Collaborator: Wenya Liu

The Bio-Construction factory has set out to reshape the future of construction by transforming construction waste into advanced biomaterials. To complement the "breathing" properties of their products, a cohesive roof has been designed with two-directional openings that allow appropriate light and ventilation. Underneath this roof, module-based clusters have been implemented with varying forms and functions, including shading pavilions, production courtyards, and storage spaces, among others. This allows for multiple processes to occur simultaneously within distinct micro-environments.

Situated in New York, Sunset Park is an intriguing mix of industrial waterfront and bustling residential area, divided historically by the Gowanus Expressway. Its recent decades have been characterized by a wave of gentrification that has significantly impacted the living costs and job availability for its residents. Advocates have proposed a waterfront rezoning to stimulate green energy job growth, aiming to retain the area’s industrial heritage while advocating for green innovation and climate resilience.

In response to this vision, the Bio Construction project, positioned strategically on the outskirts of Sunset Park, offers a solution to the ongoing debate between the locals’ desire for better living conditions and the developers’ economic plans. Noticing a gap in the system where over 7000 construction projects in New York City produce vast amounts of unrecycled Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, this project introduces a bio-material factory into this historic industrial site. The factory transforms construction and demolition waste into bio-materials, not only curbing energy consumption but also improving working conditions and fostering clean energy jobs.

The quality of the bio-materials can be considerably influenced by controlling crucial factors such as light, temperature, gas concentration, pH, and moisture. In line with this, the factory design exploits the ‘breathing’ properties of its products. A unified roof, marked by bi-directional openings, has been planned to optimize light transmission and ventilation based on comprehensive site analysis. On the industrial side, the project incorporates innovative design features, such as a shading pavilion that doubles as a tipping floor, supported by a 1×1 m structural column under an undulating roof. The roof sections collect grey-water, which is repurposed for hydrating the moulded bio-bricks. Light is also permitted to penetrate for maximum illumination below. The adaptable structures allow the factory to breathe, inhaling and exhaling necessary resources from and into the surrounding environment.

The structures transition in functionality from structural columns to vertical shafts, then to Mycelium storage units and finally spacious studio areas. After initial sorting, materials are shredded in various functional pavilions and sent to sorting clusters for more detailed sorting involving human labor. These clusters, while operating independently on the ground floor, are interconnected on the second floor, fostering labor flexibility.

In addition to these industrial features, the project includes a social alley. This alley, located between the industrial processes and social programs, provides a direct pathway for the public to access the rejuvenated riverside park. It serves as a platform for local furniture studios, shops, and artists to engage in educational, recreational, and commercial activities, adding a vibrant socio-cultural element to the industrial area and blurring the boundary between the industrial and residential sectors.

In summary, the Bio Construction project fuses innovative recycling technologies, intelligent design, and strong community engagement to transform Sunset Park’s industrial waterfront into a sustainable, green, and inclusive neighborhood.