New York Times Tower - 620 Eighth Avenue @ W. 41st Street - by Renzo Piano

[lofter1]

They are still installing the metal & glass awnings at the base of the tower -- a very large one along the Eighth Avenue facade and the smaller ones along W 41 / 40 Streets. The new exterior subway entrance at W 40th is nearly complete -- sidewalk there won't be poured until that is finished.

[Derek2k3]

Some nice pictures of the tower on World Architecture News.
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=997

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/project/uploaded_files/997_385NYTWadeZNEW.jpg

[lofter1]

One thing about the Times Tower that is very refreshing -- and surprising, given this security-obsessed time we live in -- is that the lobby is welcoming to visitors. I have been inside half a dozen times, often with camrea in hand and taking pictures and I have yet to be stopped or questioned.

The orange Venetian plaster on the walls is nothing short of sumptuous ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_64a1.jpg

The steel columns slide right through the wood floor ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_66c.jpg

An art piece (artist unknown to me) is being installed in area of the lobby
which runs from Eighth Avenue to the center of the site ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_67g.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_67e.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_67d.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_67c.jpg

* http://wirednewyork.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif * http://wirednewyork.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif *

[Tectonic]

One thing about the Times Tower that is very refreshing -- and surprising, given this security-obsessed time we live in -- is that the lobby is welcoming to visitors. I have been inside half a dozen times, often with camrea in hand and taking pictures and I have yet to be stopped or questioned.

Interesting, I must pay a visit then. This is a unique building. Nice pictures by the way.

[Harvick2933]

Anyone know if they have finished cladding the east side of the building where the construction elevators once were?

I must add that I like the color of the orange lobby wall. Makes it looks warm and welcoming.

[Pussy Willow]

^
here take a look....it looks beautiful!!!!.......i took this foto today! :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/Picture165-1.jpg

:eek:

[RandySavage]

It looks very "New York" in that shot...

[stache]

Excellent photo!

[TREPYE]

I know everyones taste is not the same but how could you not like this Tower??? It is so New York f-----g City!;)



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/Picture165-1.jpg

:eek:

[GVNY]

/\/\/\ Stunning photograph, drop dead gorgeous skyscraper.

[Pussy Willow]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/Picture153-2.jpg

[Scraperfannyc]

I knew this tower was going to have a growing appeal after mostly negative comments of bars and such during construction.

I agree that it is very new york as it looks like modern grittiness in the skyline and appears to be saying "yea, so what are you gonna do about that, you can't mess with me, this is NYC..."

Hey, this is eighth avenue, so I ain't complainin.

[TREPYE]

I agree that it is very new york as it looks like modern grittiness in the skyline and appears to be saying "yea, so what are you gonna do about that, you can't mess with me, this is NYC..."


Given the characteristics of this building perhaps the more appropiate message is:
"yea, so what are you gonna do about that, you can't mess with me, this is NYC... dont eff with me or I'll poke you"

[Pussy Willow]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/Picture172-1.jpg

[lofter1]

Hmmm ^^^ Sinead O'Connor

Back on topic: Would one describe the top of the Times Tower as a crenelated fraise (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/fraise)?

Or perhaps as a fraised crenelation (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/crenelation)?

:confused:

[BigMac]

bklnprtt on Flickr
August 4, 2007

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1325/1007008619_a7e5b58ca8_o.jpg

[nykid17]

I don't go down to the city a lot, 2 or 3 times a month and when ever i go down, 1 of the most recognizable buildings, by night besides the ESB is this tower. It's lighting is unique because it's not like 1 office can be lit without the other being at the same time, and if close enough, the lighting quality and red stair cases definately set it apart from all of the others around.

[Pussy Willow]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/Picture174-1.jpg

:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/Picture180-2.jpg

:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/Picture184-1.jpg

[lofter1]

The installation is called "Movable Type (http://www.earstudio.com/projects/moveable_type.html)"

The piece is by artists Ben Rubin and Mark Hansen of EAR Studio Inc (http://www.earstudio.com/).

It will be a permanent feature of the NY Times lobby.

Image Gallery (http://www.earstudio.com/projects/moveable_type_gallery/index.html?TB_iframe=true&height=600&width=800)



Moveable Type, by New York artist Ben Rubin and U.C.L.A. associate professor Mark Hansen, is an artwork commissioned for the ground-floor lobby of The New York Times Building in New York City. When complete, it will be a dynamic portrait of The Times. Statistical methods and natural-language processing algorithms will be used to parse the daily output of the paper (news, features, editorials) and the archives, as well as the activity of visitors to NYTimes.com (browsing, searching, commenting). The resulting refracted view of The Times will be displayed on 560 vacuum-fluorescent display screens installed in the lobby.




An art piece (artist unknown to me) is being installed in area of the lobby ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_67c.jpg

* http://wirednewyork.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif * http://wirednewyork.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif *

[Tectonic]

Those look like Sony PSPs on the wall.
Question, are the ceramic rods movable? I don't remember if I read that or not.

[lofter1]

Moveable how?

The screen is constructed so that individual rods can be removed for repair or whatever without having to take down a whole section of the screen.

But the rods don't dance or anything like that ;)

[MidtownGuy]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/1679889157_6d891d91bd_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/1680760900_edfc09eac0_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/1680779490_4ed6ac8a1f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2307/1680797976_90825eed1e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/1680808684_53c1749c4a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/1680826906_ac57f6ce61_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/1679976893_0524a2cdc5_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/1680861724_83453da5aa_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/1679990577_ef0a57c1e9_b.jpg

very handsome tower

[kz1000ps]

%#^@! absolutely stunning set of photos, MidtownGuy.. I mean wow. And I don't know if it's just that fall afternoon light or what, but boy does the building look really, really, really good.

[MidtownGuy]

Thank you, the light yesterday was beautiful, it made everything pop.

[TREPYE]

Courtesy of NYguy on SSP who got the picture from http://www.pbase.com/william_weeks/summer_2007 (http://www.pbase.com/william_weeks/summer_2007)

Look how awesome the NYTimes Tower looks, backed up with a majestic arsenal of magnificent scrapers! :D

I could stare at that for hours.


http://www.pbase.com/william_weeks/image/81676280/large.jpg



http://www.pbase.com/william_weeks/image/81676280/original.jpg

[antinimby]

Too bad most of the other towers on "the deuce" in the foreground is horrid.

[Tectonic]

^^ LOL, The west side looks so barren, lol.

[MidtownGuy]

All those parking lots and wasted space...and some people claim that in order to grow we have to tear down buildings like the Drake, the Roosevelt, and the Penn Hotel. It just doesn't make sense. We should be expediting development of lots like the above instead of cannibalizing our history in the center. It's how the Europeans do it. When will we learn. The 7 line should have been extended West long ago.

[Tectonic]

All those parking lots and wasted space...and some people claim that in order to grow we have to tear down buildings like the Drake, the Roosevelt, and the Penn Hotel. It just doesn't make sense. We should be expediting development of lots like the above instead of cannibalizing our history in the center. It's how the Europeans do it. When will we learn. The 7 line should have been extended West long ago.

Agreed, but that history must also be kept in good shape I think. Also what about the high line, and we all know the 2nd Ave line is long over due. I pass around 7th & 34th pretty regularly around 5-6pm and its sooo crowded, I wonder about what would happen if Merrill was to bring a couple thousand more people to the area.

[scumonkey]

LOL, The west side looks so barren, lol.
What F's up the west side and has kept it barren is the Port Authority, it's ramps and the cut outs for the tunnel access. It cuts the neighborhood in half, creates nightmare traffic, and looks like $hit (if they could only bury it).
Also remember -Almost every flat spot you see on the right hand side is
being developed, about to be developed, or is in the planning stages for development,(too bad most of what's planned looks like $hit)! I live in that white box you can see on the right side -center.
As far as I'm concerned, they should just bulldoze the whole area south of 42nd and start over!

[lofter1]

The real problem ^^^ is that Manhattan is an island, which results in the need for ramps + roads for access / egress.

Only a bunch of idiots would ever have settled here in the first place. And now we're stuck with their original sin.

Boo!

We need to fill in all that wet area that surrounds Manhattan and get rid of the tunnels & bridges -- more surface roads, more asphalt!!! -- then NYC would be right back on TOP in no time :cool:

[millertime83]

the view from the perspective of that photo will look much different if the PA bus terminal tower is ever built.

[TonyO]

a bunch of idiots would ever have settled here in the first place. And now we're stuck with their original sin.

:D Just think if the Dutch settlers couldn't afford the $24 in jewels for Manhattan and there was a $10 "special" on Staten Island...

[lofter1]

... the view from the perspective of that photo will look much different if the PA bus terminal tower is ever built.

The Terminal Tower is planned for the north annex of the PABT (http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showpost.php?p=161904&postcount=144), not the original southern section directly across from NY Times Tower.

[NoyokA]

Trepye looking at those fine photos you posted the fascade of the NYTIMES looks no different than the boring west-fascade of Times Square Tower, it could be concrete for all I'm concerned.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9657/nytimes1dm2.jpg

[TREPYE]

Yeah so Im supposed to take 20% resemblance that one garbage tower has against a great one and somehow they are comparable. Get a clue dude.:rolleyes: As I have mentioned, what is most horrrid about 7TS its not the stripes, its the fact that its a typical glass box in this putrid green color with some phony zig zag aluminum patches stuck together in the north facade trying to pass of for some structural element of the tower aaand....one of the most idiotic designs for a crown I have ever seen in the middle of one of the most important locations in NYC.

You take the product as a whole my friend. And needless to say that in terms of appeal 7TS is not a pimple on the NYTimes butt. But besides that, you know what these buildings look like up close. Is there any comparison??:confused:

I mean if some folks find solace in seeing that the white stripes in 7TS as some sort of virtue because it resembles a truly great tower then fine go gaga for that resemblance. Im not gonna be stupid enough to think that because Rosie O'donnel has a huge ass she somehow resembles Jessica Biel...

[NoyokA]

Yeah so Im supposed to take 20% resemblance that one garbage tower has against a great one and somehow they are comparable. Get a clue dude.:rolleyes: As I have mentioned, what is most horrrid about 7TS its not the stripes, its the fact that its a typical glass box in this putrid green color with some phony zig zag aluminum patches stuck together in the north facade trying to pass of for some structural element of the tower aaand....one of the most idiotic designs for a crown I have ever seen in the middle of one of the most important locations in NYC.

You take the product as a whole my friend. And needless to say that in terms of appeal 7TS is not a pimple on the NYTimes butt. But besides that, you know what these buildings look like up close. Is there any comparison??:confused:

I mean if some folks find solace in seeing that the white stripes in 7TS as some sort of virtue because it resembles a truly great tower then fine go gaga for that resemblance. Im not gonna be stupid enough to think that because Rosie O'donnel has a huge ass she somehow resembles Jessica Biel...

I don't understand your rant. My point is merely in my opinion both are disappointing, boring buildings.

[Alonzo-ny]

What buildings excite you stern?

[NoyokA]

What buildings excite you stern?

In NYC very few. Among recent buildings I love the Hearst Tower and LVMH Tower as well as Meier's Perry West Buildings, and IAC as well as 40 Mercer, and the Trump World Tower (I know I'm going to get flack for this but its a great modernist building nevertheless).

Buildings I see with potential are William Beaver House, 400 Park Avenue South, 2 and 3 World Trade Center.

[Alonzo-ny]

if your standards are at level 1 out of ten and mine are at 3 we have the same kind of taste.

[TREPYE]

I don't understand your rant. My point is merely in my opinion both are disappointing, boring buildings.

...and they look no different.

Trepye looking at those fine photos you posted the fascade of the NYTIMES looks no different than the boring west-fascade of Times Square Tower, it could be concrete for all I'm concerned.

Uh...yes they are.

No rant I was simply trying to explain that they are different, very different. One detail could not bring them to a level of similarity. Even if you think they are boring just pay attention to the big picture and what they look like up close (which should come into play when you see a scraper from afar) before you say that they "look no different"...

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9657/nytimes1dm2.jpg

And dude was it really necessary to remove the pictures of Jessica B...it was part of my point. :mad: In addition to the fact that I was providing a lil eye candy service for some of us here that actually run on red-blood. :p

[NoyokA]

And dude was it really necessary to remove the pictures of Jessica B...it was part of my point. :mad: In addition to the fact that I was providing a lil eye candy service for some of us here that actually run on red-blood. :p

As a general rule its not a good idea to insult a moderator.

[TREPYE]

What are you talking about man?!:p I wasnt trying to insult you I was making a jestful comment. Gee whiz! Sorry if me talking about difference in scraper observations, Jessica Biel and red blood offended you in some way then. Chill out I have not beef with you to even insult you just trying to conversate.:) And not for nothing I treat moderators pretty much like they are another forum member which seems kind of appropiate to me. Am I supposed to acting different when Im talking to moderators or something. I gotta see that forum rule.

[stache]

Reasons for ban
- Posting spam
- Registering under more than one username
- Not following requests of moderators
- Behaviour disrespectful to moderators and administration

[TREPYE]

Well I always kind of figured that you are not supposed to insult anyone not just moderators.

Besides the fact Im still trying to figure out what he got so insulted about?? :confused:

[stache]

If you can't figure this out I suggest you do research in an etiquette forum. Happy hunting.

[NoyokA]

What are you talking about man?!:p I wasnt trying to insult you I was making a jestful comment. Gee whiz! Sorry if me talking about difference in scraper observations, Jessica Biel and red blood offended you in some way then. Chill out I have not beef with you to even insult you just trying to conversate.:) And not for nothing I treat moderators pretty much like they are another forum member which seems kind of appropiate to me. Am I supposed to acting different when Im talking to moderators or something. I gotta see that forum rule.

You're not allowed to insult any member, moderator or otherwise. It's adviseable not to insult a moderator though as they can issue infractions or bannings.

[TREPYE]

You're not allowed to insult any member, moderator or otherwise. It's adviseable not to insult a moderator though as they can issue infractions or bannings.

First sentence: Uh....I know that. Second one: are you suggesting that moderators can use their "special powers" to settle personal scores?? I'm afraid that I dont understand. I dont think that an infractions severity should be dictated by whom its said to.

[ZippyTheChimp]

^
Maybe there's a special rule about insulting the moderators because we have to get involved in situations, when we might be having a bad day and just want to avoid the matter entirely.

Like right now.


Just drop it.

[Tectonic]

Ahh about the Times Building, yesterday they had a couple trees on the 40th Street side waiting to be place in the garden area. The lighting wasn't too good for pictures, if anyone is in that area today they might still be there.

[Fabrizio]

Anyone know: what retail tenents have been finalized? Info?

[scumonkey]

from the curbed website:
http://curbed.com/uploads/2007_10_NYT%20Trees.jpg

[MidtownGuy]

Oooh...they're gonna look grand.
I wish some trees were being planted outside too.

[NYatKNIGHT]

What's the "garden area" the trees are going to, the roof or the lowrise annex?

[Tectonic]

Its an open area between the low rise section and the tower, you can see it from inside the lobby. I just call it the garden area, don't know the official name. AHH Nice you guys are great!

[212]

Anyone know: what retail tenents have been finalized? Info?

Muji (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/25/the-inside-joke-behind-the-muji-brand/index.html?ex=1351051200&en=56f26624b4bcef27&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss) is supposed to open in January (5,000 feet, I guess on one of the Eighth Avenue corners?). Soho gets the first Muji in the U.S. a little earlier, Nov. 16 at 455 Broadway.

Not sure about the other Eighth Avenue corner. Midblock on 40th and 41st, the Times Center theater is glassy at street level ...

[RandySavage]

This tower is steadily growing on me. I think it actually looks better in bad weather (when lit from within) than in sunlight - today it looked great in the fog/rain walking up 8th Ave at 3pm. As has been stated, there is something about it that feels very New York. Just wish the red staircases went all the way up to the top.

[lofter1]

Here's a diagram showing where the trees will go ...

http://curbed.com/uploads/2007_10_TimesLights10.JPG

And some shots of the garden soil being prepared from a few weeks back (http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showpost.php?p=187574&postcount=2730) ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_63a11.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_63a12.jpg

***

[Alonzo-ny]

Really classy base!

[stache]

So funny to see dirt behind glass!

[Citytect]

^It's called art (http://www.earthroom.org/) in Soho.

[Pussy Willow]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/2007/jkj.jpg

[ablarc]

^ Spindly, spiky things. ^

[Radiohead]

I'll have to admit that the more I see it, the more I like it, especially at dusk.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/1793470363_4e19681e52_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/1793470363_daed6c2d36.jpg

It's top is certainly better than this nearby monstrosity...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/1794310602_05fdc6d345_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/1794310602_7273e0ee6c.jpg

[ZippyTheChimp]

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5333/nytimes51csw7.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes51csw7.jpg) http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6219/nytimes52cyp6.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes52cyp6.jpg) http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5752/nytimes53cqy4.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes53cqy4.jpg) http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/4214/nytimes54ckk9.th.jpg (http://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes54ckk9.jpg)

[MidtownGuy]

I'm anxious to see it with the exterior illumination switched on.

[lofter1]

The courtyard planted with birch trees ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_71m.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_71k.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_71i.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_71t.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_71e.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_71d.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_71w.jpg

***

[lofter1]

Outside the scaffolding has come down at the corner of Eighth / W 41st and east along that block ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_70c.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_72a2.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_72a8.jpg

***

[21&Invincible]

I'm anxious to see it with the exterior illumination switched on.
I'm excited as well. I keep checking back to this thread hoping to see some pictures when they are on. Is there any anticipated schedule for the lighting?

[lofter1]

The yellow lighing instruments on the north wall of the tower were on when I was at the building this afternoon ...

I haven't been by there at night for weeks, so I'm not sure if they stay on all the time or if they're being tested during installation.

[scumonkey]

Must just be a test ....I see the building every night and - no lights yet.
Great pictures by the way!!!

[Alonzo-ny]

Is this buildings address 620 8th Ave? If so ill be at a lecture there next month.

[lofter1]

Most likely at The Times Center (http://thetimescenter.com/)

[Alonzo-ny]

Sweeeeeeeeeet cant wait now!!!

[lofter1]

If you look at the photos of the birch trees you might notice some red in the background ... those are the seats in The Times Center.

Depending on the particular event in The Center the birch garden can be the background :)

[Alonzo-ny]

I invite you all to join me!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Municipal Art Society of New York presents
THE OVERSUCCESSFUL CITY: DEVELOPERS’ REALITIES
6:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Charles V. Bagli, The New York Times - moderator / Eugenie L. Birch, University of Pennsylvania / Carlton Brown, Full Spectrum NY / Douglas Durst, Durst Organization / Greg O'Connell, Kings Harbor View Associates

Today's economic logic and regulatory climate seem to favor high-density, high-revenue developments. How has this affected the fabric of the city? What motivates developers and what constrains them? Inspired by Jane Jacobs's analysis of "oversuccess," this panel will seek to open up a conversation about economics, land value, and the character of the city.

TICKETS: call (212) 935-2075 or visit www.mas.org/jjfny $8 members & students/$12 non-members

[ablarc]

Big office buildings in New York and elsewhere often get reskinned when their owners think they need freshening; several are in process right now.

The distingushing characteristic of the New York Times Building is The Rods. Ask yourself: forty-five years from now, when its turn comes up: will the rods be dutifully replaced?

If not, ask yourself: what then will be the defining characteristic of the New York Times Building?

[NYatKNIGHT]

I think they would replace them with more advanced rods. Their supports are part of the structure, especially at the crown.

Otherwise, I'd say the open crown, the cross-bracing at the corners, its shape, and even the spire.

[lofter1]

Without the rods (the building's outer skin) it would be naked -- and, I dare say, removal of the rods would lead to a somewhat vertiginous experience for those inside.

Unless someting more technologically advanced comes along which could achieve better energy conservation why would the rods be removed?

[ZippyTheChimp]

Even without the rods, the building has an exoskeletal structure, and cable bracing.

[ablarc]

Unless someting more technologically advanced comes along which could achieve better energy conservation why would the rods be removed?
Save money. Regardless of what may be claimed, I doubt those rods will ever pay for themselves in enegy savings. (In winter they're actually mildly counterproductive.)





And if we learn to burn salt water industrially, energy may turn cheap.

[Gotham]

Anyone been in the lobby of this building? POS... wood flooring? The elevator cabs look like they're temporary flooring for construction; nope. That's the final product, and its already completely scuffed up.

And those bars on the outside, atrocious, especially from the inside. Talk about ruining the views. The only saving grace is that the areas high up, where there are no bars visible from the inside, the views are outstanding. But, how will those views be after 11 Times Square goes up, and if the Port Authority is built upon as planned?

[TREPYE]

Big office buildings in New York and elsewhere often get reskinned when their owners think they need freshening; several are in process right now.

The distingushing characteristic of the New York Times Building is The Rods. Ask yourself: forty-five years from now, when its turn comes up: will the rods be dutifully replaced?

If not, ask yourself: what then will be the defining characteristic of the New York Times Building?


As much as I love this building the durability of the rods are a concern for me. Hopefully as we modernize technology will alleviate this potential flaw.

[TREPYE]

One trick pony?? Ablarc, of all people I'm surprised you say this.

This pony has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

(Drum roll...)

1st trick: The double layered facade gives 3 different visual effects. Glass, granite and a hybrid of both that results in a fascinating reflective opacity.

2nd trick: The exposed structural elements of the building; the steel , the cross bracing, the giant rivets and bolts. A flirtatious demostration of this buildings structural details peeking out from within its glass and rod skirt.

3rd trick: A gothic crown...need I say more?!

4th trick: I am borrowing this from someone else who made this brilliant observation before; but the ultra-transparent glass at night really gives this tower some life. Looking at it from a distance and seeing all of these little figurines of people moving within its quite a sight. Its as if you were looking at a cell under a microscope and all of its moving parts.

[lofter1]

... how will those views be after 11 Times Square goes up, and if the Port Authority is built upon as planned?


What are you talking about? The PABT Tower is planned to be catty corner to the NW. The NYT Tower's most open view -- directly to the west -- will remian unaffected.

[ZippyTheChimp]

I got a good look at it last night from 8th Ave and 48th St. Lights were on in all but the top 10 or so floors.

It makes an impressive statement. A must-see at night.

[scumonkey]

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/needles.jpg

[Tectonic]

^^^ The 3 Musketeers
http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/arp/arp123/3-musketeers-~-3muskt_c.jpg

[Derek2k3]

The NYT mast is 100' shorter than when first unveiled.

Also, the PABT tower and Times Square Plaza had spires proposed for them initially.

[lofter1]

Do you mean ^ first unveiled as a design -- or as erected?

[Alonzo-ny]

It must be the initial design, its is definitely 1047' or therabouts no way its only 947'

[MidtownGuy]

Any more needle spires in that area will look moronic.

[DarrylStrawberry]

Is the east side of the building lit tonight?

[ZippyTheChimp]

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5526/nytimes57ceu7.th.jpg (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes57ceu7.jpg) http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9938/nytimes56cwk0.th.jpg (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes56cwk0.jpg) http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9775/nytimes55cjc8.th.jpg (http://img146.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes55cjc8.jpg)

[RandySavage]

Those pictures settle it for me: up close NYTT is a great building.

[Alonzo-ny]

I held off on reservations of this building with good reason, completed it is sublime.

[kz1000ps]

Those waffle tops are still a big disappointment for me.. very hard to ignore.

[stache]

Maybe the final lighting scheme will snazz it up.

[dtolman]

From last week... I love how the rods fade away in the crown when you look up from below...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/1873276129_261c23e0e0_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15775240@N02/1873276129/)http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/1873291933_626e0e181b_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15775240@N02/1873291933/)http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/1874130162_15c96b34e4_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15775240@N02/1874130162/)

[NYguy]

Photos taken over the past week...


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489121/medium.jpg_http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489147/medium.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489168/medium.jpg_http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489203/medium.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489168/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489203/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489219/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489232/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489260/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/88489290/large.jpg

[Jeffreyny]

Any more needle spires in that area will look moronic.

New York is spire obsessed!

[lofter1]

always has been ... may it always be ...

http://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/beach/fig16-34.jpg

42nd St station, view east possibly from a church steeple.
On the right is Bryant Park and the old Egyptian-style storage reservoir.
From Harper’s Weekly, July 20, 1878.

Beach Pneumatic / Columbia. edu (http://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/beach/chapter16.html)

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://66.230.220.70/images/post/nycbw/185.jpg&usg=AFQjCNHDQ8lwIZsvFj7ro3hNHqpXXAFToA

http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/20th/singer2.jpg

http://patrickmarini.files.wordpress.com/2006/07/ny_ge.jpg?w=320&h=384

GE Building (http://patrickmarini.wordpress.com/category/formazione/viaggi/)

http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/19th/world2.jpg

[MidtownGuy]

^Yes, I'd love to get more spires that actually have substance to them like the ones shown above; today's skinny needles sprouting from a flat surface aren't satisfying.

[MidtownGuy]

I'm getting bored with the whole diaphanous crown trend. There, but not really there...nice, now let's move on with the real thing.
Like I said, give me substance.

[TREPYE]

Yeah I would love to have beauties like this more often....
http://patrickmarini.files.wordpress.com/2006/07/ny_ge.jpg?w=320&h=384

but we still get some horrible architecture nowadays so I am happy that they are not stupid flat boxes anymore and that architects are rethinking aesthetics at the top of a tower. I like you hated the NYTimes towers mast initially but it grew on me as soon it went up. So slender and elegant it fits the design in such an adequate way. The antenna on 4SQ is a visual landmark of Times Square, flamboyant, maybe even tacky- just like TS. 1BP has the looks of of an intricate detailed sculpture that in style bears resemblance the beaux structuralism that is seen in the facade of NYTimes tower, Perry west, GW bridge, Rogers' 3 WTC and maybe one glorious day- 80 South Street (hopefully!).

[MidtownGuy]

^one of my favorites...I can't wait to see it when the scaffolding comes down.

[JMGarcia]

From last week... I love how the rods fade away in the crown when you look up from below...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/1873276129_261c23e0e0_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15775240@N02/1873276129/)http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/1873291933_626e0e181b_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15775240@N02/1873291933/)http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/1874130162_15c96b34e4_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15775240@N02/1874130162/)

The rods at the top do work much better from street level than when seen for a distance as a skyline element. (Hearst is another building that works better from the street than for the distance).

I've liked this building from the beginning and am more than pleased with how it turned out - up to the crown at least which is just a bit too awkward IMO.

[ZippyTheChimp]

Night shots.

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/7331/nytimes58cae9.th.jpg (http://img250.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes58cae9.jpg) http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/9200/nytimes59cxg9.th.jpg (http://img250.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes59cxg9.jpg) http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/741/nytimes60cik6.th.jpg (http://img250.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes60cik6.jpg) http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1599/nytimes61czc7.th.jpg (http://img250.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes61czc7.jpg) http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1259/nytimes62csg6.th.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes62csg6.jpg)

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6497/nytimes63ckv4.th.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes63ckv4.jpg) http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4587/nytimes64chm8.th.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes64chm8.jpg) http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2869/nytimes65cvj5.th.jpg (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes65cvj5.jpg) http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5715/nytimes66cgj5.th.jpg (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes66cgj5.jpg) http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4155/nytimes67cgb1.th.jpg (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes67cgb1.jpg)

[ZippyTheChimp]

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/441/nytimes68cxe7.th.jpg (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes68cxe7.jpg) http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/5681/nytimes69cfg6.th.jpg (http://img112.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes69cfg6.jpg)

[BrooklynRider]

Were you hanging out at the bus terminal again?

[Tectonic]

Hmm looks like they're still working on it.

[ZippyTheChimp]

Were you hanging out at the bus terminal again?They chased me away from GCT, so I have no choice.

[lofter1]

sweet ...

thanks, zip :cool: gotta get myself up there after the sun goes down ...

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5715/nytimes66cgj5.jpg

[MidtownGuy]

WOW it looks gorgeous at night! Fantastic pictures.

[aural iNK]

This might be a first, but I think the exterior lighting may actually take away from the beauty of this building. Without it, the transparency is breath taking.

[antinimby]

This stretch of 40th St. sure looks dark and desolate (at least from this pic). The streetlights are not working or what?


http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5715/nytimes66cgj5.jpg

[lofter1]

OMG ^ you DO see the glass half empty :cool:

[MidtownGuy]

That's a classic:D

[antinimby]

But it is dark. There's no getting around that, glass empty or full.

[ZippyTheChimp]

Human eye has more range than a camera sensor (or film). To show the building details, I had to darken the overall image. If I had set exposure to show street details, the bright facade would have washed out. The building is the main subject.

Also, some of the lamp posts have been removed during construction. I noticed a new base on the 41st St side.

[lofter1]

Joking ;)

But it's clearly not desolate -- a number of people can be seen on the sidewalk.

[antinimby]

Yeah but they all appear dark and shadowy and the lack of cars both parked and on the street adds to that perception as well but like Zippy said, it's probably a combination of the camera and loss of the streetlamps.

[Ed007Toronto]

Ground floor is dark as well. I assume once its lit the street will look much brighter.

[TREPYE]

The aforementioned observation about the street lighting was like the ultimate nitpick.:p

[lofter1]

It is great to read that almost all writers (one tor two dissenters remain) now comment in favor of the Times Tower.

It's been a long time since we've seen it compared to either a parking structure or a prison.

In many ways it is exceeding my expectations -- even though I have been a champion of Piano's design from day 1.

IMHO it rates as a Masterpiece.

[krulltime]

By Dustin's Pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldpics/)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/2029678998_ad47789b12_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2085/2028875811_42aa47a032_b.jpg

[Adyton]

Fantastic pics! Love the one w/the New Yorker...

Agree w/everyone who says this tower IS one of the best in Gotham. Just wish it were 200-300' taller...deserves to be ;)

[NewYorkDoc]

I really like these shots! Although, that one building with the blue stripe is really ugly.

[lbjefferies]

Absolutely breathtaking Krull, thank you for that. And thank you Dustin for taking those pictures, wherever you are.

[scumonkey]

Although, that one building with the blue stripe is really ugly.
That would be a McSam POS!

[panderson]

According to a memo on Gawker, (http://gawker.com/news/dual-class-structure/new-york-times-to-throw-two-parties-for-its-new-building-321733.php)the "official opening" will be held Monday -- about time, considering the building has been occupied since, what, May? Perhaps this means the final cleanup of the sidewalks will be finished off this weekend -- maybe the subway entrance on the northeast corner of 40th & 8th will even reopen. I'm interested to find out what the rest of the retail mix will be at ground level.

[Alonzo-ny]

Im looking forward to that Japanese store, seems interesting.

[kz1000ps]

Yes, and they're a great fit for the building too.

[Tectonic]

The 'real' sidewalks around NYT should be open soon:

11-17-2007

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572460.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572458.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572502.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572494.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572455.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572471.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572480.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572486.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572489.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2007/11/572473.jpg

[scumonkey]

With such a nice building it's a shame they're using plain cement
for the sidewalks, rather than stone or something a little more high end.
Never the less, it will be nice to finely get the sheds out of the way and
the sidewalks back!

[stache]

I am LOVING the generously scaled subway entrance.

[NYguy]

NOVEMBER 17, 2007

http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/89206426/medium.jpg_http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/89206434/medium.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/89206435/medium.jpg_http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/89206437/medium.jpg

[antinimby]

Woohoo!! I have been waiting for the sidewalk sheds to come down for so long and finally they are.

By the way, the concrete they're using for the sidewalks around the Times building is high quality, with the sparkles in them. Just love it.

[infresig]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/20/arts/design/20time.html

[Alonzo-ny]

I wish the rods were white instead of grey. Dont get me wrong I love this tower but when you see it from the right angle and the rods appear white it makes it look much better and i just wish they always looked so.

[antinimby]

Pride and Nostalgia Mix in The Times’s New Home


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/20/arts/timespan.jpg
The heart of the newspaper is the main newsroom, on the second, third and fourth floors, topped by a
skylight and linked by stairways, with a wraparound balcony on the highest level.


By NICOLAI OUROUSSOFF
Published: November 20, 2007 (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/20/arts/design/20time.html)

Writing about your employer’s new building is a tricky task. If I love it, the reader will suspect that I’m currying favor with the man who signs my checks. If I hate it, I’m just flaunting my independence.

So let me get this out of the way: As an employee, I’m enchanted with our new building on Eighth Avenue. The grand old 18-story neo-Gothic structure on 43rd Street, home to The New York Times for nearly a century, had its sentimental charms. But it was a depressing place to work. Its labyrinthine warren of desks and piles of yellowing newspapers were redolent of tradition but also seemed an anachronism.

The new 52-story building between 40th and 41st Streets, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, is a paradise by comparison. A towering composition of glass and steel clad in a veil of ceramic rods, it delivers on Modernism’s age-old promise to drag us — in this case, The Times — out of the Dark Ages.

I enjoy gazing up at the building’s sharp edges and clean lines when I emerge from the subway exit at 40th Street and Seventh Avenue in the morning. I love being greeted by the cluster of silvery birch trees in the lobby atrium, their crooked trunks sprouting from a soft blanket of moss. I even like my fourth-floor cubicle, an oasis of calm overlooking the third-floor newsroom.
Yet the spanking new building is infused with its own nostalgia.

The last decade has been a time of major upheaval in newspaper journalism, with editors and reporters fretting about how they should adapt to the global digital age. In New York that anxiety has been compounded by the terrorist attacks of 2001, which prompted many corporations to barricade themselves inside gilded fortresses.

Mr. Piano’s building is rooted in a more comforting time: the era of corporate Modernism that reached its apogee in New York in the 1950s and 60s. If he has gently updated that ethos for the Internet age, the building is still more a paean to the past than to the future.

What makes a great New York skyscraper? The greatest of them tug at our heartstrings. We seek them out in the skyline, both to get our bearings and to anchor ourselves psychologically in the life of the city.

Mr. Piano’s tower is unlikely to inspire that kind of affection. The building’s most original feature is a scrim of horizontal ceramic rods that diffuses sunlight and lends the exterior a clean, uniform appearance. Mr. Piano used a similar screening system for his 1997 Debis Tower for Daimler-Benz in Berlin, to mixed results. For The Times, he spent months adjusting the rods’ color and scale, and in the early renderings they had a lovely, ethereal quality.

Viewed from a side street today, they have the precision and texture of a finely tuned machine. But despite the architect’s best efforts, the screens look flat and lifeless in the skyline. The uniformity of the bars gives them a slightly menacing air, and the problem is compounded by the battleship gray of the tower’s steel frame. Their dull finish deprives the facades of an enlivening play of light and shadow.

The tower’s crown is also disappointing. To hide the rooftop’s mechanical equipment and create the impression that the tower is dissolving into the sky, Mr. Piano extended the screens a full six stories past the top of the building’s frame. Yet the effect is ragged and unfinished. Rather than gathering momentum as it rises, the tower seems to fizzle.


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/20/arts/Building190.jpg
The New York Times Building: The
new headquarters by Renzo Piano.


But if the building is less than spectacular in the skyline, it comes to life when it hits the ground. All of Mr. Piano’s best qualities are in evidence here — the fine sense of proportion, the love of structural detail, the healthy sense of civic responsibility.

The architect’s goal is to blur the boundary between inside and out, between the life of the newspaper and the life of the street. The lobby is encased entirely in glass, and its transparency plays delightfully against the muscular steel beams and spandrels that support the soaring tower.

People entering the building from Eighth Avenue can glance past rows of elevator banks all the way to the fairy tale atrium garden and beyond, to the plush red interior of TheTimesCenter auditorium. From the auditorium, you gaze back through the trees to the majestic lobby space. In effect, the lobby itself is a continuous public performance.

The sense of transparency is reinforced by the people streaming through the lobby. The flow recalls the dynamic energy of Grand Central Terminal’s Great Hall or the Rockefeller Center plaza, proud emblems of early-20th-century mobility.

Architecturally, however, The New York Times Building owes its greatest debt to postwar landmarks like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s Lever House or Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building — designs that came to embody the progressive values and industrial power of a triumphant America. Their streamlined glass-and-steel forms proclaimed a faith in machine-age efficiency and an open, honest, democratic society.

Newspaper journalism, too, is part of that history. Transparency, independence, the free flow of information, moral clarity, objective truth — these notions took hold and flourished in the last century at papers like The Times. To many this idealism reached its pinnacle in the period stretching from the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War to Watergate, when journalists grew accustomed to speaking truth to power, and the public could still accept reporters as impartial observers.

This longing for an idealistic time permeates the main newsroom. Pierced by a double-height skylight well on the third and fourth floors, the newsroom has a cool, insular feel even as the facades of the surrounding buildings press in from the north and south. The well functions as a center of gravity, focusing attention on the paper’s nerve center. From many of the desks you also enjoy a view of the delicate branches of the atrium’s birch trees.

Internal staircases link the various newsroom floors to encourage interaction. The work cubicles are flanked by rows of glass-enclosed offices, many of which are unassigned so that they can be used for private phone conversations or spontaneous meetings. Informal groupings of tables and chairs are also scattered about, creating a variety of social spaces.

From the higher floors, which house the corporate offices of The Times and 22 floors belonging to the developer Forest City Ratner, the views become more expansive. Cars rush up along Eighth Avenue. Billboards and electronic signs loom from all directions. By the time you reach the 14th-floor cafeteria, the entire city begins to come into focus, with dazzling views to the north, south, east and west. A long, narrow balcony is suspended within the cafeteria’s double-height space, reinforcing the impression that you’re floating in the Midtown skyline.

Many of my colleagues complained about the building at first. There’s too much empty space in the newsroom, some groused; they missed the intimacy of the old one. The glass offices look sterile, and no one will use them, some said.

I suspect they’ll all adjust. One of the joys of working in an ambitious new building is that you can watch its personality develop. From week to week, you see more and more lone figures chatting on cellphones in the small glass offices with their feet atop a table. And even my grumpiest colleagues now concede that a little sunlight and fresh air are not a bad thing.

Even so, you never feel that the building embraces the future wholeheartedly. Rather than move beyond the past, Mr. Piano has fine-tuned it. The most contemporary features — the computerized louvers and blinds that regulate the flow of light into the interiors — are technological innovations rather than architectural ones; the regimented rows of identical wood-paneled cubicles chosen by the interior design firm Gensler could be a stage set for a 2007 remake of “All the President’s Men,” minus the 1970s hairstyles.

Maybe this accounts for the tower’s slight whiff of melancholy.

Few of today’s most influential architects buy into straightforward notions of purity or openness. Having witnessed an older generation’s mostly futile quest to effect social change through architecture, they opt for the next best thing: to expose, through their work, the psychic tensions and complexities that their elders sublimated. By bringing warring forces to the surface, they reason, a building will present a franker reading of contemporary life.

Journalism, too, has moved on. Reality television, anonymous bloggers, the threat of ideologically driven global media enterprises — such forces have undermined newspapers’ traditional mission. Even as journalists at The Times adjust to their new home, they worry about the future. As advertising inches decline, the paper is literally shrinking; its page width was reduced in August. And some doubt that newspapers will even exist in print form a generation from now.

Depending on your point of view, the Times Building can thus be read as a poignant expression of nostalgia or a reassertion of the paper’s highest values as it faces an uncertain future. Or, more likely, a bit of both.

Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company

[TREPYE]

Not exactly glowing. But hey a least you know hes objective and not something out of Fox news.

I do agree with him that the Tower looks more impressive up close. But I still think it looks pretty interesting from afar, definitely eye-catching. He doesnt really go into the mast which makes me think that he hates it and would rather not say anything about it.

[MidtownGuy]

Pretty fair assessment, I thought.

[lofter1]

Except IMO the crown looks awesome from every angle, whether near or far.

[lbjefferies]

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/20/arts/Building190.jpg
The New York Times Building: The
new headquarters by Renzo Piano.


Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company


I'd love to see a larger version of this photograph. Absolutely dreamy!

[antinimby]

Okay, you got it.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/20/arts/20time2_lg.jpg

[antinimby]

Have you guys read some of the reader comments (http://community.nytimes.com/article/comments/2007/11/20/arts/design/20time.html?s=1&pg=1) accompanying that Ourrousoff review?

Well, I did and it's interesting to note that, for the most part, New Yorkers are much more acerbic towards the building whereas people from elsewhere are more receptive.

Here are a few interesting examples:

This great new building sets a new standard. Don't forget to bring journalism up to same level. Congrats. gm

— glen morgan, Texas


I cannot speak to the interior since I haven't seen it; it may well be nice. The exterior brings to mind some evil tower. I think the Times got sold a bill of goods, and built a very ugly building, perhaps one of the worst on our great skyline.

— William Schaffner, New York City


A lovely new building in the shimmering New York but please, let us heve more pictures of Renzo Piano's fine detail, the ceramic rods etc.

Yours, reader from London
— W.A.S., London , U.K.


I stumbled upon the new NYT building one night last July and was awed. Gazing up at the building from a side street, I half expected Superman to sail out of a window. To me -- a sports editor in a Virginia college town -- it seemed to reflect the drama, boldness and power of New York. It's a "statement" building, one that symbolizes the Times' role as a muscular watchdog and one that symbolizes the transparency that all journalists should embrace. It really could be the Daily Planet. ')

— Chris, Harrisonburg, VA



Transparency, independence, the free flow of information, moral clarity, objective truth. Exactly what a free press is all about.

Why then did the Times contract for a headquarters that looks like a high-rise prison? Is it a sign of the times (no pun intended), that there's another fortress of the type being built in lower Manhattan?

I don't work for the Times but I wish that they had done so much better than the grey monstrosity that now greets commuters emerging from Port Authority not to take away from the Times logo on the front of the builing.

Maybe you can sell the builiding to the State. They seem to always have a need for more prison space.


— J. Dolan Byrnes, Brooklyn


I see the NYTimes building everyday as I head to my office at 35th and 8th. It reminds me of the movie Blade Runner, or other dystopian future-stories where the powerful hide themselves in massive fortresses.

One of my co-workers think it looks like an air-conditioner.

Will the lobby which is apparently much nicer, and the roof ever be accessible to the public?
— Julie, Brooklyn; 35th & 8th


One day, this monolith suddenly appeared looming over my view of Ninth Avenue like an Orwellian nightmare. It's a grey, menacing affront. The spikes "dissolving into the sky" seem to be hiding intelligence equipment aimed directly at your soul. Hideous.
— Scott Carlton, Hell's Kitchen


This building lacks soul. A towering cold rectangle. Sadly Renzo, Gehry, Meier and others reshaping our skyline seem more concerned with their own ego than how a building fits into New York's fabulous street grid. It ain't good.
— Jacob, Brooklyn


Your florid writing is that of a wish-fulfilment fantasy. I live around the corner from the Times. It would be worse if I could see it from my window. The building asserts a modernist kitsch, an imperial nostalgia. Your architect mocks your pretensions with a charicature of your discredited posture of objective truth.
— Barry Blitstein, 42nd Street


I've mostly seen the building from a short distance -- from 14th Street and 8th Avenue, about 30 blocks away. And from there, it looks like a futuristic, high-tech prison. And I should know -- I visit jails and prisons frequently as a criminal defense lawyer. (And from reading the comments above, I see that 3 or 4 others similarly see the resemblance of the building to a correctional facility.)

I understand that Renzo Piano was trying to create lightness and etherealness with that outer mesh casing, but the effect is, if anything, precisely the opposite. Perhaps it would have succeeded on a smaller building, but when used on an enormous skyscraper, the scrim evokes nothing less than a cage.

The interior looks lovely, however, and it may be a perfectly functional place to work.

— ycl, Manhattan


If I had the due dollars to visit my loved NYC I would pay attention to the new building without any prior idea to the judgement. New York is a blend of all tendencies and I am sure this one is one more show.

Anyhow, I hope the journalists honor that new working place saying the truth, only the truth and nothing but the truth. ¡Saludos, Amigos! From Buenos Aires, Argentina.
— Alicia Saler - Limeres, Buenos Aires, Argentina


How sorry I feel for you Sir, reviewing box after dispiriting box, and having to resort to the magnification of small differences (Hey, this one's got bars across the windows!) and all your powers of discrimination in order to draw some judgement of merit. And why are they boxes? Because that is the most economical shape to do what they were designed to do: warehouse immobile lumps of grudgingly productive flesh and keep them from spoiling over the course of a day. How inspiring!
— ,

[antinimby]

An image I captured from the Times video (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2007/11/20/arts/20071120_TIMES_GRAPHIC.html#/tab=2) showing the front of the building the other night (the grand opening?) with all the scaffolding down, sidewalks and everything basically completed:

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3535/timesfrontbo3.jpg
Notice the darkened corners on both sides of the ground floor? Those will be the retail spaces that you can see from the below diagram.


Here's a cross-sectional view of the layout of the entire ground floor that I also captured from that video:

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/7679/timesbaseww5.jpg

[TREPYE]

Re: Reviews

Damn. I though we were bad..:p:rolleyes:

[MidtownGuy]

And why are they boxes? Because that is the most economical shape to do what they were designed to do: warehouse immobile lumps of grudgingly productive flesh and keep them from spoiling over the course of a day.

Hilarious!

[NYatKNIGHT]

...see the resemblance of the building to a correctional facility.
It's like the parking garage comparisons, I would love to see such an example.

The comments in that post and throughout this thread often range from either intensely passionate to downright hateful. I respect that the architecture is such that it may evoke such emotion, but I have to wonder how much the building's occupants are responsible for such zealous analysis.

I'd like to see a poll of how many who like the Times like the building, and how many who hate the Times hate the building.

[Hamilton]

Now that this tower is mostly done, I stand by my earlier statements, for the most part, though I realize that I was way too angry and reactionary in my comments early on. I still hold out some hope that the lighting will improve this building, but as it stands, the building is an unsatisfying effort, a disappointment. Maybe I was spoiled by the renderings, which showed a beautiful, glowing, white, diaphanous structure, but the menacing grayness of the bars seems a hostile affront the the city's public space. The transparency of the building is beautiful when it's actually observable, but again, it's unsatisfying how little you actually CAN see the transparency--whole floors are unlit at any point in the day, and the unlit floors look completely gray, giving the impression of the worst of the 70's brutalist concrete structures from afar. The random pattern of lit and unlit rooms just makes the entire building look like a disorganized and unruly mishmosh, and an unfriendly, aggressive gray mishmosh at that.

What's most disappointing and frustrating about this building is that the potential is there, and peeks out every once in a while. You can almost imagine what this building would look like in its full glory, but that full glory doesn't seem realizable.

I'm still rooting for this tower; let's hope the lighting pulls off a miracle. Given the renderings that Piano's worskshop had made, I can only imagine that he's disappointed and surprised that the building turned out so different.

And for NYatKnight: I love the Times, but have to give the building a thumbs down.

[NYatKNIGHT]

^Fair enough, and I didn't mean to say that it was that cut and dried, but then again your opinion didn't exactly have the level of rage or passion I was referring to. It's an impossible theory to prove anyway.

[Hamilton]

^^Argh, actually, some of my edits to the post didn't show up.

I tried to add that early on, my comments on this forum were actually way too reactionary and emotional when the tower first started taking shape. Now I realize that it was dumb to get so worked up about it, and that it's better to step back and be more reasonable. I think a lot of the passion I felt early on was due to disappointment, and frustration that the tower was almost there, but not quite.

But yeah, I was just including that info in case you wanted to start an informal poll on WNY ;)

[NYatKNIGHT]

I did start an informal poll (in my head) a long time ago when I noticed the correlation from members who had previoulsy made their stance on the Times known. With your last couple of posts, I'll chalk one up for "not swayed" (in my head).

By the way, I have a similar observation to yours; at times, this building delights and disappoints simultaneously. But as it evolves, it disappoints less.

[millertime83]

Anyone see the commericals for "I Am Legend." The first shot is of the NY Times building. Apparently it's good for post-apocalypse NY.

[krulltime]

By therach488 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16972749@N08/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2051319055_f2a308fd4c_b.jpg

[Alonzo-ny]

Wow looks good!

[kz1000ps]

In that pic, the southern-facing part of the crown really does look like it's dissolving as it rises.

[Optimus Prime]

Great pic. Makes it look like NYTT is the first line of defense against the encroachment of the McSams from the west.

[stache]

Not to mention the dreaded bus terminal.

[schwenko]

Is it really (tied with the Chrysler building) the second tallest building in NYC?

Previous posts refer to the future lighting; what will it be like?

[Alonzo-ny]

Yes although BOA may be above it now but its not topped out yet so that would be unofficial.

[MidtownGuy]

The most desperate case for improvement in this whole area is the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It is a gigantic filthy eyesore. This is one case where such a description is undeniably appropriate. The side and back of it are just a messy wound on the Times Square area. On a recent return trip from New Jersey, as our bus pulled into that dark and filthy side street to park at the gate, I felt like I was arriving in a Third World metropolis except usually they are brighter and cleaner than this.
If they aren't ready to put a tower on it, can they at least give it an intermediary facelift? What an embarassment to be one of the busiest bust stations on planet Earth and look like that. Shame.
Now that the Times tower is finished, will there finally be any emphasis on fixing this situation? Maybe they can run some editorials complaining about their crazy-looking, unkempt neighbor.

[antinimby]

November 22, 2007 by z107mat (http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2058101525&size=m)

(Click on photo for larger version)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2168/2058101525_9c1916a441.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2168/2058101525_9c1916a441_b.jpg)

[lofter1]

The most desperate case for improvement in this whole area is the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It is a gigantic filthy eyesore ... The side and back of it are just a messy wound on the Times Square area.

If they aren't ready to put a tower on it, can they at least give it an intermediary facelift?

I can't quite figure out what they are doing on the south side of the PABT along W 40th Street, but for the past several months they ahve been retro-fitting the support columns and just recently they have attached huge steel projections the entire length of the block (photos from 2 weeks ago) ...

***

[scumonkey]

They're putting up a shield so they won't have to see those fugly McSams across the street!:D

[lofter1]

Here's a PABT Proposal (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE0D6153EF932A15751C0A9619582 60) that never took off :cool: ...

[lofter1]

Lo and behold here's the answer to the new steel at PABT ...

What’s Shaking at the Port Authority

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/16/nyregion/16terminal.1.190.jpg
(Photo: David W. Dunlap/The New York Times)
An 80-foot fin truss being hoisted into place along the
40th Street side of the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

NY TIMES
CITY ROOM blog (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/whats-shaking-at-the-port-authority/)
By David W. Dunlap
November 16, 2007

At a time when transportation hubs are being reshaped by security measures, it might be logical to infer that the enormous structural outriggers added last weekend to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/bus/html/pa.html) were intended to protect the structure in an explosion. Or deter pigeons (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/pigeons/), perhaps. In fact, their primary purpose is to reinforce the terminal against a different kind of trauma: earthquakes.

Earthquakes can happen here and sometimes do (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C05E6D9123EF933A05755C0A9649C8B 63). The 80-foot-high, 40-ton fin trusses — as the outriggers are known — “are being installed to mitigate a moderate seismic event to the terminal,” in the words of the authority.

A $52.4 million seismic retrofitting program at the terminal is included in this year’s capital budget.

The city has had seismic requirements in its building code since 1996 for new construction and substantial renovations.

“While uncommon, the earthquake hazard of the New York City metropolitan area has been assessed as moderate by the United States Geological Survey,” the New York City Area Consortium for Earthquake Loss Mitigation (http://www.nycem.org/default.asp) says. “Considering population density and the condition of the region’s infrastructure and building stock, it is clear that even a moderate earthquake would have considerable consequences in terms of public safety and economic impact.” (Here’s a list of the largest earthquakes (http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/LCSN/big-ny-eq.html) in the region, and information about the Ramapo fault system (http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/news/2004/04_30_04.htm)).

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/16/nyregion/16terminal.3.span.jpg
(Photo: David W. Dunlap/The New York Times)
The light-colored fin trusses at left add another element to
an already structurally expressive facade.

The terminal’s seismic retrofitting involves the older south wing, which opened in 1950. Fifteen fin trusses will eventually brace the fully exposed southern wall along West 40th Street. Nine have already been installed. The rest will be hoisted into place next year. New stabilizing walls (called shear walls) and internal structural braces are also being added to the terminal.

The contractor is Koch Skanska (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/whats-shaking-at-the-port-authority/http%20://www.skanska.com/). The architects are Beyer Blinder Belle (http://www.beyerblinderbelle.com/), whose best known job for the authority was to present preliminary design concepts (http://www.renewnyc.com/plan_des_dev/studies/concepts/default.asp) for redeveloping the World Trade Center site in 2002. The structural engineers are Leslie E. Robertson Associates (http://www.lera.com/). Mr. Robertson was the chief engineer of the original trade center.

Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company

[scumonkey]

OH my Gods!!! I see that crap everyday...from bad to worse!!!
Thank you Lofter for the info- I've been wondering what they were doing for ages.

[MidtownGuy]

Yeah, great; they're taking the biggest, ugliest, dirtiest wall in central Manhattan and making it uglier with giant incongruous metal fins. Can someone now paint it chartreuse with purple stripes to make it the MOST hideous it can possible be:rolleyes:

[MidtownGuy]

The light-colored fin trusses at left add another element to
an already structurally expressive facade.


WTF? Does that take the cake or what...

[stache]

we can all move into Port Authority!

[ZippyTheChimp]

Overall, I like the way the building turned out, especially at night.

Disappointed in the crown, but at the street, even better than my expectations.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3058/nytimes70cqg8.th.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes70cqg8.jpg) http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5745/nytimes71caa3.th.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes71caa3.jpg) http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1802/nytimes72ccc1.th.jpg (http://img256.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nytimes72ccc1.jpg)

[Alonzo-ny]

I get to be up close and personal with the times centre tomorrow night! Review forthcoming.

[kz1000ps]

11/25.. I apologize if any of these photos are redundant, but it's my first time seeing the building in person since June.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/193/dscf0114wp4.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5959/dscf0112hb8.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/435/dscf01151cw2.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5231/dscf0117ej7.jpg

so far I'm not crazy about the street-level treatment, but maybe it'll get better once some tenants move in

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/1911/dscf0128vu6.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3726/dscf01291lz1.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/504/dscf01321wc5.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9596/dscf01301db3.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1503/dscf0136hn4.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5661/dscf0134td3.jpg

[kz1000ps]

aww, you interrupted me, trepye.. how rude ;)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5100/dscf0137zj4.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/8882/dscf0140jb2.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2442/dscf0143fh7.jpg

[TREPYE]

Sorry dude.:o I relocated my post so that your presentation is more mellifluous.;)

^Awesome Shot! :D;)

BTW is that rooftop garden still in the works??

[stache]

Beautiful!

[antinimby]

Muji (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/25/the-inside-joke-behind-the-muji-brand/index.html?ex=1351051200&en=56f26624b4bcef27&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss) is supposed to open in January (5,000 feet, I guess on one of the Eighth Avenue corners?). Soho gets the first Muji in the U.S. a little earlier, Nov. 16 at 455 Broadway.
Not sure about the other Eighth Avenue corner. Midblock on 40th and 41st, the Times Center theater is glassy at street level ...In addition to Muji, there will be a Dean & DeLuca and also Inakaya, a Japanese eatery. That's three out of the four available retail spaces taken already.

This according to NY Mag (http://nymag.com/daily/food/2007/09/times_building_to_get_first_ou.html#more):

‘Times’ Building to Get First Outpost of Tokyo Robatayaki


As reviews of Metro Marche took glee in pointing out, the Port Authority is a bit of a culinary hinterland. Sure, New York Times employees have access to fancy cheese and custom sushi rolls, but as a lawyer in the building complains to us, “The Times isn’t being very neighborly about their cafeteria.”

The lunch hunt will become a bit less grim in mid-2008 when Dean & DeLuca opens in the building (its seventh New York site) along with the first Stateside location of Japanese robatayaki restaurant Inakaya.


If the Frommers review of the latter’s Tokyo location is any indicator, this is going to be the best thing since Benihana:
Customers sit at a long, U-shaped counter, on the other side of which are mountains of fresh vegetables, beef, and seafood. And in the middle of all that food, seated in front of a grill, are male chefs — ready to cook whatever you point to in the style of robatayaki. Orders are yelled out by your waiter and are repeated in unison by all the other waiters, resulting in ongoing, excited yelling. Sounds strange, I know, but actually it's a lot of fun.And Bruni can practically review it from his desk!

[NYguy]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=adJnbpHv9Blk&refer=home

Piano Floods Gray Monolith for New York Times in Gorgeous Light

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iThlt9I0bnJU

By James S. Russell
Nov. 27 (Bloomberg)

Renzo Piano's beefy 52-story tower for the New York Times Co. rises from the Manhattan skyline like a lead-gray monolith. This tough, armored look is not what you expect from Piano, whose signature is usually lightness, refinement and elegance.

It adds a forbidding note to the skyline.

The Times gave up its white terra-cotta chateau-style headquarters just west of Times Square to take 26 floors of the tower it built with developer Forest City Ratner Cos. Piano, working with New York architect FX Fowle, may seem a strange choice for the raffish surroundings: the dingy, trash-strewn Port Authority Bus Terminal and the quickly fading gaiety of 42nd Street.

Piano was a safe, blue-chip choice whose reverence for public life -- every building's got a piazza -- resonated with the Times's identity. It thinks of itself as both a profit- making and a civic institution.

Piano's success in the U.S. unfortunately has trapped him in a formulaic style, and he assembles familiar Pianoisms in the Times tower. You won't find the astonishing elegance of the 1998 Debis headquarters in Berlin, his office-building masterpiece.

Metal-framed sunscreens of ceramic rods hang in front of about half of the Times building walls. An energy-saving tactic, they repel half the solar energy that would otherwise heat the window glass.

Changing Screens

They also enrich the surface. In bright light the screens look almost solid, interrupted by slit-like openings. When a shadow from a nearby tower slides across the surface, it comes alive. Stripes of indoor lighting dissolve into telegraphic patterns of dots and dashes, overlapping with shadows the rods themselves cast.

Piano slims the building girth by cutting deep recesses into the corners. He displays supporting columns, beams and diagonal tie rods that normally would be hidden. (You rarely see supporting steel because it must be wrapped in fireproofing. Piano coated the members with a special -- and costly -- fire- resistant paint.)

The transparent floor-to-ceiling glass reveals the floors within. It's as if he's pulled away the tower's skin to show its muscles and bones.

The sunscreens stop above the ground floor to reveal the lobby next to a garden with an undulating carpet of moss and a clump of birch trees -- all wrapped in veils of glass. On the sidewalk you can see all the way through from street to street. The gray lady has raised her skirts a little to backdrop the bustling lobby with the rippling flow of city life.

Beautiful Light

The building is almost prim at street level, in contrast to the belching crudeness all around. Obsessively detailed rods and hole-punched bars, reprising details from the ``high-tech'' style of 30 years ago, suspend elegant glass canopies and neatly organize signage for ground-floor stores. To preserve the views through, tenants won't be allowed to build store shelves higher than 6 feet.

Light is Piano's favorite raw material, and he conjures the most beautiful light I have ever seen in an office building. The corner recesses shape the floor into tray-like expanses surrounded on three sides by windows, so the brightness balances perfectly. Because of the sunscreens, the effect is like a softly shadowed porch -- but one that looks out at stunning city views.

Sensor-driven internal shades buzz into place when needed; under-floor air delivery gives the staff individual thermal control. Along with the handsome, light-filled stairs between floors, these details set a new standard for interiors.

Rows of Cubicles

By contrast, the cubicle layouts (by Gensler, the corporate-design megafirm), seem surprisingly regimented. Even the top editors look corralled within the cathedral-like spaciousness of the newsroom's sky-lit nerve center.

With newspapers widely thought to be dinosaurs, skeptics may say the Times has fallen victim to the edifice complex, in which companies past their prime resort to building showy corporate palaces. (The project has figured prominently in criticism by Times shareholders.)

It's a cheap shot. The best aspects of this building came from deeply considering how workplace design could aid the company in a tumultuous era. It's not a frivolous exercise but one that smart, adaptable businesses should undertake.

(James S. Russell is Bloomberg's U.S. architecture critic. The opinions expressed are his own.)

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=ixfRqG3wkkAA


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iS.4YmjDlORs


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iJXdyD0zb2Hw


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=i9F9bte8i9p0


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iUrIkyQyUxHY


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iCzUB5QeO5oU
The company boardroom in New York Times Co.'s new 52-story tower in New York, seen on Aug. 17, 2007.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iTM8wlu6LupQ


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iHe04nxD3it8

[Tectonic]

The sidewalks seem a bit, may some potted trees will help?

[Fabrizio]

Opinions on the street level please.

A little dinky? Is there an Erector Set / Tooth-pick sculpture look going on here? I love the building, but the ground floor reminds of the stuff we'd build on a rainy Saturday after the cartoons.



http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5231/dscf0117ej7.jpg

[kz1000ps]

More than a little dinky. The materials used say "industrial-tech-chic" but it feels too insubstantial. Especially those hole-punched bars, which are too delicately scaled to the overall composition (Should've spaced the holes out more). I suppose that's Renzo trying to achieve transparency and weightlessness, but to me it betrays the materials' robust characteristics.

Like I already said, I'm hoping the base will spring to life once the tenants move in. I think some of its faults will be lessened once we get more color mixed in with all that grey.

[lofter1]

The power of the tower

The New York Times Building isn't just a striking new home
for the paper - it's the city's best skyscraper in 40 years.
Jonathan Glancey hails a Manhattan renaissance

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2007/11/25/times372x192.jpg
Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA
A view of the New York Times's new building in New York.

The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,2216978,00.html?gusrc=rss&%20eed=media)
Monday November 26, 2007

In pictures: Step inside the supertower (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370915)

Herbert Muschamp, the former architecture critic of the New York Times, put it best. "Since the 1970s," he wrote, "the reigning law in New York building has been: thou shalt not commit architecture here." Indeed, the CBS building, with its powerfully ribbed, black granite facade, was probably Manhattan's last truly impressive skyscraper. And it was completed in 1965.

The decline of the New York skyscraper - caused by a leaking away of creative steam from the 1960s and a planning system that increasingly stifled fresh architectural ideas - seemed signed and sealed on 9/11. Yet, just a year before the terrorist attack, the Times Company commissioned Renzo Piano to design what may be the beginning of a return to skyscraper form. Officially opened last week, the New York Times Building is the first truly impressive office tower raised in Manhattan in more than 40 years.

Curiously, though, this brand-new edifice is hard to spot on the city's famously crowded central skyline. Tucked away on Eighth Avenue, a little south of Times Square and opposite the clunking, chuntering Port Authority Bus Terminal, the NYT could well be the world's first stealth skyscraper. It's tall, no doubt about that, rising 1,046ft above the delis, sex shops and chain cafes on the fast-paced sidewalks below. Trim, steely grey, meeting the ground as lightly as possible, with its lithe steel skeleton exposed, the NYT is quite unlike any other Manhattan skyscraper. Whereas the Woolworth, Empire State and Chrysler all appear to be crying, "Hey! look at me, I'm the top of the world!", the NYT is all but silent, the very model of discretion, despite its scale and sophistication.

Piano runs one of the world's most successful architectural practices. The son of a Genoese builder, he made his name with Paris's Pompidou Centre, completed in 1977. Since then, he has built around the world, sometimes flamboyantly, but mostly in an admirably understated, if inventive, fashion.

In marked contrast to the typical New York office tower (giant filing cabinet, mighty steel frame, uniform floors, central lift), Piano's 52-storey tower stands naked and exposed. In fact, if it wasn't for a sunscreen - a colossal Venetian blind, made up of 186,000 pearly white ceramic rods wrapped around the tower - intimate details of life inside it would be on show around the clock. The windows of Manhattan towers are generally greenish, tinged grey or gold, or made of mirror glass. All these shield offices from the sun's rays and prying eyes; it also makes them appear inward-looking. In such an environment, Piano's floor-to-ceiling windows, made of the clearest glass you can get, seem even more transparent.

Yet, for all this, the NYT seems near-invisible on the Manhattan skyline. Is this a good thing? Should Piano have made his tower sing as memorably as the Empire State and Chrysler? "Naturally, there was a big discussion about the nature of building after 9/11," says Piano, pecking at an espresso in the bright, double-storey NYT cafeteria, 14 floors up, with the Empire State building appearing to sit on his shoulder. "I said that what mattered was openness and transparency - the need for the building to be, as far as possible, a normal part of the city, a public forum, a vertical piazza. Even if you are only concerned with security, it's better to see what's happening than to try to hide everything away.

"We looked at the organisation of the New York Times. The paper takes from the city to feed its editorial machine, and then gives something back to the city. As its motto says, 'All the News that's Fit to Print.' We wanted to create a building that made New York and the Times somehow one and the same thing."

Founded in 1851, the New York Times has long been known as the Grey Lady for its stolid, conservative, upright design and, perhaps, for its coolly detached editorial style. Piano's stealthily discreet tower, in battleship grey, is a neat reflection of the institution it serves. This, though, is far from the end of the story. Inside, the building is a long way from being a Grey Lady. Interiors are light, airy and warm. Lobby, corridor and cafeteria walls are lined with marigold layers of swirling plaster, while others are painted almost fire-engine red. Because there's so much daylight around, electric lighting is soft, and, thanks to a nifty computer program, infinitely variable throughout the day.

Views through the interior are generous: not only can you see right through from the main entrance to a second lobby, you can also glimpse a courtyard garden adorned with silver birch, and even the timber- lined interior of a glass-fronted, 378-seat auditorium.

The New York Times, its sibling publications and management occupy the first 28 floors of the slim tower, all floors enjoying high ceilings, with the upper 24 taken by real estate and law firms. The "news room", clustered around and above the courtyard garden, however, is kept appropriately close to the ground. Its three floors are nicknamed "the Bakery" because journalists are up all night here preparing the next day's news, and its voluminous interior is a surprise for any journalist used to working in the messy confines of a typical newspaper office. You can't help wondering: where is all the noise? This is a big US newspaper. But there's nothing, not even late in the day. Perhaps it's because the space is so cathedral-like. Perhaps it's because journalists sit alone in big open-plan cells. Or is it the lack of ringing phones? Anyway, it feels like a cross between a library and a state-of-the-art call centre.

Tiptoeing out, I take one of 24 silent elevators with Piano to the top of the tower. "The roof is unfinished," says Piano, walking around. "We liked the idea of making this a public viewing platform with a café and a garden with big trees and a pool, but it's unlikely to happen, for security reasons. At least not for now." He points lovingly to the huge, circular, wooden water tanks, happily old-fashioned New York things yet to be bettered. "They remind me of wine barrels," he says. "What a nice restaurant we could have here, taking a little drink, looking out to New York and beyond . . . " You can take the architect out of Italy, clearly, but you can't take Italy out of the architect.

Is this really the thing to be building, though, in these eco-conscious times? "If you really want to be green," says Piano, "you shouldn't build a tall building in a city in the first place. But the Times wanted to be here, where it belongs, not in some new building on a greenfield site in New Jersey. So we can only do our best. The ceramic sunshade cools the building, so we need less air-conditioning; and daylight gets into most of the building, so we cut down on electricity."

He elaborates on his philosophy: "As newspapers become less tangible creations, I think they need special buildings of their own to root them in the world of the everyday, to connect them physically with their readers, and to give journalists themselves a place to roost."

Piano has quietly reinvented the Manhattan skyscraper here on Eighth Avenue, while creating a special home for the New York Times. His design might not have the catwalk looks of the Empire State and the Chrysler, nor the sheer opulence of the Seagram. Yet, as Piano says: "Making a new form is very easy; making a new form that makes sense is difficult." With this stealthy, innovative, handsomely engineered building, Piano may have triggered New York's architectural rebirth.

Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2007

[lofter1]

Pictures from The Guardian ...

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406483@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-8994.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370936)
An exterior view shows the famous New York Times masthead
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406466@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-2976.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370918)
A view from street level, midtown Manhattan
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406482@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-9922.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370924)
The news room, nicknamed 'The Bakery'
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406480@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-985.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370927)
A view from inside to the courtyard garden with silver birch trees
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406481@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-1438.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370930)
The cafeteria on the 14th floor
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406484@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-1904.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370933)
Visitors admire part of the lobby
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406459@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-2352.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370942)
An elevated view shows the building in comparison to other New York skyscrapers
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406476@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-3953.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370921)
Natural light streams through floor to ceiling windows.
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406477@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-463.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370939)
An exterior view at night
Photograph: Michel Denancé

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406472@Jonathan-Glancey--3481.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370915)
A sketch by architect, Renzo Piano
Photograph: Michel Denancé

+++

[TREPYE]

Pride and Nostalgia Mix in The Times’s New Home
By NICOLAI OUROUSSOFF
Published: November 20, 2007 (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/20/arts/design/20time.html)

The uniformity of the bars gives them a slightly menacing air, and the problem is compounded by the battleship gray of the tower’s steel frame. Their dull finish deprives the facades of an enlivening play of light and shadow.
Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company

What pity that some folks cannot get over the fact that it is grey..:rolleyes:

[stache]

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406476@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-3953.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370921)
Natural light streams through floor to ceiling windows.
Photograph: Michel Denancé


I can't help but notice in this photo that the two ladies have managed to wedge themselves into the area where the bars do not cover the windows.

[TREPYE]

The power of the tower

The New York Times Building isn't just a striking new home
for the paper - it's the city's best skyscraper in 40 years.
Jonathan Glancey hails a Manhattan renaissance



Founded in 1851, the New York Times has long been known as the Grey Lady for its stolid, conservative, upright design and, perhaps, for its coolly detached editorial style. Piano's stealthily discreet tower, in battleship grey, is a neat reflection of the institution it serves.
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2007

This made me think that in some poetic/abstract way the tower resembles a NYTimes news column from its front page.:)



http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography/GD5406459@Jonathan-Glancey-arch-2352.jpg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/nov/26/architecture.photography?picture=331370942)
\/
http://graphics7.nytimes.com/images/2002/01/21/nytfrontpage/scan.jpg

[scumonkey]

I keep reading people comparing the rods on this building to a prison.
As an artist i look at it in a completely different light.
If you've ever dealt with fine paper you might have noticed the "Laid Lines"
that develop from the screens the wet paper pulp slurry is drained on.
Here's a pic - you decide if it bears any resemblance to a building in the city?!


http://aic.stanford.edu/sg/bpg/annual/v15/bp15-21bt.jpg

[antinimby]

I can't help but think how the lobby feels somewhat empty and looking like it's missing a couple of nice leather sofas and tables (preferably bright red or orange to match the rest of the decor).

http://www.indochine-decor.com/images/bogota%20red%20leather%203.jpg




http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5661/dscf0134td3.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/8882/dscf0140jb2.jpg

[stache]

Those birch trees look fantastic!

[kz1000ps]

A fellow visitor and I got chatting about how those birch trees are fully mature and will get plenty of sunlight, thanks to the generuously-sized courtyard, whereas they could have easily skimped on this part and given us some half-assed, FAR-increasing cloister. Kudos to the NYT and Ratner.

[Alonzo-ny]

I visited the Times building yesterday at a lecture in the Times centre. I have to say Im extremely impressed with the building. It looked great lit up, the rods looked beautifully transparent and the lobby is delightful, I love those trees this building has more than a touch of class.

[Fabrizio]

What did you think of the street front/entrance on 8th? Does it look monumental enough (even for a Russian Czar)? Is it an issue? Do those punched metal girders (seen in photos above) look good? Are they a big enough statement?

Let's hear more.

[Fabrizio]

Somebody... pleeeeease agree with me. Ablarc? Anyone? I don't get the enclosure seen above with the birches and the mounds. Like a terrarium or something ...or the set for "In To The Woods". It doesn't look kitshy and lame to anyone? Sort of... so what? The vacation-home wood floors. It all looks way too comfy. The colors are so Nordic. The Ford Foundation had trees to... but it was...different.

One thing about the great International Style buildings was the monumentality, the top-notch luxurious materials.

[MidtownGuy]

Fabrizio,
I didn't want to say anything for fear of reprisal but about the birch enclosure...I AGREE...I'm totally underwhelmed. Is it the photos, not doing it justice? It just looks kind of small and dinky, a nice thought but not grand. I think you found the perfect word, 'terrarium". I imagined a majestic grove of birches, this is more like a little clump. Too precious.

[NoyokA]

I don't see what the big deal is with the courtyard. Many buildings have this feature complete with plantings which tend not be kept up as the years progress, its a nice feature, but hardly groundbreaking. I'd say something like 75% of office buildings with large floorplates in the suburbs have the same feature.

[Fabrizio]

I didn't want to say the "S" word.

[scumonkey]

Another comparison:
Rods on the building / paper making screen
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/rods.jpg

[lofter1]

Y'all know I'm a huge fan of the Times Tower. Yet so much about this building seems to be lost in translation when only viewed via photos. So I can only urge folks to go there in person and see it for yourself. Walk around and take a look.

I was in the lobby again today -- the birch grove with the moss ground cover looks sublime. It's not meant to be a park or a place to hang out. It is a modest sized garden within the building and it's beautiful.

The exterior at street level is strong but completely open. The structural steel is massive. The trim of stainless steel with the cut outs is precise and solid -- sturdy yet open. There's that word again: open. It is the key word when describing the building that I have seen. I daresay it's one of the few large office buildings in NYC (or any other city these days, for that matter) where a person can open the door and walk in and take a look around without even one security person approaching and asking what your business might be (not to say that there aren't cameras watching your every move).

btw: when they open the new subway stair at the NE corner of Eighth / 40th is opened, coming up those stairs and seeing the Times Tower soaring above will be a huge thrill -- and a "must see" when friends & family come to visit in NYC.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_77f2.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_77o3_800.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_77l.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_77k.jpg

***

[JMGarcia]

I agree completely. Photos don't do the building justice. I've never seen a building that is so different in person.

I think the building is fairly fantastic but the crown fails when seen from a distance. When you see the crown from the immediate neighborhood the desired "disappearing" effect is realized. When see from a far its just spikes. Pity in an other wonderful building inside and out.

[TREPYE]

For those who do not like the building walk through the lobby, its a real treat! The transparency theme really comes out at street level. And when you go outside make sure you look up at this.....
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_77f2.jpg

Its an incredible experience to look up at this view of the tower. The pics no way do justice to the actual experience of looking at all that structural detail . Almost surreal, as if you were inside a giant machine.

[Fabrizio]

I feel better now.

[kz1000ps]

^ LOL. To console you a bit more, I can see why you'd think it feels a bit kitschy; the size of the courtyard does make it seem more like a novelty piece than a true area of relief from the building. But that's why I like it.

Its small size, combined with all that wonderfully clear glass surrounding it, works together to blur the relation between the indoors and outdoors in a way I've not experienced before. You get the impression that it could be an indoor atrium, or possibly even a continuous part of the lobby, but not really a true open-air courtyard, not really a void... more like a toy jewel box shoved into the center of the complex.

At the same time, you're highly aware of the fact that corridors line it on all sides. Again, that glass allows for such transparency that you see any and all activity going on all over the building. So while you're observing the garden, you're also observing all the other people doing whatever they may be doing, while also being observed yourself.

See-and-be-seen.. the socialites will love it!

And I agree with Lofter's, JM's et al. assertions that it looks better in person. It may not look grand in the photos, but when you're standing in that big, airy space with rich orange walls on one side and acres of glass and birch trees on the other, it does have a (uniquely) sumptuous feel to it.

[pianoman11686]

I haven't been inside the building yet, but I walked by it recently.

I can't speak to the effect of the garden/atrium, but there's one word I would use to describe the materials in the lobby: museum-ly. The wood floors and the warm, autumnal colors give off the appearance of a gallery. In many ways, I think it resembles Piano's expansion of the Morgan Library.

It may not be in the traditional, "monumental" sense of the International Style, but it doesn't have to be. It's different in a way - "quietly classy" is how I'd call it. It's not a space you'd want to make a lot of noise in, or touch the walls with your greasy fingers. It doesn't command respect; rather, it expects it. Sort of fitting for an institution of the Times' caliber.

Just my two cents.

[lofter1]

Fabrizio, these are for you ;)

Nothing suburban about it ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a7.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a1.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a11.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a14.jpg

***

[lofter1]

And then they turned the lights on ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a20.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a24.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a17.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a38.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a41.jpg

***

[lofter1]

A few more ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a52.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a54.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a82.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a84.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a90.jpg

***

[stache]

Very glam!

[Adyton]

Lofter1... those pics are sublime... simply devine...I'm in love:D

[Tectonic]

Are there floors still unoccupied or incomplete?
It kinda looks like it. Even the exterior lighting looks incomplete.

[econ_tim]

someone has probably pointed this out, but this building is definitely contextual

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7625/nytpabtch5.jpg

[MidtownGuy]

Except look how filthy and grimy that thing is.
Maybe they could just paint it a clean metallic grey or black with some dramatic lighting, I mean it could look so much better with minimal money. What is the problem with the Port Authority, and why doesn't someone get after them for this? Or what about the old plan for vibrant supersigns, all the money they could charge for advertising?
It looks very forlorn considering that location.

[scumonkey]

Or what about the old plan for vibrant supersigns, all the money they could charge for advertising?
Yeah....what DID happen to that plan?
I saw one or two signs go up and that was about it?!
It would have helped to cover the UGLY that is the PABT tremendously.:confused:

[panderson]

And then they turned the lights on ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/NY%20Times%20Tower/L1NYT_78a17.jpg



it will be a shame to lose this view -- looking south from 42nd street -- once 11 times square is built.

[schwenko]

ABC television (Channel 7) is reporting that someone has been injured by falling glass from the new NYT building. Very high winds (50 mph gusts) have been blamed.

[scumonkey]

Debris (glass?) is falling from the NYT building- 40th st is closed off!
Anyone know whats going on?!:eek:

[scumonkey]

http://gothamist.com/2007/12/03/hold_onto_your_1.php


A window on the 17th floor of the building appeared to be cracked, but it was unclear what fell from the building, according to Catherine J. Mathis, a Times company spokeswoman.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/03/pedestrians-struck-as-high-winds-buffet-city/

[antinimby]

Wouldn't be surprised if it was the rods.

[TREPYE]

:rolleyes:Great. More fodder the to NYTimes tower haters.

[lofter1]

Don't blame the rods ...

From the NY TImes (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/nyregion/04wind.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin) (if you can believe what they write):



... Wind gusts knocked glass or debris from two skyscrapers in Midtown yesterday afternoon, including the new building that houses The New York Times. In each case, a pedestrian was reported to have been injured ...

A spokeswoman for The Times, Catherine Mathis, said she had a report that the man was taken to a hospital. “Glass did fall from a window on the 17th floor,” she said. The window had been cracked, she said.

“I don’t know that we can say with 100 percent accuracy that is what hit him,” Ms. Mathis said. “It was a very windy day.”

[Edward]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2096690872_c699f570b0_o.jpg (http://wirednewyork.com/skyscrapers/new_york_times_tower/)

[Common Sense]

Nice to finally see it all cleaned up and the street scape open. I like the way the structure meets the ground. Its a very interesting design at the bottom.

[NewYorkDoc]

I didn't care for this tower during construction, but now I like it more everytime I see it.

[TREPYE]

I hope the NY Times set up restrictions on stupid needelessly flamboyant colorful signage for what ever retailers take up space at the base of the tower. If they had any respect for this building as piece of structural art the signage will maintain the dignified grey shade of the building.

[lofter1]

Two of the tenants have, at their other venues, very low-key & discrete signage ...


http://www.jal.co.jp/jmb/earn/life/jalcard/journey/img/logo_dean_deluca.gif


http://www.sitedesmarques.com/images/uploaded/3166-logo-muji.jpg


***

[tmac9wr]

This building really turned out to be very impressive. During construction it was looking a bit on the iffy side, but the finished product really looks sleek. It gives me confidence and hope that the new supertall he designed for Boston will be just as impressive...as long as it gets built.

[Derek2k3]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1082/1454999164_0a04e7e5eb_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1168/1449922033_e4454f4db4_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1252/1476451094_b4faa0abeb_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/1868944554_f33d7bdcc7_b.jpg
Mazda6 (Tor) (http://flickr.com/photos/85625337@N00/)

[NewYorkDoc]

Thank you for posting those amazing pictures! :eek:

[kz1000ps]

Wow, you could spend days going through that guy's photo stream.. thanks for finding these, Derek.

[Fahzee]

Curbed is reporting that major ice chunks are falling from the Times Tower (http://curbed.com/archives/2007/12/14/busted_piano.php#reader_comments)

Here's my question: are the rods ice magnets, as there's more "hanging" area?

[Alonzo-ny]

Dont they have to close of the street around citicorp because of big ice sheets sliding off?

[antinimby]

Uh oh, I sense trouble coming.

By the way, I had a concern about this very possibility awhile ago:


A nice touch nonetheless - could shield passerbys from possible falling ice, if there should be any.

[TREPYE]

Curbed is reporting that major ice chunks are falling from the Times Tower (http://curbed.com/archives/2007/12/14/busted_piano.php#reader_comments)

Here's my question: are the rods ice magnets, as there's more "hanging" area?


This happens with any elaborate facade, not just rods. I remember somebody telling about a time they went to Montreal and they had to avoid ice falling from the beaux-arts facades.

[panderson]

When I walked by the Times building today (Fri, Dec. 14) at approx. 11:30am the sidewalks were closed off with red tape and barricades on both the 40th and 41st Street sides -- only the Eighth Ave. entrance was open. I saw a couple of decent-size ice chunks come tumbling down.

[stache]

Not pretty.

[Tectonic]

Here's a cool video about whats at the top of the NYT Tower: http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=89e0be98f8bd31ddd258c168016584a37db4e217

[DarrylStrawberry]

From Architectural Record...

Times Tower's Cracked Windows Investigated
January 11, 2008




By Jack Buehrer
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is expected to send inspectors to the recently completed New York Times headquarters building today to determine what caused seven windows in the Renzo Piano and FXFowle-designed tower to crack on Wednesday afternoon.
The windows were located on the building’s 22nd, 10th, and sixth floors of the building, according to the DOB. Two of the 52-story tower’s signature ceramic rods on the exterior of the 40th and 38th floors were also damaged.
“Our engineers believe (Wednesday’s) high winds were a contributing factor (to the damage),” says DOB spokesperson Kate Lindquist. “But they are exploring all possible causes to determine what went wrong.”
A spokesperson for the Times, who would only confirm that one window had been broken, says she is “fairly certain” the crack was not related to the wind. She adds that authorities were called immediately and the window was repaired.
According to Lindquist, the tower’s general contractor, AMEC Construction Management, is making arrangements to repair the windows and the ceramic rods.
Messages left with AMEC and Piano’s Paris offices were not immediately returned.
Wednesday’s incident was the second involving broken windows at the Times’s new offices in as many months. On December 4, a man was injured after reportedly being struck by glass from a broken window on the 17th floor. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph were blamed for that incident.
The ceramic rods also have been a source of controversy for the building, which was completed in July. On December 14, ice that formed on the horizontal rods, which encase the predominantly glass and steel structure, fell and created an “ice shower” that temporarily shut down the adjacent sidewalks.
A version of this story first appeared on McGraw-Hill’s enr.com (http://www.enr.com/).

[BrooklynRider]

Seven windows cracked and they suspect "high-wind"?

C'mon.:rolleyes:

[lofter1]

Just after the building became occupied (but before it officially "opened") I was in the lobby one day when a security guy noticed that a window over the revolving doors facing W. 40th had cracked -- a big one all the way across the pane. Maybe something to do with the stress? If panes continue to crack I'd hate to think what that might mean ...

[ablarc]

Disaster a-brewin' ?

[antinimby]

Nothing that additional millions of dollars (that the Times can ill afford right now) of rework can't fix.

Another Citicorp tower?

[kliq6]

Good luck getting AMEC to answer the phone. This was there last job in the US and all of that team has been let go once the job was done.

[macreator]

Uh oh...

[panderson]

This story from ENR.com includes a couple videos worth watching. The second one, in particular. Some pretty alarming footage of ice falling last month.
http://enr.construction.com/news/buildings/archives/080110.asp

[infoshare]

..... in particular. Some pretty alarming footage of ice falling last month.
http://enr.construction.com/news/buildings/archives/080110.asp

Good find, thanks for posting the link. I did see the the video about the broken glass somewhere; but not the footage on the falling ice.

The times' building will probably have to close the sidewalks whenever there are ice storms - fortunately that is not too often.

Thanks again, cheers.

[antinimby]

In addition to Muji, there will be a Dean & DeLuca and also Inakaya, a Japanese eatery. That's three out of the four available retail spaces taken already.


Looks like today they have signed their fourth retail tenant. The press release from FCRC via eater.com (http://eater.com/archives/2008/01/first_word_mont.php):




Forest City Ratner Signs One of the City’s Best Known Italian Restaurants for The New York Times Building
Montenapo by Bice Will Bring A Taste of Milan To Eighth Avenue
NEW YORK – Thursday, January 17, 2008—Forest City Ratner Companies announced that a new ‘concept’ restaurant has signed a lease for retail space in The New York Times Building at 620 Eighth Avenue near Times Square. Bice, which is among the busiest, best-known, and highly-regarded Italian restaurants in New York, will lease approximately 5,274 square feet at street level to open a full-service restaurant called Montenapo.
The new restaurant, located in space just next to the building’s 41st Street entrance, will feature a casually elegant atmosphere and serve Northern Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. With the Montenapo signing, Forest City Ratner has successfully leased four of the five retail units in The New York Times Building.
The other retail tenants are Muji, the innovative Japanese purveyor of simple, distinctive housewares, furniture, and clothing; a 60-seat Dean & DeLuca café, its seventh in New York; and Inakaya, a “robatayaki”-style Japanese restaurant known for its grilling. Office space in the 52-story tower is now more than 90 percent leased.
Bruce Ratner, chairman and CEO of Forest City Ratner, said, “I’m very pleased that Bice, a genuine New York City food destination, would choose The New York Times Building to premiere Montenapo, its new marquee restaurant. With the addition of this distinctive restaurant, The Times Building offers a terrific range of dining choices for the thousands of employees who work in the building as well as all New Yorkers and visitors.”
Roberto Ruggeri, founder and CEO of the Bice Restaurant Group said, “To be associated with a Renzo Piano building, in the heart of the Times Square district, is a dream for me. Montenapo will bring the best of Milan into the extraordinary New York Times building.” Montenapo, which is expected to open in late summer, 2008, will overlook the unique birch and moss garden at the heart of The New York Times Building’s lobby.
The restaurant was represented in lease negotiations by Elizabeth Hazan of World of Concepts. The Bice Restaurant Group, which began in 1926 as a neighborhood trattoria in Milan, now has more than 40 restaurants around the world, stretching from New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Palm Beach, to such exotic locations as Monte Carlo, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, The New York Times Building celebrated its grand opening in November 2007, and is now home to a dozen diverse corporate tenants.
The building, which is located between 40th and 41st Streets on Eighth Avenue, is topped by a 300-foot steel rooftop mast bringing its height to 1,046 feet. The 1.5-million-gross-square-foot New York Times Building is owned jointly, as condominiums, by The New York Times Company and Forest City Ratner Companies. The Times Company owns floors 2 through 27 and Forest City Ratner owns floors 29 through 50 and floor 52, as well as 21,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Floors 28 and 51 are jointly owned by The Times Company and Forest City.

[BrooklynRider]

Bice is a nice place with good food. This will be a nice addition. There ain't much finer dining in that area.

[Alonzo-ny]

This tower is class all the way.