Blue Tower

Blue Tower,New York

Residential tower

New York,NY

The simple, sleek form. of this residential mid-rise inNew York’sLower East Sideexpresses the site’s complex zoning rules while responding to the character of the neighborhood. The building presented a major design challenge: How to create an original architectural statement while simultaneously maximizing the zoning envelope? In Bernard Tschumi Architects’ solution, the building’s base occupies a lot zoned for residential use while its southern portion cantilevers over an existing building designated for commercial use. This strategy maximizes the amount of residential square footage. The slightly angled walls facing the street and rear yard artfully negotiate the varying setback rules, crossing the line between the commercial and residential zoning districts. The sloped top of the building integrates the zoning district’s two sky exposure plane requirements. The cantilever over the commercial space on the southern portion of the building is also angled, increasing from base to top. Thus maximizing the size of the units located on the upper floors, which have stunning views ofLower Manhattanfrom river to river. The pixilated facades reflect the multiple realities of the streets below.

The building consists of 32 residences ranging from one- and two-bedroom units near the base to full-floor units with large terraces higher up, crowned by a duplex penthouse. The sloped window wall is a feature of many of the units. All units have floor-to-ceiling windows in the living and dining rooms. The apartments are fitted out with sustainable materials, including bamboo floors. Residents enter the building through a peaceful plaza that separates it from the busy neighborhood.