Prism Tower Facade

New York, New York
Handel Architects/Christian de Portzamparc
430,556 SF
2012

In this Manhattan tower with an unusual angular massing, the coordination of curtain wall shop drawings against the planometric outlines of the structural slabs became a challenging puzzle for the architect of record. The first digital model explores the geometry of an integrated subway entrance and canopy at the street level, where the curtain wall folds into a descending switchback stair. The second digital model examines the parapet condition, where the spandrel glass attaches to a ring beam, concealing mechanical bulkheads and a window-washing gantry.