The primary and solely skyscraper designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in New York Metropolis has undergone a renovation by Vocon Architects and MdeAS Architects to assist it “meet the expectations of at this time”.
On the behest of developer HGI, native structure studios Vocon Architects and MdeAS Architects renovated and restored the 51W52 skyscraper, also called Black Rock, which was accomplished as a headquarters for American media large CBS in 1964.
CBS moved all of its amenities out in late 2023 and Black Rock now accommodates workplaces for quite a lot of firms, together with HGI itself.
Designed by modernist architect Saarinen as his first and solely skyscraper, 51W52’s authentic symmetrical facade of granite, bronze and travertine has survived, with the bronze fins up to date by the renovation group.
On the time, Saarinen referred to as it the “easiest skyscraper assertion in New York”.
The unique design was principally maintained, and the developer, which bought the landmarked constructing in 2021, mentioned that the comparatively column-less ground plans made it an ideal candidate for a recent workplace, although the interiors wanted an replace.
“From the start, we understood the immense potential of 51W52 given its architectural significance, fascinating ground plans, and central location in Midtown,” mentioned HGI president T Richard Litton Jr.
“The construction of the constructing was optimum, we simply wanted to make refined enhancements to replicate and respect its authentic design.”
Many of the structural components within the constructing have been left intact. The architectural group fully renovated two lobbies on the bottom ground, together with a revamp of the finishes and the elevators. Additionally they redid the constructing’s rooftop backyard.
The venture additionally included the renovation of key facilities areas together with a lounge, health centre and a personal cafe.
The studios mentioned that as an alternative of fully rethinking the aesthetics of the 900,000-square-foot (83,600 square-metre) constructing, they aimed to “let the numerous structure converse for itself”.
The broad, lengthy partitions of the foyer have been completed in detailing that echoes these used for the unique facade. A few of the partitions have been lined in brass-tipped picket slats, whereas others characteristic monolithic granite slabs.
Again-lit stone clads the reception desk, above which was positioned a modernist fresco that includes the CBS brand to name consideration to the historical past of the constructing.
This art work, by artist Vincent Ashbahian, was initially displayed within the constructing within the Nineteen Seventies and willed again to the constructing after his dying.
Toronto outfit Viso created a large lighting fixture manufactured from dangling lights on strands to cowl a big swath of the foyer.
“By conceptualizing the expertise from the skin in, we have been capable of restore the basic fantastic thing about his design and apply the ideas of kind, mild, and even water to new components such because the characteristic stair and water characteristic that meet the preferences of latest workplace customers,” mentioned MdeAS Architects managing accomplice Dan Shannon.
From the foyer, a glass-lined stairwell leads right down to lounge areas. The stairwell shaft is clad in chrome steel rendered in an undulating sample.
Fashions of furnishings initially designed by Saarinen and architect Florence Knoll have been positioned all through the renovated areas.
Because it results in lounge areas beneath, it passes over a small, nonetheless water characteristic: a small pool of water retained by black-painted steel.
“The creation of personal lounges, a convention heart, and health studios assist the constructing meet the expectations of at this time’s finest company expertise, whereas their designs keep the integrity of Saarinen’s authentic structure,” mentioned Vocon Architects principal Tom Vecchione.
Saarinen is thought for his modernist structure, with constructed work throughout america and Europe. Just lately, quite a lot of his buildings have been present process renovation, together with his TWA terminal at JFK, which was repurposed right into a resort.
Different modernist skyscrapers which have undergone restorations and renovations in New York Metropolis embrace the well-known Lever Home skyscraper, which was restored by SOM, its authentic architects.
The images is by Colin Miller.
