This design studio will explore fluidity in Architecture, treating it as a guiding principle. Students will encounter fluidity and flow throughout the work — manifest in a flood of data, ideas, identities, light, material, movement, sound, stakeholders, strategies, and water. In this design studio project located in Battery Park, New York, students will embark on an innovative journey to develop a master plan for a city block and a high-rise building. This course utilizes advanced techniques in site analysis, building performance assessment, and design. It is divided into two main projects: the first focuses on general massing and master plan design, while the second involves creating a high-rise structure at the water’s edge.

The course integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and artificial intelligence for site analysis, including optimization and generative algorithms for form finding and design. It also encompasses hand-drafting and analog methods for visualization and presentation, all aimed at understanding and designing water-centric projects in urban environments. This program promises to blend creativity with cutting-edge technology, allowing students to shape the skyline and make a lasting impact on the urban landscape.