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Ruonan Du

Ruonan Du

New York, NY, US

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Milk Hub 2.0

Dairy has historically been an integral component of the American food industry. In New York alone, milk sales accounted for an impressive 47.1% of the state's agricultural commodities in 2017, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Dinapoli, 2019). Notably, New York stands as the third-largest milk producer among all U.S. states, with the Hudson Valley region being a substantial contributor due to its rich farmland resources.

Our chosen site for renovation is a poignant relic of the dairy industry's illustrious past - a former condensed milk factory once operated by the renowned Borden Dairy Company, situated in Wallkill, Orange County. This edifice is not just a building, but a microcosm reflecting the region's deep-rooted dairy heritage.

The objectives of this renovation project are manifold. Primarily, it seeks to cultivate community solidarity and bolster the sustained development of the dairy sector through the construction of open bridge spaces and ancillary facilities. Through the thoughtful rejuvenation of this historically significant structure, which has stood witness to the ebbs and flows of the dairy industry, our aspiration is to galvanize those working within its walls and lay the groundwork for a thriving, sustainable dairy industry for generations to come.

 
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Status: School Project
Location: New York, NY, US
My Role: In the Advanced IV studio at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), I undertook a multifaceted project which included conducting site analysis through visits, engaging in industry research, developing arc
Additional Credits: Teamwork with Wei Xiao, under mentorship of Pedro Rivera and Ubaldo Escalante