passion Drama has always been linked to theater and performance; being over the top and “dramatic”. What does it mean in an interior? What does drama mean when we view a building? How does drama affect our movements and our emotions when it’s taken off the stage and wrapped around our everyday lives?
thesis I want to discover how theatricality and drama can create an overwhelming atmosphere and visual experience that leaves mirage-like memories in an individuals’ mind. I want to present restaurants, hotel rooms and a retail experience that is surprisingly simple and subtle, but has been enhanced through the use of light and digital visual movement.
Style defined by substance “These are the properties in an expanding collection of chic and singular hotels and residences from visionary hotelier André Balazs. In providing distinctive experiences for today’s traveler with discerning, confident tastes, Balazs has conceived a new generation of classic properties—soulful and utterly original. While each has a language all its own, Balazs’ properties are united not only by a carefully considered sense of place and pioneering design, but also by an unwavering commitment to answer the core needs of every guest. This exceptional portfolio of properties has been crafted with relentless attention to detail and atmosphere. Comfortably elegant and deeply personal, each evokes a genuine reaction—offering that rare chance to create fantasy, let down your guard and yield to your every wish and whim.”
bennett building •Commissioned by James Gordon Bennett Jr., publisher of the New York Herald •Designed by Arthur D. Gilman, 1872-73 •Enlarged by James M. Farnsworth, 1890-92 •One of few remaining Civil War office buildings in Lower Manhattan •Originally a six-story, Mansard roofed building, expanded to ten stories, making it the tallest occupiable building with cast-iron facades ever built.
current conditions The ground story of the Bennett Building was originally treated as a high basement with rusticated cast-iron piiers separating the bays filled with shopfronts. In the 1980s, the storefront on Nassau Street and Fulton Street were brought forward about two feet and the original piers were enclosed within the stores; on Ann Street, the facade remains flush with the orignal street wall, but the original shopfront infill has been replaced and the piers and lintels are completely concealed with facing. In the 1980’s, the main entrance to the building was moved to the third bay of the Fulton Street facade. The freiigh entrance is in the third bay of the Ann Street facade.
Site Location FINANCIAL DISTRICT WORLD TRADE CENTER CITY HALL
VANGUARD NEW YORK
concept A hotel experience aimed at combining luxury and technology, digital media and social interaction. A neighborhood center focused on drawing people from finance, government and publishing.
program
Standard: 400 - 480 square feet King Bed Down Comforter 300 Count Linens Lounge Seating Custom Furniture Custom Original Artwork Ambient and Task Lighting Hardwood, Tiled and Carpeted floors Fine fixtures and finishes in Bathrooms Oversized Walk-in shower 42� Flat Screen TV Built-in iPod adaptable stereo/sound system Oversized Desks w/ views of room or window w/ integrated services
In room safe Closet w/ custom hanging system
Suite: 600 - 700 square feet King Bed Down Comforter 300 Count Linens Lounge seating for 6 in living area Partially separated bedroom Custom Furniture Custom Original Artwork Ambient and Task Lighting Hardwood, Tiled and Carpeted floors Fine fixtures and finishes in Bathrooms Oversized Walk-in shower Two 42� Flat Screen TV Built-in iPod adaptable stereo/sound system Oversized Desks w/ views of room or window w/ integrated services
Wetbar w/ drinks and snacks In room safe
hotel Hallway Screen printed perforated steel, backlit with diffused light. Direct lighting over room entrances. Black rift cut oak veneer doors with polished brass Nanz door hardware.
concept A dining experience reminiscent of the classic american supper club, infused with technology and dramatic flair.
Green Roof Guest Rooms Restaurant Lobby and Bar Entrance and Retail
program Lobby: 500 sq. ft. Minimal Waiting Area Podium or Small Desk Bar: 2500 sq. ft. High Top Tables seating groups of two and four Bar seating for 15-20 Main: Remaining sq. ft. Banquette seating and groups of two and four Use of highly focused spot lighting on table tops MicroTile HD DLP and LED Digital wall by Christie Complete black environment Warm lighting Room like separations Menu: Reworked Italian in line with Haute Cuisine in a sleek, inviting and social atmo sphere • USDA Prime Beef selections • Top Pork Cuts • Fresh Local Seafood • Locally Originating Starches • Wild Vegetables • Fresh Herbs and Spices • Extensive Wine Collection • Tap-Only Beers Combination of Italian, French and American Cuisine resulting in classic, fla- vorful Italian food with a modern and sophisticated twist
VICTOR CHURCHILL NEW YORK
concept Taking the classic butcher shop and bringing it to the public. This will be an extention of the already reknowned Victor Churchill Shop in Australia. The meats will be supplied by Andre Balazs’ spa retreat and farm, The Locust’s in Upstate New York. The store will be a streamlined mecca for local raised meat lovers.
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