concept & vision

the Governors Island Operation Center serves as the hub for maintaining the island, its gardens, housing vehicles, equipment, materials, and personnel

design & architecture

we draw inspiration from the island’s historic forts, and use about 100 containers stacked two high to form a circular perimeter. We enclose a large internal work area, shielding the utilitarian activities within with a solid, protective outer edge

program & use

most containers remain unaltered and function solely as a boundary, with only 14 of them retrofitted into two levels of office space, complete with plumbing and HVAC systems

impact & significance

containers are transported to the island via truck or barge, selected for their existing colors and left unpainted. A graphic treatment on the outer surfaces hints at its functions and occupancy