plans unveiled for cornell tech campus on roosevelt island

international firm SOM has unveiled the masterplan for cornell tech’s new campus on roosevelt island in new york city. currently in preliminary phases, and preparing to open in 2017, the university technology and entrepreneurship campus has begun the land use review process and unveiled images of the morphosis-designed academic building. connected to manhattan and queens via a short walk across the roosevelt island bridge, the campus is afforded views from the east river towards both skylines. a pedestrian walk will link the southpoint and four freedoms park at the southernmost point of the island in addition to buildings connected with indoor and outdoor spaces.

tech plaza with first academic building and proposed solar canopy overhead
image © kilograph (also main image)

los angeles-based architect thom mayne has proposed a structure with a goal of net-zero energy, harvesting as much energy as it consumes. other buildings part of phase I include an executive education center with hotel facilities, residences for students, faculty and staff and approximately one acre of open public space. the entire campus will be completed by 2037, accommodating 2,000 full-time gradate students with 2.1 million square feet of housing.

central campus esplanade with open spaces
image © kilograph

currently operating in a google-donated space in chelsea, applications are being accepted for a beta class of computer science master of engineering studies with classes beginning in january 2013. forming programs, recruiting instructors and developing a new model method of tech entrepreneurship, the academic goals intend to draw international attention.

interior of morphosis-designed academic building with views towards east river and manhattan’s 57th street
image © morphosis

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