Skyscrapers built on running railway lines
Completed in the West District of Manhattan, New York, marking a new milestone in the transformation of the Far West District. This new chapter brings new destinations for citizens and connects the Midtown business district of Manhattan, Pennsylvania Station, and Hudson Square.
Manhattan West No. 1 and No. 2 buildings, two adjacent towers, developed by Brookfield Property Company. They stand on busy railways, occupying 7 million square feet, but the land for construction is very limited. Whether viewed from the skyline or the ground, these two towers are the gateways to the new district.
These two buildings adopt high-performance enclosure structures and curved corners, simple and soft, adding dynamic beauty to the city skyline. Manhattan West No. 1 bends eastward, welcoming pedestrians from Pennsylvania Station and Moynihan Train Hall; while No. 2 faces north to Midtown, welcoming vehicles from Uptown. On the ground floor, they blend into public spaces, creating a sense of transparency.
The biggest challenge behind the rigorous design of the air and ground is underground. Both towers are located on challenging sites of running railway lines. To cope with the challenge, designers and engineers are perfectly combined, and the core column sinks around the train. Each tower has a different structural strategy, but they all pursue balance and efficiency.
Columns from the 2nd to 6th floors of the Manhattan West No. 1 tower are hidden in the concrete core, fixed on the ground. This not only creates a balanced structure but also forms a column-free hall, adding visual appeal. The all-glass facade of the lobby makes the tower seem to gradually dissolve to the ground, connecting public and private spaces, with a beautiful view. The limestone texture of the structural core, as if carved from a single block of stone, highlights the beauty of power.