Maya Menashe
My attitude towards architecture roots from my passion for people and the way they interact with space. I strive to create carefully thought out moments fueled by my sensitivity toward the human scale. Through my natural curiosity and communal focus, I have the opportunity to develop cohesive spaces which are tailored to its inhabitants. In addition to architecture, I have spent my 5 years at HCAD building and strengthening the community we all love so dearly. As a student organization leader, I feel that the act of sharing knowledge is the most essential component of strengthening any community. I am grateful for the friendships I have gained and the lessons I have learned. I look forward to starting a new chapter in my life as an NJIT graduate! Instagram
The Museum of Timeless Freedoms
Located on Roosevelt Island, The Museum of Timeless Freedoms is surrounded by Downtown Manhattan on the East and Queens on the West. The building is adjacent to Kahn's 4 Freedoms Memorial and the historically preserved Renwick ruins. The concept of timelessness is the driving force behind the building's architecture. The idea of ruins as a shell assisted in reinforcing my intention of conceiving the building through the site itself, making it an extension of Khan’s FDR Memorial. The axis of Kahn’s park helped devise the building's plan by breaking apart the ground floor to create a harmonious travel from entry ramp, to building, to park. The building offers an uninterrupted view of Khan's monumental stairs as well as a framed view of the historic Renwick hospital. The building consists of two Pavilions that use translucent Kalwall to environmentally consciously bring light to the galleries. The galleries are connected by two transcending the pedestrian bridges that reach from the east pavilion to the west pavilion. Wrapped around the museum’s perimeter is a protective concrete shell treating the structure like a timeless gem. The project has a sensitive approach to its surrounding context, as well as to the careful moments it creates to provide the user with a rich experience.
