![Sculptor’s Studio / Baumann Architecture - Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5014/261b/28ba/0d3b/4500/142e/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1414213851)
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Architects: Baumann Architecture
Text description provided by the architects. Contributing to the renaissance of a highly industrialized section of east Brooklyn, a derelict factory was rejuvenated as an artist’s live/work space.
The deteriorating front façade and unstable footing were replaced with a poured concrete façade reflecting the harsh conditions of the neighborhood: a single keyhole allows entry through the ¼” plate steel doors. One proceeds through the building towards the studio space at rear, passing a series of floor-to-ceiling glazed openings which function to make discreet studio spaces and maintain the floor-through transparency. From either the studio or the residential flank one has unbroken views the length of the building, consistent with the generous feel of the original manufacturing space, now a sculpture studio. No interior walls touch the perimeter. The exterior envelope is redeveloped for the highest environmental efficiency, augmenting the radiant floor technology.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5014/265c/28ba/0d3b/4500/143e/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1414213898)
The building transforms as one circulates from the closed, protective front façade to the open rear studio, where a central column and a long section of side wall were removed to access the adjacent alley and make it usable. Light reflected from this newly exposed party wall provides a diffuse studio illumination, in contrast to the existing skylights. The insertion of an inset glazed window wall forms a sheltered exterior court while visually delimiting the room borders.
![Sculptor’s Studio / Baumann Architecture - Windows, Shelving, Table, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5014/2649/28ba/0d3b/4500/1439/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1414213862)
During a routine site visit I realized that my vision for the space had been radically compromised. The long unfettered circulation flanking one side of the building now terminated in a bathroom wall! Bewildered by these changes I ran into the owner, who described his hesitation at having a bathroom open in two directions—hence the partition wall.
![Sculptor’s Studio / Baumann Architecture - Image 11 of 18](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5014/2635/28ba/0d3b/4500/1434/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1414213881)
Occasionally a client comes along with deep aesthetic sense and empathy and fortunately this sculptor is one. A protracted discussion about architecture, free plans, light transmission and the nature of implied spatial continuity ensued, followed by the decision to remove the wall and free the space.
![Sculptor’s Studio / Baumann Architecture - Brick, Facade, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5014/2624/28ba/0d3b/4500/1430/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1414213868)