AbstractsPhilosophy & Theology

The design of the Environmental Council for the United Nation’s Head Quarter (UNEC) in Manhattan Island of New York which is to be the center for sustainable development, is challenging in terms of spatial qualities and urban typology. The rectangular grid of the city and the cubic high-rises suggest a bold form for the new UNEC building. Starting with a simple cubic form and to develop the final shape of the building from it, makes it more contextually responsive and creates a unity of forms between the new building and the existing ones. In relation to the natural surroundings, the boldness of the selected cubic from contrasts with the fluidness and motion of the river nearby, which makes the building stand out. This rectangular from is then divides horizontally into several identical parts being pushed out from one corner, suggesting a piled up shape in an organized manner which creates an overhang on one side and terraces on the other. This spontaneous repetition of forms stacking on top of each other creates a rhythm in the building’s form and at the same time the overhang brings a sense of instability which contrasts with the existing UN building’s forms, making it stand out while connected. This distinction is also visible from the situation plan where it’s positioned off-center closer to the river to avoid having shadows casted on it by the nearby tall buildings which contrasts with the location of the General Assembly building located at the center of the site. Also the building is rotated 45 degrees emphasizing it among the rest of the surrounding buildings. So while being unified with them it also stands out and creates a sense of dominance. These contrasts help each building to have their own character while being connected. Use of overhang in front of the building leads the visitors towards it and demonstrate itself as an entry point. A double height ceiling level at the entry point leads to the central atrium 4 floors high and 1 floor deep to the basement level. This height gradation makes for hierarchy and a majestic entrance which generates a step by step interior routing. All these features are symmetrical in the building, balancing the from, making it visually calm and pleasing. The public space is then located at the right side of the site making a connection between the main road at the front and the water front at the back of the site, aiding in the continuation of the public space, keeping it’s integrity and unity. I employed the context, urban typology and their relation to spatial qualities which aided my design of the UNEC to be more rational and well structured which is a necessity for a strong thesis project and I believe that I have been able to achieve this goal in this project with the help of my tutors.