Located at the edge of Manhattan between the High Line park and the
Hudson River, the 10-storey 40 Tenth Avenue development is ‘sculpted’
by the angles of the sun. The concept explores how shaping a building
in response to solar access and other site-specific criteria can expand
its architectural potential.
A commercial space, its tenants will be afforded panoramic views and
more than 20,000 square feet (1860sqm) of outdoor space. The building
takes its unique form from the geometric relationships between its
allowable envelope and the sun’s path, as well as the viewshed between
the park and the Hudson. In addition to producing a faceted, gem-like
facade, this integrated response allows the building to benefit the
important public green space of the High Line – allowing light, fresh air
and river views to the public park – while also becoming a new iconic
silhouette on the New York skyline.
Conceptually, the design does not stand in isolation, but is an evolution
of our ‘solar carving’ strategy designed to enhance connectivity in tall
buildings. Developed through Studio Gang’s ongoing tall building
research, this approach involves using incident angles of the sun’s rays
to inform a building’s structure.
In the case of 40 Tenth Avenue, the glazing system has been geometrically
optimised into a pattern of three-dimensional facets that articulate
the carved sections of the tower. The curtain wall unit is composed of
a central diamond-shaped panel tilting downward, surrounded by four
triangular pieces that are perpendicular to the slab to achieve standard
stack joints. The carved curtain wall not only blocks sun glare and heat
gain, but also creates dynamic corner workspaces. The facade will feature
high-performance glass with low reflectivity.
The building has topped out and is currently under construction.
Sculpted by the sun
Based on the studio’s tall building research, incident angles
of the sun’s rays inform the building’s structure
Studio Gang, led by architect Jeanne Gang, looks at how the New York practice has evolved its ‘solar carving’ strategy with
one of its latest buildings, the 40 Tenth Avenue commercial development in Manhattan
