Summit One Vanderbilt by Snøhetta, New York
Summit One Vanderbilt by Snøhetta, New York
Summit One Vanderbilt by Snøhetta, New York
New York – Architectural studio Snøhetta is transforming the slow pace and wait times associated with tourist destinations into a positive experience at Summit One Vanderbilt, a new four-storey observation complex 1,000 feet (300m) above Manhattan.
Inviting visitors to take a leisurely approach to viewing New York’s famous skyline, viewing areas include the Summit Lounge, which evokes an alpine ski lodge with a suspended fireplace, mountain shrubs and rustic materials. Elsewhere, a space by Kenzo Digital features tessellating infinity mirrors. In between, soft transitional spaces re-centre visitors, instilling a sense of calm throughout their experience.
Snøhetta's intention was to create ‘a subtle tension between the observatory’s thrilling views and the relaxed physical experience of taking them in’, allowing visitors to feel big and small, snug and excited in equal measure.
Summit One Vanderbilt is also dotted with social spaces such as bars, which encourage further dwell time, bringing the decelerated tourism trend to an urban environment, while ensuring an immersive and deliberately unhurried approach.
Strategic Opportunity
Take inspiration from Snøhetta’s use of transitional spaces. Use in-between areas to build spaces for dwell time to foster a slower pace in hospitality destinations as well as offices and retail locations
