The Nursery at
Public Records



Completed

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Client: Public Records

Size: 1,000 SF

Team: Lindsey Wikstrom, Jean Suh, Emma Jurczynski, Caroline Ditzler

Photography:
Ill Gander (1,2,3)
Chloe Bell (4)
Mattaforma (5)
James Hartley (6)

The Nursery is a multi-purpose community space during the summer that doubles as an over-winter nursery for the abundant plant life at Public Records.

Its unique design features four distinct walls, each serving a specific purpose. On the south side, a passively heated and cooled greenhouse stores Public Records’ outdoor plant collection in winter and transforms into a private dining area in the summer. The structure is assembled using demountable and reconfigurable methods, minimizing the need for disruptive heavy machinery and reducing labor requirements.

Lightweight, durable, renewable, and recyclable materials are carefully chosen to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the space. These materials contribute to the overall environmental performance of THE NURSERY. To the East, dynamic bracing protects custom speakers, a DJ booth, and a compost toilet, ensuring their preservation while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and functional space. The North and West walls feature custom acoustic blocks that create seating areas and planter boxes beneath the canopy of neighboring trees that naturally shade the space. This integration enhances the acoustic experience and provides natural aesthetics.

The planting of a coniferous tree within THE NURSERY further enhances the occupants’ experience and well-being. As the tree releases terpenes, the air quality is improved, promoting a healthier environment. This integration of nature into a venue for gathering makes the space even more immersive, contributing to a sense of collectivity and connection among humans and nonhumans.

Designing for deconstructability using materials like Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), twin wall polycarbonate, and short shipping containers prioritizes sustainability and adaptability while embracing a zero-waste approach. By considering the entire lifecycle of a building, these materials minimize waste generation and optimize resource utilization.

Reusable outdoor structures contribute to sustainable and resilient event spaces, replacing single-use structures that generate significant waste and resource consumption. They can be customized and adapted to different locations and requirements without compromising environmental considerations. Incorporating durable and reusable materials in these structures significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with outdoor events, fostering a more sustainable approach. By prioritizing deconstructability and reusability, designers and builders create structures that are durable, adaptable, and environmentally responsible, promoting a circular approach to construction and event planning that reduces waste, optimizes resources, and contributes to a more sustainable future.



The Nursery at
Public Records

Completed

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Client: Public Records

Size: 1,000 SF

Team: Lindsey Wikstrom, Jean Suh, Emma Jurczynski, Caroline Ditzler

Photography:
Ill Gander (1,2,3)
Chloe Bell (4)
Mattaforma (5)
James Hartley (6)

The Nursery is a multi-purpose community space during the summer that doubles as an over-winter nursery for the abundant plant life at Public Records.

Its unique design features four distinct walls, each serving a specific purpose. On the south side, a passively heated and cooled greenhouse stores Public Records’ outdoor plant collection in winter and transforms into a private dining area in the summer. The structure is assembled using demountable and reconfigurable methods, minimizing the need for disruptive heavy machinery and reducing labor requirements.

Lightweight, durable, renewable, and recyclable materials are carefully chosen to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the space. These materials contribute to the overall environmental performance of THE NURSERY. To the East, dynamic bracing protects custom speakers, a DJ booth, and a compost toilet, ensuring their preservation while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and functional space. The North and West walls feature custom acoustic blocks that create seating areas and planter boxes beneath the canopy of neighboring trees that naturally shade the space. This integration enhances the acoustic experience and provides natural aesthetics.

The planting of a coniferous tree within THE NURSERY further enhances the occupants’ experience and well-being. As the tree releases terpenes, the air quality is improved, promoting a healthier environment. This integration of nature into a venue for gathering makes the space even more immersive, contributing to a sense of collectivity and connection among humans and nonhumans.

Designing for deconstructability using materials like Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), twin wall polycarbonate, and short shipping containers prioritizes sustainability and adaptability while embracing a zero-waste approach. By considering the entire lifecycle of a building, these materials minimize waste generation and optimize resource utilization.

Reusable outdoor structures contribute to sustainable and resilient event spaces, replacing single-use structures that generate significant waste and resource consumption. They can be customized and adapted to different locations and requirements without compromising environmental considerations. Incorporating durable and reusable materials in these structures significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with outdoor events, fostering a more sustainable approach. By prioritizing deconstructability and reusability, architects and builders create structures that are durable, adaptable, and environmentally responsible, promoting a circular approach to construction and event planning that reduces waste, optimizes resources, and contributes to a more sustainable future.