New York’s First Green Tower Opens

Last month, the tower earned a LEED Gold from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 10/10/2006

Last weekend marked a significant milestone in sustainable construction: The 46-story Hearst Tower, New York’s first occupied green office building, opened its doors. Featuring a design by architecture firm Foster and Partners, and a master plan by global design, planning, and strategic consulting firm Gensler, which also served as associate architect for the project, the tower is the new headquarters for communications and media company Hearst Corporation, housing 2,000 employees.

"Not only is the Hearst Tower a beautiful addition to the City's skyline, but as an office space, it is one of the healthiest, most enviable environments for workers in New York City,” says Joseph Brancato, managing director in Gensler's New York office.

Last month, the tower earned a LEED Gold from the U.S. Green Building Council—making it the first occupied commercial building in New York City to earn the sustainable honor for both its exterior and interior fit-out and systems.

Interior design elements maximize daylight. Staff benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows, open plan office areas maximized by transparent office and meeting room fronts, low workstation partitions, and limited use of interior walls. Furniture, finishes, and carpeting are made from recycled content, sustainably harvested materials, or are low in toxicity.

A collaboration between Gensler, Foster and Partners, and furniture manufacturer Steelcase, furniture systems cater to the tower’s predominately female workforce. Handy features include roll-away visitor seating and mirrored lockers and cubby spaces for personal items.

The tower also features a 14th floor fitness center and a dining room recreated in Federalist-style, both designed by Gensler. The later is the only remnant of the former building, besides the Joseph Urban-designed façade.