Is HAO’s Alternative Domino Sugar Complex Plan Better for Williamsburg Than Two Trees’ Current Design?

Although plans to redevelop the long-abandoned <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/photos-peek-inside-the-sweet-walls-of-the-domino-sugar-factory-in-williamsburg/">Domino Sugar Factory</a> into large residential buildings were <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/domino-sugar-refinery-to-be-transformed-into-affordable-housing-complex-by-shop-architects/">announced back in March</a>, construction has yet to begin as the city continues to look at the project. Now <a href="http://www.holmarchitectureoffice.com/">Holm Architecture Office</a> has proposed an alternative design that would turn the area into a large public and private epicenter for Williamsburg called the Domino Culture Factory. The project includes amenities such as a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/energy/">green energy technology</a> center, education, community and hotel-driven programming, museums and exhibition and theater space.

The Williamsburg Independent People, a local community group, commissioned HAO to develop a design that would serve as a counterpoint to the <a href="http://twotreesny.com/">Two Trees Management Company</a>’s proposed residential-office development.

The large site spanning five city blocks would be entirely accessible to the public with large </a><a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-space/">green areas</a> and a new waterfront boardwalk and sculpture park to connect all the buildings.

<p>There would also be a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/marina/">marina</a> planted with ferry stops along the way to link with a variety of outer borough cultural destinations and emphasis the site’s unique <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/architects-propose-soft-infrastructure-to-protect-nyc-from-the-next-big-storm/">waterfront location</a>.</p>

HAO’s proposal would also retrofit the buildings with a combination of green technologies including <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-roofs/">green roofs</a>, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/photovoltaic/">photovoltaic</a> roof panels, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/geothermal/">geothermal</a> heating and cooling, as well as the use of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/wind-energy/">wind</a> and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/wave-energy/">wave energy</a>.

<p>Once completed, the Domino Culture Factory would offer the Williamsburg neighborhood 700,000 square feet of museum space along with a public promenade, outdoor sculpture areas, educational spaces, and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/some-new-yorkers-are-living-in-mobile-homes-to-avoid-paying-sky-high-rents/">affordable housing</a>.</p>

<p>Compared to the Two Tree’s plan, the Domino Culture factory would modernize a series of building to maintain the site’s original look and height, rather than redevelop the area for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/freedom-tower/">“taller and better” towers</a>.</p>

The Domino Culture Factory project could provide Williamsburg with a neighborhood image closer to its roots.

Which project do you think is better, the Two Tree’s towers or HAO’s Domino Culture Factory? Leave a comment.