KPF:
http://www.kpf.com/project.asp?S=1&ID=529
Location: New York, NY, USA
Client: SL Green Realty Corporation
Type:Office, Retail, Supertall
Size: 1,700,000 ft2/ 158,000 m2
Height: 457 meters /1,500ft
Leed: Gold
Quote:
One Vanderbilt is an iconic Class A office tower in Midtown Manhattan. The building’s design was to meet today’s market needs, but also address a civic need to strengthen the Midtown Core and the Grand Central District. Formally, the massing is comprised of four interlocking, tapering volumes that spiral up to the sky. This tapered shape creates an elegant proportion sympathetic to the shaft of nearby Chrysler Building. At the base, a series of angled cuts organize a visual procession to Grand Central Terminal, revealing the Vanderbilt corner of its magnificent cornice – a view which has been obstructed for nearly a century.
The material palette of the design takes cues from the textured, masonry construction typical of the neighborhood – the tower wall consists of a terra cotta spandrel while terra cotta soffits and herringbone flooring are reminiscent of Guastavino tile work. Shading elements enhance environmental performance and add texture to the tower.
Although the section of the tapered form is sloped, the plans of the building are strictly rectangular – the building facades integrate harmoniously with the larger urban fabric of the New York City grid. Additionally, the design accommodates a variety of floor plates.
An active urban base makes One Vanderbilt a 21st century successor to Rockefeller Center. A Transit Hall on the North-East corner of the site anchors a proposed pedestrian-only Vanderbilt Ave. By positioning the primary office entry on this new Vanderbilt Plaza, the design stresses a synergy of public and private space at the main address. The Transit Hall offers an incredible integration of complex below grade conditions to grade; a grand stair connects the Transit Hall to Grand Central Concourse Level B1, a further escalator continues to Dining Level B2, and a final escalator leads to East Side Access. On the South end of Vanderbilt Plaza, an MTA connection to Shuttle and 4, 5, 6 Subway Lines is created. Finally, retail edges along Madison Avenue and 42nd Street add frontage that follows city guidelines and an additional 7 foot setback at the sidewalk on Madison Avenue opens up the congested shopping route.
Following the layered language of such great New York buildings as the Chrysler, the Empire State, and the Woolworth, the top of One Vanderbilt spirals up to a narrow point. A nuanced façade treatment that interplays vertical and diagonal structure against a transparent glass is also pragmatic, offering panoramic views of the city. The core wall is lined with folding metal panels that reflect and refract natural light, a design that accentuates the crystalline form against the city skyline.
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