The Women’s Beacon
A Beacon of Activism and Engagement in New York City
Project Details
Firm: Curtis + Ginsberg Architects
Client: Novo Foundation
Location: Chelsea, New York, NY
Type: Civic
Year: 2016
As a key contributor to The Women’s Beacon, I was involved in developing design concepts and architectural visualization, helping shape the project’s narrative and spatial organization. I collaborated closely with the design team to refine the adaptive reuse strategy, ensuring that the transformation of the former correctional facility aligned with the project’s mission of empowerment and activism. My responsibilities included producing the Revit model, renderings, facade studies, and presentation materials that communicated the building’s evolving design vision. Working on this project deepened my experience in socially driven design and reinforced my belief in architecture as a tool for community engagement and transformation.
View of lobby
The Women’s Beacon transforms the former Bayview Correctional Facility into a dynamic hub for activism and community engagement. Guided by three principles: "Reclaim, Transform, and Illuminate," the project fosters collaboration and healing, creating a beacon for the global women’s movement. The building invites all with its grand public stair and dynamic facade, symbolizing hope and transformation.
Building section
The Women’s Beacon accommodates a multifaceted program thoughtfully organized into spaces for healing, empowerment, and community. Multi-purpose meeting rooms and open office spaces foster collaboration and activism, providing flexible environments for various organizations. Public theaters and a health center further enhance its role as a hub for non-profit and community-driven initiatives, embodying its transformative mission.
Program diagrams
View of green house
The principle of reclaim is embodied in the repurposing of the rooftop into a vibrant greenhouse and community garden. This space reimagines the former prison enclosure, providing fresh greens for the ground-floor restaurant and a serene gathering place for visitors and community members. Sustainability measures, such as rainwater harvesting, reinforce the themes of renewal and environmental stewardship, making the garden a symbol of growth, wellness, and community connection.
View of theater
Transforming the pool into a theater preserves the rich history of the building while creating a space for artistic and cultural engagement. The intricate tilework of the former pool is carefully salvaged and showcased, connecting the past with a new purpose. This dynamic venue for performances, lectures, and community events embodies both transformation and responsible design.
View from 11th Ave
The Women’s Beacon facade and illuminated crown embody the principle of illumination, serving as a beacon for activism and inspiration. The perforated metal skin, punctuated by recessed and extruded elements, reflects light dynamically throughout the day and night. The double-skin facade not only enhances the building’s aesthetic but also serves as an energy-efficient envelope, supporting passive climate control. The crown, a glowing glass structure, symbolizes light and hope, visible across the cityscape as a representation of the building’s transformative mission.
Massing diagrams
View of entrance
By redefining a site of confinement into a space for empowerment, The Women’s Beacon embodies the principles of Reclaim, Transform, and Illuminate. Through its innovative design and thoughtful integration of spaces, the project creates a dynamic environment that inspires collective growth, fosters healing, and amplifies the mission of social justice. As a symbol of progress, The Women’s Beacon exemplifies the transformative power of design to connect and inspire.