Johnston Marklee's Ray Phoenix: A Tower of Democratic Design and Desert Influence
In the heart of Arizona's vibrant Roosevelt Row Arts District, Johnston Marklee has unveiled Ray Phoenix, a residential tower that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and design with the surrounding desert landscape. This project, developed by New York-based Ray and Kansas-based Vela, is a testament to the studio's commitment to creating spaces that are both visually stunning and highly functional.
One of the most striking features of Ray Phoenix is its mint green metal facade, a color inspired by the desert environment. This choice of material and hue is not just aesthetically pleasing but also a strategic design decision. As Sharon Johnston, founding partner of Johnston Marklee, explains, the building's design is "democratic by nature," with a consistent grid that unifies the living units in the tower with the communal spaces, garden deck, and amenity floors at the base. This grid system creates a sense of unity and accessibility, ensuring that every resident feels connected to the building's overall aesthetic.
The building's design is deeply rooted in the desert landscape, with textures and subtle contrasts that reflect the region's arid character. Marklee notes that Ray Phoenix is "grounded and distinct to the city's skyline," a statement that captures the project's unique identity. The use of local materials, such as concrete, heavy-grit plaster, brick, glazed tile, and blond oak flooring, further emphasizes the connection to the desert environment, paying homage to the palette of the surrounding landscape.
Ray Phoenix is a mixed-use development, featuring a majority of studio apartments, as well as one- and two-bedroom units. The amenity spaces are equally impressive, including a gym with an outdoor patio, a communal kitchen, a large social space with a sunken lounge, and a "resort-style" pool deck with a hot tub and shaded seating. The building also contains an exhibition space, Studio 105, and will eventually feature a ground-level retail market, further enhancing the community's access to art and design.
The project's interior design is just as impressive as its exterior. Parts and Labor Design, working with Ray's in-house team, has created a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The furniture is wide and low-rising, complementing the desert-inspired palette of materials. Local artists, such as Carlisle Burch and rocki swiderski, have also contributed to the building's artistic identity, with pieces distributed throughout the space.
A mural by Alex Israel, depicting local plant species, graces the lobby, adding a touch of local flavor to the space. This attention to detail and commitment to community is a hallmark of Johnston Marklee's approach, as evidenced by their recent guesthouse for Danish furniture brand Vipp in upstate New York.
In my opinion, Ray Phoenix is a remarkable example of how architecture can enhance a community and create a sense of place. The building's democratic design, desert-inspired aesthetics, and commitment to accessibility make it a standout project in the Phoenix skyline. As the studio continues to push the boundaries of design, we can expect to see more innovative and thought-provoking projects from Johnston Marklee in the future.
