Pro Tour: Punk Meets Passive House in Redesigned NYC Arts Center

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Join NESEA for an in-depth Pro Tour of a redesigned and fiercely independent art center that dates back to 1979 when it became a haven for radical art and radical politics, squatters and hardcore punks. The new, 8,800 square foot facility, is being built for Passive House and LEED certification. The team behind the project is eager to share the story of the building with the NESEA community: from the history of the organization to the building science behind their new, high-performance home.

Over the decades, as other downtown spaces went under or were priced out, this space has endured by the skin of its teeth as a link to an old New York that exists mainly in memory. Now, the center is getting a brand-new building, courtesy of $21 million from the City. 

This Pro Tour will provide insight into the facility’s ambitious cultural programming and cutting-edge architectural performance. Tour participants will:

• Explore the new performance spaces, exhibition galleries, and artist studios designed to support the art center's mission, and learn about its diverse programs.
• Learn about the sustainable building materials and construction methodologies being employed to achieve high-performance, Passive House goals and LEED Silver certification target
• Understand how this project, funded by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and developed in partnership with the NYC EDC, serves as a model for resilient, low-carbon, and healthy building practices in an urban context.

The tour will begin with an opening workshop from the project team, giving the overview of the project's history, and how the new building came to be, including design and construction considerations, special architectural considerations, and energy modeling.  Attendees will then break into small groups to tour the building while hearing more from the interdisciplinary team of experts who made it possible. After the tour, we’ll regroup for a reception and Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to chat with the day’s speakers and each other. 

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Tentative Schedule

If you have questions about this event, you can contact us via protours@nesea.org. Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here.