Tata Innovation Center, New York, New York, USA | 2018

Architects: WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Client: Forest City Ratner Companies, LLC.
General Contractor: Turner Construction Company
Photographers: Iwan Baan, Albert Večerka/Esto

The Tata Innovation Center is the first building in New York City designed to leverage the resources of a major university with the world’s leading technology- focused companies; it is also a first-of-its-kind building designed to catalyze conversations that lead to tech innovation and a central component of Cornell Tech’s commitment to sustainability.

The building form is defined by a central “bowtie” space that invites people to enjoy river-to-river views in the light-filled central gathering areas that connect floor levels with generously proportioned stairs and collaboration spaces. The building, currently on track for LEED Gold certification, incorporates a comprehensive range of energy efficient systems. Artificial lighting is one of the largest energy demands for both academic and office buildings. The Tata Innovation Center is designed to maximize natural daylighting on all academic and tenant floors, and to provide waterfront views. The crystalline geometry optimizes daylight harvesting, allows daylight to penetrate deep into the building’s core. The design allows over 75% of the building’s usable square footage to be located within 30’ of perimeter glass, creating an optimal work environment. An energy-generating solar trellis defines the building’s silhouette and further signals Cornell Tech’s commitment to sustainability. The 24,000-square-foot high efficiency photovoltaic panel array generates on-site renewable energy with a dedicated control center that utilizes net metering, allowing excess energy to feed back into the grid and contribute to the campus-wide energy supply.

The Tata Innovation Center incorporates several flood-protection measures through the creation of a “piano nobile,” or elevated main level. An ascending sequence of grass terraces and a ramp lead from the new Tech Walk to the building’s entry level which, located above a plinth, rises 7 feet above the 100-year flood level. The lower level is protected with robust precast concrete walls, flood-resistant doors, and flood proof windows. Additionally, the design prevents floodwater damage by allowing for controlled flooding of the basement parking area garage in order to act as a protective reservoir during major storm events like Hurricane Sandy. A series of on-site bioswales collect stormwater runoff, further mitigating flood risk and storm damage. The Tata Innovation Center establishes an urban social identity that reflects the wide range of activities that animate this mixed-use building.