Roller Gate provides a space for the community to immerse themselves in the neighborhood’s culture and arts. Local artists are given studio space to practice their craft, while sunken seating areas provide neighborhood residents with a space to watch them work – eroding the building themselves. As time passes, these areas fill with rainwater collected from the facade opening.

Roller gates or mesh garage doors – inspired by the building’s quoins – are used throughout the structure: acting as the walls, floors, and ceilings, creating more intimate spaces when wanted, and covering the channels when necessary. Reminiscent of roller gate security doors typically found on first floor store fronts throughout the East Village, and NYC in general, this system pays homage to the neighborhood.

Community members can watch local artists work or can opt to take a workshop with them for a small fee. When the garage door is down, covering the opening in the floor slab, the artist is open for business. Throughout, an urban archive fills the open space, providing community members with a place to create. The roller gates serve as their canvas, shielding the interior from external elements when needed. The first and top floors are then used as gallery and exhibition space, providing additional funds for the building’s maintenance.