Fall 2023

Parsons School of Design

M.Arch Design Studio V: Comprehensive

Instructors: Chris McVoy, Hayes Slade, David Leven

Luminaries Lawn Library:
A Tree House in Sugar Hill

Located in Sugar Hill, Harlem, the Luminaries Lawn is a triangular sloped park bordered by 12 mature London planetrees. The preservation of the trees instantly became the driving concept of the design. The argument for a mass timber structure would not begin well with the killing of a dozen mature air-purifying trees. The foundation and ground floor remain as minimal as possible as to not disturb the roots. The sloped site allows for a quick ascension into the tree canopy for any library visitor, with views of the Harlem River and Yankee Stadium. During the summer, the trees serve as the library’s facade, allowing sunlight to trickle in without excessive heat gain. While most of the Luminaries Lawn will still be accessible green space, a public roof will increase outdoor public space and invite all community members to engage with the building as it truly is, a tree house. This project culminated in a 36-page stack of construction documents.