4 Union Square South Building

New York
2003 – 2004

Located alongside Manhattan’s Union Square Park, this project incorporates the former 1960’s core building structure, re-programmed with a new contemporary façade and extension to complement the neighbouring buildings with a segment of entirely new architecture, fitting into the corner of the city block space west to the existing structures.

The design is a simplification of the original elevations, revealing an underlying formal refinement and allowing the verticals of stonework to read as contemporary versions of the classical pilaster — monumental in scale but free from any form of ornament. A specially designed illuminated beacon tower and window condition articulates the clarified grid. The new architecture is a predominantly glass composition, also articulated in satin steel, whose more generous proportions bring quiet strength to the elevation.

Joint venture with BBGM