New York by Gehry

In an unmistakably Frank Gehry style of undulating forms and asymmetrical views, a 76-storey skyscraper in New York City reimagines the classic Manhattan high-rise by drawing inspiration from sculpted draperies.

New York by Gehry is the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere which covers a total lot area of 41,370 square feet. Formerly owned by New York Downtown Hospital, the site previously served as a parking lot.

The growing residential population of the Lower Manhattan community inspired the New York by Gehry to be a vital part of the daily life of its community. Hence, its terracotta-colored brick podium features a much-needed public school, offices for resident doctors, a 175-slot car park for hospital use, 1,300-sqft of retail spaces, and a public plaza for an accessible open space.

Further ascending from its contrasting podium welcomes a stainless steel-wrapped tower with flowing curtain walls, resembling a shiny draped fabric. Inspired by the work of 17th-century Italian sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini, its “rippling” effect created a playfully modern interpretation of the typical Manhattan skyscraper – taking cues from the layered tiers of its existing towers, all the while creating an identity of its own.

The articulated façade of New York by Gehry features over 200 distinct floor plans, which created an elegant architectural silhouette of lines and organic forms. Its prominent curtain walls made of 270 tons of 18 gauge steel covers a total area of 428,000 square feet – its entire engineering and fabrication taking a total of five years. Combined with the architect’s fondness of distinctive glass, stainless steel cladding, and asymmetrical bay windows that develop at the tip of each curve, residents are offered exceptional, panoramic views amid the building’s dynamic form.

Gehry’s design further extends towards the building’s interiors – adorning spaces with custom cabinetry made from Douglas fir, quartz countertops, porcelain tile flooring, and concluding each room with brushed stainless steel door hardware.

Due to the organic shape of its exteriors, over 350 residential units feature a variety of spatial layouts. Generous niche areas perfect for dining, reading, and plain sightseeing can also be observed throughout the tower. To offer maximum privacy while filtering excessive natural light, every window is equipped with solar shades.

Integrating the entire development into the neighborhood is the inclusion of a 15,000-sqft of open space divided into two beautifully-landscaped plazas. Featuring intimate sitting areas within an array of trees, perennials, and native grasses, the plazas offer a pastoral transition between the building and the bustle of New York City’s busy streets.

With a stunning vision of architecture and luxury in New York City’s Financial District, New York by Gehry in all its undulating waves of stainless steel, became an all-around masterpiece that truly redefined the skyline of Manhattan – one wave at a time.