Science Building

Queensborough Community College

Queens, NY
Ongoing

Queensborough Community College (QCC), a commuter campus in Queens, NY, boasts a student population of over 16,000 and courses lasting from 8:00am to 10:30pm, creating a dire need of centralized dining and recreation space on campus between classes. To meet this need, Goshow Architects is enclosing an existing outdoor courtyard within the QCC Science Building in 2 phases to create this multi-purpose student facility – a strategy which has kept the project on time and on-budget.

Goshow harnessed the space’s most valuable asset, daylight. We covered the space with an ETFE film which is 1% the weight of glass, transmits more light, and costs 24% to 70% less to install. By designing the rest of the space with neutral colors, durable materials and a dash of greenery, students can enjoy the natural light all year.

The project began with a feasibility study, where Goshow provided conceptual designs, in addition to detailed cost estimates and proposed schedule for the design and construction of the enclosure. The firm presented to DASNY, CUNY and Queensborough CC representatives who then selected one of the three design concepts.

The project will continue in 2024 with the construction of Phase 2, which includes the expansion of food services to the space through a new commercial kitchen and renovated servery.

Recipient of 2018 Award of Merit AIA New York from Excelsior Awards for Public Architecture.