This is a magic moment for architecture in New York. The website of NY Building Congress says so too: between the year 2000 and today construction sites have tripled. That is the reason they talk about a new Building Boom that is redesigning one of the most beautiful and iconic skylines in the world.
W57 – 625 West 57th Street
The new residential project by the Danish firm drew inspiration from two references: the firmness of a typically European edifice with an inner court, and the height of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. The breathtaking view on the Hudson combines with a sense of intimacy and security. An opening towards the exterior that doesn’t prevent intimacy. The North East corner of the parallelepiped rises to a height of 140 meters, creating an articulated edifice, full of terraces and glass walls.
The Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center - 104 Haven Avenue
Inaugurated less than one year ago, this 14-storey glass tower is devoted to research and training in the medical field, as part of Columbia University Medical Center. The building, realised in collaboration with Gensler, who was the executive architect, plays a key role in the activities that take place within in - not only for the classrooms endowed with state-of-the-art technologies, the common areas that stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration, and the centre for advanced simulation - but also as an example of modernity, innovation, and sustainability.
Salt Shed - 336 Spring Street
by Dattner Architects in association with WXY for NYC Department of Sanitation and NYC Department of Design and Construction
The proof that a service infrastructure can win several awards, from the AIA NY Architecture Honor Award to the SARA NY Design Award for Sustainability. This sculpture-like architecture, reminiscent of the structure of a crystal is a warehouse that can hold 5.000 tonnes of salt. A public commission that turned into a critical and commercial success, also thanks to a strategic lighting system at sundown.
53W53 - 53 West 53rd Street
by Jean Nouvel
Adjacent to the MoMA, a residential tower over 300 metres in height. Under construction since 2014, it is almost complete. Inside, beside the 150 super-luxury apartments, there is also an important extension of the exhibition areas of the museum. The custom-made interiors designed by Thierry Despont are reminiscent of the New Yorker old style, in elegant contrast with the ultra-modern, rigorous architecture. A curiosity? The tenants will enjoy the privileges of the MoMA membership (previews, free accesses, exclusive services)
Fifteen Hudson Yards - 501 West 30th Street
by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Rockwell Group
The new four-leaf-clover-shaped 88-storey tower is located close to the High Line, in an area of strong residential expansion. Designed to receive the LEED gold certification, it hosts 285 dwellings divided into 5 types, all with seamless breathtaking view and excellent finishing. Four floors have been dedicated to services (among them a swimming pool, gyms, a golf room, and beauty centres). The prices? From 3,8 to 32 million dollars.
