Halstead Mixed Use Development

Fairfax County, USA

A giant shimmering sail at the center of a plaza with shard like light-wells which doubled as furniture define the central space of the mixed used development. Due to the east west orientation of the buildings with in the development the central plaza does not receive direct sun light during the majority of the year. The large sail acts as light reflector illuminating the central space during the day, while the light-wells bring ambient natural light down through the depths of the parking levels for the residents of the development. At night the sculptural plaza works in reverse, the light wells not only illuminate the parking levels but the light which reflects off of the sail provides a soft ambient light for the plaza as well as creating a unique beacon and iconic element for the development. (This project completed by BAM in the office of Martha Schwartz, Inc.)