This project examines the Union Carbide Building at 270 Park Avenue, the largest building ever voluntarily demolished, to propose an adaptable alternative for its future. By looking beyond the original office program, we explore the potential for creating a flexible, constantly adaptable space. Our proposal is updating the building’s infrastructure and adding a raised-flexible floor, this facilitates system integration and allows for tenant adaptation without disruption. The tower is divided into three sections, Hub Domestic, Hub Creative and Hub Podium. The upper tower, with its sunlight and views, is optimized for residential use; the podium, with its street engagement, is suited for large-scale events; and the middle section falls in-between. The infrastructure is color-coded according to the boundaries of the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems to illustrate where systems could potentially be installed. This way of thinking proposes a new change in the discipline of architecture, to prepare a building for the future and allow future owners to decide the space.
