‘Hydro-therapy Spa’
expressed the duality of given program by
juxtaposing two unique typologies. Much of the building was a massing strategy to address its urban setting. This solution provides frontage presence to busy streets, open plaza space amidst hyper-density, and lifted bulk for
pedestrian access.
The slender tower comes down to meet a
horizontal bar. The former consists of lightweight, steel-frame, exoskeletal construction while the latter is full concrete to accommodate wet program. Where the two meet becomes a charged space that has been the designated concierge. Along with the roof deck atop the concrete bar, the building creates its own sense of place in a big city.
The project was also an exercise on building
systems as many tectonic details were
investigated. Project partner was Helen Seldin,
whose original deliverables are not shown here.