Federation of Italian American Organizations

Federation of Italian American Organizations

Project location: Brooklyn, NY
Client: Federation of Italian-American Organizations
Design: 2009
Project Cost: $10 million (budget)

This proposal for Il Centro, a community center for the Federation of Italian-American Organizations, was selected as a finalist in a limited competition. A LEED Silver project, the design explores the relationship between community and identity. In a city of immigrants, the Community Center plays a pivotal role and in addition to providing essential social, cultural, educational, and recreational services, is a central meeting place for the community.

The community, cultural, educational and recreational spaces are organized around a three story atrium that connects the various functions. The skylit glass enclosure of this public spine visually connects the interior of the building to the street while bringing in natural light. The building is set back from the street, creating an outdoor, landscaped spill over space for the multi-purpose community room that mediates between the building and the street.

The orientation of Il Centro maximizes the use of daylight, and takes advantage of the south facing gymnasium facade with a two-story solar wall. Landscaping is proposed at the sidewalk and green roofs.