Police Service Area 9

"All police buildings have to be secure, but this one also sets out to reassure the public. The boxy building’s glass façade will let in plenty of natural light and will transform into a light-filled beacon once darkness has fallen."
- Wallpaper Magazine

The New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) commissioned this police building for the Pomonok Houses, a residential development in Queens, desirous of a design that would blend into its surroundings.

The physical siting of the building informed the firm’s decision to maintain a simple, rectilinear concept related to the urbanism of the street. The building is organized with two visually shifting volumes. A free form inserted in the front office volume serves as the muster room and is available for public use.

Although the client did not request LEED certification, the team designed the project to strict sustainable guidelines, incorporating abundant natural light, a thermal wall, materials with recycled content, and low VOC finishes.

Publications & Exhibitions

2006 Oculus, "Architecture as Public Policy: Beacon, not Fortress"
2006 Clear Magazine, "Clear Views by Brian Fichtner"
2005 Spazio Architettura, "Police Service Area 9 by Diego Caramma"
2005 Wallpaper, "Boxing Clever: NYPD Lightens Up" - July/August 2005
2005 Abitare, "Designing for the Police" by Maria Giulia Zunino - October 2005
2003 AIANY, Going Public (Group Exhibition)