Pratt Security Kiosk

Can you describe your design process for the building?

The Pratt security kiosk is situated at the main entrance of Pratt Institute's Brooklyn campus. It is a point of reference for the entire campus and requires 360° visibility of the surrounding area. The first step in the design focused on the specific location for the kiosk and a variety of axial conditions and site references were influential. The size was determined by its simple, yet important functions, and the roof overhang offers protection to those interacting with personnel at the kiosk. The multiple functions of this structure include protecting those who wait for the shuttle buses that operate between the campus and transportation hubs nearby.

The materials were selected based on the palette of surfaces in the surrounding buildings on the campus. The folded copper plane rests above a cast in place concrete and glass box that limits maintenance issues and offers a well-grounded element in an island of open landscape. The small building is occupied 24/7/365, and is provided with all amenities necessary for year round occupation.

How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were than any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?

The small structure was true to the original program. Quality control of the concrete was imperative, thus required the builder, although reluctant at times, to pay close attention to detail to the finish surfaces. During this phase of the project two site visits per week by our design team were required to insure the highest possible quality of the final product.

How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?

Although small in scale, all of the issues of any new building construction were present. It included concrete foundations, exterior envelope issues, roofing and a simple yet detail oriented palette of materials. This project is deceiving due to its scale, and it is approximately the area of a mid-sized residential kitchen but is obviously more complex in its execution.

Are there any new/upcoming projects in your office that this building's design and construction has influenced?

This project was influential in the use of copper paneling (this time with patina) as a cladding that were are currently utilizing in Neurological Center in Manhattan that is nearing completion. The structural cantilevered roof was also an important coordinating element that brought forth close attention to uplift and dead load issues in projects with similar design features.

E-mail interview conducted by John Hill