Extreme Scale

This exhibition documents the first semester of a GSAPP-wide initiative to envision a future for the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, the largest armory in the United States.

Originally built in 1917 for World War I ammunition storage and firing practice, the landmarked structure sits within a 245,600 square foot site and comprises an 180,00 square-foot column-free drill hall atop two substantial cellar floors. Over the past century since its military function, the facility has been utilized transiently for a diversity of programs ranging from boxing matches to film sets, and the perimeter has become home to a robust street vendor community.

In September, following the announcement of an up to $200 million joint City and State investment to support the redevelopment of the Armory, The NYC Economic Development Corporation who has long-led efforts to permanently rehabilitate and repurpose the site, issued a request for proposals (RFP). The RFP iterates on the recent release of the Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan, which was the result of a 9-month visioning process that involved over 4,000 stakeholders.

Building from the RFP and vision plan, Advanced V Architecture studios and a seminar on Practices of Community Engagement came together in the fall of 2023 to explore both how the 5-acre site can be integrated into its neighborhood streets and public spaces as supportive community infrastructure, and how imaginative adaptive reuse strategies of extreme scale can be a catalyst for social cohesion while also allowing for dynamic overlap of programs.

Video displays throughout the exhibit showcase moments of community and stakeholder engagement while the architectural boards each interrogate a “what if” for a variety of immersive scenarios.

This exhibition is organized by Columbia University GSAPP and will be on view on the 4th floor of Avery Hall starting November 27th. Thank you to the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, and Columbia University for their support and insight in this project.