04 Community Center and Storm ShelterDOC 234—34/2
View looking North from Under Elevated Subway LineView looking South Towards the Beach and Elevated Subway LineSite Axonometric: DrySite Axonometric: FloodedEast / North ElevationsWest / South ElevationsSite PlanGround Floor PlanSecond Floor Plan (Makerspace)Third Floor Plan (Makerspace)Fourth Floor Plan (Gymnasium)Fifth Floor Plan (Theater)Section Looking NorthSection Looking West
Community Center / Storm Shelter
Rockaway Beacon
01/2020 - 05/2020
REX-13: 978-0882681/283Located on the Far Rockaways on a site two blocks from the beach that saw 13’ of flooding during Hurricane Sandy, the primary goal of this community center was to be able to serve the community as a storm shelter in the event of another major flood.
Using Alvar Aalto’s Säynätsalo Town Hall as precedent, the center becomes a beacon and center point for the community. Using the floodwater level from Hurricane Sandy as datum, the ground floor was buried behind a 13’ berm. This not only serves as a formidable first layer of protection in the event of further flooding, but also invites the community onto the roof of the ground floor.
The second and third floors, connected by a large central atrium, are designated maker spaces. Boasting a wood shop, metal shop and 3D printing services - this space hopes to offer to the community a space that can invigorate creativity.
The final two floors house a gymnasium and theater respectively. The choice to arrange the theater on the top floor was intentional, and is reinforced through the large truss supporting it from above. The theater is the primary place where the community will gather and reinstates the center’s status as a focal point for the neighborhood.
View looking North from Under Elevated Subway LineView Looking South Towards the Beach and Elevated Subway LineSite Axonometric: DrySite Axonometric: FloodedEast / North ElevationsWest / South ElevationsSite PlanGround Floor PlanSecond Floor Plan (Makerspace)Third Floor Plan (Makerspace)Fourth Floor Plan (Gymnasium)Fifth Floor Plan (Theater)Section Looking NorthSection Looking West