50 United Nations Plaza

Foster + Partners · Manhattan · 2015

A historic pillar of San Francisco, revitalized through the invisible power of air and light.

Residential skyscraper in Manhattan, New York.

Featured in Foster + Partners's definitive monograph, Norman Foster: A Life in Architecture.

Major PracticeHidden Gem
Year
2015
Coordinates
40.7517°, -73.9681°
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Visitor Guide

Visitor Tip

Notice the historic wood windows; they were meticulously refurbished and fitted with laminated glass to improve the building's thermal performance.

Best Photo Spot

The central courtyard at midday, where the intersection of the historic facade and the new green roof is most visible.

Access & Hours

GSA government building; public access is generally limited to specific events, but the exterior and courtyard are visible.

Insider Note

Engineers used CFD modeling to determine that workstation partition heights were critical to the performance of the building's natural ventilation.

Time Needed

1 hour

Design & Structure

TessellationFolding
Computational Process

WSP performed a full systems redesign using bulk air flow modeling to implement a hybrid natural ventilation strategy.

Materiality

Restored historic fabric combined with high-performance laminated glass and a 14,000-square-foot green roof.

Structural Innovation

The renovation prioritized the preservation of the historic wall coverings by utilizing existing steam piping with new best-practices abatement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed 50 United Nations Plaza?+

50 United Nations Plaza was designed by Foster + Partners and completed in 2015. It is located in Manhattan, United States.

Where is 50 United Nations Plaza located?+

50 United Nations Plaza is located in Manhattan, United States. Its coordinates are 40.7517°, -73.9681°.

When was 50 United Nations Plaza built?+

50 United Nations Plaza was completed in 2015. It was designed by Foster + Partners.

Can I visit 50 United Nations Plaza?+

50 United Nations Plaza is a real building in Manhattan that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.