Newark Visitor’s Center | Requirements

Competitors are asked to address the site on a variety of issues. Designers are asked to develop a strategy for receiving patrons and educating, entertaining, and directing them. Proposals should link the diverse historic and urban opportunities located within the area.


Address the historical, present day, and future value of this new structure in Newark.

While the project has sufficient access via Penn Station, many patrons may utilize vehicles. Rethink options for on-site vehicular parking, while creating a pedestrian friendly site. Propose innovative solutions to existing parking conditions. Consider the significance of the site as a threshold or transition between the urban fabric of Newark, the metropolitan area and the occupants of the site.

The financial stability of Newark, NJ often depends on the proximity of Newark to New York City. Commuter /Business operations generate revenue that can sustain Newark and the local community. Consider Newark's need for additional financial resources when developing programmatic elements for the visitor center. Envision economic strategies that may strengthen your proposal. (i.e., public-private partnerships)

The jury will seek out powerful, transforming proposals that inspire new ways of thinking about not only the role of the visitor center relative to the adjacent context, but ways in which the new structure can co-exist and enrich the existing fabric at a macro scale.

The jury will be guided by the following objectives in evaluating submissions and recommending winning design proposals for presentation to the City of Newark:

- Create a clear identity for Newark that celebrates its unique urban and historical heritage.

- Reinforce the identity of Newark as a 'gateway' to the wider metropolitan experience, as well as the initial  aspirations of Newark founders "to bring the city closer to the people."

- Reinforce the city's ethic of stewardship of historical and urban sites by maintaining and integrating existing business and interests into the Center.

  1. -PROPOSED DESIGN MUST BE POTENTIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEED CERTIFICATION





Below are specific mandatory minimum building requirements:


Entire Project SF ~ 13,435 SF; The Break Down is as Follows:


Employee Zone @ ~ 3,155 SF

4 Offices @ 250 SF ea.

1 Break/Workroom-Kitchen @ 600 SF

2 Staff Restrooms M/F – 2 water closets @ 80 SF ea.

2 Storage/Flex Rooms @ 250 SF ea.

1 First Aid Room @100 SF

1 Security/Police Center @ 750 SF w/

       holding cell and interrogation room

1 Janitor Closet @ 45 SF


Utility Zone @ ~ 1,500 SF

I.T. Room

Battery Room

Recycling

Workroom

Mechanical Room

Water Supply Room


Public Zone @ ~ 8,780

Information Center @ 200 SF [open plan]

Lobby @ 800 SF

Auditorium @ 2,000 SF

Flex/Interactive Display Area @ 400 SF

Gallery/Installation Space w/ Reception Area @ 1,500 SF

Permanent Display Area @ 700 SF

Seating @ 500 SF

Coat Check

Conference Room @ 700 SF

Café @ 800 SF

Newark City Gift Shoppe @ 500 SF

2 Restrooms M/F @ 300 SF ea.

Bus Dispatch @ 80 SF


Design Considerations

Future access to Riverfront Park  http://newarksriver.wordpress.com

VIP/Govt. Official entrance/exit

Implementation of sustainable practice - United States Green Buildings Council   http://www.usgbc.org

Include Newark City bus stop

Incorporate water feature [may be interior or exterior]




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