Jerome L. Greene Science Center for Mind Brain Behavior, New York

About

Currently under way, Phase I construction of the Manhattanville Campus of Columbia University involves the triangular area located between 125th Street and 130th in New York. Science, art, communications, or energy are each represented, and they are stitched together with a network of open spaces. In this context, the L. Greene Science Center represents ‘science’. The campus is located between the two steel structure viaducts at Broadway and Riverside Drive, which represent the DNA of the place. The architectural vocabulary of the building uses exposed steel structure, articulated details, glass facade, and exposed machines on the rooftop, reflecting the buildings’ energy needs and establishing a dialogue with the industrial memory of the site. Sustainability is part of the process without being fashionably explicit. The building envelopes address the site concerns in relationship to its surrounding context and environment. For example, the low-iron glass and active double-skin facade for the Jerome L. Greene Science Center addresses ergonomics, comfort, thermal isolation, acoustic mitigation, solar and light controls, and light harvesting to save energy.

Sources

• Arquitectura Viva