The new design for the entrance of the tower in Midtown Manhattan by Gensler, show us many changes made to the lobby's historic postmodern design, the renderings use a basic material palette of darker bronze and terrazzo, and show that previously dark stone walls and ceilings will be clad in pieces of honed white marble.
While Gensler's new bright space contrasts from the previously dark and dimly lit interiors, the firm said the design is "grounded in a respect" for the original space. Philippe Paré claims in a press release is a “powerful expression of the building’s character.” Recessed lighting embedded in the ceiling arcs and cutaways creates a formal distinction with a minimal hand.
The lobby is designed to connect to Snøhetta’s proposed garden, which should be visible through the lobby’s rear windows (though the outdoor space will only be accessible through side doors). 550 Madison is the youngest building to receive landmark status in New York, though only the exterior is protected; the original interior was demolished early last year.
Four elevators and security machines will also be added to the lobby, as part of Snøhetta's reconfiguration of the building. There is also a large, dark grid of glass with rectangular windows that separates the lobby from Madison Avenue. It is in an expansive arch shape as a nod to the building's original arched entrance and portico.
Additionally, the pair of mural created by American visual artist Dorothea Rockburne that were added in 1994 when Sony owned the building—and that some feared would be destroyed or moved—will remain in its current place, in a “sky lobby” seven stories high above the ground floor. The forms in the tiles pictured in the lobby’s floor vaguely seem to echo the shapes of the 30-foot-by-29–foot pair of paintings.
The former AT&T Building is expected to reopen in 2020 as a multi-tenant office tower with LEED Platinum certification and will include ground-floor retail and expanded public space.
While Gensler's new bright space contrasts from the previously dark and dimly lit interiors, the firm said the design is "grounded in a respect" for the original space. Philippe Paré claims in a press release is a “powerful expression of the building’s character.” Recessed lighting embedded in the ceiling arcs and cutaways creates a formal distinction with a minimal hand.
The lobby is designed to connect to Snøhetta’s proposed garden, which should be visible through the lobby’s rear windows (though the outdoor space will only be accessible through side doors). 550 Madison is the youngest building to receive landmark status in New York, though only the exterior is protected; the original interior was demolished early last year.
Four elevators and security machines will also be added to the lobby, as part of Snøhetta's reconfiguration of the building. There is also a large, dark grid of glass with rectangular windows that separates the lobby from Madison Avenue. It is in an expansive arch shape as a nod to the building's original arched entrance and portico.
Additionally, the pair of mural created by American visual artist Dorothea Rockburne that were added in 1994 when Sony owned the building—and that some feared would be destroyed or moved—will remain in its current place, in a “sky lobby” seven stories high above the ground floor. The forms in the tiles pictured in the lobby’s floor vaguely seem to echo the shapes of the 30-foot-by-29–foot pair of paintings.
The former AT&T Building is expected to reopen in 2020 as a multi-tenant office tower with LEED Platinum certification and will include ground-floor retail and expanded public space.
