388 Greenwich Plaza

388 Greenwich Plaza

Landscape Forms as Manufacturers
Landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations created a unique brand experience for Citibank’s Greenwich Plaza or, as James Corner’s Matt Grunbaum refers to it, “The front door to one of the major banks of the world.” The space was originally an elevated garden, but the new design brings the high-profile public plaza back to street level, connecting people and sidewalks to the plaza and building.

James Corner’s design integrated furniture into the overall plan layout. “We wanted to break down the linear nature of the architecture and the surrounding streetscape by creating curved and elliptical shapes with the raised planters and furniture pieces,” explains Grunbaum. “The curved walkways help to orient visitors to the Citibank building’s entrance.
Caption
James Corner reached out to Landscape Forms’ Studio 431 to help engineer and fabricate the site furnishings. The firm has worked with Studio 431 and knew their expertise was needed for the challenges the plaza site posed.

The site’s significant grade change a four-to five-inch grade change for 20-foot benches and 26- and 30-foot elliptical tables needed to be accounted for in engineering long spans of benches and large table surfaces. Every bracket and every leg had a unique height and was engineered specifically for its onsite location.

The work process between James Corner and Studio 431 was “highly collaborative,” says Grunbaum. “Early on, we shared 3D models with Studio 431 to develop the shop drawings that helped us work through the grade changes. This approach was helpful, especially for engineering level table tops. Templates helped us determine footing locations for the benches, where to drill anchors, and where to add electrical conduit. We did all of this through a back-and-forth with Studio 431.”

“Everything was modeled in 3D CAD,” says Studio 431 Engineering Group Leader John Shimer, “from hardware to wood slats to welded support brackets.”

Tables and benches are made of carbon steel with powdercoat finish and ipe slatted surfaces. Tables are seated and standing height and in rectangular and elliptical shapes. Benches with and without backs 630 linear feet in total line the walkways throughout the plaza. Each of the large elliptical tables (36’ x 18’ and 26’ x 18’) includes a trap door so that maintenance and landscaping crews can access the interior.
Caption
The benches are located in front of planter walls, which were not in the scope of Studio 431’s work, though they did affect the process. “We had to make sure the benches looked like part of the wall and presented a cohesive design,” explains Studio 431 Market Specialist Mark Haase. “James Corner’s intent was to create bench seats that were the same height as the planter wall so you can see the planter wall under the bench and the plants above it. We had to keep true to their design intent.”

Studio 431’s knowledge of materials and fabrication processes helped the client keep costs in check, too. Fabricating the table and bench structure of carbon steel with a mercury powdercoat instead of stainless steel reduced costs and resulted in a high-quality finish that looks like stainless finish.
Caption
Installation was a finely choreographed process; Studio 431’s engineers considered installation throughout development and manufacturing. “Our templates mapped out the installation and location of pieces and accounted for the small details that would ensure smooth installation,” says Shimer.

“Putting the pieces and parts together with the grade variations was tricky, which added complexity to the engineering and the installation,” says Grunbaum. “Studio 431’s decisions on how to manufacture, ship, and assemble as well as their onsite consultation during installation were invaluable.”

“Studio 431 is much more than a custom product manufacturer,” says Haase. “We like to say we’re a VIP service. From day one to the final day of installation and the high-fives all around, every facet of this project went smoothly: financial, design, installation, and client interaction.”

Grunbaum agrees. “These are the types of projects that we take to Studio 431 right away. Their expertise in a number of areas separates them from other fabricators and finishers. And their quality is beyond what we often see. They managed a complicated project and delivered it on time and in budget.”
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital sets new standard for clinical healthcare design
7 Nov 2024 News
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital sets new standard for clinical healthcare design

Architectural studios HKS, Cagni Williams, and Sonnemann Toon have completed the Midland Metropolita... More

EovaStudio uses Baguette Oval glazed terracotta facade from Tempio in sports pavilion renovation
6 Nov 2024 News
EovaStudio uses Baguette Oval glazed terracotta facade from Tempio in sports pavilion renovation

Seville-based architectural firm EovaStudio has renovated and improved a sports pavilion located in... More

25 best architecture firms in South Africa
6 Nov 2024 News
25 best architecture firms in South Africa

Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is home to a varied topograph... More

Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects connect modern architecture with the city’s industrial past
5 Nov 2024 News
Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects connect modern architecture with the city’s industrial past

Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects is an innovative housing development in Delft (NL) that redefin... More

Primary school in Au, Austria by Bernardo Bader Architekten recalls traditional approach to building in wood
5 Nov 2024 News
Primary school in Au, Austria by Bernardo Bader Architekten recalls traditional approach to building in wood

Austrian architectural studio Bernardo Bader Architekten has completed a new primary school in Au, a... More

Key recent projects by Dietrich | Untertrifaller
5 Nov 2024 News
Key recent projects by Dietrich | Untertrifaller

Dietrich | Untertrifaller is an international architecture firm known for its sustainable and contex... More

25 best track light manufacturers
4 Nov 2024 Specification
25 best track light manufacturers

Track lights are versatile lighting systems that offer flexible and focused illumination for various... More

Mixed wood and concrete production hall in Austria nestles neatly in a picturesque village setting
4 Nov 2024 News
Mixed wood and concrete production hall in Austria integrates into its picturesque village setting

DI Simon Moosbrugger Architekt ZT has designed a new production hall facility for Austrian company T... More