Brooklyn Diary Project

The Brooklyn Dairy Project, located in the historic Industry City complex in South Brooklyn, New York, reimagines urban industrial spaces as accessible, connected environments. By introducing two key programs - Brooklyn Dairy and Urban Farm - the project addresses segregation and inaccessibility while maximizing the potential of this vast industrial site.



Drawing inspiration from the nearby highway, the design incorporates linear infrastructure aligned with the existing railway to bridge the site with its urban surroundings. Extending roadways through the space fragments the linear massing into adaptable, modular elements that echo the highway’s scale but transform its role into one of connectivity and unity.



The project envisions revitalizing the barren site with a productive landscape, layering the surface with nutrient-rich soil to support diverse crop cultivation and sustain dairy farming. The preserved railway is repurposed for internal logistics and external transport, while existing warehouses are adapted for hay storage, forming the foundation of a self-sustaining dairy cropping system. This approach not only promotes biodiversity but also aids in land remediation.



The building's design emphasizes flexibility and sustainability, featuring movable upper sections that adapt to extreme weather and seasonal variations. Sliding panels and unfolding sheds create a dynamic environment conducive to crop growth while seamlessly integrating landscape elements. The ground floor accommodates sheltered cow gardens and public spaces for cultural and social gatherings, while the upper levels house aquaponic systems and greenhouse production areas, fostering a multi-layered ecosystem.



Transportation and distribution are concentrated along the building’s south side, contrasting with the tranquil farmland shared by animals and city dwellers on the opposite side. This juxtaposition embodies the project’s mission to harmonize urban vibrancy with rural serenity, creating a balanced and inclusive space.



At its heart, the Brooklyn Dairy Project exemplifies a holistic approach to urban revitalization, blending industrial, agricultural, and urban systems into a sustainable loop. The symbolic movement of a single triangular module captures the project’s ethos, reflecting the constant evolution and interconnectedness of its components.