Stilt City Art Center
Rockaway Park, New York
Located on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Stilt City will be an art community space created in a vacant bungalow, which had been flooded by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
The design implements low-cost resilient features that will help mitigate future flood damage. These include the replacement of hardscape with porous materials that will aid in natural drainage and reduce erosion; installation of mechanical equipment above the first story; and use of marine-grade plywood that provides resistance against mold and water damage.
The unique sloped roof accommodates a lofted living area to allow storage of items during a flood; it extends over the front porch to create a canopy and theatrical-like frame or stage. A new roll-up door opens the façade to the street and can remain open for enhanced visibility and accessibility during open studio sessions, exhibits and community programs, as well as to accommodate large sculpture and installation pieces. The exterior cladding is intended to change and evolve over time with contributions from the artists in residence so that the building itself will become an installation.
Press
Inhabitat NYC "Plans Unveiled for Stilt City Resilient Art Studio in Rockaway Park
Rockaway Times "Artist to Turn Bungalow into Community Art Space"
ArtNet News "After Sandy, Stilt City, a Space for Artists, Comes to Rockaway"
Clocktower Radio "Robyn Hasty, Stilt City"
Architect's Newspaper "Resistant Resiliency"
Design Calendar "Kickstart the Next Great Artists Residence"
Hyperallergic "Sandy-Ravaged Rockaways Bungalow Reborn as an Artist Residency"
Wall Street Journal "What's the Deal: Rockaway Arts Center Now Has a Location"