Snohetta Revamps Postmodern 550 Madison in New York

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Snohetta plans on revamping the 550 Madison Avenue which was designed by architect Philip Johnson. The tower, which is an icon of Postmodernism, was previously known as the AT&T building.

Focusing on how to increase the building’s involvement with its surroundings, the façade, that was originally made of stone, will be replaced by a curvaceous glass curtain wall. This will be done at the base of the building to be more welcoming and eye-pleasing to the people passing by. The current public walkway, which is located at the center of the block, will be converted to a vast open-air landscape.

Photography: David Shankbone

The recently-revealed renderings show the distinct entrance arch at the ground floor level to be partially hidden behind the new fritted glass curtain wall façade. The stone on the pillars surrounding the building will be deposed which will produce a new baseline that will make the tower appear to be floating.

Courtesy of DBOX

“From the street, the reconceived façade dramatically highlights the multi-story arched entry while revealing the craftsmanship of the building’s existing steel structure,” Snøhetta commented during a press release. “Scalloped glass references the sculpted forms of fluted stone columns, re-interpreting the building’s monumentality while creating a lively and identifiable public face for passersby. With this increased transparency, the activity within the lobby, atrium, and first 2 levels of the building will become part of the vibrant energy of the street.”

Courtesy of DBOX

The tower, that was built in 1984, was designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee in response to the tremendous amount of the glassy towers that were invading the city back then.

The developers, Olayan Group and Chestfield, will pay around #300 million for the tower’s transformation which is expected to be completed in 2019.

Courtesy of DBOX

“The re-imagined 550 Madison reflects how we work and live in New York today,” Snøhetta declared. “The design sensitively transforms a sculpturally monumental building and celebrates the experience of the building where it meets the street. By updating this inward-looking tower for the 21st century, the redesign will foster a more vibrant, dynamic relationship between the building, the city, and the people who inhabit it.”

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