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Shinnecock Nation Development

LocationSouthampton, New York
Year of Competition2021
ClientThe Shinnecock Indian Nation Tribe
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture

A TRIBE'S LEGACY

The Shinnecock Indian Nation, an indigenous tribe with territory in and around Southampton, New York, hired DF&A to design a resort and conference center on 20 acres of sovereign land on Long Island’s Peconic Bay.
We designed the 13-building complex in collaboration with the tribe, in a way that complements the land’s natural beauty while leaving as much as possible in a natural state. Given the Shinnecock Nation’s ancient and enduring connection with that place — “Shinnecock” means “people of the stony shore” — we were especially mindful of creating spaces that had a low impact on the surrounding landscape, and a high ratio of usability to square footage. We grouped the buildings (including a convention hall, recreation space, wellness center, longhouse, and residences) close together to preserve open space, and made sure that every building we designed enhanced rather than diminished the landscape. The resulting Resort at Westwoods will be a source of cultural pride as well as steady income for the Shinnecock Nation, and an expression of the tribe’s renowned hospitality: a modern manifestation of the Shinnecock Powwow.
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Danny Forster & Architecture

ONE WITH THE LANDSCAPE

Our goal was to create a contemporary architectural language for the tribe borne of ancient principles: respect for the land, efficient use of limited resources, and working in harmony with others. A Shinnecock complex worthy of the name will honor and use tribal land in a way that satisfies the economic and cultural goals of the tribe and welcomes its neighbors.

Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture

USING THE LAND TWICE

The sharply angled vertical wooden façade of the Recreation Complex arrows toward the sky like a whale breaching water line, a reference to the Peconic Bay and the Shinnecock tradition of whaling. The Recreation Complex houses a Class A sports facility on the interior, while the sloped exterior incorporates two sides of built-in stadium seating. In effect, we use the land twice, and in doing so create a multifunctional and multi-seasonal event space.

Danny Forster & Architecture
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We didn’t build the hotel chain, the new company headquarters, the corporate training retreat, or the convention center. But we were invited to tell their stories, to explore and explain what they mean to the people who built them and the customers, employees, and public they serve. From naming exercises to complete brand standard redesigns, from company town halls to documentary films, DF&A brings its architecture, design, and filmmaking experience to bear on campaigns that elevate other people’s work.

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