Interior Design Magazine Daily Fix on Cool new NY Building

New York by Gehry Opens to Tenants in Lower Manhattan

A standard inclusion on every architect’s checklist is the ground-up design of a bonafide skyscraper. Surprisingly, Frank Gehry checks his off only this year with the completion of the 870-foot New York by Gehry. The delay of this particular accomplishment, however, becomes somewhat more coherent when one begins to count the superlatives attached to the 76-story residential tower—the Western Hemisphere’s tallest—and mixed-use development on Spruce Street in lower Manhattan.

The architect’s signature ripples come courtesy of stainless-steel curtain wall cladding the exterior. Those undulations, the influence of which the architect attributes to Gianlorenzo Bernini and the engineering of which were determined by a software platform developed by Gehry Technologies called Digital Project, affect the interior scheme as bulges on the façade allow for a multitude of Gaudi-like interior window bays. The lack of uniformity has allowed for some 200 unique floor plans from which tenants may choose. Currently, 18 studio, one- and two-bedroom rental models are on view to the public. White oak flooring and custom Douglas Fir woodwork grace the lobby.

The building is surrounded by 15,000 square feet of public plaza landscaped by Field Operations and Dutch horticulturistPiet Oudolf, the team responsible for the creative reuse and design of New York’s defunct High Line train rail. A 100,000-square-foot public primary school with a rooftop play area will occupy the building’s first five floors. Formerly used as a parking lot by New York Downtown Hospital, which sold the site for development, the building also features offices and ambulatory-care facilities for professionals affiliated with the hospital. Car commuters needn’t worry, however: 26,000 square feet of below-grade garage is available for 175 hospital vehicles.

The 22,000 square feet of residential amenities include fitness and spa facilities and entertainment spaces, including a terrace for outdoor grilling, a library, children’s playrooms, and screening and game rooms with custom seating. A skylighted swimming pool is enclosed by retracting glass doors that open onto a wraparound sundeck. Penthouse tenants, depending on direction, will be able to enjoy views of the Hudson River’s piers and parks, all five East River bridges, the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, all the way to a northern horizon including Central Park and the George Washington Bridge.

Images courtesy of New York by Gehry.

Article Source: http://dailyfix.interiordesign.net/projects/residential/3536/new-york-by-gehry-opens-to-tenants-in-lower-manhattan

Photo of the Week

Check out these awesome Abstract PHOTOS... yes PHOTO's provided to us by Infinity Pix. 

To include these or some other custom photography in one of your upcoming projects visit www.infinitypix.com!

RSVP Here: http://gwcarsummit.com/

From OTJ ArchiTect's Blog

The Lorton Workhouse Arts Center: How OTJ Architects Designs for Adaptive Reuse Projects

JAN26

  Last month, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell appeared alongside Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase II of the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. OTJ Architects’ Partner and Studio Director Tony Martin has been managing this 85,000 SF project since 2009, where the Lorton Arts Foundation is creatively readapting a historic prison complex that was first commissioned at the beginning of the 20th Century under President Theodore Roosevelt. This facility was originally intended to provide prisoners with fresh air, natural light and structured, purposeful work as the basis for their rehabilitation. Agricultural operations began at the Workhouse in 1912 and the prisoners created a brick plant where they produced bricks to construct the permanent buildings that now make up the Workhouse Arts Center. Instead of taking shovels to dirt at the December event, Governor McDonnell and Chairman Bulova took sledgehammers to bricks as a ceremonial homage to this unique aspect of the Workhouse’s history.

  The story of this adaptive reuse began in the 1980’s, when overcrowding had become an issue and the buildings were in a state of severe disrepair. The conditions continued to worsen until DC prison officials were finally ordered to begin transferring prisoners out of the Lorton facility in preparation for its closing in 1997. Fairfax County received the property title five years later, a transfer made possible through the Lorton Technical Corrections Act that required the county to develop an adaptive re-use plan for the land and former prison facilities. The Lorton Arts Foundation came up with an idea to transform this series of indoor/outdoor spaces into a cultural arts center. In July 2004, a century after Roosevelt put forth his original vision for this plot of land, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the rezoning of a 55-acre portion of the former correctional facility to become the Workhouse Arts Center. September 2008 marked the official grand opening of Phase I (designed by BBGM), when visitors could tour the grounds, learn about the history of the complex, visit the artists’ studios, participate in art classes and workshops, attend musical and theatre performances and visit the two-story gallery building.

  OTJ Architects was then hired to complete Phase II, which included the renovation and design of three more spaces – The Kid’s Zone, The Events Center, and the Performance Theater. The Kid’s Zone, a 7,500 SF former dormitory building, is set to open in the summer of 2011 with several classrooms and a 100-person state of the art studio theater. By Fall 2011, the space that once served as the prisoner’s dining hall will become a 600-seat event/conference center – equipped with a full-service kitchen, bridal suite, a multi-use conference center and a movable dividing wall.

  Last but not least, next winter will see the conversion of a 12,000 SF former multi-use gym and meeting building into a 300-seat performance theater with a new mezzanine level, and newly excavated lower level for dressing areas. This will effectively complete Phase I and Phase II – the adaptive reuse segments of the project. The new construction portions, Phase III, are likely to break ground in 2012 and will include an amphitheater, artist residences, and restaurants. There have also been discussions of converting the existing campus power plant into a microbrewery, as well as potentially adding a culinary arts center and/or a performing arts branch of a regional university into the mix.

  Since the entire site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the concept of “Adaptive Reuse” has truly been a driving force in the redevelopment process. Wherever possible, historic and recovered on-site materials are incorporated, and all these projects use the latest energy efficiency, waste reduction and conservation techniques. In fact, based on an ongoing feasibility study the entire complex will be designed to reuse methane gas from the adjacent landfill for as many of the new and renovated facilities as possible.

  Lorton is now the fastest growing part of the county, and the Workhouse Arts Center is quickly establishing itself as the region’s most distinctive cultural arts complex. When all phases of the renovation are complete it will consist of 150,000 square feet of adaptively reused buildings, as well as 60,000 square feet of new construction and 40 acres of open green space. OTJ Architects is proud of the partnership it has nurtured with the Lorton Arts Foundation, and is looking forward to turning their innovative vision into a reality in the years to come.

For more information on the Lorton Arts Foundation, visit:  http://www.lortonarts.org/

For more information on the Worhouse Arts Center, visit:  http://www.workhousearts.org/

Check out their Blog Here: http://www.otj.com/Blog/EntryId/21/The-Lorton-Workhouse-Arts-Center-How-OTJ-Architects-Designs-for-Adaptive-Reuse-Projects.aspx

MANCINI·DUFFY/WINSTANLEY RECEIVES NAIOP AWARD

MANCINI·DUFFY/WINSTANLEY RECEIVES NAIOP AWARD

Old Town Alexandria Project Named “Best Building Renovation”

Washington, D.C., February 16, 2011 — Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley, a full-service architecture, planning and design firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., was recently awarded Best Building Renovation Adaptive Re-Use: Award of Merit for their project at 107 N. West St. in Old Town, Alexandria at the Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Awards program. The NAIOP Awards recognize the best in the Northern Virginia commercial, industrial and mixed-use real estate community. The awards program highlighted the dedication of outstanding individuals and companies that contribute to the success of the region.

The design theme for the107 N. West St. project was to renovate a semi-abandoned 4,350 SF warehouse in a mid-block location to accommodate Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley’s Virginia office and a photography studio. Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley utilized all the sustainable components that were possible within the scope of the project, such as rehabilitation, daylighting, energy conservation, natural ventilation and public transportation. The building was marketed by the real estate broker as a “tear-down and rebuild” development opportunity, but because the new owners intended to be owner-occupiers, economic factors such as Small Business Administration financing and tax credits allowed them to salvage the existing structure and renovate it.

“We are thrilled to have been recognized by NAIOP for 107. N. West St. This is a developers’ award, and we’re architects,” said Michael Winstanley, AIA, AICP, Mancini Duffy Winstanley’s CEO and Design Principal. “It’s a great feeling to be honored by our clients’ peer group.”

“Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley is extremely proud of this renovation, because it directly relates to two issues that are critical in American society: restoring safe and lively urban environments and supporting small businesses,” said Winstanley. “The preservation of this building contributed to the retention of the historic fabric and character that makes Old Town the special community that it is.”

Joining Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley on the 107 N. West St. project team were 107 N. West Street, LLC, Simpson Properties and Nardi Construction. The building currently houses Jessica Marcotte Photography and the Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley planning practice.

# # #

ABOUT MANCINI·DUFFY/WINSTANLEY

Founded in 1920,Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley is an architecture, planning and design firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. Mancini·Duffy/Winstanley’s strong portfolio includes retail, residential, transportation, hospitality, corporate, and college and university projects. For more information, please visit www.manciniduffy.com.

Article Source:

CONTACT:                    Lisa Harlow

COMPANY NAME:        SPIN LLC
PHONE NUMBER:         410-889-4112
FAX NUMBER:              410-889-4492
EMAIL ADDRESS:        LisaH@spinllc.com
WEBSITE URL:             www.spinllc.com

OFS New SeBree TraininG TaBLes

For a higher level training experience. Modern design for persuasive style. Equipped with advanced features for progressive performance.

Sebree spans from the boardroom to intensive learning environments. It scales in looks and features to support meeting, training and presentations. A colossal design library of veneers, glass and solid wood edges offer an executive statement. Or choose HPL and high traffic edges for ideal training support. Features such as flip and nest, locking casters and full electrical and data give designers real solutions, beautifully.

For more information visit:

http://www.ofs.com/products/tables_reception/tables/sebree/sebree.php

OR eMail me:

efegely@americanoffice.com 

Contract Magazine Inspirations Project

Submit Your Contract 2011 Inspirations Project Online

INSPIRATIONS

Recognizing social responsibility in commercial interiors

Sponsored by

Entries will be accepted through Wednesday, February 16, 2011.

More and more, the commercial design community plays a leadership role in furthering global efforts for social responsibility. In response to these accomplishments, and true to our mission of inspiring commercial design solutions.

Contract Magazine presents its third Annual Inspiration Awards.

Through a holistic view, Contract Inspirations will recognize commitment in the built and unbuilt environments:

• Recognizing social responsibility in commercial interior architecture—using design and/or design skills to improve the quality of life for those in need, and

• Recognizing cause-related work by the commercial interiors community.

Top honors will each receive a $5,000 grant to the cause supported by this inspirational work.

Contract Inspirations panel of judges:

Marsha Maytum, FAIA, LEED AP, Founding Partner
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
San Francisco

Neil P. Frankel, FAIA, FIIDA
Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Architecture & Urban Planning
Principal, Frankel + Coleman
Chicago

Susan Piedmont-Palladino
Professor, Washington Alexandria Architecture Center College of Architecture and Urban Studies, Virginia Tech
Washington, D.C.

Winners will be notified March 4, 2011.

Inspirations will be awarded in Boston on April 6, 2011.  Work will appear in Contract and contractdesign.com.

ENTER NOW

Submit your Socially Responsible Project.  Please complete all of the fields below.

Results will be evaluated based on effort, creativity, and positive impact on the human condition.

Two Categories of Work:

A. Project: Completed projects. (Projects must have been completed on or after January 1, 2009.)

B. Practice: Cause-related efforts that benefit a community or user group (investment of time and/or services and/or resources)

Entries for both categories must address the following five questions:

* 1) How did you, as design professionals, creatively and respectfully address the need to improve quality of life?

* 2) What public-interest client or mission was advanced?

* 3) What is the bottom line impact to the community or user group, and what will be the lasting positive effect from these efforts?

* 4) What are the environmental and social sustainability components to the project or practice?

* 5) What percentage, if any, of the work was completed on a pro bono and/or reduced-fee basis?

Projects must have been completed on or after January 1, 2009.

Contract Inspirations Entry Fee is $100. To pay for your entry

For questions: Contact Stacy Straczynski – Email Stacy.Straczynski@nielsen.com

Technical Specs

Please complete all fields below as accurately as possible. In project descriptions, be sure to include information on the client, project goals, planning, design, and overall project scope in brief terms.

Professional architectural photography is preferred in the initial submission and is required for publication. Please upload up to 10 low-resolution photographs by clicking on the appropriate links below. You can upload .JPG .PNG and .GIF files only. Each photo must be 72 dpi in resolution and at least 4-in. by 5-in. in size. To consider a project, Contract requires images of the entire space, so please make sure your uploaded photos show a range of settings. For example, if you’re submitting a corporate space, be sure to include shots of typical workspaces and conference rooms, not just the lobby and executive offices.

Please submit your entry using Safari 3.x or IE7 or Firefox 3.x. Once you click on the submit button, you will receive a thank you page. If you encounter any problems submitting your info, please contact joan.fagan@nielsen.com and describe the error.

Submit Here: http://inspirations.contractdesign.com/