VIΛ 57 West a Court scraper in New York City Essay

The fascinating and uniquely designed court-scraper is erected 830 000 sq ft high-rise and combines the density of the American skyscraper with the communal space of the European courtyard. VIΛ 57 West comprises predominantly of residential units adding up to 709 with a 22 000 sq ft luxuriant vegetated garden (lush) at the core of the building. VIΛ covers almost the whole city block at the corner of West 57th Street and the West Side Highway, offering clear views of the outward scenery; Hudson River Park and the waterside. The court-scraper was designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group in 2010 and the construction commenced the following year in 2011. Upon its completion in 2016, the sloping courtyard with a lush at its heart and floor-to-ceiling windows for every hous, has been capturing the attention of architects from various parts of the globe.

VIΛ 57 West was designed in a triangular shape with 3 corners of the building kept low while one corner; the north-east part of the building is raised; this ensures the courtyard opens views towards the Hudson River and concentrates the sun light coming from the western side directly into the block. Despite the enclosed yard being a private residential space and sanctuary, it is also viewable from the outside, providing an intimate connection to the naturally greened Hudson River Park located near the court-scraper. The court-scraper is majorly comprised of structurally varied sized units designated for the residents. The basal levels of VIΛ court-scraper present a strong relationship to the courtyard. The lobby is linked directly to the courtyard through the main stair which allows residents to access the courtyard.