This project is based on our investigation on the separated but intertwined relationship between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan. Historical and onsite research on the transportation revealed a separated but intertwined relationship between these two islands from long time ago, and continue to exist today. Specifically, the traditional ways of transportation such as Queensborough bridge serves to isolate Roosevelt Island instead of connecting, while the tram, a unique way of transportation which actually connects these two islands, serves also as a touristy attraction, offering new reading of the two islands from a different altitude.

Using such a distinct contrast of materials wood and glass, the form of the building represents the reinterpretation of such an interesting relationship that from the exterior the wood faceted piece seems to be separating the two glazed masses while from the interior the wood piece is actually connecting the two masses. Furthermore, the connecting wood tissue served more than a connection, but a multifunction active space for people to travel through, stop at, gather, communicate, learn, and peak into the spaces at different levels.

The facade was designed as a series of faceted wood panels with operable wood louvres that may open or close, allowing control of different light effects in order to serve different functions of the center space. Nature is abstracted and presented in the form of the theatrical light and shadow effects.