Gotham West is a residential development west of Times Square that nearly encompasses a full city block. Two mid-rise buildings and a market-rate tower form to create a signature courtyard that is accessed from the tower’s lobby. A sculptural Japanese maple, floating within a reflecting pool, is centered with the lobby entrance, and serves as a focal feature. Other courtyard elements include illuminated resin benches, a bamboo grove, seating nooks under ribbed trellises, a social terrace and a berm planted with pines and cherry trees. The courtyard is softened by plant materials and organized by a series of striated gardens. The lines of these gardens respond to the club room geometry, which implies the courtyard as an extension of the club room. Above the club room roof is a private lounge deck that is surrounded by bamboo and flowering shrubs where club members can view over the courtyard.
A “sky terrace” on the tower’s 31st floor extends the view from a lounge toward the skyline views. A stone path extends from the lounge out into the terrace as a central spine line from which various spaces can be accessed such as the entertainment deck and bar, lawn panel, and lounge sun terrace. An iconic white illuminated resin wall helps divide the terrace uses and implies visual intrigue and sense of privacy between the two main lounging spaces. A water wall and misting stating on access to the central spine provide a terminus to central terrace walk.
Martha Stewart Summer Residence
When first approached, the property looked as if very little had changed in eighty years. Everything about it reflected an interest in summer breezes and beaches rather than labor-intensive gardening. In dramatic contrast, the new owner’s primary interest was in entertaining within a landscaped environment.
The final plan reconciles competing space requ...
Zakin Residence
SWA worked closely with the client and architect in siting the house to maximize views and preserve opportunities in which to develop the landscape. The varied program for the landscape included a small family vineyard, a multi-use field, flower gardens, fountains, terraces, a koi pond, swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, courtyards, a heli-pad and guest par...
Heritage Field at Macombs Dam Park
The Macombs Dam park ensemble consists of a variety of lush, contemporary green spaces in which the community can relax, socialize, and play. One segment of the landscape is a 13 acre park on the roof of the stadium parking structure, the largest full-service rooftop park every built by the City; another segment is an at-grade park where the now demolished Ya...
Tokyo Park Tower
A new luxury residential block in Tokyo’s Jimbocho District called for a series of discreet garden and courtyard spaces that would serve as urban sanctuaries from the busy street life beyond. Water dominates the landscape language in the form of spouts, pools, water slides, and channels. A lush overlay of evergreen shrubs and flowering perennials brings the se...