This project focuses on the architectural transformation of Pier 45 in NYC, addressing a historical hate crime against an African American gay teen and highlighting the role of architecture in memorializing marginalized histories, including racial and LGBTQ+ injustices.
The design incorporates innovative materials like Gallium, iron filings, and Galfenol, allowing structures to respond dynamically to environmental stimuli, particularly temperature changes. This integration challenges traditional architectural norms and enhances interaction between the building and its environment.
Significantly, the project emphasizes climate resilience, with design features that adapt to rising sea levels, showcasing sustainable and resilient architectural practices. By transforming Pier 45 into a dynamic, interactive space, it redefines public spaces as living entities that actively engage with both human interaction and environmental factors like sea level rise, fostering a progressive vision for the future of urban landscapes.