Project Description

Institute for the Study and Application of the Patterns of Biophilia

With New York having a resurgence of redesigned public green spaces popping up throughout the city over the more recent years, there is potential throughout the city to continue this trend. With old shipping yards and piers being repurposed all over the east and west coast, the New York Bay and the piers in Brooklyn provide another opportunity to improve the city of New York. The proposed site for the Institute for the Study and Application of the Patterns of Biophilia has a number of great features that provide this pier as a great opportunity. First, the location of the site is very important. The pier is located on the New York Bay and provides great views of downtown Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The location along the bay also allows for access to the water and winds that come in to the bay. The site also allows for the possibility of nature to be brought in through the design, function and landscape of the proposed facility that connects the city of New York to the nature among the bay. In order to take true advantage of this site, there are four elements of the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design that could be implemented in the design in order to truly make this project a success and create a vibrant destination along the bay.

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Biomorphic Forms and Patterns is the first of the four patterns that has been used in the design. Biomorphic forms and patterns are symbolic references to different contours, textures and arrangements that are present in nature. These patterns help create a mood and emotion that connects the users of the space to nature while taking in the views of the bay and city across the water. The second pattern is Refuge. Now, refuge has been used to create a place for withdrawal from the activities that occur in the city life and place an individual in a protected place with environmental conditions that allow for improved concentration, attention and a perception of safety. Next, the third pattern is the Material Connection with Nature. What this means is that materials and elements of nature have been used and designed in order to reflect the local ecology and create a distinct sense of place. This will allow for decreased diastolic blood pressure, improved creative performance, and improved comfort. The final pattern is Complexity & Order. What this pattern accomplishes is a rich sensory of information that follows that of the complexity within nature. The spaces have been designed with hiearchy and other elements that are based off of very complex relationships.

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With the use of these three different patterns, the views of downtown Manhattan and the New York Bay, along the with significance of the revitalization of the old shipping yards and piers, the Brooklyn Pier Project will help create a new standard of biophilic design and the implementation of nature in the city. This will create a hub for learning, comfort and relaxation in the busy city of New York.

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For more information on the 14 patterns of Biophilic Design, visit terrapinbrightgreen.com