Interview: KPF’s James von Klemperer on the design of New York’s ‘One Vanderbilt’

TITLE: Interview: KPF’s James von Klemperer on the design of New York’s ‘One Vanderbilt’
SOURCE: designboom
DATE: 09.14.2020

Read the full article on designboom here

In a recent article published by designboom, KPF’s James von Klemperer discusses the design and construction of One Vanderbilt in New York City. The famous supertall skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan reaches a total height of 1400 feet, with 67 stories. The outer facade of the building uses a combination of glass, aluminum and terra cotta to achieve its signature look. Boston Valley Terra Cotta manufactured the white terra cotta spandrels on the exterior and the orange soffits located on the cantilevered section of One Vanderbilt.

James von Klemperer goes on to explain the use of terra cotta on One Vanderbilt:

One Vanderbilt also recalls the golden age of New York towers in the solidity of its exterior. rather than cladding the walls exclusively in glass, every floor features textured terra cotta spandrels. this resonates harmoniously with the architecture of the older station district.

…an off-white terra cotta is used to clad typical exterior spandrels. in addition, a reddish tan version of the same material forms the soffits of major public spaces at the base of the building. this echoes the great terra cotta ceiling vaults of grand central designed by guastavino more than one hundred years ago.

Read other Boston Valley blog posts about One Vanderbilt here

Note: The header photo depicts the installation process at One Vanderbilt
Photo credit: ©Chris Payne/Esto