The “Absorptions” project is an innovative attempt to explore the possibility of revitalizing unused office buildings in Manhattan, New York. It envisions attracting the bustling crowds from the underground railroad system below the 245 Park Avenue building into the vacant spaces above, aiming to relieve the traffic congestion and bring vitality back to the unused typical floors. On an urban scale, the project is viewed as an extension of Grand Central Terminal’s transportation infrastructure, integrating the underground railroad system with various ground-level transportation networks to alleviate the crowd surge and traffic jams in this area. From the architectural perspective, the design incorporates sequential void spaces, vertical circulations, multi-purpose areas, and semi-outdoor courtyards; this not only brings natural light and air into the building, solving problems such as heat and noise issues brought by the trains but also offers commuters and office workers spaces for socializing and rest, easing the stress of daily commutes and work and promoting their mental and physical well-being.
