Working from extensive research, neighborhood photography, and tours of the area’s various cultural venues, Jean and Gustavo embraced its dynamic sprit to inspire their designs. They see the Ashland as direct reflection of its site. Even with respect to architectural practice and process, the Ashland is unique in its design. Rather than a traditional plexiglass model, an organic wood model was used to represent the building, perhaps foreshadowing the distinct material choices now evident.

From the outset of the project, Gustavo sought to create “something that has weight, character and responded to Fort Greene.” Jean and Gustavo found cohesion in tension, seeing “the materials as a opportunity” to reflect the intersection of neighborhoods, culture and lifestyle. The fusion of gleaming glass towers with idyllic brownstones is manifested in The Ashland’s extraordinary design. According to Gustavo, “We really wanted something that addressed different angles, every time you approach it you have a different sense of the building, in a way,performing to the different corners.” Jean aptly jokes: “Brooklyn doesn’t dress up, but it accessorizes.” This could not ring more true for The Ashland with details ranging from the glass cube encasing the front lobby at the building’s base, to the sun reflective roof panels accenting the tower’s peak.

Integrating the culture and architecture specific to Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn into its design, The Ashland is truly a ‘tower grown in Brooklyn’.