Jakub Klaban

My project, THE CITY THAT BUILDS ITSELF, is a master plan for the Red Hook neighborhood, focusing on providing housing and infrastructure and promoting coastal resiliency. Consisting of three elements—site, building, and unit—it offers a blueprint for similar developments globally. The plan for the site, located at the edge of Red Hook on the waterfront, tackles the need for transportation, housing, and coastal flooding protection. It is designed as a comprehensive solution, offering abundant apartment units and an expanded transportation network to an underserved neighborhood in NYC. The plan involves an innovative, unconventional method of construction, in which the structural framework of each building is put into place and individual prefabricated units are attached. Existing warehouses are repurposed as factories for modular unit fabrication, and a railway system serves as a protective barrier against floods and high tides. The railway is initially used to facilitate construction and is later integrated into NYC’s subway system, benefiting local commuters. The development is divided into four building schemes, using primarily structural steel members and CLT panels. The modules are self-contained structures, fitted with façade paneling that provides solar control and privacy. The lower levels of the buildings are intended for retail spaces; the upper floors are used as residences. Communal spaces, outdoor areas, and integrated transport stations provide connectivity and foster community engagement. THE CITY THAT BUILDS ITSELF addresses challenges faced by the Red Hook community, offering a comprehensive solution through innovative construction and modular design. Integrating housing, local businesses, amenities, and an expanded transportation network, it can serve as a model for urban areas facing similar problems worldwide.