Vertical Times
Times Square | New York | USA
 
Introduction
In this specific case, 100architects was asked to explore the possibilities of inserting public functions and environments typically associated with urban parks within Times Square, in order to give a commercial twist to the current cityscape offered by the place to both, citizens and tourists. Basically, turn the Square into a more livable and enjoyable space with a strong urban character.
 
 

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When thinking about Times Square, about how to occupy and modify the scarce available space, and how to create an impactful effect in a place already quite impacting by itself, immediately 2 concepts became the most representative, VERTICALITY and DENSITY.
 
In this era of fast-growing cities and hyper-dense urban environments, numerous theories have arisen around the concept of “compact cities”, about how to manage and optimize this density and diversity, in order to impact positively on cities’ spatial and ecological footprint, and improve their efficiency in terms of land, resources and energy consumption.
 
Vertical Times is a project driven by all this questions, and by the opportunities that appear from them, calling for an exploration of new ways of thinking and understanding urban public spaces, their new morphologies and the new roles they will play in future cities.
 
 

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Concept
The main conceptual idea of Vertical Times lies in multiplying the intended space for public recreation in a vertical way, compacting it in an inhabitable object, sort of imitating the growth model of NYC, due to the lack of available space. A so-called Vertical Park.
 
It sets a different approach in the design of public space, no longer needing to be large horizontal extension of land, but rather a multilayered metabolism with a softer impact on land consumption, and mimicking better with its urban surroundings, while establishing a highly recognizable landmark in the city.
 
 

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Functions
The first 2 platforms would be dedicated to Kids recreational areas, such as Playground in the 1st platform and a Balls Pool in the 2nd platform. The next couple of platforms would be intended to host the functions related to public relaxation & green areas, with a Hammock Plaza in the 3rd platform, and a Sky Garden in the 4th one.
 
And finally, the top 2 platforms would host the F&B commercial areas, with a Restaurant on the 5th platform and a Sky Bar on the top 6th platform.
 
 

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Structure
The structure is a concrete-steel combined system, based on a reinforced concrete central core, acting as main column transmitting the loads to the ground, as well as hosting the central lift; and radial steel beams supporting each platform. There is also a secondary structure of metallic tensors on the exterior of the cylinder, absorbing vibrations.
 
Dimentions
The shape can be inscribed in a virtual cylinder of 12 m. of diameter and 55 m. of total height. In plan view, the area that the volume occupies is just 113 m2, however the structure is design to completely release the ground floor from any structural element except the central column.
 
 

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Credits
 
PROJECT NAME: Vertical Times
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai)
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Madalena Sales, Javier Gonzalez
CLIENT: Undisclosed
SIZE: 676m2
STATUS: Unbuilt
LOCATION: New York, Time Square, US