6a architects – CARA

cara, Center for Art, Research and Alliances, New York 2022

cara, Center for Art, Research and Alliances, New York 2022 Photo Michael Vahrenwald

The Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA) is a new arts nonprofit, research center and publisher which opened in Greenwich Village, New York in Autumn 2022. Founded by Jane Hait and directed by Manuela Moscoso, the organisation aims to expand public discourses on art, its dominant narratives and historic records.

Built in 1909 as a playing card factory, and once home to DFA Records, 6a designed the transformation of the original building into a series of flexible daylit spaces for public programming, research and exhibitions. The tall and narrow steel framed masonry building was a robust starting point for re - use. The central third of the building was demolished to introduce a new elevator and stairs creating universal public access, bringing people and artworks to each floor.

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

​Photo Mike Vitelli

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

As 6a’s first project in the United States, the practice drew reference from the city itself, embracing the idiosyncrasies of New York’s geology, vernacular and stringent building code. New windows frame views into the city block and over Manhattan’s skyline while the city’s granite bedrock emerges in a pocket garden designed with Dan Pearson Studio and as seats and bollards within the building, some found and others newly placed.

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Michael Vahrenwald

Photo Mike Vitelli

A double height space faces the street framing the canopy of a honey locust tree growing on the sidewalk. Its leaves give dappled light to the art space and a large rooflight brings abundant daylight. To the rear, flexible rooms provide intimate spaces for art or conversation framed by the new garden or views into the back of the city block. At street level a bookstore will host public programmes with furniture designed by Studio Manuel Raeder and Rodolfo Samperio. The old freight elevator is replaced with an art hoist and hatch that connect the bookstore and gallery above, dropping light and sound through the building.

Architects: 6a architects

Architect of Record: John Banks / 20X Architects

Project Manager: Paratus Group

Construction Manager: Eurostruct

Structural, Environmental and Lighting Engineer: Arup

Landscape designer: Dan Pearson Studio

Bookstore designer: Studio Manuel Raeder and Rodolfo Samperio

CARA Visual Identity and Wayfinding: The Rodina

Wayfinding: David Reinfurt

Artist Commission: Dexter Sinister