Comment of the Holcim Awards 2005 Jury for North America
The entry introduces an innovative approach to urban recycling on two important fronts. First, the authors expose a novel, even foreseen potential in reusing infrastructure construction for completely different functional purposes.
Second, they were able to demonstrate in a convincing manner how the result will not only yield an equivalent to accepted building practices, but actually open up new opportunities for residents that otherwise would not exist.
The project is sophisticated and exceeds the strictly architectural scale to which it is applied, showing promise for urban transferability as well. A proactive critical attitude is forwarded to call attention to the wastefulness of standard, large-scale infrastructural construction.
Ecological sensitivity is also evidenced in the careful consideration of how the proposal might not only reduce the quantity of waste, but might also help prevent the need for new landfills. The buildings are designed to capitalize on such energy saving strategies as thermal mass, natural ventilation, and day lighting of poorly lit or concealed spaces. Additionally, green roofs promise to reduce problems associated with runoff in an urban environment.
Overall, the work presents an aesthetically poetic response to a challenging contextual condition.