A number of nations of the civilised world are giving environmental issues top priority and have thus succeeded in reducing toxic emission and hazardous by-products, in trying to minimise waste in all areas and in saving rapidly dwindling resources. Albeit: It does not take a government to get the individual stone rolling. There are copy-worthy examples of farsighted doers who make the global climate challenge their own – hoping their commitment might be contagious. This is one:
The venue-turned Brooklyn Navy Yard building could easily claim celebrity status solely for its enviable setting and views. And even if just another desolate structure had merely been transformed from its sorry former state into a reusable, intelligently functional and highly modern company seat cum event location: the Duggal Greenhouse would shine brightly among the array of doomed premises successfully rescued from terminal decay. Yet, what renders the edifice truly unique is that the „green“ in front of the „house“ exceeds by far what the name would usually imply and that for once, the term „greenhouse effect“ offers a positive connotation.
1801: Establishment of the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard was authorised by President John Adams.
2009: The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp.finances the first green industrial building and installs the nation’s first wind/solar street lamps.
2014: The entire yard is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
More general info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Navy_Yard
A harbourside ecological realm acting as a role model
The strictly sustainable concept in which the Greenhouse was planned, designed and realised and according to which it is now being managed, makes it an exceptional project. The venue considers itself a laboratory for new technology by utilising solar energy and organic air purification and by implementing an eco-friendly building practice. It houses Duggal Energy Solutions, whose goal it is to help tackle global environmental challenges. The company manufactures and distributes innovative street lamps powered by wind and solar energy. Branded Lumi-Solair, they represent a reliable light source for the Brooklyn Navy Yard and other designated areas.
Making a difference by making an effort
The Duggal Hall displaying its industrial charm.
For Duggal, environmental responsibility means to constantly innovate, detoxify and recycle throughout all aspects of their supply chain and production processes. Fully aware that there is no such magic thing as a zero-carbon footprint, they rather believe in convincing their customers of adopting eco-friendly practices. By assuming a forerunner position in the industry, hopes are high to influence both, clients and suppliers alike to jointly work toward a sustainable future. Partnering with a leading recycling company enables recycling 80 to 90 per cent of waste coming from all production facilities.
Access by land or by Yacht Service from Manhattan
Sprawled over a 35,000-square-foot space holding 100 – 3,000 persons, the Greenhouse hosts private functions, live events, fashion shows, product launches, movie and commercial productions, offers rehearsal space, etc. Stars such as Lady Gaga or Beyoncé or politician Mayor Bloomberg have performed grand shows, rehearsed or held memorable functions. And Christian Dior and Alexander Wang “crossed the bridge” from Manhattan to Brooklyn to host the first Fashion Week ever taking place outside of New York City!
The venue provides security with gated entrance and permits outside catering. A full service event production company, Duggal covers disciplines from event consultancy, strategic development, conceptual design and 3D visualization, management and logistics, event production, fabrication and installation, to marketing, branding and audience acquisition.
Vertical greening is more than just a token of wholesome environmental thinking.
Who is Duggal?
In 1957, Baldev Duggal immigrated from India and, more than 50 years ago, founded his first company – Duggal Visual Solutions, who designs and produces unique and complex visuals and fixtures. The equal opportunity firm also acts as a strong supporter of charitable organisations and the art world.
All images courtesy of ©The Duggal Greenhouse