Party Walls is a permanent, multi-use installation designed within the boundaries of a courtyard in Brooklyn, New York. This unique shared space is flanked by diverse building programs, including garden-level rental units, a recording studio, and an art gallery. In response to the client’s vision, we crafted a community-centered environment that enlivens the courtyard for both tenant-specific and public events, offering a retreat within the industrial neighborhood for residents and visitors alike.

Although compact, the courtyard accommodates an array of programming, such as film screenings and workshops, with capacity for up to 50 guests. A bar and flexible lounge area are seamlessly integrated into a series of arches that frame the space. The courtyard hosts activities ranging from outdoor yoga and private gatherings to community events, supporting vibrant social interactions.

The design addresses the bustling nature of these gatherings with a “sleeve” of multi-arched structures that subtly house functional elements while creating secluded spaces for tenants. These arches, set at varying angles and depths, form miniature courtyards that act as private entryways for each unit, enhancing privacy and daylighting. Some arches incorporate planters, enabling tenants to cultivate their own urban gardens, breaking up the concrete expanse with natural greenery. Other arches serve specific functions—some support a projection screen, while others rise taller to create a shaded canopy for the bar area.

The surrounding buildings are clad in a mix of materials, from bright blue metal to grey-painted wood. The powder-coated steel arches introduce a calming, cohesive aesthetic that brings together the existing architectural elements, adding a new, functional dimension that unifies the varied textures and finishes of the courtyard’s surroundings.