FEATURE
offices on both floors simultaneously, and work producing the most noise—such as demolition, core drilling, and steel installation—was conducted on evenings and weekends. In addition, the team practiced advanced planning for long-lead items, particularly those used in the public assembly space and the reception. Products imported from other countries, such as the Fantoni ceiling system, had to be ordered immediately upon the project’s start. According to J.T. Magen’s, New York (jtmagen.com), lead superintendent, Gary McAllister, “We made an extra effort to coordinate the ceilings with the existing HVAC system and related ductwork. The entire construction team worked closely with the mechanical trades, to coordinate access to the system and, of course, to avoid any kind of conflict.” The same painstaking coordination was employed for the installation of the lighting systems. All of this was taking place while the Fantoni ceiling was being manufactured in Italy, as well as after it was delivered to 350 Madison. In addition, the team was installing other types of ceiling materials around where the Fantoni product was to be placed, requiring even more careful coordination. For example, the wet-applied plaster ceiling area was installed carefully, as it could stain the Fantoni product. The installation of new stair elements proved to be another challenge, due in part to the existing condi-
A team meeting area features four privacy seating pods designed as booths with high backs. Two three-person booths and a table form a six-person meeting area, and two single-person pods serve two-person gatherings.
tion of the stair’s structure. The system had to be modified in the field. It was decided that the best way to proceed was to block off the stairs during renovation.
indoor environmental quality of the space by increasing
products came from responsibly managed forests in a
They were completed shortly before the project’s
the outdoor-air ventilation rates to 30% above the mini-
manner that was environmentally sound, socially benefi-
opening. Bendheim glass elements were installed at
mum outdoor air required by ASHRAE 62.1-2007. This
cial, and economically prosperous. These items helped
the end of the work in each section, in order to protect
was done by implementing construction air-quality man-
the project win six points (out of 14) for Materials and
the glass from damage.
agement plans and practices, as well as by specifying and
Resources.
“To accomplish its goals, the World Economic Fo-
installing low-emitting materials. MADGI stipulated the
MADGI also specified the installation of recycling
rum engages business, political, and academic leaders as
use of low-e adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, flooring,
stations throughout both floors so that the employees
well as civil society through meetings and initiatives to
composite wood, and furniture. In fact, CodeGreen per-
have ample opportunities to collect plastic, glass, metals,
shape global, regional, and industry agendas,” said
formed indoor air-quality testing after construction was
paper, organics (compost), small electronics, and batter-
Stephan Ruiz, the Forum’s head of finance and opera-
complete, to demonstrate that the level of air-quality
ies for recycling.
tions. “Our new New York City office will support our
parameters were within accepted LEED limits. These in-
The project garnered 19 LEED points (out of a possi-
mission and provide a comfortable work environment
cluded levels of formaldehyde, volatile organic com-
ble 21) for Sustainable Sites, including the maximum
for our employees. It also reflects our organization’s
pounds (VOCs), airborne particulate matter (PM10), and
amount of points for Development Density and Com-
strong commitment to sustainable development and
carbon monoxide (CO). These items enabled the project
munity Connectivity due to the location of the building
operations.” CA
to win 11 points for Indoor Environmental Quality (out
and its proximity to Grand Central Station and multiple
of 17). Spaces that provide good indoor-air quality pro-
bus and subway stops. The project also received points in
tect the health and comfort of occupants, enhance pro-
this category for Alternative Transportation, as team
ductivity, and decrease absenteeism.
members were able to access the basement to create a bi-
The team ensured that more than 80% of all demoli-
cycle station and changing room for the Forum’s employ-
tion and construction waste was recycled, diverting it
ees. The project was also awarded the maximum number
from landfills. Regarding new materials, more than 30%
of points for Innovation in Design (6), and Regional Pri-
of it was made of recycled content, including construc-
ority Credits (2). Montroy Andersen DeMarco (MADGI)
tion materials, finishes and furnishings, and furniture. Furthermore, more than 82% (by cost) of all new wood-
CHALLENGES
based products installed were certified by the Forest
The 19-week time frame required the team to be creative
Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensured that the
in terms of logistics and scheduling. Work was performed
20
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
JULY 2018
Want more information? To download the information listed below, visit commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/1807madgi.
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
World Economic Forum
