20201 Great Jones Alley | 688 Broadway
One Great Jones Alley | 688 Broadway, NoHo NYC
Studio Christine Jetten was appointed to design a custom glaze for the vertical terra-cotta facade fins, looking for a distinctive artistic quality.
"I want to reach out and touch this building"
Quote from Landmarks Preservation Commissioner. "New York has a rich architectural terra-cotta heritage. This ceramic can be found on a plethora of historic buildings throughout the city. Of late, terra-cotta has been experiencing e rebirth in contemporary architecture, including that of BKSK, thanks to the material'inheritent properties - specifically its malleability, infinite glazing options, environmental performance, and low toxicity. Here, traditional fabrication techniques merge with cutting-edge digital technology to create a hyper-customized terra-cotta facade." Tod Poisson, Historic Districts Council
This proposed 12-story, in the NoHo Historic District has already been hailed as a modern landmark. Its Broadway facade features an innovative terra-cotta screen facade that honors the rich masonry and cast-iron articulation of its context, yet it is unabashedly modern.
from: '688 Broadway a huge hit with landmarks Commission', Curbed NY, Oct 10 2012
"The artistic sensibility is what Christine brings to the project.
We found a contemporary way by letting the facade express itself as terracotta, with the imperfections as a natural given in the terracotta production process: collaborating with what the production requires, using it for its opportunities rather than restrictions. There are strict parameters and a lot of freedom. We found a way to harness this for the facade.
It has been a fascinating process, working towards something very unique."
George Schieferdecker, BKSK Architects, partner
