Bjarke Ingels Group's Two World Trade Center may be in doubt, but the Danish firm seems determined to make NYC into a veritable BIG Apple nonetheless. Following closely on the heels of its sustainable police station for the Bronx, preliminary details have been released concerning a novel new skyscraper planned for Manhattan.
Rising to a height of 1005 ft (306 m) and 65 stories, The Spiral would encompass a full city block, stretching from West 34th to West 35th Streets, and from 10th Avenue to the Hudson Park and Boulevard. The site is well-situated for transport links and adjacent to the northernmost section of the High Line. Indeed, BIG describes the greenery-clad tower as an extension of the High Line into the sky.
The plan calls for 2.85 million sq ft (264,773 sq m) of floorspace, most of which is earmarked for office space, however the tower would also feature a large retail area. It certainly looks like an appealing place to work compared to your average drab high-rise, as its distinctive terraced exterior means each floor will open onto its own outdoor garden space.
"The terraces will ascend, one per floor, in a spiraling motion to create a unique, continuous green pathway that wraps around the facade of the tower and supplies each occupant with readily accessible outdoor space," a press release explains. "Each of The Spiral's terraces, which would measure half-a-mile if laid end-to-end, will flow seamlessly into a suite of amenity spaces featuring double-height atriums and increasingly stunning views of the skyline."
While it's not clear how likely it is that the skyscraper will actually be constructed at this stage, The Spiral was commissioned by developer Tishman Speyer, which also developed the Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Building. Furthermore, the firm recently raised an initial US$1 billion investment toward its development.
Sources: BIG, Tishman Speyer