The Hudson Echo infuses the natural acoustics of the Hudson River through its form. Its concrete exterior shell extends into the river to channel its ambient sound up throughout the interior space. Its shell and theater shaped rows help create an immersive auditory experience for users.

The Site & Its Importance

The Hudson Echo uses the natural phenomena sound of waves for its purpose. The site is located over the river between Pier 62-64 at Hudson River Park. The echo heavily relies on the natural tides as they flow throughout the space. The quality of sound differs depending on the high or low tide, which change during the solstices.

During summer solstice, Tides are at its highest point from the Piers known as (Spring Tides) due to the Increased angle of sun. When the earth is in Perihelion (closest to the sun), higher ties occur as opposed to Aphelion. The Hudson River is currently rising due to climate change cause by high temperature Waters and the land slowly sinking.

The Hudson’s southern half is an estuary (affected by the ocean currents). Rising tides from the
Atlantic Ocean force Ocean water up the river creating salt fronts. The Hudson estuary does not flow in one direction. Its ebb tide (pull back) is stronger than the flood tide.

Leading Precedents: Amplification Through Form

There were many leading precedents behind designing a space that could amplify sound in a theater type of setting. One of the earliest examples of a space that was able to amplify sound was an early Greek Amphitheater. The greatest mystery behind why a space that was designed in a way that could amplify projecting sound, but muffle crowd noise was very important to research.

It was all in the seating! The dense material of the seating, usually made from concrete or limestone, provides a filtering effect. It would help suppress the low frequencies of voices and minimize crowd noises. Each row reflected high frequencies of sound back towards the audience. The slight slope of the structure also helps with sound amplification, mimicking the direction of how sound travels. They also worked well because of its circular shape that allows sound to travel farther. Stepped rows also help as a natural amplifier and reflect sounds.

The next option when designing this project was create space that could have a similar effect but could concentrate river sounds for an auditory experience. It was most important to create plans that could represent every important aspect; from the circulation and program for users to the overall assembly to figure out how it can truly work.

Floor Plans: User Program & Assembly

Section Plans: Hide & Low Tide

South & North Section

User profile: Working Professionals in Seek of Introspection

At the Hudson Echo, this space serves for individuals who stand apart—those seeking depth beyond daily
hustles and busy schedules. It is designed for thinkers, creatives, and Working professionals craving a pause. It offers a retreat for meditation, reflection, and artistic exploration. It cultivates a conscious community, inviting users to step away from their routines and reconnect with themselves in a city that never stops moving.

Visitors are encouraged to absorb the natural symphony, allowing them to have moments of inspiration for creative expression, whether that be sketching or writing.

Physical Modeling