The material qualities of the building expand on this
theme. The curtain wall system enclosing the sail forms
includes floor-to-ceiling vision glass and matching
shadow-box glazing at the spandrels, creating a light
and open effect. The mast forms combine vision glass
and stone spandrels, with larger expanses of stone at
the base that suggest ballast for the sails and bring a
sense of solidity and dignity to the entry levels of the
tower.
The structural design adds its own expression to the
sail imagery through exterior lateral bracing: two
X-braced groupings of 12 floors each are separated
by three horizontal single-story braced truss floors,
recalling a framework of nautical ties and battens.
Four-story-high porches on the tower’s north and
south sides serve as signature gateways, leading
to a generous public open space with a terraced
landscape that incorporates water features and public
art, integrating active uses on the ground floor with
retail on the floor below. The extensively developed
Archetech - Page 86
landscape is part of an overall sustainable strategy
that includes a high-efficiency exterior wall, operable
windows, and internal shading devices. The building is
expected to achieve LEED Gold.
Photo credit: Pei Cobb Freed & Partners
www.pcf-p.com