One Domino Square: A Modern Marvel in Brooklyn’s Historic Landscape
Table of Contents
- 1. One Domino Square: A Modern Marvel in Brooklyn’s Historic Landscape
- 2. A Seamless Blend of History and Modernity
- 3. Maximizing Views and Connectivity
- 4. A New Landmark for Brooklyn
- 5. Domino Plaza: A Masterpiece of Urban Design by Field Operations and Studio Cadena
- 6. Domino Square: A Masterpiece of Urban Design and Functionality
- 7. Six-Acre Urban Oasis: A Closer Look at Domino Square
- 8. New Park Unveiled at Williamsburg’s Historic Domino sugar Factory Site
- 9. How does the integration of industrial elements, such as the ventilation pipes, contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of Domino Square?
- 10. A Blend of History and Modernity
- 11. Functional and Aesthetic Design
- 12. Community-Centric Space
- 13. A Model for Urban Development
- 14. Conclusion
Brooklyn’s iconic Domino Sugar Refinery site has been transformed into a stunning urban oasis with the completion of One Domino Square. Designed by Selldorf Architects in collaboration with Two Trees Management and dencityworks architecture, this ambitious project is a testament to innovative urban design and thoughtful integration with the city’s historic fabric. Slated to open in Spring 2024, One domino Square is already making waves as a landmark of modern architecture and community-focused development.
A Seamless Blend of History and Modernity
One Domino Square is more than just a new addition to Brooklyn’s skyline—it’s a celebration of the area’s rich industrial heritage. The project sits between Selldorf Architects’ porcelain-clad skyscrapers and PAU’s office, housed within the preserved shell of the historic Domino Sugar Factory. This juxtaposition of old and new creates a dynamic visual narrative that honors the past while embracing the future.
The plaza, designed by Field Operations and Studio Cadena, is a standout feature of the development.Hemmed by angular concrete enclosures, the space is both functional and aesthetically striking. A central rink area, covered by a shade structure, serves as a focal point for community gatherings and events. The design cleverly utilizes the natural grade change from the waterfront to Kent Street, creating a series of landscaped terraces that step down to the park.
Maximizing Views and Connectivity
One of the most impressive aspects of the plaza is it’s orientation. The design team strategically positioned the park to maximize views of the Manhattan skyline, with the Statue of Liberty visible from the top of the tiered seating on the east side. This thoughtful placement not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens the connection between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The concrete enclosures, designed by Studio Cadena, are both practical and visually appealing. At ground level, they face the street, blending seamlessly with the urban habitat. The tops of these blocks are landscaped, creating a green buffer that softens the transition between the bustling city and the serene park.
A New Landmark for Brooklyn
One Domino Square is poised to become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Its combination of cutting-edge design, ancient preservation, and community-focused amenities sets a new standard for urban development. As the project nears completion, anticipation is building for its official opening in Spring 2024.
This transformative development is a shining example of how thoughtful architecture can breathe new life into historic sites. By blending the old with the new, One Domino Square not only preserves Brooklyn’s industrial legacy but also paves the way for a vibrant, sustainable future.
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, the Domino Plaza stands as a testament to innovative urban design and thoughtful architecture. This public space, one of the final pieces of the Domino Sugar redevelopment, is the result of a collaborative effort between New York-based developer Two Trees Management, SHoP Architects, and Field Operations. Over the past decade, the site has transformed into a vibrant hub, featuring striking skyscrapers by SHoP Architects and CookFox.
Studio Cadena,known for its creative approach to urban landscapes,played a pivotal role in shaping the plaza’s aesthetic. The firm designed a series of glass-fronted structures that gracefully rise from the concrete, their fanned forms adding a dynamic visual element to the streetscape. These enclosures not only enhance the plaza’s design but also serve as a functional boundary, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
at the heart of the plaza lies a carefully crafted entryway, framed by weathering-steel retaining walls. this gateway, designed by Field Operations, serves as a welcoming threshold to both the park and the broader Domino Sugar development. According to Lisa Switkin, a partner at field Operations, the design is intentionally oriented to respond to movement flows and sightlines.
“Its design is carefully orientated to respond to movement flows and sightlines, creating a sense of openness with multiple entry points, as well as moments of compression and expansion,” Switkin explained. This thoughtful approach ensures that the plaza feels both accessible and inviting, while also offering a dynamic spatial experience for visitors.
The Domino Plaza is more than just a public space—it’s a symbol of Brooklyn’s ongoing transformation. By blending cutting-edge architecture with functional design, the plaza has become a cornerstone of the community, offering residents and visitors alike a place to gather, relax, and connect. As the final touches are added to this ambitious project, the Domino Plaza stands as a shining example of how thoughtful urban planning can breathe new life into historic spaces.
Domino Plaza: A Masterpiece of Urban Design by Field Operations and Studio Cadena
Domino Plaza, a collaborative project by Field Operations and Studio Cadena, stands as a testament to innovative urban design. nestled along the waterfront, the plaza seamlessly integrates with its surroundings while offering a unique architectural identity. According to Benjamin Cadena,founder of Studio Cadena,the design was inspired by the site’s natural gradient,with structures that respond to the landscape while creating a harmonious flow.
Originally intended to house four separate retail spaces, the enclosures have been reimagined to accommodate a restaurant on each side of the entryway. This shift not only enhances the plaza’s functionality but also adds a vibrant social hub to the area. Cadena emphasized the importance of creating a distinct “sense of enclosure” within the plaza, ensuring it stands out while maintaining a connection to the surrounding infrastructure.
The choice of materials plays a pivotal role in the plaza’s design.The walls of the enclosure extend from the concrete below, with subtle modifications to the aggregate to create a unique aesthetic. “We wanted to create a sense of enclosure in the bowl-like shape of the square and on the street side to create a very distinct figure, so it might very well be recognizable and also would be flexible to start to accommodate different things,” Cadena explained. “Essentially, it’s like a loggia that can be occupied in different ways.”
This thoughtful approach to design ensures that Domino Plaza is not just a space but an experience. The interplay of materials, the strategic use of the site’s gradient, and the integration of functional spaces make it a standout addition to the urban landscape. Whether it’s the subtle texture of the concrete or the way the structures frame the waterfront, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create a cohesive and inviting environment.
Domino Plaza is more than just a public space—it’s a reflection of thoughtful urban planning and architectural ingenuity. By blending functionality with aesthetic appeal,Field Operations and Studio Cadena have created a space that not only serves its community but also inspires future urban developments. As cities continue to evolve,projects like Domino plaza remind us of the power of design to transform spaces and enrich lives.
Domino Square: A Masterpiece of Urban Design and Functionality
In the heart of a bustling urban landscape, where space is a premium and infrastructure demands are complex, Domino Square emerges as a testament to innovative design and seamless integration.This six-acre public space, a collaboration between Studio Cadena and Field Operations, is more than just a park—it’s a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and engineering.
Nestled in a dense urban environment, Domino Square faced unique challenges. The site is surrounded by critically important infrastructure, including a water treatment facility located beneath the park. To address these complexities, the design team incorporated a series of ventilation and intake ducts, ensuring the park’s functionality while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
One of the standout features of the park is the bronze-coloured pipes that emerge through the landscape. These elements, conceived by Studio Cadena in collaboration with Field Operations, serve a dual purpose. Not only do they provide essential ventilation for the water treatment facility below, but they also add a striking visual element to the park’s design. The warm, metallic tones of the pipes contrast beautifully with the natural greenery, creating a unique interplay between industrial and organic elements.
Domino Square is not just a park; it’s a living, breathing space that reflects the ingenuity of its creators. The elevated seating areas, which step down from the lip of the enclosure, offer visitors a place to relax while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. This thoughtful design ensures that every inch of the park is both functional and visually engaging.
The collaboration between studio Cadena and Field Operations has resulted in a space that is as practical as it is beautiful. By seamlessly integrating technical elements like ventilation ducts into the park’s design, the team has created a space that serves the community while respecting the constraints of its urban environment.
Domino Square is a shining example of how thoughtful design can transform even the most challenging urban spaces into vibrant, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor,this six-acre park is a must-see destination that showcases the best of modern urban design.
New Park Unveiled at Williamsburg’s Historic Domino sugar Factory Site
Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, a vibrant new park has emerged from the remnants of the iconic Domino Sugar Factory. This transformative project, a collaboration between Field Operations and Studio cadena, seamlessly blends the site’s industrial heritage with modern urban design. The result is a space that honors its past while serving as a dynamic hub for the community.
“The idea was to express these, rather to hide them, because it is kind of part of the ethos of the site,” said Cadena, reflecting on the industrial elements that define the area. “I wanted these aspects to be integrated and expressed in the context of a city, because I think it’s a project that really integrates things that operate at multiple levels.”
The park features a striking shading structure that shelters seating around a central rink, creating a focal point for gatherings and events. This thoughtful design element not only enhances functionality but also pays homage to the site’s industrial roots. Simultaneously occurring, a final skyscraper is still under construction, adding another layer to this ambitious development.
Field Operations,renowned for its groundbreaking landscape projects,has left its mark on New York City with iconic works like the High Line. Their expertise shines through in this latest endeavor, blending aesthetics with practicality. studio Cadena, with offices in New York and Bogotá, brings a unique perspective, having gained recognition for its innovative sculptural pavilion in Flatiron Plaza back in 2018.
This project is more than just a park—it’s a testament to the power of thoughtful urban design. By embracing the site’s history and integrating it into a modern context, the Domino Sugar Factory park stands as a model for future developments. It’s a space where history and innovation coexist, offering residents and visitors alike a place to connect, reflect, and enjoy.
The photography is by Michael Vahrenwald unless otherwise stated.
How does the integration of industrial elements, such as the ventilation pipes, contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of Domino Square?
remnants of the historic Domino Sugar Factory. This transformative project, a collaboration between Studio Cadena and Field Operations, has turned a onc-industrial site into a thriving public space that honors its past while embracing the future. The park, spanning six acres, is a testament to innovative urban design and community-focused planning.
A Blend of History and Modernity
The Domino sugar Factory, a landmark of Brooklyn’s industrial heritage, has been reimagined as a dynamic public space that pays homage to its roots. The design team carefully integrated elements of the factory’s history into the park’s layout, creating a seamless blend of old and new. Rusted steel beams, remnants of the factory’s structure, have been repurposed as artistic installations, while the park’s pathways and seating areas echo the factory’s original grid-like layout.
Functional and Aesthetic Design
One of the park’s most striking features is its elevated seating areas, which offer visitors a place to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. These seating areas, designed with a stepped formation, not only provide a functional space for gatherings but also add a dynamic visual element to the park’s landscape.
The park’s design also incorporates a series of bronze-colored ventilation pipes, a nod to the site’s industrial past. These pipes, which serve a dual purpose by providing essential ventilation for the water treatment facility beneath the park, add a unique aesthetic touch. Their warm metallic tones contrast beautifully with the lush greenery, creating a harmonious balance between industrial and natural elements.
Community-Centric Space
Domino Square is more than just a park; it’s a community hub designed to bring people together. The park features open lawns for picnics and events, playgrounds for children, and walking paths that encourage exploration. The design team prioritized flexibility, ensuring that the space can adapt to the needs of the community over time. Whether it’s a weekend farmers’ market, a yoga class, or a quiet afternoon stroll, Domino Square offers something for everyone.
A Model for Urban Development
The success of Domino Square lies in its ability to address the challenges of urban development while creating a space that is both functional and beautiful. By integrating technical elements like ventilation ducts into the park’s design, the team has demonstrated how thoughtful planning can overcome even the most complex constraints. The park serves as a model for future urban projects, showing how industrial sites can be transformed into vibrant public spaces that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Conclusion
Domino square is a shining example of how innovative design can breathe new life into urban spaces. By blending history, functionality, and aesthetics, Studio Cadena and Field Operations have created a park that not only serves its community but also inspires future developments. As cities continue to grow and evolve, projects like Domino Square remind us of the power of design to transform spaces and bring people together. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, Domino Square is a must-see destination that showcases the best of modern urban design.
