This project envisions a harmonious relationship between workers and the food ecosystem, fostering sustainability. Empowering workers to design and consume from the production system promotes collective ownership, homogenizing and democratizing the food system. The approach emphasizes worker sovereignty, breaking down silos for a collaborative, inclusive environment. The building is divided into four sections—meat, produce, prepared food, and packaged food—reflecting diverse types of food production.

Details

Architectural Design

Date

Spring 2023

Site

Brooklyn, New York, USA

Credits

Tiancheng Cai, Xian Chen

Regional Map of Bay Ridge Branch Railroad

Industrial belt at the intersection of East Flatbush, Brownsville and Canarsie

Diagramming current and future food corporation systems

New food corporation model with the train system at the center

Initial activity vignettes relating to creating a space for consumers and workers

Hand Sketches

1/32” Site Model

Diagram of massing, structure and roof

Facade which can be adjusted according to light, temperature and wind conditons

Exterior Perspective

Loading system from train and custom design reusable food containers

1/4” model - Pulley system and production space close ups

Consumption is limited to the first floor, production and manufacturing occurs on the second floor and the third floor has a walkway for consumers to experience the process of production.

Flexible shelf system which can reconfigure circulation of retail space

Produce zone within retail space

Flexibile Door System to accomodate for different activities

Central atrium which is used by consumers and workers

Site Plan

Section A depicting the pulley system for mobile circulation of goods throughout the space. Raw food products can be recvieved from the freight train line using the pulley system and from the truck deliery section.

Section B showing the circulation of people through the space. The large cylindrical mass at the front forms the main entrance where people can walk around the power/waste plant.

Elevation showing the massing of the building from the front and the visual language of the transparent facade system which can be adjusted to light, temperature and wind conditions.