The Element, Manhattan

Quennell Rothschild & Partners designed a half-acre rooftop for this residential tower complex located near Lincoln Center in Manhattan. The project includes lush “intensive” green roof plantings and a series of outdoor spaces for dining, parties, sunbathing, yoga, as well as a play area for young children. In a departure from typical rooftop designs, planted areas have been sloped up from plaza level rather than enclosed by retaining walls – a detail that maximizes views of green foliage from interior facilities. The design dramatically juxtaposes rustic granite seawalls and lush plantings with architectonic linear-cut granite and metal edges.  Large trees provide shade for terrace areas, and stainless steel trellises allow enclosure by vine-covered “green walls.”

Quennell Rothschild & Partners also designed the street-level entrance plaza for the residential tower lobby, with a porte-cochère accommodating multiple vehicles, as well as entrance areas for commercial storefronts on 59th Street. At 60th Street, the firm’s design provides an entrance to the theater of a major dance company, as well as outdoor seating allowing spectators to sit and watch dance rehearsals in the basement dance studios.

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