Summit One Vanderbilt, a new, innovative destination that combines views, curated multi-sensory experiences, and cutting-edge technology, is set to open on Oct. 21.
The project occupies 65,000 sf spread across four levels in the crown of the 1,401-foot-tall, KPF-designed One Vanderbilt. An all-glass enclosed elevator, dubbed Ascent, travels up the outside of the building at 1,210 feet high to provide views of New York City while Levitation, fully transparent glass sky boxes that jut out of the building, suspend guests 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue. The Summit, meanwhile, features an outdoor bar, seating areas, and the highest urban outdoor alpine meadow in the world.
An immersive art installation, designed by Kenzo Digital, will bring a new type of storytelling to the project. The installation takes the canvas of an observation deck and elevates it into a euphoric experience. “Using materiality, lighting design, sound design, production design, and animation, this immersive experience will awaken your senses, transform your perception of New York, and reimagine your relationship to nature,” said Kenzo Digital, Artist and CEO, Kenzo Digital Immersive, in a release. “It will be the ultimate example of the democratization of art - a revelatory experience regardless of age, origin, or walk of life.”
Snøhetta designed the interior spaces as a sensory urban experience that lifts visitors into the sky. The observatory and cultural space were designed as a journey through light, sound, and art with views across all five boroughs and beyond. The project builds a series of interconnected experiences that begins in the vaulted halls of Grand Central Terminal below, with the journey from station to sky culminating in Summit One Vanderbilt.
“In addition to the exciting artistic works at The Summit, Snøhetta has created an elegant interior design that naturally guides visitors through an uplifting experience. From the spacious and calm entrance hall to the dramatic lobbies above, Snøhetta has designed a continuous yet evolving adventure,” said Craig Dykers, Founding Partner Architect of Snøhetta, in a release. “This culminates with the landscape design of one of the world’s highest gardens at the top of The Summit. Each space is sensitively considered to ensure the optimum experience within a changing dynamic as one is transported from the ground to the sky and back.”
Additionally, Summit One Vanderbilt will feature multiple bars, an all-day cafe, and food kiosks. The culinary offerings will be led by Union Square Events.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2015
Pelli Clarke Pelli's Wolf Point tower would be Chicago's fifth-tallest
Updated renderings from César Pelli's firm show a taller, slimmer design, possibly exceeding 1,000 feet.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2015
Landmark status could delay Hancock Center renovations
Chicago officials have started to marshal documents to protect the tower against planned architectural changes.
High-rise Construction | Jul 13, 2015
Herzog & de Meuron’s triangle tower stirs controversy in Paris
The 590-foot glass pyramid building will include a 120-room hotel, 754,000 sf of office space, and cultural facilities.
High-rise Construction | Jul 13, 2015
CTBUH honors top innovations in skyscraper design
The Holedeck coffer slab system is among the breakthrough technologies and projects recognized by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat with Performance and Innovation Awards.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 9, 2015
Melbourne approves Beyoncé inspired skyscraper
The bootylicious tower is composed of 660 apartments and a 160-room hotel at the west end of Melbourne's business district.
High-rise Construction | Jul 7, 2015
Bjarke Ingels designs Frankfurt skyscraper with a surprise in the middle
Several levels in the center of the 185-meter tower are shifted outward to allow for terraces with city views.
High-rise Construction | Jul 5, 2015
ASHRAE releases design guide for skyscrapers
Tall buildings present unique and formidable challenges to architects and engineers because of their size, location in major urban areas, and multiple, complex occupancies, says Peter Simmonds, author of the guide.
High-rise Construction | Jun 23, 2015
The world's best new skyscrapers for 2015
One World Trade Center and Abu Dhabi's Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Tower are among the four towers named Best Tall Buildings by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
Office Buildings | Jun 17, 2015
Daniel Libeskind unveils 'talking towers' design for Rome development
The scheme will drastically change the Eternal City’s skyline: three angular towers that look like they’re “in conversation with one another.”
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2015
Cornell Tech breaks ground on world's first Passive House residential high-rise
To achieve Passive House standards, Cornell Tech Residential will incorporate a number of sustainability-focused design elements. The façade, constructed of a prefabricated metal panel system, acts as a thermally insulated blanket wrapping the building structure.
