The concept of the Embrace Refugee Center centers on an individual approaching an unfamiliar environment or situation, just as it happens when refugees first arrive into an unfamiliar country. Access to the Embrace Refugee Center is through a welcoming park, and as the individual approaches Embrace, they merge into a hug: the welcoming, friendly and protective space and the individual integrate seamlessly and become one. Embrace is divided in three main areas.

The learning space is designed with formal classrooms, a library and several small areas for independent study or tutoring. The gathering area is built as a stage with a stadium-like structure, but is designed not only for concerts, performances and conferences, but also to work as an open space for casual socialization. Finally, the administrative area is designed to have beautiful views of the Hudson River and to be surrounded

by a vertical garden and trees, creating an inspiring work environment. Embrace is located on the Hudson River on the west side of Midtown Manhattan. Materials in the project are rich and natural, and respond to environmental concerns. They include CorTen steel, with a pattern cut out that makes the material appear to be light and allows visitors to see the areas beyond, polished concrete, black slate rock and flooring of sustainable cork and FSC Certified birch plywood.

Faculty for the project: Sandra Arndt & Sean Arrasmith

The learning space is designed with formal classrooms, a library and several small areas for independent study or tutoring. The gathering area is built as a stage with a stadium-like structure, but is designed not only for concerts, performances and conferences, but also to work as an open space for casual socialization. Finally, the administrative area is designed to have beautiful views of the Hudson River and to be surrounded
by a vertical garden and trees, creating an inspiring work environment. Embrace is located on the Hudson River on the west side of Midtown Manhattan. Materials in the project are rich and natural, and respond to environmental concerns. They include CorTen steel, with a pattern cut out that makes the material appear to be light and allows visitors to see the areas beyond, polished concrete, black slate rock and flooring of sustainable cork and FSC Certified birch plywood.

Faculty for the project: Sandra Arndt & Sean Arrasmith