Project by Libby Owen
The Arab American Museum and Library of New York is a space dedicated to Arab American literature and was influenced by the rich history of Arab writers and journalists in Lower Manhattan in the early 1900s. A primary element of the building is the coffeehouse that is distributed across the facade. Dating back to the 16th century Ottoman Empire, Arab coffeehouses have served a role far beyond just serving coffee. These coffeehouses were gathering spaces, places where people would collaborate and write, discuss politics and exchange ideas. By integrating the coffeehouse into the facade of the building, it both creates visual connection between the city street and the inside of the museum while also maximizing access to light.
