“Seeing Gowanus” embodies a mixed-use residential project catering to approximately 100 occupants through three distinct unit types, offering shared amenities such as communal kitchens, libraries, a public gallery, and open art studios.

Amidst New York’s shifting demographics, the quest for high-quality yet affordable living spaces and the essence of community becomes pivotal. This endeavor challenges conventional notions of space ownership and the evolving concept of ‘publicness.’ By integrating diverse public programs within the residential structure, the project not only optimizes unit allocation but also fosters stronger connections among residents.

The architectural approach embraces “two means of transparency”: literal and phenomenal transparency. Polycarbonate windows and transparent surfaces facilitate visual connections between spaces, inviting glimpses into studios, libraries, and kitchens. This intentional design creates an environment where spaces intersect, creating an interplay of adjacency and synchronization, fostering increased interaction among inhabitants. This reimagining of the industrial Gowanus area as ‘RE-SEEING’ infuses life back into the community, establishing a vibrant urban fabric.