WAVE

Arizona State University

Master of Architecture Program

Spring 2025

The Manhattan Wave is a floating Children’s Storytelling Center on the Hudson River that doubles as a portable marine transfer station, cleaning the river's water. It collects debris through an internal process and releases purified water back into the river while storing waste until it can be properly disposed of on land. Designed with vibrant colors and biophilic elements, the building will captivate visitors and create a lively educational space for children. By integrating the water cleansing process into the design, the Manhattan Wave aims to engage young minds and foster a sense of environmental responsibility for a more sustainable future.

HARLOW’S ADVENTURE

Follow along with Harlow, a curious little girl, as she embarks on her first visit to Wave with her mother. She was instantly captivated by the ethereal view of the building from the pier. Harlow was enchanted by the playful design as they entered, especially fascinated by the ETFE tubing that showcased the building's innovative water cleansing system. Eager to learn about sustainability, she explored the various activities, immersing herself in the building's purpose. When she discovered a book about mermaids, her day turned into a delightful adventure filled with imagination. Excited to share her experience, Harlow returned to school the next day and proudly showed her friends the new book, sparking their interest and making them all eager to visit Wave themselves.

  • An image of Wave

    ENTRANCE

    Wave’s strategic positioning at multiple piers throughout Manhattan ensures that individuals from diverse economic backgrounds have equal access to its immersive experiences. By providing docking locations across the city, Wave invites everyone to engage in its vibrant and educational environment, where learning and reading become accessible to all. The entrance to Wave is designed to be an ethereal experience, featuring a captivating display of water cascading from the roof down the sides of the building. This stunning visual element not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also symbolizes the flow of knowledge and creativity within. With its unique and whimsical design, Wave stands apart from anything else in the city, creating an exciting and inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and fosters a love for learning among children and families alike.

  • LOBBY

    As visitors step into the lobby of Wave, they are immediately enveloped in a childlike wonder, where whimsy meets vibrant design. The atmosphere is alive with an array of bright colors that dance around the space, creating an inviting and exhilarating ambiance. Towering behind the information desk are the impressive ETFE tubes, a striking architectural feature that not only captivates the eye but also serves a vital function in the building's water cleansing system. These colorful tubes transport purified water throughout the structure, seamlessly blending aesthetics with purpose. This imaginative entrance aims to spark curiosity and excitement among children and visitors alike, encouraging them to engage with the building's mission of sustainability and environmental stewardship as they embark on their educational journey within Wave.

  • ETFE WATER CLEANSING SYSTEM TUBES

    Wave’s main hallways feature large, colorful ETFE tubes that transport purified water from the cleansing system to the roof, where it is released back into the river. These striking and vibrant tubes are intentionally designed to capture children’s attention, creating a dynamic visual experience as they observe the flowing water within. This engaging feature not only adds to the building's whimsical atmosphere but also serves an educational purpose, encouraging young visitors to learn about sustainability and understand the significance of Wave’s mission. By witnessing the water's journey through the tubes, children are inspired to appreciate the vital role this innovative building plays in protecting the environment.

  • WATER CLEANSING SYSTEM

    The river cleansing system in Wave is designed to address the long standing pollution issues plaguing the Hudson River, impacting both its ecosystem and the surrounding communities. As a portable marine transfer station, the building intakes river water through an intake tank, where debris is sorted from the water. The debris is then directed into a filtration system, followed by a holding tank, ensuring that it can be properly disposed of or recycled once the building is docked. Meanwhile, the clean water proceeds through a dedicated filtration system for thorough purification. After this cleansing process, the purified water is transported through elegant ETFE tubes to the roof, where it is released back into the river. This innovative approach not only restores the river’s health but also serves as a captivating design feature, showcasing Wave’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the importance of preserving our natural resources.

  • EXTERIOR

    The exterior view of Wave is nothing short of enchanting, as streams of beautiful purified water cascade gracefully from the roof, glistening in the light before falling back into the Hudson River. This captivating waterfall effect creates an ethereal ambiance, transforming the building into a living, breathing entity that harmoniously interacts with its surroundings. The shimmering water not only serves a practical purpose in cleansing the river but also adds a mesmerizing visual element that draws in onlookers and passersby. The sight of the water flowing down the building’s sides evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, underscoring Wave’s mission to restore the health of the Hudson while inspiring awe and curiosity in all who witness this stunning spectacle.

  • MAIN STORYTELLING HALL

    The main storytelling hall at Wave is a whimsical space that features a large caterpillar bookshelf / art installation, inspired by the beloved children’s book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." This imaginative installation is crafted from durable ETFE, making it lightweight and adaptable for periodic updates, allowing for the themes of various children's books to be showcased throughout the year. By bringing childhood stories to life in such a vibrant and engaging way, the caterpillar serves as both a functional storage space for books and a captivating focal point that encourages children to unleash their imaginations. As young readers interact with this enchanting installation, they are inspired to explore new stories, fostering a love for reading and creativity that will last a lifetime.

  • CREATION STUDIO

    The Creation Studio at Wave is a vibrant and whimsical haven designed to ignite children's creativity, adorned with a stunning array of colorful ETFE panels that ascend the walls and ceiling, creating an enchanting rainbow effect. This lively atmosphere invites children to sit at an assortment of tables where they can color, draw, and engage in various crafts, providing them with a space to express themselves artistically. As they work on their creative projects, children have the opportunity to interact with their peers, fostering friendships and building relationships in a supportive environment. The Creation Studio not only nurtures artistic talents but also encourages collaboration and exploration, allowing young minds to discover new skills and unleash their imaginations in a fun and inspiring setting.

  • MULTIPURPOSE ACTIVITY ROOM

    The multipurpose activity rooms at Wave exude warmth and vibrancy, designed to inspire creativity and engagement. Flowing ETFE panels ascend in organic shapes reminiscent of water and waves, these rooms create a dynamic atmosphere that captivates the senses while maintaining a sense of openness. The main floor is intentionally kept plain and adaptable, allowing for easy movement and flexibility to accommodate a variety of activities, from workshops to group games. By minimizing fixed furniture and clutter on the floor plan, the design prioritizes adaptability, ensuring that the space can be easily rearranged to suit different needs. This thoughtful approach highlights the architectural features on the walls and ceiling, transforming the environment into a colorful and immersive experience, while providing a functional space that encourages exploration and interaction among the children.

  • OUTDOOR PROJECTION MAPPING STORYTELLING COURTYARD

    The outdoor project mapping storytelling courtyard, located on the second level of Wave, offers a captivating transition as visitors prepare to step out onto the rooftop Urban Plaza. This enchanting space features a large glass wall that serves as a canvas for projection mapping, showcasing popular children's books in a dazzling array of colors and animated visuals. As children watch the delightful stories come to life against the backdrop of the stunning Manhattan skyline, the experience becomes truly immersive, blending the magic of storytelling with the beauty of the urban landscape. This innovative installation not only captures the attention and imagination of young readers but also encourages them to discover the whimsy and joy of reading, fostering a lifelong love for literature in a playful and engaging environment.

  • OUTDOOR URBAN PLAZA

    The Urban Plaza is located on the second level rooftop of Wave. It offers a delightful outdoor experience that harmonizes playfulness with nature. This vibrant park-like space has many water features that echo the building's overarching theme, creating a refreshing atmosphere for visitors. Scattered throughout the plaza are numerous tables and benches, inviting groups to gather, share meals, and engage in conversation while surrounded by scenic views. On hot summer days, children can splash and play in a dedicated pool area. A striking large stage, enveloped by an ETFE installation, enhances both sound quality and aesthetic appeal, casting a beautiful rainbow of colors across the plaza. Water flows gracefully down the sides of the stage, creating a mesmerizing visual as it cascades into the pool below, further enriching the inviting ambiance of the Urban Plaza and making it a perfect spot for community events and leisurely enjoyment.

  • LEVEL 1 PLAN, LEVEL 2 PLAN, & ROOF PLAN