The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park was the focus of a panel discussion on the topic of “Collaboration and Green Design” held January 28, 2008, at the Center for Architecture in New York City and sponsored by the AIA New York Chapter. Panelists included architect Rick Cook of Cook+Fox Architects, the project developer, Jody Durst of the Durst Organization, structural engineer Ed Depaola of Severud Associates, MEP engineer Scott Frank of Jaros Baum & Bolles, lighting designer Francesca Bettridge of Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design and interior architect Rocco Giannetti of Gensler.
With Carol Willis, founder and director of the New York City-based Skyscraper Museum, moderating, the panelists discussed and then answered questions on their design to produce the tallest green building possible—54 stories. From waterless urinals that reduce water consumption to an advanced under-floor air filtration system and expansive views that maximize daylight harvesting, the entire team has attended to even the smallest of details in their pursuit of a LEED platinum rating.
The accompanying exhibition takes a deeper look at how architecture and design relate to our own lives, focusing on elements such as earth, air, fire, water, light, and health. Curator Margaret Maile Petty believes the exhibit “encourages us to find new ways to think about design and the relationship between what we build and how we live, and to continue to redefine sustainability.” The project showcase, designed by New York City-based architecture firm Morris Sato Studio with graphics by WeShouldDoItAll, is on display through May 3, 2008.