Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility with Selldorf Architects
Brooklyn, NY
Completed - 2013
140,000 sqft
Type: Industrial
Role: Sara Lopergolo (Design Partner, Selldorf Architects)
Brooklyn, NY
Completed - 2013
140,000 sqft
Type: Industrial
Role: Sara Lopergolo (Design Partner, Selldorf Architects)
Securing victory in the invited competition for the Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility, the largest in the U.S. processing NYC’s recyclables, marked a significant achievement. Typically devoid of architects, this type of building underwent a unique transformation through our innovative approach. Collaborating closely with the pre-engineered building company, we manipulated the structural system for aesthetic enhancement.
Influencing the Tipping Building, we placed structural components outside, deviating from the norm, creating an iconic image. Studying recycling processes, we developed a master plan for coherence and elegance, organizing buildings to establish an urban context. Two acres were dedicated to native plantings.
The Education Center offers classrooms, exhibits, and interactive displays. Connected by a pedestrian bridge to the Processing Facility, it allows public observation of the recycling process. Sustainable measures include recycled materials, photovoltaics, a wind turbine, and bioswales for stormwater management.
Influencing the Tipping Building, we placed structural components outside, deviating from the norm, creating an iconic image. Studying recycling processes, we developed a master plan for coherence and elegance, organizing buildings to establish an urban context. Two acres were dedicated to native plantings.
The Education Center offers classrooms, exhibits, and interactive displays. Connected by a pedestrian bridge to the Processing Facility, it allows public observation of the recycling process. Sustainable measures include recycled materials, photovoltaics, a wind turbine, and bioswales for stormwater management.
Photos by Nikolas Koenig, Marc Lins, Todd-Eberle, courtesy of Selldorf Architects
Recognition
• Excellence on the Waterfront Industrial and Public Works Honor Award, Waterfront Center, 2016
• American Architecture Awards, The Chicago Athenaeum, 2015
• Merit Award, American Institute of Architects, NY Chapter, 2015
• Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG) Program Award, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, 2015
• Merit Award, American Institute of Architects, NYC Chapter, 2014
• Building Brooklyn Award, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, 2014
• Award for Excellence in Design, NYC Public Design Commission, 2010
Recognition
• Excellence on the Waterfront Industrial and Public Works Honor Award, Waterfront Center, 2016
• American Architecture Awards, The Chicago Athenaeum, 2015
• Merit Award, American Institute of Architects, NY Chapter, 2015
• Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG) Program Award, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, 2015
• Merit Award, American Institute of Architects, NYC Chapter, 2014
• Building Brooklyn Award, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, 2014
• Award for Excellence in Design, NYC Public Design Commission, 2010