The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, a landmark in midtown Manhattan, New York City, stands as a testament to sustainable commercial architecture. Designed by Cook + Fox Architects, this towering structure was the first commercial high-rise to achieve LEED Platinum certification, setting a new benchmark for environmentally conscious construction and office space design. The building redefines the conventional skyscraper by prioritizing natural elements like daylight and fresh air, fostering a stronger connection to the outdoors for its occupants.
Cook+Fox Architects approached the project with a vision to transcend the typical “glass box” skyscraper. Located adjacent to Bryant Park, the 55-story, 2.2 million square foot building integrates seamlessly into its bustling urban environment while offering a tranquil and healthy workspace. The design thoughtfully blends the public and private realms with a highly transparent corner entry, inviting ample daylight into the lobby and creating a welcoming transition from the energetic city life to the professional workday. The incorporation of green roofs and an Urban Garden Room extends the nearby park’s natural ambiance into the building’s architecture, enhanced by the use of natural materials in the lobby, underscoring the presence of nature within the urban core.
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Bank of America Tower lobby showcasing natural light and design elements, emphasizing a connection to nature within the urban environment.]
The Bank of America Tower’s form is deliberately sculpted to maximize exposure to daylight and offer optimal views of Bryant Park. Beyond its aesthetic design, the building incorporates a suite of sustainable technologies. The facade features a high-performance curtain wall constructed with low-E glass and a heat-reflecting ceramic frit, significantly enhancing insulation and minimizing heat gain. Water conservation is another key aspect of the tower’s design, utilizing waterless urinals, a greywater recycling system, and rainwater harvesting technologies to reduce water consumption. Furthermore, the building features an advanced air filtration system with individual office controls, ensuring a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
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Exterior view of Bank of America Tower highlighting its unique form designed to maximize daylight and views of Bryant Park.]
To further enhance its energy efficiency, the Bank of America Tower employs an innovative thermal ice-storage tank in the cellar. This system produces ice overnight, reducing peak electricity demand during the day. A 4.6-megawatt cogeneration plant provides a substantial 70% of the building’s annual energy needs with clean and efficient power, significantly lessening its environmental footprint.
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Close-up of the Bank of America Tower’s facade, demonstrating the use of sustainable materials and design for energy efficiency.]
Through its meticulous design and integration of sustainable technologies, the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park exemplifies how high-rise buildings in dense urban centers like New York can achieve exceptional levels of efficiency and environmental responsibility. It serves as a model for future commercial developments, demonstrating that prioritizing both occupant well-being and environmental stewardship is not only achievable but also essential in modern architecture.
Project Credits:
- Architects: Cook + Fox Architects, LLP
- Location: New York, NY
- Client: Bank of America at One Bryant Park, LLP, a joint venture between The Durst Organization and Bank of America
- Completion: May 2010
- Size: 2,100,000 SF
- Executive Architect: Adamson Associates Architects
- Mechanical Engineer: Jaros, Baum & Bolles
- Structural Engineer: Severud Associates
