front studio architects: the glass lofts

the glass lofts by front studio architects photo by ed massery

the glass lofts by american front studio architects is not your usual configuration of spaces. commissioned by friendship development associates (FDA) to be a central player in its community revitalization program. the glass lofts is a new mixed-use building consisting of 36,600sf including 18 loft condominiums, yoga studio, artist’s work spaces, retail, restaurant space, and a flexible exterior community space. located at the beginning of the penn avenue arts district in pittsburgh, pennsylvania, USA the glass lofts is the result of a community-driven planning process actively involving neighborhood residents, artists and business owners in the development of the project.

the main architecture concept of this project was the incomplete. rather than expressing a view of architecture as absolute and finite as most buildings tend to do, the glass lofts is made purposefully incomplete. while not incomplete in a literal or physical sense, it is incomplete because it accepts change. the inevitability of time’s effects and user modifications are also essential forces that shape the architecture.

details that express the incomplete are its many fragments of volumes, colors, materials and carved out corners. the building is laced with unfinished materials such as exposed concrete block, metal deck, steel, ducts, pipes, and conduits. this opens up the users imagination to do what they will with the space. due to its use of an economy of means and its incomplete nature, the project’s construction cost including interior finishes was a low 123USD per square foot.

photo by ed massery

photo by arthur azoulai

floor plan

front studio architects: the glass lofts

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