August 31, 2015 | Updated: October 26, 2018

Corporate

The new PORCELANOSA building in New York: Norman Foster footprint

The architectural firm Foster + Partners leaves its mark on New York with its brilliant remodeling project of the new PORCELANOSA Building on the Fifth Avenue, a space that has respected the essence and history, which was the Commodore Criterion, a landmark building in the city.

After a neoclassical facade of the early twentieth century, the new Porcelanosa flagship in the Big Apple hides a deep restoration job. Respecting its outward appearance, the interior reflects a remarkable cutting-edge transformation thanks to the intervention of one of the most important architecture studios.

The façade restoration: a tribute to its origin

In a tribute to the particular history of the PORCELANOSA building, the work of Foster + Partners studio on the facade is characterized by the respect for the protected structure of the building, restoring its original appearance.

The main entrance has been relocated on the Fifth Avenue and the old openings have been rescued to maximize natural light in all areas and spaces.

Inner metamorphosis

The interior has been transformed to enable the creation of a fluid and open scheme among the different floors in a dynamic and flexible interaction.

Originally, the building had lower ceilings, so mezzanines were created for interconnecting spaces in order to host exhibition areas, and to have offices and flexible social spaces for conferences, presentations and workshops.

An efficient and sustainable building

During the refurbishing process, special attention has been paid to maximize energy efficiency and the construction sustainability, and the building opts for obtaining the LEED Gold certification.

In order to get this, an insulating covering system that reduces 50% of carbon emissions was devised and installed for natural cooling and to reduce by water consumption by 40%.

In short, the PORCELANOSA building in New York will be an ecological, innovative and historical space that aspires to become a world reference for architecture and interior design sector, after its upcoming inauguration on September 9, 2015.

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