425 Grand Concourse, in the South Bronx. As Principal-in-Charge of the project, John represented the design team and spoke alongside Christoph Stump from Trinity Financial.
Presenting the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to developing an integrated passive house design, John and Christoph identified some of the complexities and constructability issues related to high-rise passive house construction and potential solutions derived from this project. One of the largest Passive House projects in North America, this large-scale, mixed-use project is the result of an integrated and collaborative process that considered the perspectives of the developer/owner, primary design disciplines, contractor, and the future community/residents.
Named one of the country's most Innovative 72 design firms by Building Design + Construction, Dattner Architects has a long-standing commitment to sustainable design characterized by a flexible, project-specific approach that combines passive and low-tech solutions with more active systems, analysis, and controls.
NAPHC is presented by Passive House Institute US in partnership with Passive House Alliance US. The leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise, conference attendees get real-world case studies on projects ranging from single family homes to high-rises, the latest on mechanical systems, building science, and construction details.
Dattner Architects' Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT co-led a panel discussion at the 13th Annual North American Passive House Conference (NAPHC) in Boston, Massachusetts. Held on September 22, the panel focused on the design and construction solutions that have been developed for a large-scale, mixed-use passive house project, 425 Grand Concourse, in the South Bronx. As Principal-in-Charge of the project, John represented the design team and spoke alongside Christoph Stump from Trinity Financial.
Presenting the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to developing an integrated passive house design, John and Christoph identified some of the complexities and constructability issues related to high-rise passive house construction and potential solutions derived from this project. One of the largest Passive House projects in North America, this large-scale, mixed-use project is the result of an integrated and collaborative process that considered the perspectives of the developer/owner, primary design disciplines, contractor, and the future community/residents.
Named one of the country's most Innovative 72 design firms by Building Design + Construction, Dattner Architects has a long-standing commitment to sustainable design characterized by a flexible, project-specific approach that combines passive and low-tech solutions with more active systems, analysis, and controls.
NAPHC is presented by Passive House Institute US in partnership with Passive House Alliance US. The leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise, conference attendees get real-world case studies on projects ranging from single family homes to high-rises, the latest on mechanical systems, building science, and construction details.
Rethinking the Future (RTF), an organization “born from the idea of creating a new window on international trends in architecture and design that looks on to the solutions for the need of the era,” selected the winners of their new awards program, Global Architecture & Design Award. Focused on recognizing innovation in architecture and design that meets human needs while preserving the environment, we are proud to announce that our concept, “Plasma Power: Getting to Zero Waste in the New Millennium,” was chosen among 748 projects from over 50 countries in the Public Building Concept category.
Our concept employs architecture, design, and education to address the on-going challenge of reducing urban waste. Over the years, cities have developed solutions to the problem of waste disposal by recycling, composting, and converting garbage into alternate energy. While these measure offset some of the pollution, there is still more work that can be done. Our design creates a new municipal prototype that utilizes advancing technology by converting trash into a synthesis gas.
Integrated into the urban waterfront, the waste processing equipment is concentrated in a circular plan to minimize its footprint. A perforated mesh skin visually hides the truck ramp and conveyor areas, providing safety to visitors and restricting access of unauthorized personnel. Visitors may wander and explore the spiral walkway leading to the rooftop park. Here one can view the processing of waste in a series of “hives” enclosing the largest pieces of equipment. This new waste system is not only a benefit to the environment but also provides a new park to urban neighborhoods.
In the Global Architecture award, we explored how three cities could apply Plasma Power Technology:
New York City. Today, only 25% of NYC’s solid waste is recycled or composted. To meet its Zero Waste goal in 2030, Plasma Plants will replace the City’s existing Five Marine Transfer Stations that now ship trash to landfills.
Oslo. Norway is already a leader in waste to energy conversion and imports trash on the international market as source of fuel. A Plasma Plant on the Oslowaterfront will complement a conventional waste to energy operation in Klemetsrud, in the city suburbs.
Tokyo Bay. Densely populated Japan has been a pioneer of trash based land creation in Tokyo and other port cities. A plasma plant on an existing artificial Island in the Tokyo Baywill be integrated into the Umi-No-Mori public park now under construction.
Entries were carefully evaluated across 30 different categories by a team of international experts from different facets of our industry. Check out the inspiring winning projects here!
“These projects demonstrate how design can make a positive impact on communities around the world. Each geographic place needs architects dedicated to understanding the challenges and opportunities latent in the physical world around them. The best of these designs tapped into this significant understanding of place and transformed the places to better connect, stimulate, and challenge the people around them.” –Juror, Sven Shockey | Vice President | Design Director | SmithGroup
Rethinking the Future (RTF), an organization “born from the idea of creating a new window on international trends in architecture and design that looks on to the solutions for the need of the era,” selected the winners of their new awards program, Global Architecture & Design Award. Focused on recognizing innovation in architecture and design that meets human needs while preserving the environment, we are proud to announce that our concept, “Plasma Power: Getting to Zero Waste in the New Millennium,” was chosen among 748 projects from over 50 countries in the Public Building Concept category.
Our concept employs architecture, design, and education to address the on-going challenge of reducing urban waste. Over the years, cities have developed solutions to the problem of waste disposal by recycling, composting, and converting garbage into alternate energy. While these measure offset some of the pollution, there is still more work that can be done. Our design creates a new municipal prototype that utilizes advancing technology by converting trash into a synthesis gas.
Integrated into the urban waterfront, the waste processing equipment is concentrated in a circular plan to minimize its footprint. A perforated mesh skin visually hides the truck ramp and conveyor areas, providing safety to visitors and restricting access of unauthorized personnel. Visitors may wander and explore the spiral walkway leading to the rooftop park. Here one can view the processing of waste in a series of “hives” enclosing the largest pieces of equipment. This new waste system is not only a benefit to the environment but also provides a new park to urban neighborhoods.
In the Global Architecture award, we explored how three cities could apply Plasma Power Technology:
New York City. Today, only 25% of NYC’s solid waste is recycled or composted. To meet its Zero Waste goal in 2030, Plasma Plants will replace the City’s existing Five Marine Transfer Stations that now ship trash to landfills.
Oslo. Norway is already a leader in waste to energy conversion and imports trash on the international market as source of fuel. A Plasma Plant on the Oslowaterfront will complement a conventional waste to energy operation in Klemetsrud, in the city suburbs.
Tokyo Bay. Densely populated Japan has been a pioneer of trash based land creation in Tokyo and other port cities. A plasma plant on an existing artificial Island in the Tokyo Baywill be integrated into the Umi-No-Mori public park now under construction.
Entries were carefully evaluated across 30 different categories by a team of international experts from different facets of our industry. Check out the inspiring winning projects here!
“These projects demonstrate how design can make a positive impact on communities around the world. Each geographic place needs architects dedicated to understanding the challenges and opportunities latent in the physical world around them. The best of these designs tapped into this significant understanding of place and transformed the places to better connect, stimulate, and challenge the people around them.” –Juror, Sven Shockey | Vice President | Design Director | SmithGroup
As part of Building Design+Construction (BD+C)’s Giants 300 Report, Dattner Architects is proud to be recognized as one of the country’s top architecture firms!
As a known leader in the design of multi-family housing, and acknowledged as number 18 out of 150 in the multi-family housing sector, much of our success comes from our determination to create sustainable, safe, and holistic designs for so many diverse users, and our commitment to understanding and integrating evolving sector trends and design technologies. Our work is a testament to our passion for design excellence coupled with collaborating with clients and design teams that hold the same values. Currently, we are working on three of the country’s largest multi-family passive house projects, each of which incorporate vital affordable housing, and earlier in the year, we saw the realization of two projects helping to define the growing Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood, the neighborhoods tallest tower, the Hub, and the more recent Caesura, a respite within the heart of the neighborhood.
Included among the top Healthcare design firms, our healthcare portfolio has steadily grown for over 20 years. Within the past year, we are proud to have worked with so many new and existing clients, designing facilities that support community health and wellness, compliment larger institution missions, and provide each patient with a positive experience. Currently working on a number of diverse projects in this sector, we enjoy a close collaboration with doctors, nurses, and administrators where we can best develop a tailored program and plan for each project, that supports their unique program values.
We are also proud to be identified as one of the country’s leading university architecture firms. Our approach to higher education work begins by considering how design can improve learning outcomes for each individual institution. Understanding, first, the overall goal of retaining students, maximizing learning, and ensuring each student’s successful and gratifying advancement, we seek to create designs that achieve these goals and embody each university’s individual culture and structure. While much of our higher education work is currently in progress, one of our most notable projects, the Columbia University Forum & Academic Conference Center, with Renzo Piano, is set to open this fall. Forming the gateway to Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus, the academic conference center is intended to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and interactions between the University, the local community, and the professional world.
We believe that Architecture is an integral part of society, and the practice of architecture can and should be considered a social practice, focused on design through equity and inclusion. Good design does not stop at aesthetics and form for one idealized user – good design creates spaces of open access, and advocates for spatial justice and the right to the city – from affordable housing, to equal education and healthcare, to equitable transportation options, and more.
As part of Building Design+Construction (BD+C)’s Giants 300 Report, Dattner Architects is proud to be recognized as one of the country’s top architecture firms!
As a known leader in the design of multi-family housing, and acknowledged as number 18 out of 150 in the multi-family housing sector, much of our success comes from our determination to create sustainable, safe, and holistic designs for so many diverse users, and our commitment to understanding and integrating evolving sector trends and design technologies. Our work is a testament to our passion for design excellence coupled with collaborating with clients and design teams that hold the same values. Currently, we are working on three of the country’s largest multi-family passive house projects, each of which incorporate vital affordable housing, and earlier in the year, we saw the realization of two projects helping to define the growing Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood, the neighborhoods tallest tower, the Hub, and the more recent Caesura, a respite within the heart of the neighborhood.
Included among the top Healthcare design firms, our healthcare portfolio has steadily grown for over 20 years. Within the past year, we are proud to have worked with so many new and existing clients, designing facilities that support community health and wellness, compliment larger institution missions, and provide each patient with a positive experience. Currently working on a number of diverse projects in this sector, we enjoy a close collaboration with doctors, nurses, and administrators where we can best develop a tailored program and plan for each project, that supports their unique program values.
We are also proud to be identified as one of the country’s leading university architecture firms. Our approach to higher education work begins by considering how design can improve learning outcomes for each individual institution. Understanding, first, the overall goal of retaining students, maximizing learning, and ensuring each student’s successful and gratifying advancement, we seek to create designs that achieve these goals and embody each university’s individual culture and structure. While much of our higher education work is currently in progress, one of our most notable projects, the Columbia University Forum & Academic Conference Center, with Renzo Piano, is set to open this fall. Forming the gateway to Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus, the academic conference center is intended to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and interactions between the University, the local community, and the professional world.
We believe that Architecture is an integral part of society, and the practice of architecture can and should be considered a social practice, focused on design through equity and inclusion. Good design does not stop at aesthetics and form for one idealized user – good design creates spaces of open access, and advocates for spatial justice and the right to the city – from affordable housing, to equal education and healthcare, to equitable transportation options, and more.
The Dattner Architects-designed 425 Grand Concourse is featured in “Mapping Community: Public Investment in NYC,” representing housing in the Bronx.
Last month, the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY) held a public opening for MAPPING COMMUNITY at the Center for Architecture. The exhibition demystifies the complex process of capital planning in New York City by explaining the rules that govern the capital process for our city, the various city agencies that implement projects, and the ways everyday New Yorkers have a say in what types of investment they would like to see in their neighborhoods. MAPPING COMMUNITY also looks at how public projects are achieved at the local level by illustrating five types of public infrastructure – housing, transit, parks, schools, and libraries – and how example projects navigated through their respective local community boards.
One such example highlighted in the exhibit is 425 Grand Concourse. Located in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, this new mixed-use and mixed-income development will create 277 units of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. Residents are offered a wide variety of amenities including a recreation room, landscaped roof terrace, a lounge space and fitness room, laundry rooms, bike storage, and a parking garage. The two-story base will house educational space for a public university, a medical facility, supermarket, and community support space including a social services facility. A new accessible walkway connects Walton Avenue to Grand Concourse, alongside Garrison Playground, and a new comfort station will be housed within the building for the park.
The 26-story tower is designed to Passive House standards and will consume up to 70% less energy than a conventional housing project. The largest passive house project planned for North America to date, the development will implement high efficiency building systems with an air-tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilation, and sustainable features to significantly reduce heat loss and gain. The project will also incorporate NYC Active Design Guidelines to encourage opportunities for physical activity.
Led by the development team of Trinity Financial and MBD Community Housing Corporation, and designed by Dattner Architects, 425 Grand Concourse balances the critical need for affordable homes and the need for a high-quality and attractive development that promotes street activity. As a gateway to the historic Grand Concourse, one of the Bronx’s great boulevards, the new development will anchor this important corner and enhance the Mott Haven neighborhood.
MAPPING COMMUNITY is on display at the Center for Architecture until August 31, 2019. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Last week New York City hosted the 2019 North American Passive House Network Conference (NAPHN). Dedicated to sharing the latest Passive House innovations with an international audience, this year’s conference encouraged presenters and attendees to discuss low carbon solutions.
On the second day of the conference, Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT joined the multi-disciplinary panel “Multifamily Towers: MEP Integration and Operation”. Alongside co-panelists Mark Ginsberg, Lois Arena, and Ryan Lobello, John examined the intersection of architectural design and MEP Systems within the context of Passive House buildings, and explored the potential benefits of a more complete system integration between the disciplines.
John presented lessons learned from several Dattner Architects Passive House projects, including Chestnut Commons, a mixed-use, 275-unit affordable housing development in East New York, and 425 Grand Concourse, a mixed-use development with 277 units of affordable housing, community facility space, retail, and healthcare space.
Dattner Architects’ Senior Associate David Levine AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C also joined the conference. David moderated the panel “Technical Relatives: Making Accessibility and Acoustics Work in Passive House Buildings”. The panelists examined Passive House design and the integration of ADA components as well as the importance of noise regulation and acoustics design within the famously quiet housing typology.
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.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Associate Principal Steven Frankel picks two words to sum up Dattner Architects:
“It’s a balance of thoughtfulness and creativity… we look at how our work impacts the city, we focus on the big design ideas, but we also know how to build.”
Heron Preston – creative director, content creator, influencer, and DJ – is widely considered to be a youth-culture icon. The designer’s impressive series of collaborations have consistently helped facilitate some of the most significant shifts in streetwear culture. Through his namesake label, he continues to push boundaries, tackling critical issues in the fashion industry.
Preston held his first formal Fashion Week presentation – UNIFORM, a collaboration with NYC Department of Sanitation emphasizing sustainability – in 2016 at the Dattner Architects-designed Spring Street Salt Shed in New York City. He approached Dattner Architects earlier this year to collaborate on the presentation of his Spring/Summer 2020 (SS20) Runway show – entitled “Concrete Jungle” – during Paris Men’s Fashion Week. Held at Palais de Toyko, Dattner Architects designed the show's set, which features multi-level scaffolding wrapped in a skrim, using reusable, low-waste materials. Video projections of custom New York City street vignettes, lensed by Nicholas Heller aka NewYorkNico, were projected along the scaffolding. By maximizing the impact of lighting, sound, and motion, the set design is reflective of the eco-friendly, low-waste methodology that is central to the ethos of both Heron Preston and Dattner Architects, informing their collaborative history and the many intersections within their work.
Inspired by urban living, particularly New York City, CONCRETE JUNGLE embraces the dichotomies of city life, hybridizing signature elements of workwear and formal wear into a capsule of tailored and casual pieces with an emphasis on dynamic, multi-functional interventions. In addition to the set design, Dattner Architects collaborated with Heron Preston on a SS20 runway-only iteration of Tyvek suiting featuring 3D quilted triangles and foam-impregnated lining. Worn by model Alton Mason, the customized suit was the show opener, setting the stage for SS20’s collection of up-cycled and low-carbon production pieces. The combined SS20 menswear and womenswear collection was created using a pallet of organic materials, recyclable nylon and tweed, and pineapple leather.
Dattner Architects’ design portfolio has been widely regarded for its significant impact on the urban realm. We are proud to expand this through our CONCRETE JUNGLE collaboration with Heron Preston, and the presentation of his innovative, bold, and environmentally conscious work.
What is the difference between Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression? What does it mean to be an Ally and how can employers show support to their LGBTQ employees?
On June 18th, Dattner Architects’ Associate Principal Ruth Ro explored these very topics and more at FXOne’s “Let’s Talk Identities” panel. Hosted by FXCollaborative, LET’S TALK IDENTITIES helped audience members better understand the LGBTQ spectrum and the importance in creating a more understanding and inclusive workplace.
Ruth was joined by Aditya Ghosh (Architectural Designer, FXCollaborative), A.L. Hu (Designer, Solomonoff Architecture Studio), Marti G. Cummings (Founding President, Hell’s Kitchen Democrats; Board Member, Manhattan Community Board 9; Drag Artist), and Tabitha Tavalaro (Principal, Arup) with Toby Snyder (Senior Associate, FXCollaborative) as moderator.
On June 15th, the southeast side of the PATH Harrison Station opened to the public. The northeast side previously opened in the fall of 2018. Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) led the project with Rob Eisenstat FAIA as Chief Architect. As part of the project, Dattner Architects and WSP teamed as a Joint-Venture. The replacement and upgrade of PATH Harrison is a critical component of the Harrison Waterfront Redevelopment Plan. This new state-of-the-art facility provides the community with a fully accessible and elegantly designed, high-performance station and public space.
The replacement station consists of new station houses and new elevated platforms located where the railway viaduct crosses a major boulevard. The design of the new station houses reconfigures and significantly enhances public access to the platforms in anticipation of the 10-car PATH expansion program. PATH Harrison is airy, promoting a clarity of circulation, and the new elevated platforms’ glass and steel roof canopies protect passengers from inclement weather and sun. The station is designed to PANYNJ Sustainable Building Guidelines, LEED Silver equivalent, and is designed to respond to new FEMA projects for flood elevation.
Our Inside the Studio video series was honored with a Merit Award at the 2019 Liberty Ball by the New York Society of Marketing Professional Services.
The series provides viewers a unique peek into our design studio through a series of interviews with current firm members. Each video is short-form—upbeat and interesting, without being fussy or gimmicky. The format and content represent our firm culture: organic, caring, dynamic, passionate, and curious. Individually and collectively these videos showcase the thoughtful, creative individuals who make up our firm.
Thank you to each of the participants for sharing their insights and enthusiasm, and to our in-house team for planning and producing the videos.
As cities grow, so does the need for public housing. However, much of the current and aging public housing in the United States is based on decades-old design principles and located in areas unequipped for the latest economic and cultural evolution. How do we maintain public housing without pushing other residents away?
Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT explored this topic at the “Reinvesting in Public Housing” panel (SA414) on June 8, 2019. Held at the Las Vegas Convention, as part of the AIA Conference on Architecture 2019, John was joined by Dylan Salmons (Senior Developer, Pennrose Properties) and Dwan Stark (Senior Project Manager, NYCHA). These three experts, each with different perspectives – Architect, Private Developer, Public Agency – presented case studies of reinvestment in public housing that successfully utilizes contemporary urban planning principles that can be implemented and tailored to locations, user needs, and stakeholder requirements.
One such case study is Prospect Plaza. Designed by Dattner Architects, Prospect Plaza is a mixed-use affordable housing redevelopment project encompassing five buildings and three blocks in Brownsville, Brooklyn. It was developed by NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) and NYC Housing Preservation and Development (NYC HPD), alongside Pennrose Properties, Blue Sea Development, Duvernay + Brooks, and Rosenberg Housing Group working together as Oceanhill II LLC.
Constructed in three phrases, the full development replaces former NYCHA apartment blocks housing 1,200 people, which were emptied in 2000, with a promise to families they could move back following renovations. For over a decade the buildings sat empty and deteriorating. Perseverance, creativity, and commitment led to the successful public-private redevelopment of the site. Prospect Plaza now adds much needed affordable housing, a new supermarket with healthy food choices, active design elements to benefit the entire neighborhood, an integrated community center, and a new public park. The new park is a partnership with the NYC Parks Department and incorporates multi-generational uses with active and passive recreation areas, including play areas for children, a basketball court, game tables, seating, landscaped walkways, and open areas. The project’s partnership with NYCHA helps to ensure that the next generation of New Yorkers will have access to safe, sustainable, and well-designed public housing within this affordable housing development.
Reinvestment in public housing is a commitment from public and private entities, designers, and the community. John, Dylan, and Dwan helped attendees understand how to effectively work with stakeholders to achieve their vision of a successful development and learn how to articulate the importance of design in creating healthy, affordable, and vibrant communities.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Brandon Wang discusses how his interests and extracurricular activities at Dattner Architects have influenced his understanding of the design process—and what he looks forward to about becoming licensed.
How do you define wellness? What factors are visible and invisible? Tangible and intangible? How can the design community communicate wellness to users and the public? Why is designing for wellness important?
Dattner Architects’ Director of Interiors explored this increasingly relevant topic and more at the “Wellness in Living: Elevating Design in Affordable Housing” panel on May 20, 2019. Held at the Javits Center, as part of the ICFF Talks Conference, Sara was joined by Christoph Stumph (Vice President, Trinity Financial), Elena Brescia (Principal, SCAPE), Thomas Ciano (Vice President of Real Estate Operation, Monadnock Development), Anna Obraztsova (Vice President, Delos), and Deborah Rose (Deputy COO, ICL) with Amanda Kaminsky (Founder & Principal, Building Product Ecosystems) as moderator.
Affordable housing has evolved significantly over time. While always rooted in providing low- and moderate-income Americans with a home that is within their means, it is often institutionalized and focused on cost and durability, rather than how a home can be impactful in changing people's lives.
At Dattner Architects, we believe interior spaces are transformative. With the power to shape the experience of each person, the interiors of a home, office, classroom, library, and hospital convey more than just the physical components of their design. These intimate spaces have the power to impact each person emotionally and subconsciously. Unlike a building's exterior/facade, these are the spaces we inhabit, where we come in closest contact, enabling them to have the greatest impact in our lives. Thoughtful interior architecture can inspire, empower, heal, and teach.
In designing for the public realm, our mission is that great design should be accessible to all. Mindful of the needs, health, and wellness of our affordable housing clients, thoughtful design, healthy and inspirational materials, and appropriate lighting can inspire and empower those who are most vulnerable. We are changing the paradigm of affordable housing. Well-designed and healthy buildings have a strong human impact on the daily lives of the individuals that inhabit them, improving the quality of life and instilling the pride of “home.” Each affordable housing project has the ability to positively impact the neighborhood, revitalize communities, and create safer environments. Furthermore, non-profit and community service organizations who closely collaborate and develop these projects are having greater visibility for their organization’s mission.
The “Wellness in Living” panel brought together voices from these various backgrounds, allowing for a well-rounded and well-informed discussion on wellness and the commitment to providing a healthy and safe space for families to live and play.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, Rachel Ehrlich, a Housing Studio Director and Senior Associate at Dattner Architects, talks about making meaningful contributions to the city at “the center of the universe” through good design and team leadership.
Largely unseen—and usually unappreciated—a seldom regarded architecture represents an essential prerequisite for urban life. The provision of clean water, the disposal and treatment of human waste, the collection of solid waste, the cleaning and salting of streets, the shipment of waste out of the city—are all critical infrastructure we can’t live without. More visible, but equally essential, are the transit facilities allowing urban movement and the structures housing the firefighters and police who maintain a safe city. These buildings are the necessary underpinning for the entire urban constellation of work places, commercial establishments, housing, educational facilities, cultural buildings, streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Kicking off the 2019 NYCxDesign week – New York City’s annual celebration of all things design – Richard Dattner led a Design Talks presentation featuring and defining New York City’s Essential Architecture. Richard founded the firm in 1964. Under his leadership and creative direction, Dattner Architects has designed a wide variety of award-winning projects. With Dattner Architects’ strong roots in the design of critical urban infrastructure, we are proud to lead the conversation as well as convey how modern infrastructure facilities can be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve.
When we asked four architects to name the woman who most inspired them, the unanimous response was "my mom." They shared insights into the role they played in supporting, encouraging, and inspiring them on their career paths. Today we celebrate all mothers!
Dattner Architects’ Carbon Copy Skyscraper received an honorable mention in eVolo Magazine’s 2019 Skyscraper Competition. Established in 2006, the competition annually awards innovative ideas that challenge conventions of vertical architecture.
Out of 478 total projects received this year, the Jury selected three winners and 27 honorable mentions.
Dattner’s submission proposed a solution to the rampant deforestation and resulting disruption of the carbon cycle through an infrastructure of large-scale horizontal and vertical timber grids that aim to counterbalance deforestation with a taller and denser “skyforest.” This systemic solution relies on minimal human intervention and posits a new natural habitat for animals, birds, and trees while sequestering greenhouse gasses.
The concept incorporates a modular system of tree-supporting structures that extend vertically off of the forest floor using a three-dimensional grid, leaving the forest floor open for continued plant growth, animal migration, bird flight, and vehicular and human passage. Each tree is planted in a high tensile fabric pouch that contains the root ball and is secured on all four sides within 20’ x 20’ x 20’ modular timber frames. The trees are placed in a staggered pattern vertically within the structure to allow sun and rain to reach each tree.
The modularity of the system allows for the structure to seamlessly respond to natural obstacles and changes in topography. When an obstruction on the forest floor meets the grid, it compensates for the loss of tree modules by increasing in height.
Planted as saplings, the mixed tree species will encourage biodiversity. As they grow, their falling seeds will take root in the suspended soil and eventually take over the entire structure. Both the trees and the timber structure sequester carbon dioxide that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere. Finally, natural decay will destroy the structures, which will have to be re-built, reusing the high strength tensile fabric.
As human development outpaces the planet’s capacity to sustain it, this project plays its part in restoring earth’s equilibrium through carbon sequestration and super reforestation.
In this episode of Inside the Studio, designer Juan Perez talks about practicing in NYC, his current project, and how the work aligns with both the mission of Dattner Architects and his own principles.
On April 15th, The Forum at Columbia University was recognized with a Merit Award at the AIANY Honors and Awards Luncheon. Held each April at Cipriani Wall Street, the Luncheon honors recipients of the AIANY Design Awards. In this year’s competition, there were five distinct categories: Architecture, Interiors, Urban Design, Projects, and a new addition, Sustainability. While the architecture class is specific in distinguishing design excellence in completed buildings, the entire awards program gives praise to architects and clients that push the boundaries and take risks.
Among 27 winners, the Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Dattner Architects-designed Forum was applauded for navigating a challenging site in an innovative and simple way.
Opened in the fall of 2018, the Forum completes a triad of new buildings, complementing the neighboring Jerome L. Greene Science Center and Lenfest Center. Serving as a welcoming and transparent gateway to Columbia University, the glass-enclosed Forum is a highly visible and iconic component of campus.
Jury members mentioned overall themes amongst the Design Winners – the important connection to the site and being a “good neighbor” to the surrounding community. The Forum’s ground floor flexible spaces establish an “Urban Layer” and are designed to encourage thought-leaders and scholars from across the university and the world to come together to share ideas. The new facility spaces are open to the Morningside Heights community, creating an important connection between the neighborhood and the City.
This new academic conference center provides much-needed education and civic engagement space as well as a shared resource for students, faculty, and the local community. The multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art auditorium, break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces, including a public garden, café, and information center. The auditorium, whose function requires opaqueness, is expressed with a prefabricated concrete skin, whereas the offices, which require daylight, have a glazed façade, and the transparent ground floor both conceptually and physically openly blends to the public.
The Jury commended the Forum’s “modest expression of the interior life of the building.” We are proud to have collaborated on this important landmark project.
In our latest Inside the Studio interview, Senior Associate Mia Lee discusses how she discovered the profession, what drew her to Dattner Architects, and the joy of enriching the urban experience both within her own community and the further reaches of New York City.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that two of our projects won awards for Excellence in Development from the Urban Land Institute-New York. Revealed during last night’s 2019 ULI-NY’s Awards Gala, Essex Crossing Phase 1 won in the Mixed-Use category and Columbia University’s new Manhattanville Campus Phase 1 won in the Institutional Development category. Both projects represent developments that are transforming New York and designed to ensure positive impacts in their communities for generations to come. They were recognized as being “exceptional development projects that exemplify ULI New York’s mission and values,” including innovation, responsible land use, and beneficial community impact.
Essex Crossing is a 1.9 million square foot development in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, encompassing over 1,000 new residences, 400,000 square feet of office space, and 450,000 square feet of retail.
“Essex Crossing is a testament to how holistic planning with community partners can yield transformative mixed-use projects, and we are honored for this recognition.” – Don Capoccia, partner at Delancey Street Associates and Principal at BFC Partners.
Located at 175 Delancey Street, the Goldin – designed by Dattner Architects – was one of the first buildings to be completed as part of the transformative development. The 15-story building includes senior apartments. Named after longtime LES housing activist, Frances Goldin, the 100 one-bedroom units are compact but bright with modern and elegant finishes. The residential tower is located on top of a five-story with rooftop gardens, one of which is reserved for the residents, the other shared with the senior center. The design and planning of 175 Delancey is intended to change the perception of affordable senior housing. A variety of senior-oriented support programs, including cultural, social, and medical, are present in the building – allowing residents to live independently, even if their mobility diminishes.
Dattner Architects also designed all the spaces at the base of the building including an Ambulatory Care Center, the GrandLo Café, and social service and administrative spaces for Grand Street Settlement and Henry Street Settlement.
The Goldin at Essex Crossing was developed by Delancey Street Associates – a joint venture of L+M Development Partners, BFC Partners, and Taconic Investment Partners.
Columbia University-Manhattanville is a 17-acre urban campus in Morningside Heights. Phase 1 comprises of three new buildings, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Lenfest Center, and Forum. The Forum was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Dattner Architects as Executive Architect; it serves as a welcoming and transparent gateway to the Manhattanville campus. Triangular in plan, this new academic conference center spans three levels above and one level below grade with the main lobby and retail space establishing an “Urban Layer” at the street level.
Conceived to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between thought-leaders from all over the world, the Forum features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces – including a public garden, café, and information center – provide generous shared meeting space. The Forum was recently certified LEED Gold.
"This new campus is a once-in-a-century opportunity to expand one of the greatest universities in the world and to do so in ways that reflect modern sensibilities about design, the academic mission, and the relationships with local communities and neighborhoods.” – Lee C. Bollinger, Columbia University President. This open, collaborative urban campus is changing how the university researches, teaches, and communicates.
The third installment of our Inside the Studio series features Founding Principal Richard Dattner, FAIA discussing civic architecture, his favorite design technology, and the most gratifying project of his career.
We design schools to thrive as learning communities where children develop cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills in a variety of settings. In response to pedagogical shifts and the evolution of the student body, YOF and Dattner Architects embarked upon a master plan to improve the academic and social environment of their school. The plan outlined a series of phased additions and renovations that support traditional teaching methods as well as interactive modes such as seminars, team-based learning, self-directed study, and hands-on learning.
Classrooms for the future – Informed by current thinking about how children learn, Dattner Architects designs classroom environments attuned to students’ different stages of development and the full range of learning modalities. Joel Braverman High School offers classrooms that provide welcoming and inspiring environments that are easily adaptable to fit the activity or pedagogical method the teacher chooses for that day’s lesson.
We see tomorrow’s classrooms as “learning studios”—flexible environments that promote different modes of learning within the same space. The master plan established zones for small group project study, individual self-directed learning, and larger discussions and presentations. Many of these shared, flexible spaces also provide a connection to the outdoors, both indirectly, allowing for natural light, and directly, providing a connection to outdoor play terraces that extend the learning environment beyond the building. “Learning studios” are also clustered around a central Student Commons, forming distinct “learning communities” that encourage collaboration and strengthen the students’ sense of shared identity.
Learning is not restricted to the classroom; it often occurs in shared spaces, in group settings, and through formal as well as informal instruction. The physical environment can become a place of inherent collaboration and team-building when meaningful, flexible spaces are made available to students and teachers. While the Student Commons reinforces the concept of informal learning, space for studying, student gatherings, and socializing between classes, the double-height Beit Midrash emphasizes the dual nature of the school’s program. An important place for both study and prayer, the room's lower region is comprised of a full ring of custom bookshelves, containing literature to aid in the study of the Torah, and above the texts, the walls open up to a 15-foot high curtainwall, culminating in a dramatic ceiling.
Scheduled for completion in 2020, the design team has embarked upon the final phase of the project, integrating truly innovative programming and technology into the design of new classrooms and gathering space.
Dattner Architects’ new INSIDE THE STUDIO video series continues with Ruth Ro AIA, LEED BD+C, Associate Principal. In Ruth’s interview, she shares why she is passionate about social infrastructure, her favorite thing about being an architect, and what she loves about NYC.
Opening February 20th, 10 Halletts Point is the first building of seven completed in this new 2.4 million-square-foot mixed-use waterfront community planned and designed by Dattner Architects for the Durst Organization. With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, this new neighborhood is located within minutes of Astoria’s vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scene and offers easy access to the NYC ferry.
The 526,000 square foot 10 Halletts Point features two 22-story towers rising from a large podium topped with a lush outdoor terrace. To support the 404 residential units, the building includes 25,000 square feet of amenity space with fitness center / yoga center, children’s area, and community library space with co-working facilities. Clad in a custom copper and glass skin, which wraps around the towers, responding to the solar orientation and opening up towards the internal raised courtyard. 10 Halletts Point redefines green living with an approach that respects nature and promotes resident wellbeing. The Dattner-designed project is targeting LEED Gold for Building Design and Construction for the building, with emphasis on four core elements: water, energy, air and earth.
Scheduled to open in May, 10 Halletts will also provide the "the first grocery story to open in the area in years". Once complete, the multi-phase Halletts Point will be a vibrant mixed-use waterfront destination with a new public waterfront esplanade, contemporary living options, and retail space.
The first in a new series of short video interviews produced by Dattner Architects, this episode of Inside the Studio profiles Patrick McAffrey AIA. Patrick shares why he practices architecture in New York City, what civic architecture means to his work, and where to find the best food in the neighborhood.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce our new Associate promotions, which recognize individual professional accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to our firm and our mission. Our new Senior Associates are David Levine and Mia Lee. Jen Switala, Adam Siegel, John Seward, Philippe Martelly, and Mary Beth Lardaro have become Associates.
Senior Associates
A leader in Dattner Architects’ Sustainable Practice Group, David Levine AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC was one of the firm’s first architects to achieve certification as a Certified Passive House Consultant.
Deeply interested in architecture’s manifestation at all scales, Mia Lee AIA approaches design holistically and is fascinated by the many ways in which the built environment is experienced.
Associates
Dedicated to socially responsible design, Jen Switala AIA believes that architecture evokes something different in each individual, and that this variety of experience creates a meaningful complexity to the urban realm.
Informed by his background as a musician, Adam Siegel AIA, LEED AP approaches design with the appreciation that a creative process involves many layers of complexity, rules, opportunities, and limitations.
Before studying architecture, John Seward AIA, LEED AP BD+C flew on C-17s in the Air Force for four years, experiencing the world and learning the value of discipline and collaboration.
Philippe Martelly AIA comes from a family of educators and is naturally adept at mentoring and team building, contributing to his belief that architects have a responsibility to the profession to help produce good architects.
As the Human Resources Director, Mary Beth Lardaro focuses on nurturing an equitable workplace culture that celebrates diversity, provides professional development opportunities for all employees, and supports the firm’s civic mission.
EVOLUTION OF OUR PRACTICE
This year, William Stein FAIA transitions to Senior Consulting Principal. In this new role, Bill remains in a leadership position, engaged with projects, the firm, and with his professional associations, including serving on the board of the Citizens Housing Planning Council and chairing a NYC Code Revision Committee.
The evolution of Dattner Architects also includes the appointment of a Director and Resource Leader for each of our four studios. Rachel Ehrlich AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Keith Engel AIA, CHPD, LEED AP BD+C; Eric Epstein AIA, LEED AP; and Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C are serving as Studio Directors, overseeing practice areas. Our Studio Resource Leaders are Mia Lee AIA; Heather McKinstry AIA, LEED AP; Shefali Sanghvi LEED AP BD+C; and Adam Siegel AIA, LEED AP. Studio Directors and Studio Resource Leaders work together within and across the studios to promote the exchange of design ideas; to foster knowledge sharing; and to build community and culture.
Compiled by Preservation magazine, “40 Under 40 Places” assembles 40 of the most important, compelling, and interesting American places under 40 years old. The list includes sites both urban and rural, and high-end and low-budget. While places are not typically considered “historic” until they have been around for at least 50 years, Preservation magazine has chosen to highlight these younger sites to broaden public awareness of the value of saving these significant locations BEFORE they become truly historic. Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects’ Via Verde is one of seven sites featured in 40 Under 40’s Housing category.
Nearly a decade ago, NYC HPD, AIA New York, NYSERDA, and Enterprise Community Partners sponsored an international architectural competition to transform a former South Bronx freight yard. The goal was to create affordable, sustainable housing in an era of accelerating urban growth. The Phipps Houses/Jonathan Rose Companies/Dattner Architects/Grimshaw Architects’ winning entry, Via Verde was completed in 2012 as an affordable, sustainable, mixed-use development.
“It’s such a unique site that the design is not replicable, but since we designed it there has been a lot of innovative work on affordable housing in New York City that incorporates and builds on elements of Via Verde.” – William Stein FAIA, Dattner Architects’ Principal
The building takes the form of a “tendril” rising from grade to the tower, enclosing the courtyard and emphasizing a relationship to the natural world. A dynamic garden serves as the organizing element for residents and the community. The ground level courtyard spirals upward through a series of programmed roof gardens, creating a promenade for residents. The top floor of the tower contains a multi-purpose community room with access to a terrace and spectacular views. The gardens create opportunities for active planting, fruit and vegetable cultivation, recreation, and social gathering, while providing added benefits of storm water control and enhanced insulation. The ground floor features retail, a community health center, and live-work units, creating a lively street presence.
Since its completion, Via Verde continues to be an example of how to develop the next generation of social housing. Dattner Architects’ Principal William Stein FAIA reflects on Via Verde’s enduring impact: “[Via Verde] is symbolic in that government agencies, developers, architects, and designers think about affordable housing not as being utilitarian, but aspirational and holistic.”
From January 7-18, 2019, the public will be able to vote for their favorite places with top vote-getters featured in the Spring 2019 issue of Preservation. Preservation is the award-winning magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that our Founding Principal Richard Dattner has been awarded the Clara Fox Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Housing Conference (NYHC) in recognition of the transformative impact on affordable housing his work has had, and the inspiration he has provided so many to design the much-needed quality housing that our city deserves.
Richard is the first architect to receive this recognition and was honored at the NYHC’s award luncheon on December 4.
Richard received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from MIT in 1960 and founded Dattner Architects four years later. Under his leadership and creative direction, the firm was built on a strong foundation of civic architecture. Today, Dattner Architects’ portfolio includes a wide array of project types from residential, education, healthcare, and recreation to transportation, infrastructure, institutional, and commercial. Our work has enriched the ever-growing urban fabric with distinctive, innovative, and inspiring buildings—positively impacting countless residents
Ranging from small to mid-rise to high-rise affordable, supportive, and market-rate for rental and ownership, including micro or compact units, Dattner Architects has designed more than 14,000 apartments in New York City. Richard has long promoted the term ‘Social Housing’ to replace the ‘affordable’ and ‘public’ designations currently used, believing that quality housing should be accessible to all. He talked about this very notion during his acceptance speech saying, “The simple—but essential—prerequisite for ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness’ is a decent place to live within one’s means.”
“I’m … thankful to New York City for the opportunities—unequalled in any other American city—which enable the creation of a dignified, varied, and inclusive civic environment. The talented architects working in our firm—from 20 countries and as many states—reflect the remarkable diversity of our great city. They all share my enthusiasm for creating new buildings, restoring existing ones, and enhancing New York’s neighborhoods,” Richard Dattner FAIA.
Recognizing that it “takes a village” to build even a single affordable residential project in this city, Richard thanked the firm’s partners, fellow NYHC award honorees, and all those in attendance.
Last Thursday, November 1, Dattner Architects joined 29 other teams for CANstruction 2018. CANstruction is both an annual design competition and unique food charity. The competition challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of canned food. The large-scale structures are currently on full display at Brookfield Place until November 15. All cans will later be donated to City Harvest for distribution to those in need during the holiday season.
Dattner Architects’ design contains 2,552 cans of Black Beans, Tomato Paste, Regular Vienna Sausages, and Hot Vienna Sausages that will each be donated to help feed the hungry. Inspired by the foundation and protection that a construction boot gives, the Dattner team wanted to create a sculpture that could be a symbol of how we can fulfill our social responsibility through design – that together, we can give hunger the BOOT, one can at a time.
We are grateful to be a part of such a meaningful event and look forward to competing again next year.
Voting is open for the People’s Choice Award. Our entry, “CANstruction Boot,” is #13.
Every New Yorker deserves a safe and affordable place to live, in a neighborhood providing opportunities and resources to get ahead. Housing and living costs are soaring and active gentrification drives rents up and lower-income residents out. With the affordable housing crisis on the rise, architects and city planners are “going green” to help address the problem. The Atlantic tackles this issue and the importance of sustainable design in a recent October 2018 article featuring two transformative projects, including Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects’ Via Verde – The Green Way.
Nearly a decade ago, NYC HPD, AIA New York, NYSERDA, and Enterprise Community Partners sponsored an international architectural competition to transform a former South Bronx freight yard. The challenge was to create a plan for affordable, sustainable housing units in an era of accelerating urban growth. The Phipps Houses/Jonathan Rose Companies/Dattner Architects/Grimshaw Architects' winning entry in the New Housing New York Legacy Competition, Via Verde was completed in 2012 as an affordable, sustainable, 222-unit residential development providing healthy, urban living in the South Bronx. The project reflects a public commitment to create the next generation of social housing.
Apartments are arranged in three distinct residential typologies: a 20-story tower at the north end of the site; a 6- to 13-story mid-rise duplex apartment component; and 2- to 4-story townhouses to the south around a series of gardens. The building takes the form of a “tendril” rising from grade to the tower, enclosing the courtyard and emphasizing a relationship to the natural world. A dynamic garden serves as the organizing element for residents and the community. The ground level courtyard spirals upward through a series of programmed roof gardens, creating a promenade for residents. The top floor of the tower contains a multi-purpose community room with access to a terrace and spectacular views. The gardens create opportunities for active planting, fruit and vegetable cultivation, recreation, and social gathering, while providing added benefits of storm water control and enhanced insulation. The ground floor features retail, a community health center, and live-work units, creating a lively street presence.
Affordability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive–sustainable design does not necessarily mean higher costs. Via Verde achieved LEED NC Gold certification and features stepped roofs providing solar access, a green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, rainwater harvesting, and drought-tolerant vegetation. These sustainability measures saved on up-front construction costs while retaining scarce energy resources.
A model for future development–locally, regionally, and beyond–Via Verde has set a new standard for sustainable, urban housing. Quoted in The Atlantic, Dattner Architects’ Principal Bill Stein reflects on the enduring impact that Via Verde and similar developments have on neighborhoods and cities: “People are pretty happy. They take a lot of pride in the building and you can sense a real sense of community there. Via Verde has become a symbol for the resurgence of the South Bronx.”
On Monday, October 29th, Dattner Architects joined Institute for Community Living (ICL), Community Healthcare Network, Paul Francis from the NYS Health & Human Services, NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, City Council Rafael Espinal, and partnering community leaders for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the East New York Health Hub.
Institute for Community Living and community members came together to celebrate a 31-year commitment to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods. With a nonprofit goal of providing health care services in the most underserved areas of the city, ICL truly does essential work to advocate for the community’s physical, mental, and behavioral health needs. The opening of the Hub will have a transformative impact on East New York.
Dattner Architects retained and rehabilitated a portion of the existing three-story, turn-of-the-century structure, and paired it with new construction to expand ICL’s programs from 9,000 to 45,000 square feet. East New York Health Hub, conceived as a one-stop-shop community health facility, provides nine different health programs ranging from mental health and social services to care coordination. The building’s design encourages both physical and mental healing through visual connections to nature and the community. Garden and terrace spaces, views, and access to light and air reinforce the link to the natural environment, while framing activities to engage the street and support the relationship with the community. All spaces were designed with careful consideration for ICL’s diverse support programs and promote safety, wellness, and a sense of community.
During this ribbon cutting ceremony, members from the Institute for Community Living reflected on the opening of this new facility.
“Today is the culmination of a dream that began with the people of East New York who guided us every step of the way to ensure that the East New York Health Hub is welcoming and accessible to all. There is one door into the Hub: Everyone who walks through that door will have access to the highest levels of health and mental health care and to crucial community resources.” - Institute for Community Living
This community-based care center will build vital health assets and drive long-term outcomes for the people and families in East New York. We are proud to have collaborated on such an important community facility!
With our aging population expected to double in the next few decades, a new issue has been identified in that we are also aging for longer. As life expectancy changes so does our view of getting older. Understanding the evolution of the aging population and its effect on the built environment, the design industry recognizes the need to plan and build for this need. Metropolis Magazine's October Edition, themed Ecologies of Wellness - Design with Nature, weaves in the important subject of Design for Aging – featuring ground-breaking initiatives and noteworthy projects that are significantly impacting both our industry and our communities.
Bringing attention to the evolution of the aging population, how the design community is intrinsically involved, and identifying opportunities and challenges within our built environment, Dattner Architects is proud Metropolis selected our recently completed project, The Goldin at Essex Crossing, to represent how design can strengthen and enrich a community and how this "New Development Is Rebuilding a Community Lost 50 Years Ago."
Opened to residents over age 55, The Goldin, is one of the first buildings to be completed as part of Essex Crossing, a major 1.65 million square foot development in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This new 15-story building provides much-needed affordable senior housing and community service space to the neighborhood. Named after a longtime LES housing activist, the 100 one-bedroom units are compact but bright with modern and elegant finishes. The residential tower is located on top of a five-story commercial base with rooftop gardens, one of which is reserved for the residents, the other shared with the senior center.
The design and planning of 175 Delancey is intended to change the perception of affordable senior housing. A variety of senior-oriented support programs, including cultural, social, and medical, are present in the building – allowing residents to live independently, even if their mobility diminishes.
Dattner Architects is proud to announce that Caesura received a national Honor Award in the 2018 SARA Design Competition! The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), an organization focused on promoting growth and advancement of architectural professionals, hosts this annual awards program to recognize design excellence nationally and abroad in architecture and allied disciplines.
Caesura is a distinctively modern, human-scaled building that stands out from the surrounding high-rise buildings in Downtown Brooklyn’s Cultural District. The building offers a break from the intensity of the city—a thoughtful balance of sanctuary and community, and the natural and cultural. A textured terra-cotta base contrasts a lighter brick tower, while a shifting pattern of windows creates a lively rhythm.
This mixed-use, mixed-income 12-story building offers 123 units above the cultural base. This space is home to the Center for Fiction—the only organization in the United States devoted solely to the vital art of fiction—as well as the Mark Morris Dance Center rehearsal studios and retail space facing the Arts Plaza.
Above the cultural facilities, a variety of affordable and market-rate apartments, ranging from micro units to two-bedrooms, accommodate a range of modern urban households. Each unit is carefully laid out to create light-filled spaces with high-quality, contemporary finishes. Caesura uniquely maximizes shared communal areas by offering a fitness center and bike room to encourage an active lifestyle, a common goods lending library, a community lounge for social gatherings, and a double-height conservatory for yoga and quiet contemplation. This project was designed in collaboration with Bernheimer Architecture.
This year’s awards competition recognized 31 honorees. Jury members ranked projects based on clarity of concept, strength of solution, community relevance, and overall innovative and design aesthetics. This year’s awards were presented at the 62nd Annual SARA National Conference, in Miami, FL this past weekend.
The Dattner Architects and WSP-designed Number 7 Subway Line Extension at Hudson Yards Station has been honored with a Merit Award in the Structures category during the inaugural AIANY + ASLANY Transportation + Infrastructure (T+I) Awards. This brand new award program recognizes exceptional design by New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania AIA and ASLA members. Award winners reflect a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and civic architecture.
The first new extension and station added to the New York City subway system in over 25 years, our project extends the Number 7 Subway line from its present terminus at Times Square along 41st Street and then south along Eleventh Avenue. The design for this deep station addresses 21st century passenger safety, comfort, and convenience, as well as the technical system challenges such as egress, power, and ventilation.
Universal design concepts guided passenger circulation, introducing the transit system’s first glass-enclosed inclined elevators, providing ADA access and promoting visual connection and safety among all riders. Open stairways lead from the mezzanine to a 35’ wide, column-less train platform, further enhancing riders’ sense of security and safety.
Glass canopied station entrances are integrated into Hudson Park, and focalize this new public open space that serves Hudson Yards, Javits Convention Center, and the High Line. The Station’s Main Entrance leads to the Upper Mezzanine fare zone and is graced with brilliant public art and abundant natural light. A Secondary Entrance was opened on September 1, 2018 to accommodate the anticipated continued growth of passenger flows. Throughout the Station material choices and color palettes capitalize on indirect lighting to produce glowing architectural form.
The extension provides a new station at 34th Street, new station entrances onto public plazas, and four supporting systems buildings that provide power, ventilation, and egress for the station and the running tunnel portions of the line extension. This major infrastructure upgrade has spurred what is being called the largest development in the U.S.: Hudson Yards. More than 50 million square feet of development is anticipated.
An integral part of New York City Department of City Planning’s redevelopment plan for the far west side of Manhattan, the 34 Street-Hudson Yards Station exemplifies how modern transit facilities can be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve.
In celebration of architecture, urban design, and New York City, we were honored to take part in this year’s Open House New York (OHNY) Weekend! From project tours to a behind-the-scenes look into our firm, Dattner Architects was excited to share our passion, commitment, and holistic approach to making our city better through distinctive and innovative design.
Tours
Every October, OHNY provides unprecedented access to more than 250 buildings and projects across New York City’s five boroughs. As part of that effort, we were proud to provide tours through some of our most high-profile and award-winning projects, including the Hub and the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage & Spring Street Salt Shed.
Team members from Dattner Architects led four tour groups through the Hub, our much-anticipated mixed-use residential building in Downtown Brooklyn. Winner of the Building Brooklyn Residential High-Rise Award – celebrating the best built and renovation buildings in the borough – the Hub is currently the tallest building in Brooklyn and features over 40,000 square feet of amenities.
The design team led visitors from the Hub’s lobby to the amenities floor and up to the penthouse and Sky Lounge. With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the apartments, OHNY attendees were impressed with the expansive views of the New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline. From the 75-foot three-lane lap pool and the lushly landscaped sundeck to the media room and fully-equipped gym, the diversity of amenities was a hot topic of conversation. Overall, every group was excited and engaged, creating a relaxed and fun environment.
Back in Manhattan, overlooking the Hudson River, we were joined by WXY and NYC Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) Assistant Chief Keith Mellis to tour OHNY Weekenders through the award-winning Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed. These two iconic structures always elicit great enthusiasm from visitors, and it is rewarding for our designers to share in that passion while on these tours.
Moreover, the DSNY is a part of every New Yorker’s every day existence, but the garbage collection process is not well known to the public. Therefore, these tours not only serve as an opportunity for us to demonstrate the value of these infrastructure facilities and their presence in the community, but also for DSNY to explain their processes and workflow.
Open Studio at Dattner Architects
This year, OHNY provided access to not only projects, but also to studios and offices of some of the city’s leading architects and designers. On Sunday, October 14, we opened our doors to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how we approach civic architecture. From who we are and where we work to what we do and why we do it, our goal was to convey both our passion for architecture and our commitment to enriching the built environment.
Along our studio pin-up wall, we showcased a select group of works-in-progress, including 116th Precinct Station House, WSFSSH at West 108, and Scarsdale Public Library. In addition, the conference rooms exhibited our competition entries and award submissions, like our recently awarded Plasma Power: Getting to Zero Waste in the New Millennium.
October is here, and with that we are proud to celebrate Archtober as well as the annual Open House New York (OHNY) weekend! Dattner Architects will be providing behind-the-scenes access to two of our award winning projects as well as opening our doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look into our firm and our works-in-progress.
Saturday, October 13
On Saturday, we will give tours of the Hub – currently Brooklyn’s tallest tower and home to 40,000 square feet of amenities atop a low-rise base of double-height retail spaces. Fostering a social lifestyle, amenities include a 75-foot year-round lap pool, a lushly landscaped sundeck and lawn, indoor and outdoor movie screens, a dog run, kids playroom, party room, and a Sky Lounge and terrace on the 53rd floor. Complementing the character of the neighborhood, the stepped profile of this 600-foot residential tower provides scale and articulation, while affording numerous corner windows throughout the apartments.
Sunday, October 14
Also sign up to tour the Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed. Visitors will be guided through the garage, up to the green roof, and into the Salt Shed, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to manage the city’s waste stream, and to keep our streets clean. Led by members from DSNY, Dattner Architects, and WXY, the tours will showcase how and why these infrastructure facilities have become two of the City’s newest iconic structures.
Join us in our office on Sunday anytime between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm! We will offer Open Access to OHNY Weekenders with an Open Studio tour and discussion, showcasing our commitment to enriching civic space and the urban experience through our process, projects, and social commitment. Select works-in-progress will be on view, and visitors will have an opportunity to gain insights into our firm culture, illustrating our dedication to industry involvement, professional development, philanthropy, and advocacy.
On September 26, Dattner Architects joined Columbia University and Renzo Piano Building Workshop for the opening of THE FORUM at Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus. Serving as a welcoming and transparent gateway to the new 17-acre urban campus, the Forum provides much-needed educational and civic engagement space, supporting and further enhancing Columbia’s academic mission while providing a shared resource for students, faculty, and the local community at large.
Completing a triad of new buildings, the 56,000 square foot, glass-enclosed Forum is open to the public at the street level, echoing elements of the neighboring Jerome L. Greene Science Center and Lenfest Center. Complementary to the first two buildings, which are dedicated to science and the arts, respectively, the Forum adds communication and community into the fold – fundamental elements needed to establish and anchor the campus. Triangular in shape, this new academic conference center is a highly visible and iconic component of campus, comprised of three levels above and one level below grade, with the main lobby and retail space establishing an “Urban Layer” at the street level.
Conceived to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between thought-leaders from all over the world, this multipurpose facility features a state-of-the-art 437-seat auditorium to host academic conferences, meetings, and symposia. Additional break-out and meeting rooms, faculty offices, and open gathering spaces, including a public garden, café, and information center, provide generous shared meeting space.
Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Dattner Architects as Executive Architect and Caples Jefferson Architects as Associate Architect, the functions accommodated within dictate the building’s architectural vocabulary. The auditorium, whose function requires opaqueness, is expressed with a prefabricated concrete skin, whereas the offices, which require daylight, have a glazed façade, and the transparent ground floor both conceptually and physically openly blends to the public. The 4,200 square foot café offers a casual place for light meals and conversation over coffee, and will also serve as a catering facility. The building’s 2,000 square foot ground floor lobby provides flexible space for a range of activities, from pop-up exhibits to University events, and other public gatherings. in addition to being designed to LEED Gold standards, the Forum is also part of a NYSERDA initiative.
Complementing the new campus’ connections between Columbia and its local community, the Forum serves both as a gateway to Manhattanville and a case study for how one of the city’s largest landowners can coexist with a community. Providing a public-facing alternative to the sequestered academic environments of the past, this open, collaborative urban campus is changing how the university researches, teaches, and communicates.
The Goldin at Essex Crossing has been named “Grand Winner” for Affordable Senior Housing in the 2018 Multifamily Executive (MFE) Awards!
“Affordable Apartments Serve as a Centerpiece of NYC Mixed-Use Project” - MFE
50 years ago, Seward Park Urban Renewal Area residents were forced to relocate due to the demolition of their buildings, making way for a supposed massive urban renewal project. Instead, the site remained vacant for decades. Now, Delancey Street Associates and Dattner Architects have come together to provide affordable senior housing, giving priority to the previous residents to come back and live at The Goldin at Essex Crossing – calling the area home once more.
Located on the Lower East Side (LES) of the city, the building is designed to cater to the needs of an aging population. Offering 99 one-bedroom units, 590 square feet to 620 square feet in size, for low-income seniors, the development’s podium is home to the 55,000-square-foot New York University Langone Joan H. and Preston Robert Tisch Center as well as a social-services provider, Grand Street Settlement, that offers “close-to-home” programming, engaging senior residents and community members in on-site activities. Integrated within the context of this community through both design and programming, the ground floor also includes retail space for small businesses, including the GrandLo Café, a social enterprise eatery that will provide jobs to local youths and offer programming focusing on business and entrepreneurial skills.
Named after longtime LES housing activist, Frances Goldin, the development is oriented so that residents may enjoy expansive views of the Manhattan skyline with rooftop gardens providing beautiful recreational space. The building includes solar panels to reduce the cost of the building’s electricity, and is designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities and NYSERDA requirements.
This densely programmed, versatile new building demonstrates what is possible, even on a modest budget, in providing high-quality housing, health care, job training, and community services in a single location. Redefining how people view senior housing, The Goldin at Essex Crossing offers a glimpse into this new development’s impact on the diverse tapestry of the Lower East Side.
A nationwide awards submission, the MFE Awards select the most innovative multifamily housing projects each year. From nearly 450 entries this year, MFE selected 28 developments, amenities, and programs – 17 Grand Winners and 11 Merit Winners – that showcase creativity, thoughtfulness, inventiveness, and exceptional design. Overall, the 2018 MFE Award winners define what it means to design and build communities to an unmatched standard. Each project helps to “reimagine an exciting, life-altering future for multifamily community design, investment, development, and management.”
Dattner Architects' Principal John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT co-led a panel discussion at the 13th Annual North American Passive House Conference (NAPHC) in Boston, Massachusetts. Held on September 22, the panel focused on the design and construction solutions that have been developed for a large-scale, mixed-use passive house project, 425 Grand Concourse, in the South Bronx. As Principal-in-Charge of the project, John represented the design team and spoke alongside Christoph Stump from Trinity Financial.
Presenting the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to developing an integrated passive house design, John and Christoph identified some of the complexities and constructability issues related to high-rise passive house construction and potential solutions derived from this project. One of the largest Passive House projects in North America, this large-scale, mixed-use project is the result of an integrated and collaborative process that considered the perspectives of the developer/owner, primary design disciplines, contractor, and the future community/residents.
Named one of the country's most Innovative 72 design firms by Building Design + Construction, Dattner Architects has a long-standing commitment to sustainable design characterized by a flexible, project-specific approach that combines passive and low-tech solutions with more active systems, analysis, and controls.
NAPHC is presented by Passive House Institute US in partnership with Passive House Alliance US. The leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise, conference attendees get real-world case studies on projects ranging from single family homes to high-rises, the latest on mechanical systems, building science, and construction details.
Rethinking the Future (RTF), an organization “born from the idea of creating a new window on international trends in architecture and design that looks on to the solutions for the need of the era,” selected the winners of their new awards program, Global Architecture & Design Award. Focused on recognizing innovation in architecture and design that meets human needs while preserving the environment, we are proud to announce that our concept, “Plasma Power: Getting to Zero Waste in the New Millennium,” was chosen among 748 projects from over 50 countries in the Public Building Concept category.
Our concept employs architecture, design, and education to address the on-going challenge of reducing urban waste. Over the years, cities have developed solutions to the problem of waste disposal by recycling, composting, and converting garbage into alternate energy. While these measure offset some of the pollution, there is still more work that can be done. Our design creates a new municipal prototype that utilizes advancing technology by converting trash into a synthesis gas.
Integrated into the urban waterfront, the waste processing equipment is concentrated in a circular plan to minimize its footprint. A perforated mesh skin visually hides the truck ramp and conveyor areas, providing safety to visitors and restricting access of unauthorized personnel. Visitors may wander and explore the spiral walkway leading to the rooftop park. Here one can view the processing of waste in a series of “hives” enclosing the largest pieces of equipment. This new waste system is not only a benefit to the environment but also provides a new park to urban neighborhoods.
In the Global Architecture award, we explored how three cities could apply Plasma Power Technology:
New York City. Today, only 25% of NYC’s solid waste is recycled or composted. To meet its Zero Waste goal in 2030, Plasma Plants will replace the City’s existing Five Marine Transfer Stations that now ship trash to landfills.
Oslo. Norway is already a leader in waste to energy conversion and imports trash on the international market as source of fuel. A Plasma Plant on the Oslowaterfront will complement a conventional waste to energy operation in Klemetsrud, in the city suburbs.
Tokyo Bay. Densely populated Japan has been a pioneer of trash based land creation in Tokyo and other port cities. A plasma plant on an existing artificial Island in the Tokyo Baywill be integrated into the Umi-No-Mori public park now under construction.
Entries were carefully evaluated across 30 different categories by a team of international experts from different facets of our industry. Check out the inspiring winning projects here!
“These projects demonstrate how design can make a positive impact on communities around the world. Each geographic place needs architects dedicated to understanding the challenges and opportunities latent in the physical world around them. The best of these designs tapped into this significant understanding of place and transformed the places to better connect, stimulate, and challenge the people around them.” –Juror, Sven Shockey | Vice President | Design Director | SmithGroup
As part of Building Design+Construction (BD+C)’s Giants 300 Report, Dattner Architects is proud to be recognized as one of the country’s top architecture firms!
As a known leader in the design of multi-family housing, and acknowledged as number 18 out of 150 in the multi-family housing sector, much of our success comes from our determination to create sustainable, safe, and holistic designs for so many diverse users, and our commitment to understanding and integrating evolving sector trends and design technologies. Our work is a testament to our passion for design excellence coupled with collaborating with clients and design teams that hold the same values. Currently, we are working on three of the country’s largest multi-family passive house projects, each of which incorporate vital affordable housing, and earlier in the year, we saw the realization of two projects helping to define the growing Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood, the neighborhoods tallest tower, the Hub, and the more recent Caesura, a respite within the heart of the neighborhood.
Included among the top Healthcare design firms, our healthcare portfolio has steadily grown for over 20 years. Within the past year, we are proud to have worked with so many new and existing clients, designing facilities that support community health and wellness, compliment larger institution missions, and provide each patient with a positive experience. Currently working on a number of diverse projects in this sector, we enjoy a close collaboration with doctors, nurses, and administrators where we can best develop a tailored program and plan for each project, that supports their unique program values.
We are also proud to be identified as one of the country’s leading university architecture firms. Our approach to higher education work begins by considering how design can improve learning outcomes for each individual institution. Understanding, first, the overall goal of retaining students, maximizing learning, and ensuring each student’s successful and gratifying advancement, we seek to create designs that achieve these goals and embody each university’s individual culture and structure. While much of our higher education work is currently in progress, one of our most notable projects, the Columbia University Forum & Academic Conference Center, with Renzo Piano, is set to open this fall. Forming the gateway to Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus, the academic conference center is intended to encourage and support opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and interactions between the University, the local community, and the professional world.
We believe that Architecture is an integral part of society, and the practice of architecture can and should be considered a social practice, focused on design through equity and inclusion. Good design does not stop at aesthetics and form for one idealized user – good design creates spaces of open access, and advocates for spatial justice and the right to the city – from affordable housing, to equal education and healthcare, to equitable transportation options, and more.
