The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, stands as a pioneering example of sustainable architecture in commercial high-rise buildings. Designed by Cook + Fox Architects, this iconic skyscraper is not only a prominent feature of the New York skyline but also the first commercial high-rise in the United States to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Its innovative design and high-performance features have set a new benchmark for environmentally conscious construction and office environments.
Cook + Fox Architects aimed to redefine the conventional skyscraper concept, moving beyond the typical “glass box” design. Their approach prioritized the integration of daylight, fresh air, and a connection to the natural world into the office workspace. This vision materialized into a building that emphasizes both human well-being and environmental responsibility.
The Bank of America Tower, a 55-story structure encompassing 2.2 million square feet, makes a significant addition to the dense urban fabric surrounding Bryant Park. The architectural design cleverly addresses its context by incorporating a highly transparent corner entry. This design choice effectively blurs the lines between the bustling public street and the private office space within. The inviting lobby, bathed in natural light, serves as a gentle transition zone, connecting the dynamic city life with the professional workday environment.
Extending the theme of natural integration, the building features green roofs and an Urban Garden Room, bringing elements of nearby Bryant Park into the architectural space. These green spaces, combined with the use of natural materials in the lobby, underscore the presence of nature even within a dense urban setting.
The tower’s form is deliberately shaped to maximize exposure to daylight, diverging from a simple rectangular footprint. This design strategy ensures optimal views, particularly towards Bryant Park, enhancing the connection with the surrounding environment. Sustainability is further embedded in the building’s fabric through various measures aimed at insulation and heat protection. The curtain wall, constructed with low-e glass and heat-reflecting ceramic frit, plays a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency.
Water conservation is another key aspect of the Bank of America Tower’s sustainable design. The building incorporates waterless urinals, greywater recycling systems, and rainwater harvesting technologies. These systems significantly reduce water consumption and minimize the building’s environmental footprint. Furthermore, the building features an advanced air filtration system, delivering purified air to office spaces, with individual controls for personalized comfort.
Exterior view of Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park showcasing its sustainable design elements.An innovative energy-saving feature is the thermal ice-storage tank located in the cellar. This system produces ice overnight, helping to reduce peak electricity demand during the day, easing the strain on New York City’s power grid. Complementing this, a 4.6-megawatt cogeneration plant supplies 70% of the building’s annual energy needs with clean, efficient power, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability.
Close-up detail of Bank of America Tower’s facade, highlighting its sustainable materials and design.Through thoughtful design considerations focused on enhancing the quality of the work environment and minimizing environmental impact, the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park demonstrates the potential for high-rise buildings to be exceptionally efficient and sustainable, even in dense urban centers like New York City. It serves as an exemplary model for future commercial developments aiming for environmental stewardship and occupant well-being.
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park reflecting its urban surroundings in New York City.
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
For a deeper understanding of the design principles, you can watch this video featuring Principal Richard Cook discussing the influence of biophilia on the project’s design.
