New York’s NoLita (or North of Little Italy) will soon be receiving a new landmark by Pritzker Prize laureate, Tadao Ando. The electric and diverse atmosphere of Lower Manhattan with its vibrant nightlife, ample shopping and restaurant opportunities; provided a perfect spot for the high end residential development. Sumaida + Khurana, the real estate developers of the project has been set on bringing to New York, world renowned architects who have never designed buildings in the city. On seeing what was then a parking garage on 152 Elizabeth Street, founders Amit Khurana and Saif Sumaida knew that they had found the perfect site for one of their favourite architects and living legends – Tadao Ando.
The 3000 square meter building is set to stand as a profound architectural statement that embraces the industrial character of the area. Invariably, the project will bring Ando’s hallmark materials: in-situ concrete, galvanised steel and voluminous glass; and will showcase the architect’s mastery with the play of light and shadow; water and nature. Rising 7 stories high, the development will feature 7 individualised residences with bespoke interiors ranging from 2 bedrooms to 5 bedrooms. 152 Elizabeth Street is also set to have one of New York’s largest green walls spanning the entire building’s south facing façade.
A home has to be a place where you can reflect on your life. When you come home, 152 Elizabeth should give a quiet feeling – Tadao Ando
The design proposal hopes to brings about a one of a kind ambience by influencing a confluence of natural elements: light, water, sound and air. At the entrance lobby for example, a floor to ceiling water wall that flows on grooved glass panels staged in front of a slit of diffused natural light bring these seemingly alien elements together is a surreal composition. The approaching resident is able to appreciate the tension between light and shadow and how the architectural concrete is animated in ever shifting shades of grey. Still in the lobby, a dynamic fog and light installation will be curved into the concrete wall; and it will transform depending on the time of day or night, weather and season. This will deepen the sensorial stimulation and make the lobby a worth gateway into a sanctuary away from the dizzying bustle of the city.
Project Information
Architect: Tadao Ando
Location: NoLita, New York, USA
Project Architect: Masataka Yano
Architect-of-Record: Gabellini Sheppard Associates
Interior Design: Gabellini Sheppard Associates
Project Manager: Alex H. Iida
Area: 3000 sqm
Status: In Progress
Photographs: Noë & Associates and The Boundary, Tadao Ando
