The Architect's Role and Building in NYC

As presented in our online task, the video on One Bryant Park in New York City proved to be a multifaceted project, both in the design and construction aspects.  Beginning with the fact that this is a sustainable project, all players had to be on-board for such an ambitious green skyscraper.  This was a 50:50 joint venture between the Durst Organization and Bank of America, both of whom had strong desires towards sustainability in this project, and the architect Richard Cook was also a major player with the sustainable design.  Through the use of natural ventilation, green roofs, the use of frozen water for the A/C system, the water reclamation system, and the new technology in the glass curtainwall to allow light in but reflect the heat, this building is one of the greenest skyscrapers in the world. 

The team also sought after a sustainable approach to the construction process as well.  Their materials had to be sourced within an 800 km radius to cut transportation costs and energy.  About 60% of the steel beams were created from recycled scrap metal.  And the slag by-product from producing the steel was utilized in about 45% of the concrete mix, which emits less carbon and makes the concrete stronger.  Besides the sustainability aspects of the project, the conditions of building in New York City were interesting as well.  The construction site was already very congested and they had to dig a deep foundation of 100', but blasting is forbidden in the city because of the subways below and the nearby historic buildings so they had to work the old fashioned way by digging.  Through the use of chisels and excavating machines, the excavation took one year to complete.  Deliveries were also a concern in the city since the average load of steel beams being delivered is 23 tons but traffic is such a problem.  Typically, large loads had to be delivered early in the morning.

The video also highlighted some situations that arose during construction which the team can't usually predict but must be ready with quick solutions.  The weather was a concern a few times during construction as workers had to continue pouring concrete floors in the rain in order to keep pace with the steel structure assembly and the wind postponed the hoisting of one of the largest beams at the top of the building due to the fact that cranes can't control loads laterally so an accident could occur in high winds.

Here is another video highlighting One Bryant Park and 4 Times Square, which was created by the same developer nearby.

The San Francisco Federal Building is another project utilizing more sustainable features, and the video in the link contains some interesting interviews with the major players of the project in which the architect's role and the owner's role are discussed as they relate to not only the design of the building but also the end use of it and the building's role in the community.