The Ironbound Hinge studio, in the Fall of 2017, sought alternative designs for a pivotal 2.5-acre site in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood immediately adjacent to Penn Station. Coordinating closely with Newark stakeholders, students developed proposals that blended residential, commercial, recreational, and institutional programs. Designs also incorporated parking, pedestrian networks, and connections to rail infrastructure as critical elements. The project connects directly to the New Jersey Central viaduct, often referred to as Newark’s Highline, and provides an important connection across the Northeast Corridor railroad tracks to the Mulberry Commons Park. Students of the Ironbound Hinge studio strove for a higher public purpose: to serve as design scouts to develop programs and proposals that meet the broader goals after a difficult rezoning process.
The studio sought three distinct outcomes: (1) expansion beyond the immediate site to foster connections to nearby programs and to catalyze further beneficial development. (2) providing for well-designed urban parking according to accepted practice, while also anticipating parking’s evolution in response to technological advancements such as autonomous vehicles and the sharing economy. (3) development of two final projects: one accepting the residential/institutional build-out allowed by for Multifamily Zoning with Structured Parking as an accessory use, and a second assuming a Redevelopment Zone designation that allows a larger scale in return for on-site amenities. All projects maintained affordability and neighborhood expectations for inclusion.
Coordinated with stakeholder involvement, students interacted directly with the architects, planners, developers, public administrators, and community activists involved with redevelopment in the Penn Station environs. Edison Parking, the property owner, provided $4,500 in support for pre-studio and post-studio activities that include hosting final presentations, and 2D and 3D printing.
