The 870,000 ft2 (80,000 m2) residential complex is situated on W57th Street
West 57th occupies a full city block at the corner of West 57th Street and the West Side Highway.
The project introduces a new building typology to Manhattan: a hybrid between the traditional Danish perimeter block and a Manhattan high-rise.
The form of the building shifts depending on the viewer’s vantage point. From the West Side Highway, it appears to be a pyramid.
The building is an urban dune, that peaks at the north-east corner, thereby both maximizing the number of apartments facing the water and graciously preserving the adjacent Helena Tower’s views of the river as well.
From West 58th the building resembles a dramatic glass spire
The form of the building shifts depending on the viewer’s vantage point. From the West Side Highway, it appears to be a pyramid; from West 58th, a dramatic glass spire. The eye-catching and highly visible roof consists of a simple ruled surface perforated with terraces—each one unique and south-facing. Its closed appearance is in contrast with the building’s perimeter.
Street view of West 57th building
Street view of West 57th building at night
The shared green space at heart of the block is derived from the classic Copenhagen ‘urban oasis’ and serves as a vertical extension of the activity and energy of the Hudson River Park.
View out of the building
The highly visible sloping roof consists of a simple ruled surface perforated by terraces— each one unique and south-facing.
The slope of the building allows for a transition in scale between the low-rise structures to the south and the high-rise residential towers to the north and west of the site. The highly visible sloping roof consists of a simple ruled surface perforated by terraces— each one unique and south-facing. The fishbone pattern of the walls are also reflected in its elevations. Every apartment gets a bay window or a balcony to amplify the benefits of the generous view and balconies which encourage interaction between residents and passers-by.
Model of W57th by BIG
