Indoor/Outdoor Sculpture Garden - 56 Leonard | New York , New York, USA | 2019

Architect: SheltonMindel
Client: Withheld
Contractor: Plant Construction
Photographer: Michael Moran

This iconic building by Herzog de Meuron is often thought of as a view tower, with it’s unique massing rising above the city, allowing 360 degree airborne exposures. As part of the building’s art program, the corner base of the building appears to be supported by a two-story three-dimensional shaped chrome lozenge very similar to Anish Kapoor's Chicago Bean.

Instead of the aerial views so beautifully present in all the upper units that belong to sky, this apartment belongs to the street, supported by the Anish Kapoor sculpture.

Unique to this unit is s large deck terrace on which all spaces are exposed. Inspired by the building’s sculptural design, an exterior/interior sculpture garden is integrating the unit with the neighborhood itself, focusing on the three dimensional form that begins with the Kapoor and proceeds into the space with the likes of Noguchi's Galvanized series, which themselves are considered outdoor sculptures.

All sculptures are visible inside and outside of the space, blurring the distinction of indoor/outdoor. The Mark Forness 8-foot high x 12- foot long perforated white sculpture becomes an urban hedge in the terrace garden lawn in tandem with works by Donald Judd outside and an extensive group of sculptures inside.

The developer’s original plans comprised of many closed spaces not taking the opportunity to feel the full dimensions of the entire space. A revised floor plan comprised of a series of sliding walls which offers a flexible open plan while not jeopardizing privacy.

The integration of exterior and integration in tandem with a flexible layout celebrates the connection of this indoor/outdoor garden that belongs to the street.