The neighborhoods of Chelsea and the West Village often feature green courtyards within their blocks (this is a highly atypical luxury in Manhattan that is more commonly associated with the outer boroughs). How can we build denser cities while simultaneously providing sweeping views, a connection to nature, and localizing agricultural production? Flip medium density city blocks 90 degrees upward.
The proposed site is adjacent to the High Line. The tower would double as a vertical extension to the High Line, while also providing street access. Commercial spaces, luxury lofts, laboratories, and green houses are connected via light truss bridges and pathways carved out of the green roofs. A closed loop of water and nutrients continuously cycles between the green houses, green roofs and basement level fish farm. The outer facades of the individual living/working boxes are laminated with a translucent photo-voltaic film that collect energy throughout the day.
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