GW497 | Archi-Tectonics

CONCEPT // CREASE // CODE The 497 GW Project, located on the edge of Soho, NYC, uses code as a self-generative system. Located on the edge of Soho, NYC, a former six-story warehouse was renovated, with a new 11 story folded glass structure flanking it and wrapping up and over it. The NYC building code is here re-interpreted; the horizontal plane of the traditional urban fabric is questioned by the insertion of a diagonal surface that bifurcates the facade plane. It integrates the strict building setback codes into the new folded vertical landscape of the glass [west] facade. The crease as mediation and the glass inflections as spatial device allow for slippage between interior urbanism and urban privacy. The crystalline facets of the façade allow for the façade to move away from a separative 2D membrane into a 3d glass zone to be occupied and inhabited. Herbert Muschamp, famed architecture critic wrote in the New York Times: "Dubbeldam's folds are philosophically as well as visually grounded....[She] crystallizes urban complexity within the discrete architectural object." SMART LOFT BUILDING // PERFORMANCE The new building's innovative angled glass facade has been custom-designed, a performance analysis resulted in the differentiation between the façade’s structural [steel] components and the waterproofing [aluminum] industrial design intelligent components, thus maximizing the façade’s performance and minimizing costs and effort. The further analysis of the façade’s structure led to the decision to actually bend the glass panels to minimize forces and create completely transparent seams. A first in parametric design, electronic communication of 3D computer drawings between Barcelona, Hong-Kong and Brooklyn, enabled the manufacturers to make the 2D construction drawings straight from 3D files, which eliminated mistakes and optimized a fast manufacturing process. The building’s 25 lofts offer an open loft plan with integrated amenities. Amenities are integrated in ceilings and walls; each loft has been wired for music, wireless, satellite TV and a variation of heating and cooling systems. Passive solar energy provides energy saving. The large modern open-plan lofts offer an abundance of exterior spaces, balconies and roof terraces, which are situated on both west and east facades. Residents can thus enjoy sunsets over the Hudson River from the comfort of their living space. The guest apartment, gym, spa, pool and screening room create a luxurious living environment on the edge of Manhattan.