Commercial Architecture April 2018 - 18

FEATURE

adaptive reuse
it interweaves programming, creates shared space, and encourages
an animated sense of community, according to DIALOG. The result? "A design that enhances the social and economic environment of a place. Crosstown Concourse is a 'place to be' in Memphis," the firm said.
"Its rebirth is a celebration of community, history, inclusivity,
and possibility. Crosstown is a product of a new kind of American
Dream: not for 'me' but for 'we'. Implicit to its success is the camaraderie and ambitions of its current community who view Crosstown as an opportunity to elevate the quality of life in the neighborhood, and beyond," a statement from the design firm explained.
Designed as a vertical village, 3,000 people-teachers, students,
doctors, patients, artists, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs-will pass
through Crosstown daily, colliding and collaborating in a monumental and mindful space.
Anchored in arts, education, healthcare, and commerce, the
project extends out from its art-deco shell to represent a purposeful
collective of mixed uses. It integrates a diverse range of programs,
including a cancer-treatment center, community gardens, a 500seat performance theatre, local high school, and office space.
There are also 270 private residences, which are all connected to
the surrounding community through a series of open-air plazas
and gardens.
Inside, the connecting corridors and atria have been designed
as dynamic architectural environments, inspiring movement and
exploration through the space. Brick walls, exposed structure, concrete floors, and natural light are intrinsic. These characteristics,
paired with found building relics, natural finishes, creative use of
building materials, and thoughtful space planning, further enhance the entire environment and ensure a uniquely textured lifestyle. This means a convergence of traditionally separated urban
elements enhances the day-to-day experience; everything needed
is in one place. The convergence of industries exposes atypical relationships to one another and increases accessibility to art and
community.
The premise for the design of Crosstown Concourse was derived from the urban magnet theory, which was formed through a
study of DIALOG's Granville Island Urban Plan in Vancouver.
This theory is dedicated to designing for people and place, and
encourages architects to detach themselves from focusing solely on
the aesthetic form.
In addition, Crosstown Concourse is said to be the world's largest building to be awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environ-

Top left. Designed as a vertical village, 3,000 people-teachers, students, doctors,
patients, artists, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs-will pass through Crosstown daily.
Middle. Anchored in arts, education, healthcare, and commerce, the Crosstown extends out from its art-deco shell to represent a purposeful collective of mixed uses, including a cancer-treatment center, community gardens, a 500-seat performance theatre,
local high school, and office space.
Left. The premise for the design of Crosstown Concourse was derived from the urban
magnet theory, which is dedicated to designing for people and place, and encourages
architects to detach themselves from focusing solely on the aesthetic form.
18

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

APRIL 2018

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture April 2018