FRONT Inc. is a façade and storefront specialty firm known for their sophisticated manipulation of varied structural and formal systems; that is, rather than having a standard response to a given design problem they endeavor to manipulate the systems provided them per project so as to create elegant solutions arising directly from each project.
Given the folding of the "self supporting" façade around the OMA-designed programmatically composed library mass which dictates the form of the building from every urban perspective, the addition of compound folds for structural stability is a logical extension of the overarching design diagram to address lateral structural requirements as well as programmatic ones. If properly deployed, the FRONT-detailed compound reinforcing fold could act like a break in sheet metal, creating stability through the multi-planar diaphragms of the fold.
In order to allow FRONT the creative space to nurture this detail, I've also speculatively hacked the organizational format of the project to give them more freedom within the various scopes in question — not only the independent façade system but also moments of connection to primary structure and code separations; while they have the expertise and routinely provide these services on other projects, the presence of LMN on the SPL as local development corporation prevented them from becoming a more integrated part of the project. Were LMN out of the picture, OMA would take over command of interior finishes and FRONT would be tasked with envelope considerations as a whole, not just a skin assembly project.
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Hacked organizational format empowers FRONT by eliminating LMN, also increasing the scope
of work the OMA (through their New York Office) could take on as on-the-ground architects. |
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