QCC Science Atrium

Completed: 2015

Located: Queens, NY

Role: Staff Architect

Queensborough Community College was faced with the challenge of creating a centralized dining and recreation space for their growing student population. With the help of Goshow Architects, they came to a unique solution of utilizing ETFE technology to enclose and transform an existing courtyard space. This cutting-edge building material brings maximum daylight into the space and is only 1% the weight of glass, allowing for significantly lighter structure and lower cost. The HVAC system actively inflates each cushion to provide a thermally insulating air cavity and to control the amount of daylight entering the space. This innovative solution paired with the sleek redesign of the courtyard and entry area come together to create a lively, dynamic space for the student body to enjoy.