100 east 53rd street: foster + partners' slender new york skyscraper nears completion

100 east 53rd street, a slender new york skyscraper designed by foster + partners, is nearing completion in midtown manhattan.

the 63-story residential tower is located on the corner of lexington and 53rd street, in close proximity to two 20th century modernist icons: SOM’s ‘lever house’ of 1952 and mies van der rohe’s ‘seagram building’, completed in 1958. the new structure boasts a minimalist geometric form, designed to complement these distinguished neighbors.developed by art collector and real estate developer aby rosen, co-founder of RFR holding, 100 east 53rd street was designed by foster + partners with william t. georgis responsible for much of the project’s interiors. the building’s lobby and amenities are now complete, and residents have already begun to move in. finishing touches are being applied elsewhere, including to two new model apartments on the 36th floor.

the lobby, designed by georgis, features a fluted calacatta marble wall, a full-height bronze fireplace, and cove lighting. amenities include a 60-foot sunlit swimming pool and a wellness facility that features a pilates/ballet room, a yoga studio, and a sauna. residents also have access to a dedicated lifestyle manager, global travel arrangement, and personalized shopping services, among other perks.

‘the tower’s slender form creates a narrow floor plate, allowing the interior spaces to be flooded with daylight and creating spectacular views across the city from every side,’ explains foster + partners. ‘an innovative glazed skin wraps around the building, concealing the structural elements which are further masked beneath integrated shadow boxes. to preserve the smooth appearance of the facade, opening vents in the glazing flap discreetly inwards. the effect is a sheer envelope that shines in brilliant contrast to the dark bronze of the seagram building.’ see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.