A part of the NYC DDC Design Excellence Program, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Harper Street Yard Structures include two new buildings, a diesel pump station and an electrical transformer building, along with a wider renovation of an existing maintenance building. With a primarily functional program brief, the design team saw an opportunity to introduce a sense of identity and a bit of humor into an expansive industrial area. While functionality was maximized across the site, the introduction of two playful structures within the industrial site helps guide traffic and introduce levity and identity. Each structure is characterized by graphic tile cladding, taking cues from DOT signage and colors. The form and graphic nature of the buildings allude to their function within the site. The Monitoring Booth/Diesel Pump Station’s graphic tile pattern recalls traffic signage, guiding various DOT vehicles through the site. Meanwhile, the Electrical Building’s profile takes inspiration from the graphic electrical symbol denoting a step-up in power. The graphic is strengthened by alternating bands of black and white exterior grade tiles. The building also features a green roof highlighting DOT’s commitment to improving the city’s environment.
