The new building at Camp Kaufmann, dubbed “Girl HQ,” will provide an inspiring space for urban girls to gather and discover the wonder of the natural environment and explore a wide variety of learning opportunities. The new Hall provides dining and instructional facilities in a bucolic setting for the Girl Scouts of New York City. The building references the surrounding rustic architecture of Camp Kaufmann from a modern perspective. Clean lines and open spaces are complemented by soaring wood arches and warm materials. Expansive views of the wooded environment are framed in every room. Girl HQ will provide a beautiful environment to support urban Girl Scouts while they explore sustainable, inspirational, and educational experiences.
The Camp Kaufmann site is interesting in that it is composed of largely virgin forest with natural ponds scattered throughout the property. The property is within the watershed for New York City which added a level of complexity to the site design, requiring special attention to erosion control and septic design. The siting and views were also based on the existing topography and natural features of the site. Mature trees are framed in every view and large boulders were incorporated as sculptural elements into the landscape design. A great amount of care was taken to preserve as much of the existing natural environment as possible. The existing site and natural elements are experienced throughout the interior of the space, allowing the viewer to maintain a connection with nature while experiencing the architecture of “Girl HQ”.
