The new mixed-use BAM South building will define the gateway to BAM and the new cultural district, and create a new street-level civic space. Occupying the south portion of a triangular site at the intersection of Flatbush, Ashland, and Lafayette Avenues in downtown Brooklyn, the slim footprint of the building leaves most of the site to a new 15,000 square foot public plaza. The building base is a series of exterior, terraced levels that create an active, urban and public experience along Flatbush.
These terraces will be landscaped so as to screen the traffic noise from Flatbush and create a strong visual connection to the Grand Plaza. With several public entrances, the porous building aims to facilitate an easy flow of people into and out of the cultural and retail spaces. In addition, the stepped topography of the plaza can be used for outdoor programming, such as film screenings and dance performances or farmer’s markets. (TEN Arquitectos)