Both Moody Nolan and WXY joined the design-build team with tvsdesign, led by Lendlease Construction LMB Inc. and Turner Construction for the 1,200,000 square-foot, $1.55 billion expansion of the Jacob K. Javits convention center. In addition to providing design support to the overall project, WXY is the architect for the rooftop Pavilion and Farm.

This new program will serve the aggressive sustainability initiatives and green roof program, while providing a farm-to-table experience that is part of the larger environmental vision for the Javits Center. It is also an important opportunity for recycling water from the large, 300,000 gallon water storage system built into Javits’ current facility.

WXY focused on collaborating with the client team who maintains the current 295,000 square foot green roof and beehives, as well as the operations team, to provide a scheme that would allow for a true operating rooftop farm and an operational event space. At 16,200 square feet, the Pavillion will accommodate a variety of events that can host up to 1,000 seated guests. 

The Pavilion’s north facing sawtooth profile limits light pollution towards future residents and accommodates the flexible staging systems for events. In designing the exterior areas for the functioning greenhouse and outdoor recreation, the design team was able to use wind data to shape the location of shaded areas using arbor and fruit trees.

Charged with making this distinctly an urban farm, the resulting design is a marriage between a naturally northern lit space and a totally flexible black box for events. A 42-foot wide, bifold door connects the Farm with the Terrace, creating a dynamic, educational, and immersive experience for the Javits Center.