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Projects |
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Greenwich Street South Urban Design Plan The ESC is one of the principals on a design team recently selected to develop an urban design plan for
the Greenwich Street South area of Lower Manhattan. The other principals are Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates (project lead) and the Olin Partnership. The ESC's role involves Urban Design, Zoning, and
Simulation and Visualization. The Redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center The Environmental Simulation Center was a member of the first Lower Manhattan / World Trade Center planning team lead by Beyer Blinder Belle and Parsons Brinckerhoff (BBB/PB). The
ESC participated in the development and assessment of the Team's planning and design alternatives using the 3D/GIS model of Lower Manhattan,
pioneered by the ESC in 1994 and updated with current Cushman-Wakefield occupancy data. Using the 3D-GIS, the ESC performed a comprehensive zoning build-out analysis for all of Lower Manhattan that
identified underutilized buildings, buildings suitable for adaptive reuse, and under-built lots with development potential. This analysis, in conjunction with a market analysis, will allow the LMDC to adjust and
refine its programmatic needs, identifying the appropriate mix of uses and potential off-site development opportunities. The ESC's base 3D model of Lower Manhattan was also used by the ESC to the model the
initial design alternatives by Beyer Blinder Belle, as well as the seven new alternatives being unveiled on December 18th, 2002. Visualization and Spatial Information Pilot Project The ESC is integrating the application of visualization, simulation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and CAD technologies to Battery Park City Authority. This pilot project is being developed in order to explore the range of applications contemplated by the Authority. This effort will focus on developing a long-term strategic information plan that would meet the Authority's needs now and in the future. The ESC will investigate and develop tools and processes to support the following applications for the Authority:
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Contributions |
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The ESC was an active participant in the pro-bono effort by NYC design professionals. New York New Visions, to provide a framework for planning and design for the City subsequent to
September 11th, 2001. (website: The ESC's 3D model of Lower Manhattan is the official base model, selected by the LMDC (Lower Manhattan Development Commission), for the new World Trade Center proposals being developed by seven leading international architects. The model was selected for its accuracy and detail, as well as its GIS (Geographic Information System) data and analysis capabilities. The ESC has made its 3D model and database available to the New York City Department of Planning, the New York New Vision, and the Civic Alliance. The updating of the model and database has been made possible by a grant from the J.M. Kaplan Fund. The Civic Alliance was organized by the Regional Plan Association to foster a broad consensus on strategies, proposals, and processes to rebuild New York City and Lower Manhattan in the wake of September 11th. The group, of which the ESC is a member, is comprised of civic, professional, and non-profit organizations. On December 6th, 2001, Kwartler participated in the APA New York Metro Chapter's Annual Conference, "WTC and Beyond - Challenges Facing Planners", held at Baruch College Conference Center, in New York City. Kwartler was a plenary speaker for the session on "Planning Visions for the Redevelopment and Rebuilding of Lower Manhattan". The questions raised were- What are the principles and goals that should guide the rebuilding and renewal of the devastated World Trade Center site and of all of Lower Manhattan? How can planning for the future of the area embody social values, such as equity, accessibility, efficiency, and environmental quality? How to combine innovation with practicality to develop a vision that is clear-eyed and worthy of both the history and future of this part of New York City? |
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Awards and Honors |
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The American Institute of Architects awarded The Environmental Simulation Center and all members of The New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects awarded The Environmental Simulation Center and members of the New York New Visions Growth Strategies Team the
2002 Unbuilt Project Award for their February 2002 proposal for a planning and design framework for the City subsequent to September 11th, 2001. (website:
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) This project recently received the 2002 Unbuilt Project Award
from The New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.