ODA's terraces bring urban life to the interior of the building.

all images © ODA New York

ODA New York's new tower proposal changes the formal expressions of all super-tall skyscrapers of New York- ODA NY studio designed a new tower that creates wider green spaces and private gardens for residents- which will also create a new historical era in architecture. The project is called ''East 44th Street''. ODA New York, in their well-documented pursuit to improve the quality of urban life, designs the most expansive example yet of urban green space, and increased natural light, which have become hallmarks of the firm.

The towers and skyscrapers of New York are always discussed in terms of typology, forms or their contributions to the skyline or NY's urban life but ODA New York's proposal brings urban life to the terraces of the building in which some elegant private gardens are well functioned with a fresh look. The outdoor terraces of the tower are supported by massive-structural systems that give a carved-sculptural view to the users- also these spaces divide tower inter-floors that substantially relieve the building, creating a harmony with transparent facade.

night shot of New York's new super-tall tower that differentiates from other high-rises.

"There is a huge disconnect between how we live in our cities and what we need, as human beings, for quality of life. I don’t think that we should be forced to choose between enduring in the city, or escaping to suburban areas. So, with all of our projects we look for ways  to amplify natural light and provide access to green spaces, and this is the ultimate example." Eran Chen, the founder and executive director.

closer view of the outer terraces that creates very warmly green spaces.

The current trend towards ultra-slender residential towers in Manhattan reflects a seismic shift of global wealth towards the private sector. Traditionally, NYC’s skyscrapers stood as a testament to corporate dominance, but this new typology of super tall, thin buildings heralds both new program and function, and as such, deserves a closer look. ODA NY believes that adaptation demands a new vocabulary of formal expression for these towers.

site view of the tower-a very thin but naive

True luxury evolves from the ability to have the best of multiple worlds without compromise, and in this tower, the best of urban living melds with the dream of a suburban backyard resulting in the ultimate urban fantasy. “By “stretching” the building vertically beyond its original program, we were able to create gaps, 16 feet in height, between every two floors.” Chen said.

transparency highlighted with a very pure structure

These gaps contain full floor sculptural gardens equal to the footprint of the building, and will be directly accessible from each apartment. As a result, every 2,800 s.f. apartment will have a spectacular 1,400 s.f. of open private garden. The expansive height of the space will permit a suffusion of sunlight throughout. The central core and perimeter design will dramatically reduce the wind load without sacrificing the 360-degree view.

model view

The result, while based on a simple idea, is both striking and fresh. It breaks through the purely functional to restore all that we have sacrificed, and with it, creating a new urban reality.

site area in model

bulk view 

conventional proposal

open spaces redistribution

hanging gardens

360 degree views

detail view from the tower

model

section of the tower

detail view-2

Project Facts

Project name: East 44th Street

Location: New York, NY

Architect: ODA New York 

Total gross floor area: 116,731 sf

Number of floors: 41 Floors

Floor plate area: 2,700 sf

Number of units: 44 Units

Number of units with outdoor terraces: 11 Units

Total terrace area: 9,300 sf

Amenities area: 5,200 sf

Parking spaces: 9 spaces

> via ODA New York