DOMINO SUGAR REFINERY | PAU
New York City, NY - United States
ADDRESS:
314 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
ACCESS:
Access to the building is restricted, however the park is accessible to the public.
PAU’s (Practice for Architecture and Urbanism) transformation of the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn is a striking example of adaptive reuse that respects industrial heritage while embracing modern design. The original brick façade of the 19th-century refinery is meticulously preserved, maintaining its historic character and iconic presence along the waterfront. Inside this shell, a contemporary glass building is constructed, set back from the masonry walls to highlight the contrast between old and new. The centerpiece is a dramatic barrel-vaulted glass roof that floods the interior with natural light and gives the structure a renewed sense of openness and purpose. The design integrates advanced sustainability features while maintaining the architectural rhythm of the original structure. This juxtaposition of preserved exterior and futuristic interior redefines the building’s role, transforming it from a relic of industrial production into a dynamic commercial and cultural space. PAU’s approach honors history while making a bold architectural statement about Brooklyn’s evolving identity.
DESCRIPTION:
As part of the redevelopment of the Domino Sugar Factory, the waterfront was turned into a public park. Some industrial structures were retained and were implemented in the park's design by Filed Operations. Image (9) is of Kara Walker’s ‘A Subtey, or The Marvelous Sugar Baby’ (2014). Prior to redevelopment of the site, Kara Walker was commission to present a series of sculptures in the now removed turbine hall. The sculptures were constructed of sugar, including the creation of a massive sugar sphinx. This work is no longer on view.
NOTES:
IMAGE CREDITS:
(1-7) Jamie (8) Stephanie Tung (9) WROT
