Hearst Tower

Foster + Partners, New York City, 2006

 

Subscribe now to instantly view this image

Subscribe to the Architects’ Journal (AJ) for instant access to the AJ Buildings Library, an online database of nearly 2,000 exemplar buildings in photographs, plans, elevations and details.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

View of the exterior, the dialogue between old and new is a key part of the design 

Chuck Choi (website)     Download Original

  • View of the exterior, the dialogue between old and new is a key part of the design    
  • Even within its dense context, the distinctive facade creates a major impact    
  •     
  • Internal structural frameworkBuilding upon the Art Deco structure, modern materials and construction bring this building into the modern era    
  • View of the lobby space where the old and new structures meet    
  • The structural framework is a feature in the design    
  • Rooflights allow daylight to enter the lobby space    
  • Users enjoy the natural daylighting within the lobby space    
  • Shadows cast into the building breakup the large scale spaces    
  • Additional structure is obvious and celebrated    
  • the lobby space has a great scale, creating a sense of grandeur    
  • View of the building at night    
  • Site plan    
  • Lobby level plan    
  • Typical floor plan    
  • Section    
  • Elevation    
  • Lobby sectional perspective    

Steel framed tower built within the shell and retaining the facades of the original 1920s headquarters of the Hearst Corporation

The 42 storey tower rises above the original building linked on the outside by a transparent skirt of glazing that allows natural light into the spaces below and encourages an impression of the tower floating above the base.

The main spatial event is a lobby that occupies the entire floor plate and rises up through six floors. This space provides access to all parts of the building. Incorporating the main elevator lobby, the cafeteria, auditorium and mezzanine levels for meetings and functions.

Structurally, the tower has a triangulated form that uses 20 percent less steel than a conventionally framed structure. With its corners peeled back between the diagonals to emphasise the towers vertical proportions and creating a distinctive silhouette.

Constructed using 80 per cent recycled steel and designed to consume 25 per cent less energy than its neighbours, it has received a gold rating under the US Green Buildings Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Data

  • Begun: 2003
  • Completed: 2006
  • Floor area: 80,000m2
  • Sector: Office
  • Total cost: £300M
  • Address: 300 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York City, United States

Professional Team

AJBL Sponsor

Thrislington Cubicles

Builders of the worlds best toilet cubicles, vanity units, lockers and panels at our factory in the United Kingdom since the 1960s

Find out more