The document describes the program requirements for converting an old power plant into a new home for the Industrial Artists repertory company called the Industrial Drama Complex (IDC). Key details include: - The IDC will include various sized performance spaces, ancillary spaces to support productions, and amenities for staff and audiences. - The design embraces the industrial aesthetic of the original structure and incorporates drama/energy of the theater scene through interior LED signage creating "interior billboards." - The summary captures the high level purpose of converting the building into a space for a repertory theater company and mentions the key design elements of preserving the industrial aesthetic while adding modern touches like interior LED displays.

2. IDC
INDUSTRIAL DRAMA COMPLEX
program requirements
The client, Industrial Artists, Inc., a
repertory company of actors, playwrights
and directors needs a permanent home
to pursue its mission to advance the
vitality and diversity of the American
dramatic theater.
IAI wishes to convert the former IRT
power plant located at 59th St. & 11th
Ave into their new home. The facility is to
be a collection of performance spaces
of various sizes and types for dramatic
performances. The facility is to also
include ancillary spaces and amenities to
support the theatrical productions, staff
and audiences.
Design solution
The design solution for the IDC embraces
the industrial aesthetic of the original
structure and incorporates the drama and
energy of the New York theater scene
and the city itself. Interior structures are
covered in LED signage creating interior
billboards providing excitement, color
and informational graphics for patrons
while providing a dynamic and high-tech
contrast to the industrial aesthetic of the
original structure.
intro
P1 Perspective view facing the Goodman Theater from the north side of the main atrium. IDC 1/7

3. plans + sections
2/7 IDC

4. plans + sections
IDC 3/7

5. Site pictures from top to bottom:
Illustration of the original facade of
the IRT Power Plant as designed
by McKim, Mead & White (1904).
Image from Google Earth showing
the location of the building
between 58th and 59th Streets
and 11th and 12th Avenues
Materials used in the project are a mix of both rough and sleek demo of the original structure. Sleek elements include metal the greenhouse roof, and metal mesh panels used in some of the concrete. The main atrium and trafficked walkways are covered in
alongside the Hudson River and
industrial products. Gritty elements include rough concrete, access acoustical panels (used as cladding on the exterior of the theaters), theaters’ interior spaces as wall coverings. Some items are a mix a high-tech metal floor system set over a rubber base to insulate
the West Side Highway.
panels (manholes) and exposed bricked walls leftover from the polished metal on the window frames of the exterior walls and of both. Much of the ground floor areas are covered in polished noise. The metal floor features a dark raw unfinished patina.
Engraving showing a
cross-section facing west of
the original configuration of the
IRT Power Plant (1904).
Photo showing the machinery
in the north bay of the
IRT Power Plant (1904).
Inspiration & prototype for the Typical Interior for the black box theaters Prototype for the staircases in the main atrium space. The railings Prototype for the staircases inside the The glass in the ceiling skylights is Detail of the cable system
sliding doors leading to the will be filled with a steel cable mesh as shown in the detail at left. The theaters. Railings are filled with glass. embedded with solar cells. The energy supporting the glass walls of the
black box theaters treads will have a textured vinyl floor covering, instead of the wood captured during the day helps to power Costume Atelier, Bookstore and
finish shown here. the interior signage at night. Set Shop.
This bench is used in the center of the main The remainder of the seating shown is used in the lobby and lounge areas of each of the theaters
atrium. Small connector pieces allow the units to
be arranged in different configurations.
Inspiration for the LED signage that wraps around the Prototype for elevator Inspiration for kiosk and This LED lighting system serves as both a luminaire Fluorescent factory lights were the inspiration for using these sleek modern interpretations. The
elevators and theaters. interiors sky bridge lighting in main and a suspended ceiling. It provides illumination chandeliers (left) and floor lamp (center) will be used in the theater lobbies. The hanging fixtures (right) are
atrium while hiding duct work from view. It is used in the featured in the center of the main atrium. They will also be used along the main walkways were they will
costume atelier and the book store. be hung horizontally.
Proposed seating for the Perkins Playhouse. Proposed seating for the Goodman Theater. Proposed seating for the Robert A. King Proposed seating for the Proposed color scheme for seating in
Amphitheater. stairs in front of the Goodman the Goodman Theater.
Theater.
Inspiration for the Prototype for bookstore shelving Proposed screen system for the costume atelier. The screens provide Chairs to be used in the costume atelier.
bookstore. both visual and acoustical privacy inside the glass studio.
materials, furnishings + existing site conditions
4/7 IDC

6. L1
L2
L3
Perspective illustrations clockwise from top left:
P3 Perspective view from the north entrance looking south across the main atrium.
The Goodman Theater is on the right.
P3 L1 Light study of the main atrium. View is from the recessed stairs in front of the
Goodman Theater facing towards the north side of the center atrium and the Brandt
Black Box Theater (same view as P1).
L2 Light study of the main atrium. View is from the south entrance looking toward the
Lowenthal Studio Space, the Korman Costume Atelier and the Drama Bookstore.
L3 Light study of the main atrium. View is from the north entrance looking south (same
view as P3).
P1 Perspective view facing the Goodman Theater from the north side of the main
atrium.
P2 Perspective view facing east and the Brandt Black Box Theater from the recessed
stairs in front of the Goodman Theater.
P1 P2 plans + elevations
IDC 5/7

7. program requirements
The Family Planning Research Institute
(FPRI) is an independent non-profit
corporation, studying public policies
regarding voluntary fertility control and
population issues. FPRI studies focus on
issues related to pregnancy and birth,
contraception, abortion, sexual behavior,
and sexually transmitted diseases. It
supports reproductive health programs
offering policy analysis, public education,
and research. FPRI’s mission is to find
facts, present them clearly and forcefully,
and keep them in the forefront of the
public consciousness.
FPRI’s board of directors has recognized
that its current downtown facilities are
inadequate. They plan to move to a
midtown office building, 1177 Avenue of
the Americas (between 45th and 46th
Streets), to take advantage of affordable
rents offered by the building’s landlord
who is developing the building as a center
for nonprofit organizations in exchange
for state and federal tax benefits. FPRI
will be one of the first nonprofit tenants
occupying the 20th and 21st floors.
The 62-person staff is divided into 4 main
divisions: Research, Communications &
ABOVE View of the main circulation
path including the stairs and workstations
opposite the library on the 20th floor.
RIGHT Existing conditions on the 20th
and 21st floors.
+ intro
FPRI 1/7

8. plans + legend
2/7 IDC

9. Lighting Systems clockwise from top left:
Development, Publications, and Finance & Administration. The The work areas were planned with an emphasis on the comfort
Armstrong’s Techzone Ceiling System is used Institute is overseen by a 42-member board of directors, which of employees. While companies like to promote interaction,
throughout the facility.
meets at FPRI three times a year. There is also a 12-member individual worker satisfaction relies heavily on having a space of
Zumtobel’s Slotlight is used in the reception science advisory panel, which meets once a year. While the one’s own for quiet contemplation. This is especially true in an
area & the library.
conference room must be large enough to accommodate the organization in which the core business is scholarly research.
Zumtobel’s Airboard Suspended Lighting is large board it also must be flexible enough to be partitioned
used in the reception area and the library. It
provides sound absorbing acoustics as well as into smaller spaces that can be used simultaneously by smaller This design provides two out of three workers with their own
both direct and indirect lighting.
groups on a daily basis. The institute also maintains its own office. All but 13 of those offices are on the perimeter and
Zumtobel’s Ceilos Light Panels are located over private library to aid its researchers. have access to at least one window. The remaining third of
the stairwell and the double height space along the employees work in cubicles. However all of the cubicles
the library and conference rooms.
are located on the perimeter of the east façade and enjoy an
Design solution
uninterrupted vista through the windows onto the canyon of
The core of the floor is mainly devoted to office services such
office buildings on Sixth Avenue.
as the mail room, IT and storage facilities. In addition two of the
largest and most important areas, the conference room and
the library, are also located there. While both these spaces are
recessed into the interior of the building, they are also located
in the middle of the circulation path and are directly linked
together by the main interior staircase. This arrangement makes
the passageways in front of these spaces key thoroughfares
where worker interaction can take place spontaneously and
fortuitously throughout the day. The other chief advantage
of this arrangement is that it allows for the placement of the
maximum number of offices and workstations at the perimeter
of the building.
reflected ceiling plans + lighting
FPRI 3/7

10. NEAR RIGHT The center conference room
looking out onto the open workspace on the
21st floor
FAR RIGHT View of the main circulation
path including the stairs and workstations
opposite the library on the 20th floor.
sections + perspectives
4/7 IDC

11. ABOVE View of the library on the 20th floor.
LEFT Typical office interior (office #33)
+ perspective illustrations
FPRI 5/7

12. TEKNION’S District Workstations for open work area on the 20th floor TEKNION’S XM Workstations for open work area on the 21st floor KNOLL’S OPEN UP task chair for workstations and offices FRITZ HANSEN’S VICODUO guest chair HAWORTH’S PATTERN ELEMENTS filing cabinets for
for offices the north hallways
ETEL ALTAGAMMA SCRIVANIE desk and cabinet for executive KNOLL OPEN UP task chair FRITZ HANSEN OXFORD B&B ITALIA SINA conference table for executive ESTEL LIBRA shelving for executive offices STEELCASE KART FOLDING CONFERENCE CHAIRS provide efficient storage WIESNER-HAGER FLEX conference tables provide efficient storage and flexibility when
offices for executive offices executive guest chair offices and flexibility when reconfiguring the conference rooms reconfiguring the conference rooms
FRITZ HANSEN LISSONI sofa for reception & informal lounge areas B&B ITALIA WORD chairs & side table for reception and informal lounge areas FRITZ HANSEN PK80 BENCH in the main corridor on the 20th floor SIDE TABLE / STOOL in the main corridor
on the 20th floor
Inspiration for conference room Inspiration for glass staircase Glass bridge that links the center Detail of glass joints used in stairs, SDR+ REGAL SYSTEM 606 bookshelves for the library BULO’S TAB chairs for the library FRITZ HANSEN T-NO.1 table for the library
conference room to the main catwalk & railings
workspace on the 21st floor
furnishings + materials
6/7 IDC

13. Materials clockwise from top left:
Fabrics for office and lounge furniture.
The dark charcoal grey carpet is the main floor covering used
throughout both floors. The light grey vinyl flooring is used in the
library and conference room. The white marble is used under the
glass stairs and in reception area.
Fabrics for office and lounge furniture.
The synthetic fabrics are used for wall coverings, furniture panels and
window shades. Laminates in white, black & greys, in both matte
and reflective finishes, are used on various surfaces. Stainless steel is
used in the staircase, railings, & assorted hardware.
Ribbed glass partition walls are used to separate the office interiors
from the circulation hallways. The ribbed glass allows the maximum
amount of light to filter through the space and create a sense of
openness, while maintaining an appropriate amount of privacy.
furnishings + materials
FPRI 7/7

14. THE WHOLE WOMAN is a lingerie store that caters to
women who have had a mastectomy. The concept is
to provide a bright, warm, upscale environment and
sensitive, well-trained, professional service for customers
who are dealing with this difficult physical and emotional
issue. The fashionable boutique atmosphere and service
is intentional and is meant to stand in stark contrast to any
negative preconceived feelings the customer may have
concerning the product.
Each floor has a distinct emphasis. The second floor
is primarily for first time customers. Removed from the
hustle and bustle of foot traffic from the street, the second
floor is calm, quiet and secluded. Seating is provided for
customers waiting to be served or if they merely need
to rest. The service here is one on one. The dressing
suites can graciously accommodate the salesperson,
the customer and a companion. Indirect cove lighting in
the dressing rooms, shows customers at their best in a
warm, soft light that avoids glare and harsh shadows.
A stockroom is located between the suites to facilitate
efficient service.
The ground floor is for repeat customers. These are
women who have shopped here before, know what they
need and want to get in and out quickly.
+ intro
THE WHOLE WOMAN 1/5

15. floor plans +
2/5 THE WHOLE WOMAN

16. + sections
THE WHOLE WOMAN 3/5

17. TOP RIGHT Aerial view of top
floor from outside of the store.
MIDDLE RIGHT View of top
floor from the front looking back.
BOTTOM RIGHT View of
top floor from the back looking
toward the front. Here you can
see through the cutout in the floor
down to the first floor.
Chairs located in the 2nd floor waiting area and dressing rooms Table located in the 2nd floor waiting area Bench located in the 2nd floor dressing rooms and on the 2nd floor
balcony by the front window
Wood veneer used on the walls and display cases Brushed silver finish metal used for the window mullions as well as Warm bronze metal finish used on the casework
the stair and balcony railings
Terrazzo flooring contains clear and white glass used on both floors Terrazzo flooring contains black glass used as a border on the ground Terrazzo flooring contains amber glass used as a decorative inlay on
floor the ground floor
Inspiration for the cove and indirect lighting used throughout the store
Sconce used in the 2nd floor changing areas
furnishings + materials
4/5 THE WHOLE WOMAN

18. LEFT View of the facade from
the street.
ABOVE TOP View of the
ground floor from the back looking
front. The cutout in the ceiling
creates a double high space that
extends to the second floor.
ABOVE View of the first floor
from the street just outside the
windows, looking toward the back
of the store.
+ perspective sKetches
THE WHOLE WOMAN 5/5

19. THE VERTIGO LOUNGE is an upscale
bar with a hip, glam, nightclub feel. It
is a meeting place for young singles
looking for something new and different.
The most striking physical feature is the
mezzanine. Constructed of steel and
glass and accessed by a staircase of the
same materials, the mezzanine with its
glass floor is meant to evoke the edgy
feeling of the bar’s name.
Another dramatic feature of the space is
the light sculpture over the bar. Inspired
by a Harry Bertoia screen, this sculpture
is made of mixed media including, but not
limited to, glass, stone and metal. LED
lights embedded in some of the glass
elements create its sparkling light.
As a practical matter the curved walls
are designed to cover the protruding
attached columns that run along the
length of the structure. As a design
feature the fabric-lined, curved surfaces
soften the space visually and acoustically
and also speak to the curves found in the
stairs and the mezzanine.
Three staircases facilitate traffic: one
to the basement kitchen, one to the
mezzanine for service staff and another
for patrons. The service stairs are
separated from the main area by a double
height frosted glass panel. The mezzanine
staircase for patrons is prominently
and dramatically featured at the main
entrance.
+ intro
THE VERTIGO LOUNGE 1/5

20. plans + sections
2/5 THE VERTIGO LOUNGE

21. plans + sections
THE VERTIGO LOUNGE 3/5

22. CAFE TABLE WITH GLASS TOP AND STEEL THE WALLS ARE LINED WITH A WARM GREY
BASE TEXTURED FABRIC TO SOFTEN THE SPACE
VISUALLY AND ACOUSTICALLY.
VIEW OF THE MAIN STAIRCASE AND THE MEZZANINE FROM JUST INSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE. AERIAL VIEW OF THE MEZZANINE FROM THE NORTH EAST CORNER LOOKING SOUTH TOWARDS THE BACK
OF THE LOUNGE.
BAR STOOL WITH LEATHER SEAT AND THIS HARRY BERTOIA SCREEN IS THE THE LOUNGE SEATING IS MADE OF A SEMI-
CHROME BASE INSPIRATION FOR THE SELF-ILLUMINATED GLOSS WHITE PLASTIC.
SCULPTURE ABOVE THE BAR.
THE OUTDOOR SEATING IS MADE OF A THE STEEL GRID THAT SUPPORTS THE LOUNGE SEATING WITH LEATHER
SEMI-TRANSLUCENT PLASTIC AND LIT FROM MEZZANINE IS ANCHORED TO THE EAST WALL UPHOLSTERY AND CHROME BASE.
WITHIN. AND IS SUSPENDED FROM THE CEILING BY
STEEL CABLES.
THIS TABLE TOP BY INGO MAURER IS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE MEZZANINE FLOOR. THE FLOOR TILES, WHICH ARE MADE OF DARK TINTED, TRANSPARENT GLASS VIEW FROM THE BACK OF THE LOUNGE LOOKING NORTH TOWARDS THE FRONT. VISIBLE HERE, TO THE RIGHT OF THE IMAGE, IS THE REAR SERVICE STAIRCASE BEHIND THE FROSTED GLASS WALL
EMBEDDED WITH LED LIGHTS, GIVE THE BAR ITS VERTIGINOUS EDGE.
furnishings, materials + perspectives
4/5 THE VERTIGO LOUNGE

23. VIEW FROM THE FRONT OF THE LOUNGE LOOKING SOUTH TOWARDS THE BACK.
+ perspectives
THE VERTIGO LOUNGE 5/5

24. Perspective Drawing of Living Area Facing East
56 Crosby Street Duplex Loft
+ intro
56 CROSBY STREET DUPLEX LOFT 1/7

25. Pre-existing Site Conditions from top: Section Facing North, Mezzanine Level and Top Floor Plan
program requirements The space that they plan to develop is on the top floor of a ensures his self-sufficiency. The counter is also a benefit to
The clients are a family with some very special requirements. former light-industrial loft building and includes a mezzanine the whole household as it doubles the functionality of the
The household is headed by a couple in their late 30’s with level. The unit offers more space than they need. They are entire kitchen no matter who is cooking. The “rug” in the
two children, a daughter of 8 ½ years and a son of six. therefore planning to create a rental apartment with at least living area is actually vinyl flooring trimmed in leather, which
The wife is a very successful stockbroker and the husband 3,600 S.F., however they do not want the rental apartment to is set flush into the floor to provide a level surface for ease
is an art historian and teaches at private college uptown. include more than half the mezzanine level. The design must of mobility. Half the outdoor patio is paved to provide easy
Both share an intense interest in art. The clients will not be include egress for both units that conform to city fire codes. wheelchair access. In fact, from the front door to the far ends
bringing any of their current furnishings with them except for Other than setting aside space for the rental unit no further of the upper level there are very few parts of the apartment
two important pieces of art. The two art pieces are Jackson design is required at this time. that a wheelchair cannot navigate.
Pollack’s “One: Number 31” and Alexander Calder’s “Snow
Flurry, I”. The art pieces greatly influenced the design due to their
Design solution
large size, which called for even larger display spaces. Their
The wife’s father who has just turned seventy will be living Special attention was paid to accessibility. The elevator
pedigree, as well as their size, suggested the prominence of
with the family. He is a retired music teacher. He is in good interior is 5’ x 5’ allowing a wheelchair to turn around, and
their placement.
health and spends a lot of time with his grandchildren He also eliminating the need to back in or out. The kitchen counter
gives piano lessons a few times a week at home. However along the windows is designed to be at desk height. This is
a recent problem has confined him to a wheel chair, a factor due in part to the low sill height of the windows but it also is
that impacted the design of the apartment designed to offer the grandfather a full work surface, which
existing conditions +
2/7 56 CROSBY STREET DUPLEX LOFT

26. Duplex Upper Floor Plan
Duplex Main Floor Plan
+ plans
56 CROSBY STREET DUPLEX LOFT 3/7

27. Section Through Entrance Hall Facing North
Section Through Master Suite and Terrace Facing North
sections +
2/7 56 CROSBY STREET DUPLEX LOFT

28. Section Through Entrance Hall Facing South
Section Through Girl’s Bedroom Facing West, Section Through Boy’s Bedroom Facing South, Preliminary Study of Living Area Preliminary Study of Entrance Hall
including custom bed and sleeping nook including custom loft bed and tv/game area Facing West Facing West
sections + sKetches
56 CROSBY STREET DUPLEX LOFT 5/7

29. Bernhardt bench in the entry Texture of the exposed brick wall in entry hallway Riga light fixture from Flos is used on the brick wall in the entry Calder scuplture, Snow Flurry I, Damier adjustable sofa placed below the Calder
foyer hallway hung in the double height stairwell sculpture.
Usona Home - Detail 10/30/07 6:46 PM
Jackson Pollack painting, One: Number 31, hanging on the north B&B Italia modular seating unit used in the living area. “I-Beam” coffe table. Polished stainless Hans Wegner Flag Halyard lounge Stool used in the living area. Poul Kjaerholm side table. Mies side chair in the living area. Mark Rothko painting that
wall of the living area. To “frame” the artwork the wall directly steel base and dark granite top. chair used in the living area. hangs over the buffet in
behind the painting is plastered and painted a warm off-white. the dining area.
Crash Sideboard
Product ID: 04800
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- Dining Chairs
- Dining Tables
- Storage
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Vent hood and suspended shelf with Inspiration for custom-built kitchen island. Lighting used over the desk- Roche Bobois free-standing Murano Chandelier that The dining table. Hans Wegner side-chairs used Finn Juhl arm-chairs used in Wall-mounted buffet hung on the south wall of the dining
built in LED lighting over the kitchen height kitchen counter along the bookcase that divides the hangs over the dining table. in the dining area. the dining area. area.
island. south wall of the kitchen. kitchen from the dining area.
http://www.usonahome.com/detail.aspx?ID=2681&ndx=2&categoryid=65 Page 1 of 2
The bed in the master bedroom from Porro. Book shelves behind Mark Rothko painting that Benches located at the Adjustable reading lamps Side table next to lounge chair PK 33 stool in front of lounge chair in the Hans Wegner CH07 Shell Vintage lamp next to Hans Wegner desk chair located
the bed in the master hangs above the bed in foot of the bed in the alongside the bed in the in the master bedroom. master bedroom lounge chair in the master the lounge chair in in the office adjacent to the
bedroom the master bedroom master bedroom master bedroom bedroom the master bedroom master bedroom
Boffi tub, facet and sinks used in the master bathroom. Mirror and glass ceiling Cantilvered toilet in the
mounted light fixture in the master bathroom.
master bathroom.
furnishings + materials
6/7 56 CROSBY STREET DUPLEX LOFT