Project Description
As one of the last prominent locations on Long Island, this new five-story glass and metal office space had to make a statement!
The design philosophy was to create a unique building for a unique site without compromising the functionality. Due to its extreme exposure to two major arteries (with different traffic speeds) scrupulous attention has been devoted to define different levels of visual perception, from a panoramic to a close view.
The distinct shape, with a big vertical sweeping floating curve, identifies the building when approached from the LIE. Placing the main entrance to the side of the building, where it can be appreciated by the slower traffic, enriches the Route 110 view. The “side” main entrance becomes the main architectural fixture where a big two-story opening, cutting the glass plane, is counterbalanced by a solid suspended sweeping shield concealing the stair.
All this has been accomplished without compromising the function. The building reacts to the sun’s orientation with a North delicate structural glass façade to capture the natural light while a stepping back elevation properly screens office space from the southern exposure. The structure also reacts to the parking distribution and bank drive thru with the well thought main entrance locations conducing to a natural flow toward the side of the building. Here a curved wall piercing longitudinally the first floor space invites one to step inside and experience an unusual “main street mall atmosphere” with a bank, restaurants and a sixty foot long balcony and ornamental stair opening to a cafeteria below.
Hence a unique building for a unique location, a balanced composition where form and function flow and interact to generate an “extraordinary landmark”.