Claudette Bryan

My thesis proposes a new typology for the urban library, one that integrates natural systems with the building structure, proposed for a site on Hallett’s Point in Astoria, Queens. My choice was motivated by concern over Astoria’s lack of community-oriented amenities. In my proposal, the journey of a visitor through the library intersects with circulation through natural systems. The visitor begins their journey by walking through and under a terraced structure to the edge of the East River, where they enjoy an expansive view of the skyline. Intersecting with the path is an outdoor lab, where the visitor can study the spongy river edge in situ. The temperature, smells, and sounds change as the visitor reaches the forest systems, where planters holding invasive species have been placed at eye level. This is a reference to the history of the parasitic past of the city. The visitor then walks over a series of ramps through the library to reach the summit, a large wild lawn and cafe space that encourages people to look beyond the skyline. As visitors take the path back to ground level, they have a new appreciation for what they see in the natural systems around them.