42ND ST. & 1ST AVE. SKYSCRAPER / /
Steel Studio / / Spring 2012

The site is located on 42nd and 1st Ave New York, NY one block south of the UN plaza. The project is a proposed office building for the UN including public amenities such as; gallery space, gym, and café. 

The inspiration for the project is the Banyan Tree, a strangler fig that begins its germination from seedlings dropped by birds onto a host tree.  Aerial roots extend to the ground and begin to envelop the host tree.  The roots begin to grow and compete for light and nutrients.  As it ages, the roots thicken and “strangle” the host tree.  

The tower explores these dualistic properties of the parasitic relationship between the host and the roots.  The roots of the building contain different programmatic functions.  These consist of atrium space, office suites, conference rooms, stairs and elevators.  

The structure reflects the parasitic properties by the roots act as a tubular system that contains load bearing structure supporting the floors within.  The primary structure is outboard of the building enclosure and run vertically up the roots to support the primary gravity load.  The secondary system runs up in an aerial root like form and is the primary lateral load resistance as well as resist torsional twist.