Tower on Hudson River nears completion. By Jean Nouvel
Designed as a direct descendent of French architect Jean Nouvel's Parisian landmark Arab World Institute building, his new 23-storey residential tower overlooking the Hudson River is nearing completion. Previously known as 100 11th, the tower has now been named Nouvel Chelsea in admiration of the architect's prestige but the architect himself has called it his 'vision machine'.
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Nouvel's own input in the luxury condominium block has been felt to the very
last detail, from bathroom fixtures to the clever light enhancing technique of
adding an extra layer of nearly imperceptible transparent gloss under the
windows to boost incoming sunlight. Almost 1700 individually sized colourless
glass panes are set at unique angles and torques to create a glimmering
pixilated façade and frame some of the most spectacular views in the city,
making each of the 72 residences distinctive from the next. Some windows reach
as much as16 ft tall or 37 ft across.
Split into one, two and three bedroom apartments and five penthouses, prices
for the exclusive development ranged from $1.6 million to $22 million when
construction commenced on site in March 2007, timed in conjunction with the
Arab World Institute building's 20th anniversary. Originally expected to be fit
for occupancy by the end of 2008, however, the building is still undergoing its
final preparations.
The lobby, which contains customized millwork desks designed by Nouvel, also
provides access to the apartments' gardens and private gym, spa and 70 ft
mirror canopied pool, one of the largest in Manhattan.
At ground level Nouvel has devised a mullioned glass screen rising seven stories
high encasing a maturely planted atrium named The Loggia which can be enjoyed
exclusively by the residents on these seven floors via apartment terraces, some
open, some closed to the atrium.
While designed as an exclusive development, its uncompromisingly unique
exterior joins that of Frank Gehry's recent headquarters for the InterActive
Corporation, making 19th Street and Westside junction a hive of architectural
promise for passers-by to ponder.
The tower was designed by Atelier Jean Nouvel with Beyer Blinder Belle.
