Albany Park
The Lawrence Avenue Culinary Exchange is a library showcasing a diverse collection of cookware from cultures around the world. Spanning an entire city block, the building offers ample space to house thousands of pots, pans, and culturally specific kitchenware. It also includes dedicated cooking areas where visitors can test the equipment and explore various cooking techniques.
In the day, the space transforms into a vibrant storefront, inviting chefs to experiment with new recipes, engage with the community, and gather feedback. This dynamic environment fosters creativity and encourages interaction with the public, promoting both culinary exploration and local business.
Overview
Perspective Sections
Floor Plans
Facade Design
When designing the façade, several factors were taken into account. These factors included natural light, material, appearance, and size. The building is located in a spot where natural light is easily accessible from the east and west. The material and dimensions of the façade should not be too thick, as this could impede the interior spaces. This meant the material had to be durable enough to minimize air diffusion during the winter months. The façade is rectangular, with square voids randomly placed throughout the volume. This effect was accomplished using Grasshopper.