This multifunctional high-rise building is located in South Greenwich, Manhattan. This is the heart of New York City. The regular planning structure of this area was established long ago and it’s well known for its high number and density of sky scrapers. The proposed site is between Washington and Greenwich in a context of early XX-c architecture. This required finding a harmonic connection between old and new. In such a concentrated urban infrastructure the loss of the natural environment is very perceptible. Green spaces are essential for comfortable human life and for maintaining the ecological balance of the planet.

Our study led us to the waterfall as our crucial theme. The design allows to blend the building into the city environment and simultaneously amplifies it with new architecture. The original exterior design has practical energy- and resource- saving aspects. The entire glazing surface which has the waterfall look realizes rain water collection by using drainage gutters which cascade down the entire building. The water goes into the special water collectors at basement level. This provides the building with “grey” water required for many purposes like toilet flushing, irrigation of the winter gardens planted right beyond the waterfall, etc.

The use of the renewable energy is also provided. Under the pedestrian platform that covers the existing Battery tunnel were placed vertical axis wind turbines that generate the electricity due to the wind flow produced by the large number of vehicles going through. The enclosed tunnel space increases its power.

Each storey is planned in a way to guarantee the maximum use of day light and to reduce the cost of the artificial lighting.

The site design creates new, social significant infrastructure. It offers ecological improvements for the city and makes new transport and pedestrian connection links attracting more people to this place.