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

Thesis Abstract and Idea Map