Site Analysis

Diagram showing material around the site and across the river in New York City

Landscape Material in Weehawken

Site section showing density and heights of buildings

Rhythm and orientation of waterfront housing

Site Documentation

Images of the site and its surroundings.

Images of New York City directly across from the site.

Plan of site in relation to New York City.

Diagram showing building types in Weehawken.

Public transportation around the site.

Site section through New Jersey and New York.

Site Selection - Updated

This shows where the site is located along the Hudson River on the New Jersey side.

Here are the major green spaces that are closest to the site. All the way to the right of the diagram is Central Park, which is not very far away from the site.

The darker blue path shows the path to get to the site from New Jersey, while the lighter blue shows the closest way of transportation to the city.

Diagram showing the older part of New Jersey and the newer part of New York City. The areas next to the water act as a transition space between the two.

Updated Thesis, Program and Site

Thesis Abstract

Over time, building materials have evolved and new, more efficient materials are being used. Materials have historical meaning behind them. Whether it is stone, which was used in ancient times or steel with the ability to create large spans in modern time, materials were used to create new ideas. In recent times, since there is such a wide range of materials, the design usually consists of only a few materials. This is determined by the style the architect is trying to achieve. Metal and Glass tend to be used for modernist designs, while Stone or ceramics are more of an older, more classical design. Looking closer at materials and their physical properties, a connection between the two types of materials can be formed. A richer understanding of materials and the architectural design process can be achieved by trying to blend the elements into one cohesive design.

Program Statement

The use of multiple materials blending together will work together to form a variety of spaces, while creating a single, cohesive design. The design itself will be formed around the materials and their characteristics. Materials will create different experiences within the project. Size and proportions will be able to relate directly to the properties of each material. The unique experiential qualities will be applied to a housing project to meet the needs and styles of the individual. Most housing complexes have units that are all exactly the same. The use of many different building elements will allow for variation within a single design. This will allow the owner to have a living unit that matches with their style and needs, but still allow for the social and economical benefits of living in a complex.

Site Criteria

A site for this project should have elements of both new and old architecture. This will allow for a better blend between the various materials. This could be between the mix of the two or be located in the middle of the two to create a transition space. The site should be in an urban setting so there is a wide range of individuals, both ethnically and age-wise. This will help further the need to design multiple different styles of units. The wide range of the people will carry through and strengthen the blending of materials.

Site Selection

Weehawken, NJ was chosen because if meets the set of criteria for this thesis. It is conveniently located between the state of New York and New Jersey. This is an excellent example of a transition space. Weehawken is a small older town with about 13,000 residents. Even though it is small, it is one of the most densely packed towns in America. It sits directly across from New York City on the other side of the Hudson River. It is very different from the overcrowded city life. Not only is the space surrounded by these two unique areas, it is located directly between two main transit lines into the city.

Ideas for Analysis

I want to start of with a few basic analyses on how accessible the site is by ways of public transportation and by vehicle since the site is so close to New York City. Next I want to examine the types of buildings surrounding the site and their relationship to what is across the river, if there is any. Breaking up the buildings based on material and age is something else I want to look into to understand what is in the area.

Site Selection: Weehawken, NJ

Site Criteria:

When looking for a site, it should be surrounded by a mix of building styles ranging from different time periods. It must be in close proximity of an urban city, while still allowing for privacy. A major factor in choosing a site is that the style of the proposed building will blend in with it's surroundings regardless of the materials. The site should be large enough as to not disrupt the privacy of the individual.

Site:

Weehawken, NJ is one of the main hubs to New York City, NY. Many commuters pass through, whether driving through the Lincoln Tunnel or taking a ferry across the Hudson River. This area acts as a barrier between the two states and also between suburban and urban life. The town is relatively small with only 13,000 people, but has one of the densest populations in the United States. The majority of inhabitants are between the ages of 25 and 44, creating a young, urban area. It's proximity to a major city attracts people to the city life with a lesser cost.

The site allows for a variety of opportunities by mixing new and old design and a wide range of people. Weehawken is a relatively older town and is shown through its architecture, while New York has many modern designs. The site creates many chances to mix materials based on the idea of new and old.

Here is the site located between the dense Hudson County in New Jersey and New York City. It is on a strip of land that is separated from the rest of the area by a large cliff. The site is at sea level and is at the same level as New York City.

The diagram above shows the separation between the two states and how the site borders both.

This area is a large transportation hub. It is conveniently situated between the Lincoln Tunnel and the Ferry Terminal. With these forms of transportation and also train, the commute to New York City is only a 10-15 minute ride.

This diagram is showing that the site is separated by the cliff from the rest of the town. It acts as a barrier. There are vehicular roads to the site from either side of the cliff that allow access to the strip of land at sea level. There is also a pedestrian path through that cuts directly through the cliff.

This aerial photo is showing a look at New York City from New Jersey. Not that this is the exact location, it is easy to see how close the cite is to the city.

This image is of the Ferry Terminal that is close to the site. In this image, the cliff is easily seen from behind.

Final Program Diagrams

Program Statement:

The idea of materials drastically affects the design of a project. By looking at one specific material for a building, the finished result will differ from that of another material. Scales and proportions of spaces will be determined on the building material. By looking at a program that is universal, such as a spiritual space, the opportunities and ways of approaching the design are endless. The idea of using an individual material will be reflected in the program. A busy environment and heavy amounts of activity will surround the space. The program will create a retreat from the hectic everyday life. The use of one material will lower the level of complexity and reflect in the human thinking process. It will allow for a more serene and private area for the individual. The space will be for self-reflection and act as an escape from reality.

This is a conceptual diagram showing how materials will create a barrier between a busy city and a reflective/spiritual interior for the individual.

This diagram shows how even at different scales the space can be for the individual and create a sense of privacy.

This shows the adjacency between the site and the urban city. The site becomes a retreat from its busy surroundings.

Program Diagrams