Dolmen Domain | Masters Design Project

Site Context

Dolmen Domain is nestled in Central Park, New York, serving as a vibrant hub for the appreciation of Asian arts and culture. The project provides a performing art center, immersive exhibitions and spaces for artistic expression, a winter garden, and a mediation center. Zen gardens, inspired by Asian landscapes, offer serene spaces for reflection, community gatherings, and a celebration of the diverse Asian heritage in an inclusive environment.

Final Outcome

Dolmen Domain is a project from the 602 Core Studio at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design that engages with the concept of boxes while focusing on how to generate a meaningful understanding of space and tectonics that is based on the ideas of longspan and thick façades, commonly referred to as ‘big box’ in architecture. The Big Box represents a departure from traditional late capitalist practices. Serving as a canvas for the creation of layered environments, this design endeavour aims to propel architecture towards principles of justice and social equity. (Source: @weitzman_arch)

The Asian-American community in New York City is currently scattered throughout various neighbourhoods, making it difficult to find one central hub for cultural exchange and community involvement. The establishment of a community centre specifically for Asian Americans would provide them with resources, events, and programmes that honour their culture, encourage holistic well-being via mindfulness and meditation, and showcase the rich artistic traditions of Asia. Moreover, the center would provide a platform for fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting understanding and appreciation among different communities in the city.

Conclusion: Overall, through the creation of an Asian-American community center in New York City, Dolmen Domain holds immense potential to strengthen the sense of belonging, cultural identity, and collective empowerment among Asian-Americans while contributing to the city’s rich tapestry of diversity and inclusivity.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]