Ratner Considers Prefab Tower for Atlantic Yards
The Times reports that Forest City Ratner is considering modular construction for its first, 34-story high-rise at Atlantic Yards. The story says that though the move would cut costs, a prefabricated tower “is untested at that height” and the move would likely piss off construction workers, who were among the mega-project’s most vocal supporters. Although…
The Times reports that Forest City Ratner is considering modular construction for its first, 34-story high-rise at Atlantic Yards. The story says that though the move would cut costs, a prefabricated tower “is untested at that height” and the move would likely piss off construction workers, who were among the mega-project’s most vocal supporters. Although the the developer has its architecture firm SHoP working on designs for both a traditional and modular building, another consideration is whether a prefab structure of this height would actually result in much of a cost savings, according to the story: “Whether taller modular buildings can be built to withstand intense wind shear and seismic forces, while retaining cost savings, is another question, because the higher a structure is built, the more bracing it would require.” The article says developer Bruce Ratner has been “captivated” by the video above, which shows a modular hotel rising in China in just a few days.
Prefabricated Tower May Rise at Brooklyn’s Atlantic Yards [NY Times]
By dirty_hipster on March 17, 2011 9:29 AM
we need more prefab construction in nyc. it takes longer to renovate a stupid subway station than it did to build the brooklyn bridge. lame.
By Kensington Lite on March 17, 2011 9:31 AM
Cool, I’d like to see them try. We need creative approaches to lower costs for moderately priced housing. If this works we could see more of it
EXACTLY.
Cool, I’d like to see them try. We need creative approaches to lower costs for moderately priced housing. If this works we could see more of it.
we need more prefab construction in nyc. it takes longer to renovate a stupid subway station than it did to build the brooklyn bridge. lame.
But will there be bike racks?
If the prefab modules can be rearranged like Legos later on… that would be ideal.
DIBS, I think unions and politics have a large role to play (perhaps the primary role), but I also think that the overall culture of New York is very conservative when it comes to the areas of buildings and land use.
There are several examples here every day of the outrage, condemnation, and bickering that accompanies any change in the satus quo.
Why should he take his commitments to the construction unions any more seriously than he takes his other commitments?
I think a high-rise mobile home park sounds like a wonderful legacy project for Mr. Ratner.
dibs – I’m surprised you don’t recognize when you’ve been screwed.
the highly recognizable style will flow seamlessly and serve as a beautiful aerial tie-in with other brooklyn public housing projects. continuity, function and affordability. perfection. these forest city ratner people have really thought of everything for the people of new york!