BEACON LANDING, Beacon, NY
Design Team Leader with William McDonough + Partners
Short-listed concept to transform the historic but derelict Long Dock peninsula into an eco-resort and visitor center. Working closely with the developer and local conservationists, we proposed to bring together comfort and conservation by creating a place both relaxing and edifying. The site is organized to frame views of the river and mountains beyond, highlighting the spectacular natural setting. Rain gardens and wetlands surround indoor/outdoor space, and extensive cisterns store rainwater for use in the laundry system. The architecture draws from the regional vernacular of lodges to make something both modern and traditional. The spaces are shaped to build on research from environmental psychology about what people crave for emotional comfort: qualities of light, revealed views, prospect/refuge, natural textures, etc.