Project Type:  Institutional Size:  25,000 sqft Year:  2022 Awards:  A'Design Award Silver Prize Taipei Design Award Distinction Prize Architizer A+Awards Finalist The Municipal Art Society (MAS) is a civic organization dedicated to preserving New York City’s cultural heritage while guiding urban growth in a thoughtful, balanced manner. With nearly 20 projects already completed across the city, MAS operates like a network devoted to the public interest. As the organization expands, it requires a new headquarters not only for administrative purposes but also as a symbolic civic landmark. Beyond offices, the building must embody the public-facing identity of MAS, housing spaces for classrooms, a library, a café with a bookstore, a gallery, and a public forum—essential for hosting lectures, performances, and community events. The success of the forum’s design will directly influence how citizens connect with MAS. Uniquely positioned at the junction of three districts, the site links directly to the High Line and the Whitney Museum, with an urban park across Gansevoort Street offering expansive views of the building’s south façade. This strategic location inspired design approaches that weave the building into its urban context, integrating MAS’s civic mission with the surrounding neighborhoods. The resulting space unites diverse functions and activities, transforming daily, and acting as a vibrant urban lobby—welcoming New Yorkers to gather, learn, and engage with the city’s evolving cultural landscape.