A tower proposed by William Gottlieb Real Estate for a site adjacent to the High Line, being designed by architect Jeanne Gang, "promises to be one of the most talked-about buildings in New York," if it can get planning approval.
Lee Bey describes the elements that make Gang's Solar Carve Tower, which would be the first New York project for the Chicago-based architect and incorporates the sun's movement in its design, the talk of the town.
"The firm's
analyses showed the sliced tower would allow 200 more hours of sunlight
per year to fall on the High Line," says Bey. "But because of its unusual shape,
which aims to bring light and air to the raised park instead of just the
streets below, the architect and developer are seeking a zoning
variance from the city's Board of Standards and Appeals."
"'You want
to bring light and air to the street, but zoning hasn't caught up,' to
treating the High Line as such, Gang says. 'If we were to build what we
were allowed to build, we'd be essentially running [the High Line] into a
tunnel,' similar to how the Standard Hotel currently straddles the
park."
"Gang says she hopes to have the variance granted by May. 'We're
hoping they will recognize how important this is,' she says. The project
is tentatively scheduled to be completed by late 2015."
FULL STORY: Gang's Solar Carve Tower Will Keep High Line in the Spotlight

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Cuomo Is the Candidate of Both NIMBYs and Developers. What Gives?
In the New York City mayoral race, odd bedfellows align to preserve the housing status quo.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Charlottesville Temporarily Has No Zoning Code
A judge ordered the Virginia city to throw out its newly revised zoning code, leaving permitting for new development in legal limbo.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont