Rendering by Bjarke Ingels Group
Finally, some fresh new arc-chitecture is coming to Upper Manhattan. In a stunningly short period of time, Bjarke Ingels and his firm BIG have been able to sprinkle their starchitecture magic all over prominent corners of the city.
One of the firm’s more discreet projects, known as E126, is rising along a revitalizing stretch of East Harlem at 158 East 126th Street. There, the firm has designed an electrifying T-shaped building with a curving checkerboard façade that they say will “create a dynamic component to the evolving Harlem streetscape.”
One of the firm’s more discreet projects, known as E126, is rising along a revitalizing stretch of East Harlem at 158 East 126th Street. There, the firm has designed an electrifying T-shaped building with a curving checkerboard façade that they say will “create a dynamic component to the evolving Harlem streetscape.”
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Ushered forward by Edward Blumenfeld’s firm, Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG), the building will offer 233 units for rent when open sometime next year. The apartments will be composed of one- and two-bedroom apartments — and for you affordable housing hunters who missed out on Bjarke’s VIA 57 West lotto, 20 percent of the units here will be set aside at affordable rents.
The Danish architect once again introduces a new form to our boxy city — though unlike VIA 57 this one isn’t in any geometry books. The infill development rises partially on a parking lot and over an existing 2-story commercial building built by the developer 15 years ago. BIG’s website says the T-shaped floorplan will provide a diverse set of unit sizes and layout organizations. The configuration will also deliver terrific views of the city and a unique rooftop garden with views over Harlem towards the East River and Central Park
Construction progress as of mid October; CityRealty
A new senior housing facility developed by the Salvation Army is rising next door
CityRealty
Google Earth aerial showing project location (CityRealty)
As of this past weekend, the 120-ft-tall concrete superstructure has topped out with an American flag marking the milestone. Rather than rising and setting back, as most buildings do, the 126th Street elevation will gently slope inward as it rises upward, “deviating from the hard, linear street edge in an elegant gesture.” The move will also provide more sunlight to the street. The frame will be covered with a blackened stainless steel, checkerboard façade that also allows for floor-to-ceiling windows.
In an Architect's Newspaper story covering the building’s groundbreaking, Bjarke tells the paper that the building will be filled with “explosions of color” and the entrance lobby and mailboxes will be "splashed with Caribbean colors.” The lobby will also serve as space for local artists to exhibit their work. The shortlist of amenities will include a fitness center, pool, lounge, workspaces, a virtual reality room, golf simulator, bar, yoga room, and on-site parking. We can’t wait to hear more about the virtual reality room…
Lobby; BIG/ Bloomingimages
Entry; BIG
Amenities from galler; BIG
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