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NEWS 12

NEWS 13

THE ARCHITECT’S NEWSPAPER APRIL 7, 2010

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James Garrison looks for “mutually reinforcing ideas” in his projects, meaning that program and environmental systems are highly coordinated in order to drive theform-making. But his firm’s projects don’tlook overly diagrammatic or weighted with gadgets—these clean, modern buildings are of their time without looking overly trendy,something Garrison prizes.

His midsized, Dumbo-based firm works at a variety of scales, including institutional worklike the recently completed renovation of theSyracuse University School of Architecture(Garrison’s alma mater) and residence halls at Bard College, as well as private residentialwork, both houses and apartments. The firmhas also become known for sustainability andfor prefabricated and modular construction.But Garrison is not doctrinaire in applyingany one principle or building technique. Hisinterest is in problem-solving and building as intelligently as possible. At Syracuse, Garrison analyzed the Beaux Arts buildingand uncovered a natural ventilation system already built into the structure that made air conditioning largely unnecessary. His workwas as much about peeling away obstructionsas it was about inserting new spaces inside.

In recent years, and especially through therecession, the firm has worked for the GeneralServices Administration, on a border-crossingstation along with other current projects, aswell as for New York City’s Department ofDesign and Construction (DDC) and a varietyof nonprofit organizations. “They are verycommitted to making architecture,” he said ofthe DDC. The same could be said of Garrison,an uncommonly thoughtful architect. ALAN G. BRAKE

ANIMAL SHELTERSTATEN ISLAND

This animal shelter,commissioned by the DDC, is a simplebuilding with a versatilepolycarbonate skin. The goal of the shelter is to prepare animals for adoption, and thearchitects put a “catwall,” at the entrance to act as a visible invitation from the outside. The skin, while it admits light and therefore someheat, has an R-value twice that of glass. The doughnut-shapedbuilding has a heat-exchange system andthe generous ventilationrequired for animal shelters.

KOBE COTTAGEALBION, MICHIGAN

This house may look like an expensive secondhome, but in fact is aguesthouse for familiesof children enrolled in a nonprofit boardingschool for troubledyouth. The house plan,two bars that meet inthe center, allow twobedrooms to be at opposite ends of thevery small building. The modular house cantilevers over a hillside, offering privacyand dramatic views ofthe site. With a warmwood interior and a Cor-Ten exterior, the cottage blends in withits forested surroundings.

AMBASSADOR’SRESIDENCESAMOA

Simple materials of concrete, steel, stucco,and wood contrast with generous spaces inthis residence made fordiplomatic entertaining.The rippled roofline,which Garrison said was inspired by vernacular boat design,accommodates heavydownpours and allowsfor ample ventilation.Three gardens of varioussizes are integrated intothe plan, and roomyporches, accessible by vast glazed slidingdoors, help knit the five-bedroom house intothe landscape.

NET ZERO HOUSEBROOKLYN

This house in Red Hook,for an environmentallycommitted client, isexpected to generatemore electricity than ituses. The modular houseis heavily insulated andhas a solar array on theroof, solar hot waterheaters, and a greenroof over the garage. Its verticality allows for views of New YorkHarbor. The shiftedboxes break up themassing, while also creating outdoor spacesthat include a large covered porch at the toplevel.

RESTORATION PLAZABROOKLYN

Founded as a communitydevelopment and socialservices organization in the 1960s, BedfordStuyvesant Restorationoccupied a 1970s-eracourtyard plaza thatneeded a facelift. Garrisonbegan by removing apreserved facade, whichunfortunately looked likean abandoned building,to open up the courtyardspace to the street. Theywrapped the courtyardin glazed panels to create a “Walk of Fame”honoring the organiza-tion’s activities andfounders. New lighting,a video projectionscreen, and new signagecomplete the outreachdesign program.

ANIMAL SHELTER KOBE COTTAGE

AMBASSADOR’S RESIDENCE

NET ZERO HOUSE

RESTORATION PLAZA

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