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Rafael Vinoly Architects: The New Domino and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
for the United States Senate

The New Domino mixed-use, mixed income development turns the former iconic Domino Sugar Refinery complex just north of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn into a of new residential, commercial, and cultural complex. It was designed by Rafael Vinoly, FAIA, who was commissioned in 2005 to design the master plan for the site. All images courtesy of Rafael Vinoly Architects.

Located on the Brooklyn waterfront, the New Domino rehabilitates a disused industrial brown field. Vinoly’s masterplan transforms the industrial complex into a modular, residential development that emphasizes open space and public access to the river.

New apartment buildings, constructed in phases, flank the historic Refinery complex to provide the 2,200 apartments, 30 percent of which are affordable housing units designated for lower-income families.

A nearly one-acre open lawn, sited between the refinery complex and the river, anchors a new public waterfront esplanade, connected at its north end to Grand Ferry Park and linking the development with the preexisting public spaces in the community.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston will consist of roughly 40,000 square feet of program space, comprised mainly of classrooms, educational exhibits, and a representation of the Senate Chamber. All images courtesy of Rafael Vinoly Architects.

Situated on the campus of the University of Massachusetts--Boston, this historic project will stand beside the existing John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, FAIA. The project will break ground this fall.

Vinoly’s design boasts a large expanse of outdoor public space at the heart of which is a public lawn bringing visitors to the entrance of the building. This lawn is bordered by two triangular volumes which define the entry to the building and geometrically connect the Institute to the JFK Library.

The museum and education center will house participatory programing designed to engage the public in the United States system of government and heighten awareness of the role of the Senate.

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