Redefining the street One of the most distinctive features of the design is the “Halo” canopy — a toroid volume above the entrance plaza. Clad in reflective glass on the sides and in bead-blasted chrome panels at the front and back, it subtly reflects the surroundings. The entrance lobby, which greets visitors with an austere multi-story space, is a first glimpse into the tower’s modern, technology-driven interiors. Surrounded by the dark canyon of Midtown, it still relies heavily on artificial lighting. In double-deck elevators, visitors reach an observation deck at level 96, which provides 360-degree unobstructed views of the city. High-performance façade A distinctive feature of the tower, the façade was scripted in parametric software to wrap the smooth and curvilinear shape of the building, and panelize it into flat panels comprised of paired triangles. The slim (only 500 mm in height) spandrel extends from the glazing panel above to al- low for continuity of glass reflections and prevention of leakage. Each panel is tilted 1 degree toward the inside of the building. The boxes in which the cables run are capped by aluminum stamped panels with in- tegrated and software-controlled rotating vents for natural ventilation/ conditioning. Tapered slab ends allow for more daylight penetration, yet high-performance glass coating blocks excessive thermal gain. Ergonomic workplace As part of the tower’s integrated design approach, the furniture was also engineered to fit the space precisely. Due to the recently formu- lated risks that prolonged sitting poses on worker health, the space is equipped with ergonomic, sit-stand transformable furniture. The desks hang from the ceiling on gas-lift arms, which allow for easy individual adjustment of their height and rotation/position, as well as quick office layout reconfiguration based on tenant needs. Digital communication systems and video conference equipment allow a multi-floor tenant to cooperate effectively, freeing the staff from frequent travels between the floors. Information provided by v2com (www.v2com-newswire.com), an international newswire specializing in design, architecture, and lifestyle. See additional renderings at www.rb-systems.us/projects#/265-w-45-st.
efficient shapes for wind resistance. It is also abstract, and aligns with technology-oriented aesthetics. Solutions such as circulating eleva- tors and a multi-story lobby with automatic visitors’ dispatch systems connected to their mobile devices allow higher occupancy rates than typical office buildings. Due to extremely dense spatial arrangement of the tower, a solution for locating a multi-ton tuned mass damper had to be non-trivial. The idea was to design a toroidal damper, which will not take up space directly on top of the core, to leave it free to locate elevator overruns and to provide continuity of evacuation paths such as stairs inside the core. Thus, the damper circles the core with even distribution of mass, and is software controlled to counteract sways caused by high-velocity winds. A tuned mass damper (highlighted in red) circles the core with even distribution of mass and is software controlled to counteract sways caused by high-velocity winds. Image: RB Systems Right materials selection, welding procedures, and quality assurance programs can speed construction and reduce costs. By Michael Mayes Structural steel and welding inspection
affect the structural performance or safety of a building. This inspection is important for all buildings, but especially those critical structures such as hospitals that must be able to withstand seismic events. To protect buildings and their occupants, Terracon’s approach on structural steel projects is to form a close working partnership between
project inspectors and structural engineers. Communication yields the best results
Communication on these complex projects is key. Prefabrication and pre-erection meetings should be mandated to be sure that all team members (general contractor, inspector, fabricator, erector, and struc-
Structural steel and welding inspection is a critical service for build- ing construction. Amember displacement of a few inches can adversely
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