Return to Nature

grove street theater | jersey city, new jersey

fareh garba | fall 2021

A theater at Grove Street should act as a shared community area for all who visit. Currently a noisy, open area, Return to Nature greatly changes the micro-climate of the site to create a nature retreat in the busyness of the city. The site becomes a large park, which revolves around the theater, which becomes a place for gathering, respite, and education. The theater, which seats 180, is the new home for the Jersey City Theater Company, a non-profit promoting performance arts. A cafe, public restrooms, artist residences, and an outdoor school, where Jersey City residents can be taught outdoor skills, accompanies the theater. The site supports local businesses by providing dedicated seating for nearby cafes and restaurants and by creating dedicated spaces for farmer and art markets. The grand terrace provides shade for these market stalls and forms the informal seating for the outdoor theater. A 70-foot tall rock wall on the exterior egress stair allows the outdoor school to teach critical safety skills to residents interested in climbing and mountaineering.