New York Harbor School

Materializing tidal currents in built form

The New York Harbor School was designed as an experimental laboratory for studying sub-surface currents in the New York Harbor. The form of the building channels tidal flows to create zones of high- and low-flow. In high speed zones, sub-surface water turbines are tested in order to demonstrate their effectiveness at generating energy. In low speed zones, marine habitats are created, allowing the building to act as a learning source for students. The result is a marine laboratory that simultaneously generates power and creates new marine habitats.

The design process was based on optimizing computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations in order to maximize current flow potential through the building. Once optimized, the resulting architecture took on a formal geometry system of obliques meant to evoke the motion of the flowing water and the function of the building.

Throughout the design process, there was an ebb and flow between the computational tools and more traditional methods of design. This push and pull was part of a larger goal to understand and explore how said tools can integrate and harmonize with a more analog way of working. The result is an edifice borne out of a convergence between computational simulations based on function and a formal system evocative of the surrounding context.

The project also seeks to tie into a larger infrastructure that spans the channel in order to maximize energy generation potential and marine habitat creation. The building itself would be the first structure built, with more infrastructure added over time.