Archinect - Features

How SHoP is Re-thinking Skyscraper Design and Transforming New York’s Skyline in the Process

2019-10-30T11:50:00-04:00

One doesn’t need to visit New York City in order to understand that the city’s skyline is undergoing drastic change, both within and—increasingly—outside of Manhattan.

In an attempt to better understand the micro- and macro-forces at play shaping the city’s skyline, we’re taking a look at three recent distinctive tower projects designed by SHoP Architects in partnership with JDS Development, Property Markets Group and Spruce Capital Partners, including: 111 West 57th, a spindly supertall under construction on Billionaire’s Row; the American Copper Buildings, two metallic skyscrapers overlooking the FDR expressway; and 9 DeKalb, a forthcoming supertall tower set to become Brooklyn’s tallest building.

Together, along with a forthcoming set of acrobatic high-rises slated for the Brooklyn waterfront that SHoP has also had a hand in crafting, the featured buildings highlight several of the dynamic conversations taking shape within the realm of skyscraper design, as issues of extreme he...

As SHoP Architects evolves, Associate Principal Lisa Schwert shares how potential new hires can stand out when applying to their firm

2018-06-21T13:18:00-04:00

Since their founding in 1996, SHoP Architects in New York City remains dedicated to an open-minded, collaborative work culture and design process, ensuring that new employees get involved as much as possible from day one. “At every step we stopped to ask ourselves, what will best support open, healthy, lateral collaborations across the studio?,” says SHoP Associate Principal Lisa Schwert.

To this day, SHoP continues to grow and evolve with its staff of 180 people. So what does the firm expect from job candidates when it's time to hire? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ___”, Schwert got in touch with us to share some job application tips as well as a glimpse into the firm's office culture.

"I think of architecture as an act of writing in the city": Vishaan Chakrabarti discusses PAU's upcoming projects

2017-06-22T13:27:00-04:00

As the founder of PAU, Vishaan Chakrabarti is an architect and urban planner who considers every aspect of the city with foresight, but isn't as concerned with the culture of celebrity that has often dominated the profession. "Calling oneself a humanist over the last couple of decades was a real no-no," he explains via phone. "You're supposed to be a bad-boy, cape-wearing starchitect." He purposefully did not name the firm after himself in order to place emphasis on intelligent discussion, not hierarchy. Although he's excited about taking on more projects, he never wants PAU to grow beyond roughly 30 employees so that he will always know everyone in his office.