NEW [YORK] BABYLON

 The existing topography of the upper levels ofNew York Cityis a fascinating landscape consisting of varied spaces and architectural typologies. Although some of the rooftops are currently used privately by the owners of the properties, has not been raised, so far, a comprehensive system of access and communications to facilitate public use of these areas. This project proposes a system of strategic actions that acts as a catalyst for the occupation and use of theNew York rooftops.  This system consists of gradual interventions that favor and facilitate the appropriation of the rooftops and front-end walls areas, with the aim of providing journeys, functions, activities and facilities alternatives to the level 0 city. To this end, it is presented a catalog of devices articulated around 6 strategic approaches of intervention: infrastructure, landscape, energy, social, leisure and upcoming technologies. Its implementation is done gradually, so each device becomes a catalyst for growth and expansion of the system throughout the city.

While past century utopias imagined spatial cities based on implausible structures, the twenty-first centuryNew York Cityalready has the infrastructure necessary for the colonization of space; the utopias of the twentieth century become a real option in the contemporary city.

DEVICES CATALOG

Strategy 1 – INFRASTRUCTURE

ElevatorBuilding- Raised Walkway – Higher Path

Strategy 2 – LANDSCAPE

VerticalGarden- Phytodepuration Rainwater Wystem – Hight Pocket Park

Strategy 3 – ENERGY

Solar Garden -WindmillPark- Carbon Capture Pergola – Inflatable Heat Recovery

Strategy 4 – SOCIAL

Facility Box – Refuge Capsule – Urban Orchard

Strategy 5 – UPCOMMING TECHNOLOGIES

Wi-Fi Zone – Interactive Screen – Rooftop Cinema

Strategy 6 – LEISURE

Food Booth – Event Terrace – Square in the Air – Lookout

DEVICES IMPLEMENTATION

Phase 1

The installation of an elevator building catalyzes the appropriation of the block rooftops.

Phase 2

The colonized block extends its reach to the neighboring blocks through the raised walkways.

Phase 3

The colonization of the roofs is completed with the application of devices for different uses and activities.

Phase 4

The result is a city in the air, accessible and community, which offers alternative functions and routes.