James Corner Field Operations has completed a nearly 6,000 square foot rooftop garden located in the heart of the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn. The garden is located on top of a seventeen-story apartment complex designed by Leeser Architecture and developed by Two Trees Management. The Dock Street Rooftop Terrace allows residents to view the panoramic scenery of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, East River, and Manhattan Skyline.
Described as a “meadow in the sky”, the rooftop garden carves away a series of “distinct rooms and environments oriented towards each of the unique vistas.” The garden acts as a communal space for the residents to entertain and relax.
The design is based off of a mirrored cube which takes an existing egress stair and transforms it into a focal point of the roof by creating a horizon which displays the impressive skyline. A series of benches face south towards Brooklyn, a water feature guides views to the East River, and a large wooden deck frames views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. The center of the roof garden locates a dining area, which is surrounded by a meadow of various grasses, giving the setting a more intimate feeling.
CREDITS:
Year: 2014-2015
Size: 5,608 SF
Completion: Spring 2015
Client: Two Trees Management Company
Project Team: James Corner, RLA, Founding Partner, “Design Director”; Lisa Switkin, Principal in charge; Isabel Castilla, Senior Associate, “Project Manager”; Chi-Yin Lee, Designer
