The Williamsburg waterfront—the small-town panorama that Manhattanites can make out just across the East River—is revamping its silhouette.In their latest proposal for the Domino Sugar Factory Site, Two Trees Management envisions a dynamic, LEGO-like complex that rivals the skylines of Manhattan, Shanghai, and Dubai.The plan preserves the landmark Refinery building (marked by its iconic Domino Sugar sign), and surrounds the iconic structure with tall, thin towers. The tallest tower rises to 598 feet—a goliath next to the Williamsburg Bridge. Beside it, a large doughnut 'O' frames the Manhattan skyline.This cutout design is the calling card of SHoP Architects, a firm dedicated to open-air designs (even their logo features a transparent ‘O’.) In this case, glassy surfaces and wide window-like openings dramatize the light reflected by the water nearby.In conjuction with Field Operations, SHoP is also developing a green space that will include kayaking, fields for sporting events, gardens, and a floating pool.Before it can get the city’s approval, Two Trees’ grandiose vision needs the blessing of Williamsburg locals. Opponents of the plan are hesitant to sacrifice the neighborhood atmosphere to rapid high-density gentrification, while others are comforted by the promise of affordable housing—even if construction is expected to last over a decade.Photos courtesy of SHoP Architects.@tfbnght
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