InterActiveCorp HQ - 555 West 18th Street @ West Street - by Frank Gehry

[BigMac]

inacheapwestern on Flickr
October 4, 2007

Larger Size (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/1484627151_f80180402f_b.jpg)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/1484627151_f80180402f.jpg

[TREPYE]

What an unfortunate decision to go with such a ugly nameplate. Surly something more elegant could have been designed.

A small price to pay for a great piece of architecture.
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Lofter1/High%20Line/IAC_07a21.jpg

[ZippyTheChimp]

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2615/iac01ui3.th.jpg (http://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iac01ui3.jpg) http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1428/iac02vx4.th.jpg (http://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iac02vx4.jpg) http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9931/iac03ep5.th.jpg (http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iac03ep5.jpg) http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9841/iac04av5.th.jpg (http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iac04av5.jpg)

[pianoman11686]

Stunning.

In 50 years, its tenant(s) will complain about water leaks, cracks in the walls, and other structural problems. The building will undergo a series of renovations, and it will no longer look anything like it does now.

[macreator]

I haven't had the chance to really examine this building close up from the street. Would someone mind enlightening me as to what is going on with the ground level fronting West Street. Does the lobby simply occupy the entire ground level, or is the West Street side opaque glass at street-level. That's the only thing that has bugged me about this fabulous building -- the street-level interaction. While the number of pedestrians along the sidewalk side of West Street is admittedly low, I was hoping for something.

[lofter1]

The lobby runs along the entire length of the building along West between 18th / 19th.

From the outside along the sidewalk the building is somewhat harsh -- and on a hot summer day can be brutal.

From the inside both the building and West Street outside are sublime.

[macreator]

From the outside along the sidewalk the building is somewhat harsh -- and on a hot summer day can be brutal.


Thanks for the info.

I guess some mature street trees would obscure the view of the building?

[stache]

What's growing there now is already starting to do that.

[londonlawyer]

I would love to see a 75 stroy version of this on Spruce St.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9931/iac03ep5.jpg

[TREPYE]

$150 million (cost of IAC) / 9 floors (#of floor in AIC)= Price per floor X 75 stories (# of stories for Spruce St.) = $1.25 Billion.....Maybe thats what has Ratner all freaked out about building it.:p

[ZippyTheChimp]

I'm trying to visualize it as an 800 ft tower.
I think it would look silly.

Maybe the Beekman tower is going to look silly anyway.

[TREPYE]

http://static.flickr.com/64/159566688_cae54256d5_o.jpg

[lofter1]

Maybe the Beekman tower is going to look silly anyway.

Gehry + skyscraper = silly (http://www.brooklynpaper.com/assets/photos/30/44/30_44_missbrooklyninjured_i.jpg) :cool:

[BrooklynRider]

((Gehry + Skyscraper) x (Silly10)) x 16 Acres = Atlantic Yards

[Alonzo-ny]

A simpler equation may be gehry + building = repetitive and silly.

[antinimby]

http://static.flickr.com/64/159566688_cae54256d5_o.jpgI could live with that one. :)

Although, I doubt we'll get anything close to that because we now know that the end version will be waterdowned.

[NYatKNIGHT]

^Which might result in something sillier.

[meesalikeu]

well time has passed for it to sink in.

yet much as i like londonlawyer's awesome pic....

i still say the iac building looks like something that belongs "out on the outer loop" in anycity, usa.

[kz1000ps]

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7879/img8159ul7.jpg

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1991/img8162xy9.jpg

The pearlescent sheen is gorgeous

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6130/img8166gi9.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/7997/img8169eo0.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6628/img8167ov2.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/9411/img8175wm3.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/7863/img8174ea0.jpg

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/3874/img8179ax3.jpg

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8232/img8181cu5.jpg

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/8260/img8184qf1.jpg

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/1658/img8183eq1.jpg

[NYC4Life]

Now picture this building with the height of Beekman (876 ft)

[BrooklynLove]

i think that i like the slightly different glass frosting at the cooper sq hotel a bit more

[kz1000ps]

^ Me too. Its rhythm is much more interesting than this.

[macreator]

Street level still irks me...

But the building more than makes up for it. Just seems like such an easy thing to make the first level less alienating to the pedestrian.

[kz1000ps]

You'd think that with the attention this building naturally attracts they'd present a completely transparent ground level face to the public, inviting them to see what IAC is all about, but it curiously does the exact opposite. And that lone door sends the message that "we had to put this here," reinforcing what the glass says to you.

[Alonzo-ny]

thats what Gehry is all about, design a shape and force a building inside.

[pianoman11686]

I see it as a work of sculpture. A fascinating, surreal, and very beautiful work of sculpture.

[ZippyTheChimp]

I was going to say the same thing.

In this case, I really don't care what's going on inside the building.

[scumonkey]

I usually see this building at night....
At that time the lower floor is awash with colour as
the interior walls are a giant video screen.
Depending on what is being shown the effect can be stunning.
I remember one cold evening in February they were showing scenes
of fish swimming over a pacific coral reef- the colours blazing
across the sidewalk. The lower floors glowing with tropical colours.
From across the highway it looked like the whole first floor was a giant aquarium!
If the walls don't meet the sidewalk all perfect and seamlessly,
I am more than happy to overlook such a small detail when the overall effect
of the building is more than pleasing.

[NYC4Life]

You should take some pics at night, as some perhaps don't see this building to its fullest potential.

[Alonzo-ny]

I just think for a building of this expense to create all those unique pieces of glass and force them into place they should take the time and money to get the little, simple details right like how two pieces of metal join.

[BrooklynLove]

Street level still irks me...

But the building more than makes up for it. Just seems like such an easy thing to make the first level less alienating to the pedestrian.

sounds like gehry designs would be a nice fit for bk's 4th ave ...

[ZippyTheChimp]

I just think for a building of this expense to create all those unique pieces of glass and force them into place they should take the time and money to get the little, simple details right like how two pieces of metal join.There may be an engineering reason for the large gaps in the panels, rather than sloppy manufacture and/or installation.

The glass was cold-warped in two axes on site. See the second article in this post. (http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showpost.php?p=159096&postcount=481)

I found this article about a glass facade installation on a building in Chicago. Some sort of Y-shaped mullion was used. Toward the end of the article, they make reference to IAC.
http://archrecord.construction.com/tech/techBriefs/0805dignews-1.asp

[Alonzo-ny]

The particular detail Im refering to is at the very bottom of the building under the glass, between the glass and the ground at the joints.

[ZippyTheChimp]

Oh, so not metal-to-metal.

Concrete sub.

[Alonzo-ny]

Under the glass at the point i describe are metal sheets that extend past the glass (as I remember it) the issue i have is at the joint, the metal sheets continue on the same trajectory as the glass had previously so at some joints the sheets come together at an angle and where they meet is where the problem lies. Im getting compulsive now so I might head over there at the weekend.

[Jasonik]

Are you describing a recessed 'kick' with compound-mitre joints?

Custom bending a corner cap for each junction would be the best way to detail it. It would probably have to be done on site with heavy aluminum stock anodized to match the channel assemblies. Fussy tedious and expensive.

Usually curtain wall installers aren't the best sheet metal workers since they usually clip together pre-sized standard frames and extrusions.

I have sympathy for the architect. Making sculptural forms from standardized orthogonal components is a tiresome chore.

[econ_tim]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/2916390175_187ba5c193_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2916388199_779a99a55b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2917231384_edb1ae84cc_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2916382263_5f89bf5f97.jpg

[NoyokA]

Sublime!

[kz1000ps]

2008/11/12, via Mudpig (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yukonblizzard/3026886471/):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/3026886471_975ecfafb7_b.jpg

[BigMac]

Best night photo I've seen of IAC so far. Good find!

[Kris]

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/03/10/magazine/15lede.4-650.jpg
Chuck Chio/Arcaid/Corbis

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/realestate/keymagazine/15Key-lede-t.html

[BrooklynRider]

1.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd121/BrooklynRiderRob/nyc%203-31-2009/th_03312009064.jpg (http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd121/BrooklynRiderRob/nyc%203-31-2009/?action=view&current=03312009064.jpg)

2.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd121/BrooklynRiderRob/nyc%203-31-2009/th_03312009065.jpg (http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd121/BrooklynRiderRob/nyc%203-31-2009/?action=view&current=03312009065.jpg)

3.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd121/BrooklynRiderRob/nyc%203-31-2009/th_03312009066.jpg (http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd121/BrooklynRiderRob/nyc%203-31-2009/?action=view&current=03312009066.jpg)

[Derek2k3]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3919823281_567969a89a_b.jpg
Trespasser's Will (http://www.flickr.com/photos/atestofwill/3919823281/sizes/l/)

[Derek2k3]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/3028255526_939302eb8c_b.jpg
IAC Headquarters - Frank Gehry by Scott Norsworthy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottnorsworthy/sets/72157608494176497/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2984820235_b2426a6e2f_b.jpg
IAC Headquarters - Frank Gehry by Scott Norsworthy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottnorsworthy/sets/72157608494176497/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2999296055_df826e83da_b.jpg
IAC Headquarters - Frank Gehry by Scott Norsworthy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottnorsworthy/sets/72157608494176497/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3015735495_406ef00a3c_b.jpg
IAC Headquarters - Frank Gehry by Scott Norsworthy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottnorsworthy/sets/72157608494176497/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/3015713345_4e97a0c0ff_b.jpg
IAC Headquarters - Frank Gehry by Scott Norsworthy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottnorsworthy/sets/72157608494176497/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2740310406_0e454ba2b3_b.jpg

[londonlawyer]

These are beautiful photos of a beautful building!

[Merry]

Just found this website looking for something else.

Two beauties.

http://www.bluffton.edu/%7Esullivanm/newyork/newyorkcity/gehry/5467.jpg

http://www.bluffton.edu/%7Esullivanm/newyork/newyorkcity/gehry/5454.jpg

http://www.bluffton.edu/%7Esullivanm/newyork/newyorkcity/gehry/5457.jpg

http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/newyork/newyorkcity/gehry/iac.html (http://www.bluffton.edu/%7Esullivanm/newyork/newyorkcity/gehry/iac.html)

[Troyeth]

It appears radiant at night when the glass frosting becomes less overbearing. Pity about the daylight.

[Merry]

Eeny meeny miny moe. Vision Machine or IAC?

IAC this time :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4899488089_5766ed56df_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53052584@N05/4899488089/in/pool-18964236@N00/

[westmc9th]

i didnt know there was a thread for this! But from my trip earlier this month

104761047510474104731047210471

10470
http://wirednewyork.com/forum/images/misc/pencil.png

[scumonkey]

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/IMGP1390.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/IMGP1391.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/IMGP1397.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/IMGP1405.jpg

[nykid17]

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/nYkind17/100_1717.jpg?t=1283665338

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/nYkind17/100_1732.jpg?t=1283665486

[Derek2k3]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4999146546_52d9c07642_b.jpg
antonkisselgoff (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antonkisselgoff/4999146546/sizes/l/in/photostream/)



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4999145912_f6f1cb417c_b.jpg
antonkisselgoff (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antonkisselgoff/4999145912/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

[BStyles]

Every time I look at this building, I just want to yell "where is it going?!" :p

[Merry]

That second shot with the moon and that spectrum of colours is excellent.

[mariab]

Ok Derek2k3: I'll hand it to you, this building is visually stunning, and the 60s/70s style building next to it is a nice contrast.

[lofter1]

VIMEO (http://vimeo.com/) lights up IAC ...

[Super Long Version in HD HERE (http://vimeo.com/15713774)]

Short vid:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tTv_sjLaVw

Extended play (kick back for this one:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuxwjbKsT4w&NR=1

[BigMac]

Thanks, lofter...very impressive!

[bill schintler]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4999145912_f6f1cb417c_b.jpg
antonkisselgoff (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antonkisselgoff/4999145912/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

I noticed two of the window panes have been replaced with all clear glass - not etched with the white pattern. These are both on the ground level on the west side, one near the center (orange showing through), and the other towards the right. I wonder what's up with that - older photos show the etched panes in those locations?

[mariab]

3D came thru even the vid.

[ZippyTheChimp]

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9918/iac05.th.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/iac05.jpg/)

[lofter1]

I noticed two of the window panes have been replaced with all clear glass ...


I walked by here recently and those two panes seem to be temporary replacements. Possibly due to broken glass from (1) gravel or rocks tossed up by the wheels of a speeding vehicle or (2) bullets.

[Ed007Toronto]

Or someone running into it as some genius did up here trying to prove to his co-workers the glass is strong enough to hold someone running into it full out. He did this at the 40th floor and just like that his life was gone.

[scumonkey]

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/IMGP9937_5_6_tonemappedwebbed.jpg

[Merry]

Proposal to Illuminate FiDi Draws Large Artistic Response

by Dave Hogarty

http://ny.curbed.com/uploads/untitled-409.jpg


http://vimeo.com/15713774

A request for proposals to illuminate downtown buildings in dynamic light shows drew a very strong positive response from the artistic community, but has FiDi gone too far down the road to being a residential neighborhood for the proposals to fly? The NY Economic Development Council is offering $1 million for the best response to its RFP for a regular outdoor light show in FiDi (http://www.nycedc.com/opportunity/illuminate-lower-manhattan-placemaking-through-lighting-initiative-rfp), according to DNAinfo, and approximately 100 people showed up at a January meeting to learn more about it. Examples of such lighting displays are the Seeper collective's light mapping of Gehry's IAC building as part of the 2010 Vimeo Awards Festival and the exhibition Youtube Play (http://www.youtube.com/play), that projected videos onto the interior and exterior of the Guggenheim on Fifth Avenue.

The irony of the EDC's proposal is that it would have been a huge attention-draw to FiDi a decade ago, when the neighborhood was still reeling in its post-9/11-attack state. Now the area has bounced back so hard that it has transformed itself from a strictly deserted-at-night commercial district to a vibrant residential neighborhood, filled with people who might not want giant light displays beaming outside their condos' bedroom windows. DNAinfo talked to one resident of 15 Broad Street who was concerned that a projection onto the NYSE might keep children up at night or disturb family pets.

http://ny.curbed.com/uploads/untitled-410.jpg

Top Designers Want to Help Light Up Lower Manhattan (http://www.dnainfo.com/20120203/downtown/top-designers-want-help-light-up-lower-manhattan-for-public-display) [DNAinfo]
Illuminate Lower Manhattan (http://www.nycedc.com/opportunity/illuminate-lower-manhattan-placemaking-through-lighting-initiative-rfp) [NYEDC]

http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2012/02/03/proposal_to_illuminate_fidi_draws_large_artistic_r esponse.php#more