2005
UT-SOA
Thomas Phifer studio

Thomas Phifer was a visiting professor during the Spring 2005 semester at UT-SOA, at which time he was working on a redesign/re-purposing of Castle Clinton in Battery Park. His studio was given the same program, which was to create an area for outdoor performances, historical exhibition space, and to maintain the ticketing functions for the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

The solution I presented placed the performance area above the castle walls on a plane that covered the castle interior as well as extended over the walls themselves to provide an excellent viewing platform while also protecting the walls from the elements. Below, at grade level, was ticketing, exhibition space, and through circulation.

The upper level was supported by a double lattice shell that provided a framework for sun and wind protection for the audience and created an interstitial space used for circulation between the upper and lower levels.