Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is already a landmark for the Borough. Designed by SHoP Architects, the skyscraper honors the sensitively restored Dime Savings Bank on the building's ground level. Its contemporary yet emblematic expression of its Art Deco Heritage blends baroque and modern detailing with thoughtful use of materials.
The materiality of what can be described as a Neo Deco façade gracefully combines a white marble base with pilasters of blackened steel, copper and bronze that create a striking verticality along the building's impressive height. At street level, the Brooklyn Tower's marble 'convaxacave' columns sit upon black granite pedestals designed to provide visual continuity with the historic Dime Savings Bank. The columns transition from a typical convex geometry at the bottom to an inverse concave shape at the top of podium. A thin gold-hued metal lining the column edges adds to the visual impact.
The façade displays a captivating play of colours, reflecting different hues that change with the sun's position throughout the day. The Brooklyn Tower maintains its unique shape, texture, and materiality from any angle, achieved through a thoughtful arrangement of fluted, cylindrical, and triangular metal shapes that alternate in size. Cascading terraces, meanwhile, provide views over the city and enhance the exterior's dynamic aspect. The Tower's façade is illuminated at night, enhancing its presence on the Brooklyn skyline.
Interiors by Gachot Studio combine the elegant verticality of the architecture, the rich materiality of the building's history, and a human-scaled comfort with warm-toned materials and bronze mirrors which bring the luxurious features of the Tower's façade inside. Apartment layouts take full advantage of views, while custom-design mosaic tile in the bathrooms gives a distinctly urban charm.
In addition to the mix of residential units and retail spaces, the Tower features a variety of common spaces, including lounges, gardens, and fitness centres. Residents thus have ample opportunity to interact and engage with one another, fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging.
Finally, one of the Brooklyn Tower's most impressive aspects is its commitment to sustainability. The building incorporates various green technologies, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient appliances. These features reduce the building's environmental impact and help lower residents' utility costs.
In conclusion, the Brooklyn Tower by SHoP Architects is a testament to the power of architecture to transform not only skylines but also communities. With its sensitive and contextual design, sustainable features and plentiful amenities, the Tower is a compelling example of modern urban living.
