BIG unveil 1,000ft New York tower with cascading green terraces
by Kim Megson | 09 Feb 2016
With the W57 ‘Courtscraper’ nearly finished and the 2 World Trade Center building still in development, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have unveiled their vision for another striking New York tower: a green-infused 65-storey glass structure called The Spiral.
The 1,005ft (306.3m) office building – which takes its name from the series of cascading green terraces that swirl around the building – will be located at the intersection of the High Line and the newly-developed Hudson Boulevard Park.
“The Spire will punctuate the northern end of the linear park and will appear to carry through into the tower, forming an ascending ribbon of lively green spaces, extending the High Line to the skyline," said Bjarke Ingels. "The string of terraces wrapping around the building expand the daily life of the tenants to the outside air and light."
The innovative design ensures that every floor of the tower opens up to the outdoors with hanging gardens and green terraces creating “collaborative and connected workspaces” and offering panoramic views of Manhattan.
In order to “stand out from its neighbours yet feel completely at home”, The Spiral echoes New York’s stepped skyscrapers such as the Rockefeller Center, while using modern materials and detailing that place it “at the forefront of contemporary high-rise design, putting it on a path to become a future classic on the skyline.”
Ingels said spirals are an aesthetically attractive design feature because “their immaculate geometry and the suggestion of the infinite has mesmerised us in all cultures across time and place.”
The project is being developed by real estate company Tishman Speyer and BIG are working with architects Adamson Associates, engineers WSP Cantor Seinuk and skyscraper consultants Consentini on the project.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion called The Future of New York's Skyline last month, Ingels made the case for New York buildings with wide open terraces.
“It used to be that a space with a terrace was of the least value in a building,” he said. “But now it’s an asset because of what it offers in the form of entertainment and quality of life and work.”
BIG Bjarke Ingels architecture design New York the High Line The Spiral Manhattan
Office workers will have spectacular views over Manhattan Credit: BIG
The innovative design ensures that every floor of the tower opens up to the outdoors with hanging gardens and green terraces creating 'collaborative and connected workspaces' and offering panoramic views of Manhattan Credit: BIG
The Spiral echoes New York’s stepped skyscrapers while using modern materials and detailing Credit: BIG
BIG are working with architects Adamson Associates, engineers WSP Cantor Seinuk and skyscraper consultants Consentini on the project Credit: BIG
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With the W57 ‘Courtscraper’ nearly finished and the 2 World Trade Center building still in development, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have unveiled their vision for another striking New York tower: a green-infused 65-storey glass structure called The Spiral. The 1,005ft (306.3m) office building – which takes its name from the series of cascading green terraces that swirl around the building – will be located at the intersection of the High
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