Red Hook's Ikea Ferry Terminal gets a face lift

The Ikea of Red Hook is known far and wide by many New Yorkers seeking affordable furniture and household goods.  This world renowned company provides a complimentary water taxi that leaves the southern tip of Manhattan to dock right in front of Ikea. The purpose of this design proposal is to redefine the purpose of a ferry terminal.  Beyond function, this terminal seeks to encourage visitors to explore this part of Brooklyn beyond the usual beeline trip to Ikea and back.  A span of floor-to-ceiling windows frame the view of the river and beyond, while a sweeping staircase transports the visitors to an elevated view of the port and the city's skyline.  When reaching the top of the stairs, each commuter is met with a screen that is draped with greenery, blanketing a set of stairs that provide an alternative entering and exiting point. The roof is designed with glass infused with solar panels that collect and store energy from the sun to operate the terminal, while greenery is planted between each skylight to act as a cooling system.