The Chelsea community needed their own monument- a beacon of light that represents the community's struggles but more importantly, its resilience.

Objective

Design a multifaceted cultural center in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City that encompasses housing units, artist studios, a theatre, and a museum. The objective is to conduct comprehensive research on the neighborhood's history, urban development, and cultural landscape. This research will inform the design to ensure the cultural center meets the community's needs and enhances its cultural fabric.

Solution

Design a cultural center in Chelsea that celebrates and showcases the history of the LGBTQ+ community. The museum component will feature a glass box with 'floating' forms, each representing a significant historical event. The housing component will provide subsidized housing for individuals in need. The interstitial space between the museum and housing will serve as artist studios.

Chelsea, NY

Neighborhood

Chelsea is a vibrant neighborhood, showcasing a blend of architectural styles from charming townhouses to luxurious high-rises. The High Line, an elevated park on a former railroad tracks, exemplifies the area’s innovative design. Chelsea's art galleries and the repurposed Chelsea Market highlight the neighborhood's adaptive reuse of industrial spaces. This dynamic and inclusive community, once a hub for the LGBT community, remains rich in architectural inspiration and cultural significance.

Neighborhood

Site

The site is situated at the intersection of 10th Ave and W 26th St with the High Line running parallel to the rear setback. Measuring approximately 170' x 60' with an area of 6445 SF. Though, small in size, there is major potential to design something that maximizes the unique characteristics of this location.

Site Analysis

Located at the intersection of West 26th Street and 10th Avenue in Chelsea, NYC, this site sits within a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood that seamlessly blends cultural, residential, and historical elements. As a hub for art galleries and creativity, the area exudes a strong artistic identity, while its proximity to the High Line influences pedestrian activity and community engagement. Chelsea's excellent walkability and robust public transit options make it a model of accessibility, complemented by its mixed-use environment that serves residents, tourists, and professionals alike.

Grain

Grain

Grain

Grain

Block Modularity

Block Modularity

Block Modularity

Block Modularity

Building Density

Building Density

Building Density

Building Density

Streets

Streets

Streets

Streets

Vehicle Flow

Vehicle Flow

Vehicle Flow

Vehicle Flow

Vehicle Density

Vehicle Density

Vehicle Density

Vehicle Density

Street Parking

Street Parking

Street Parking

Street Parking

Bike Station

Bike Station

Bike Station

Bike Station

Pedestrian Scale

Pedestrian Scale

Pedestrian Scale

Pedestrian Scale

Pedestrian Flow

Pedestrian Flow

Pedestrian Flow

Pedestrian Flow

Pedestrian Density

Pedestrian Density

Pedestrian Density

Pedestrian Density

History & Culture

Chelsea's streets echo with the stories of courageous activists and community leaders who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Celebrating this community is not just about honoring its past; it's about acknowledging the ongoing struggles and triumphs of individuals who continue to make Chelsea a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance. Embracing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is vital in preserving the spirit of diversity, resilience, and unity that defines Chelsea.

1969

The Gay Liberation Front is formed, inspired by the Stonewall riots and other local and national counter-culture campaigns. First meeting held at Alternate U (69 W. 14th Street, at Sixth Avenue).

1969

The Gay Liberation Front is formed, inspired by the Stonewall riots and other local and national counter-culture campaigns. First meeting held at Alternate U (69 W. 14th Street, at Sixth Avenue).

1969

The Gay Liberation Front is formed, inspired by the Stonewall riots and other local and national counter-culture campaigns. First meeting held at Alternate U (69 W. 14th Street, at Sixth Avenue).

1969

The Gay Liberation Front is formed, inspired by the Stonewall riots and other local and national counter-culture campaigns. First meeting held at Alternate U (69 W. 14th Street, at Sixth Avenue).

1975

Gay bar Mother's (267 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) becomes a powerhouse on the early American punk music scene. Performers include The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

1975

Gay bar Mother's (267 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) becomes a powerhouse on the early American punk music scene. Performers include The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

1975

Gay bar Mother's (267 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) becomes a powerhouse on the early American punk music scene. Performers include The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

1975

Gay bar Mother's (267 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) becomes a powerhouse on the early American punk music scene. Performers include The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

1977

A fire at the Everard Baths (28 W. 28th Street at Broadway) kills nine people. The blaze is later called "inevitable" due to the "disgusting" conditions inside the men's bathhouse.

1977

A fire at the Everard Baths (28 W. 28th Street at Broadway) kills nine people. The blaze is later called "inevitable" due to the "disgusting" conditions inside the men's bathhouse.

1977

A fire at the Everard Baths (28 W. 28th Street at Broadway) kills nine people. The blaze is later called "inevitable" due to the "disgusting" conditions inside the men's bathhouse.

1977

A fire at the Everard Baths (28 W. 28th Street at Broadway) kills nine people. The blaze is later called "inevitable" due to the "disgusting" conditions inside the men's bathhouse.

1978

Inspired by the gay fun at the McBurney Y (215 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), the Village People release the song "YMCA."

1978

Inspired by the gay fun at the McBurney Y (215 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), the Village People release the song "YMCA."

1978

Inspired by the gay fun at the McBurney Y (215 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), the Village People release the song "YMCA."

1978

Inspired by the gay fun at the McBurney Y (215 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), the Village People release the song "YMCA."

1979

Part of William Friedkin's 1980 crime thriller Cruising was filmed at the Eagle's Nest, leading to protests and the bar banning Friedkin due to concerns about negative stereotypes of the gay community.

1979

1979

1979

1989

Gay Saturdays begin at The Roxy (515 W. 18th Street at Tenth Avenue), dominating the city's gay dance scene throughout the '90s and into the '00s before ending in 2007.

1989

Gay Saturdays begin at The Roxy (515 W. 18th Street at Tenth Avenue), dominating the city's gay dance scene throughout the '90s and into the '00s before ending in 2007.

1989

Gay Saturdays begin at The Roxy (515 W. 18th Street at Tenth Avenue), dominating the city's gay dance scene throughout the '90s and into the '00s before ending in 2007.

1989

Gay Saturdays begin at The Roxy (515 W. 18th Street at Tenth Avenue), dominating the city's gay dance scene throughout the '90s and into the '00s before ending in 2007.

1989

The Sound Factory opens, becoming a critical player in garage and house music. Junior Vasquez and Little Louie Vega rise to dance music stardom. Previously, it was gay video bar Private Eyes, where Madonna and Sean Penn went on their first date.

1989

1989

1989

1990s

Gay men move northward to Chelsea due to rising rents in the West Village. The "Chelsea Boy" look emerges, and Eighth Avenue becomes America's newest gay Main Street.

1990s

Gay men move northward to Chelsea due to rising rents in the West Village. The "Chelsea Boy" look emerges, and Eighth Avenue becomes America's newest gay Main Street.

1990s

Gay men move northward to Chelsea due to rising rents in the West Village. The "Chelsea Boy" look emerges, and Eighth Avenue becomes America's newest gay Main Street.

1990s

Gay men move northward to Chelsea due to rising rents in the West Village. The "Chelsea Boy" look emerges, and Eighth Avenue becomes America's newest gay Main Street.

Program development

The Chelsea Museum Development is envisioned as a vibrant, mixed-use cultural hub that integrates art, community, and commerce. The project aims to enhance the neighborhood's cultural identity while providing spaces that support creativity, collaboration, and sustainability.

Museum

A state-of-the-art exhibition space showcasing art and cultural artifacts, fostering education and community engagement. Includes galleries, educational spaces, and public areas

Museum

A state-of-the-art exhibition space showcasing art and cultural artifacts, fostering education and community engagement. Includes galleries, educational spaces, and public areas

Museum

A state-of-the-art exhibition space showcasing art and cultural artifacts, fostering education and community engagement. Includes galleries, educational spaces, and public areas

Museum

A state-of-the-art exhibition space showcasing art and cultural artifacts, fostering education and community engagement. Includes galleries, educational spaces, and public areas

Cafe

A welcoming social hub offering high-quality dining and refreshments. Designed to complement the museum experience while serving the local community.

Cafe

A welcoming social hub offering high-quality dining and refreshments. Designed to complement the museum experience while serving the local community.

Cafe

A welcoming social hub offering high-quality dining and refreshments. Designed to complement the museum experience while serving the local community.

Cafe

A welcoming social hub offering high-quality dining and refreshments. Designed to complement the museum experience while serving the local community.

Housing

Modern residential units catering to diverse demographics, promoting inclusivity and contributing to a sustainable mixed-use development.

Housing

Modern residential units catering to diverse demographics, promoting inclusivity and contributing to a sustainable mixed-use development.

Housing

Modern residential units catering to diverse demographics, promoting inclusivity and contributing to a sustainable mixed-use development.

Housing

Modern residential units catering to diverse demographics, promoting inclusivity and contributing to a sustainable mixed-use development.

Offices

Flexible professional workspaces to accommodate businesses, creative professionals, and collaborative opportunities, enhancing economic activity in the area.

Offices

Flexible professional workspaces to accommodate businesses, creative professionals, and collaborative opportunities, enhancing economic activity in the area.

Offices

Flexible professional workspaces to accommodate businesses, creative professionals, and collaborative opportunities, enhancing economic activity in the area.

Offices

Flexible professional workspaces to accommodate businesses, creative professionals, and collaborative opportunities, enhancing economic activity in the area.

Artist Studios

Dedicated spaces for artistic production, innovation, and collaboration. Supports local artists and integrates their work into the community.

Artist Studios

Dedicated spaces for artistic production, innovation, and collaboration. Supports local artists and integrates their work into the community.

Artist Studios

Dedicated spaces for artistic production, innovation, and collaboration. Supports local artists and integrates their work into the community.

Artist Studios

Dedicated spaces for artistic production, innovation, and collaboration. Supports local artists and integrates their work into the community.

Retail

Strategically located commercial spaces offering goods and services that align with the community's needs, adding value to the local economy and visitor experience.

Retail

Strategically located commercial spaces offering goods and services that align with the community's needs, adding value to the local economy and visitor experience.

Retail

Strategically located commercial spaces offering goods and services that align with the community's needs, adding value to the local economy and visitor experience.

Retail

Strategically located commercial spaces offering goods and services that align with the community's needs, adding value to the local economy and visitor experience.

Formal explorations

create public corridor that connects the high line and 10th ave
retail & cafe on ground floor to encourage high line visitors to engage with local community
museum space along high line for visibility, foot traffic, and overall connection to the city
subsidized housing along 10th ave. to blend in with Neighborhood & provide more affordable units to community
Artist's studios between museum & housing. Visitors see art in progress and engage with artists.
create public corridor that connects the high line and 10th ave
retail & cafe on ground floor to encourage high line visitors to engage with local community
museum space along high line for visibility, foot traffic, and overall connection to the city
subsidized housing along 10th ave. to blend in with Neighborhood & provide more affordable units to community
Artist's studios between museum & housing. Visitors see art in progress and engage with artists.
create public corridor that connects the high line and 10th ave
retail & cafe on ground floor to encourage high line visitors to engage with local community
museum space along high line for visibility, foot traffic, and overall connection to the city
subsidized housing along 10th ave. to blend in with Neighborhood & provide more affordable units to community
Artist's studios between museum & housing. Visitors see art in progress and engage with artists.
create public corridor that connects the high line and 10th ave
retail & cafe on ground floor to encourage high line visitors to engage with local community
museum space along high line for visibility, foot traffic, and overall connection to the city
subsidized housing along 10th ave. to blend in with Neighborhood & provide more affordable units to community
Artist's studios between museum & housing. Visitors see art in progress and engage with artists.