GOVERNORS ISLAND ELECTRICAL SUBSTAION

Electrical Substation and Amenities Building as an Architectural Designer

 

Strategically located at the southeast end of the island adjacent to the recently completed park, the design prioritizes resilience and adaptability, elevating critical electrical equipment to the second floor - well above the flood zone.

This elevation freed the ground floor for public and operational uses, including a refreshments area, comfort station, and facilities for island staff and guests. The second floor cantilevers over the first, creating a shaded public seating area that faces the park, enhancing visitor experience and connectivity with the landscape.

From the park’s Hills area, visitors will enjoy expansive views of the building’s green roof, which features native plantings designed to attract birds and insects, contributing to the island’s ecological diversity.

The building is clad in polished concrete block, with a vertical wood fin scrim wrapping the second floor. This material palette harmonizes the structure with its natural and built surroundings, offering a contemporary yet context-sensitive aesthetic.

This project delivers essential infrastructure to support the island’s planned future development, while thoughtfully integrating public amenities and environmental stewardship.

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Office : Plan A, NYC
Duration : ongoing on-site
Location : Governors Island, NYC
Principal Architect : Aaron Schwarz
Team : Ale Ciobanu, Anushka Gandhi 

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Key Roles in the project:

- A part of the project from concept to execution

- Coordination with consultants

- Drawing packages 

- Construction coordination 

- Client presentations 

- Interior design concept and execution 

- Architecture concept and execution

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*renders produced in collaboration with a third party