Stavros Niarchos Foundation – David Rockefeller River Campus

The completion of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation-David Rockefeller River Campus in 2019 marked a significant milestone for The Rockefeller University, providing its community of over 600 scientists with advanced research facilities designed to foster groundbreaking discoveries. The River Campus is one of the most technically ambitious academic buildings in the U.S. due to the feat of architectural and engineering ingenuity, a two-acre platform of laboratories and public space was constructed over an active highway along New York’s East River. Designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, the world-renowned biomedical research institution expanded its Manhattan campus not by acquiring more land, but by utilizing Rockefeller’s air rights over the 6-lane FDR Drive. The result is a breathtaking campus, a project that seamlessly blends state-of-the-art research facilities with stunning design and landscape architecture that follows a campus tradition of architectural distinction and blends seamlessly into the landscape of gardens covering two full levels of advanced laboratories below.

Designed by the acclaimed Rafael Viñoly Architects and built by Turner Construction, the expansion features a low-profile, two-story research building stretching three and a half city blocks. Topping this structure are two curvilinear glass pavilions housing offices and a cafeteria, and a separate conference center. Sentech was commissioned to define four new buildings’ aesthetics using uniquely curved structural glass façades. These curved pavilions utilized Sentech’s VetraSpan clear span system to achieve the architect’s vision of minimalist, highly transparent structures that could withstand the elements and meet stringent safety codes. Along with Sentech’s VetraSpan curved clear span glass facades, Sentech engineered and manufactured specialty structurally glazed mullion systems with 40” deep aluminum sunshades, 12’ tall slim profile sliding glass wall, all glass revolving doors, panic swing doors, a cantilevered glass guardrail system and glass elevator. Sentech’s comprehensive approach included design-assist, structural engineering, system design, and manufacturing of custom-engineered solutions ensured that the large, curved glass panels and minimalist fittings of the pavilions would be both beautiful and resilient. Daylight penetrates deep into the interior of the buildings and the aluminum sunshades enhance energy efficiency by reducing solar heat gain and controlling glare, significantly lowering air conditioning costs. These durable, lightweight exterior fixtures also protect interiors from UV damage, offer a modern design versatility, and improve occupant comfort by managing natural light.

The perimeter of the lab building’s roof is devoted to a Sentech engineered structural glass balustrade-protected pathway. These transparent structures provide community spaces with panoramic views, connecting the campus with the East River and the surrounding city.

The project presented a unique set of challenges, which included devising a solution on how best to utilize Rockefeller University’s air rights over the 6-lane FDR Drive to make the expansion possible. The project team landed on a solution that leveraged sophisticated structural engineering and for several weeks in the summer of 2016, erectors swung steel-framed modules, each weighing more than 500 tons, from a barge moored in the East River- one of the largest barge-mounted cranes on the East Coast. They were then set into place over FDR Drive. The elements, prefabricated at a New Jersey wharf, would form the bridge-like skeleton of what was to become a 160,000-sq.ft. laboratory expansion of Rockefeller University. This unique construction method allowed Turner to build above a busy highway with minimal disruption to city traffic.

The project has been widely praised, earning accolades such as the 2023 AIA National Architecture Award, a testament to the successful collaboration of all partners involved. Sentech Architectural Systems is honored to have played a pivotal role in this landmark project, demonstrating once again how innovative structural glass engineering can turn ambitious architectural concepts into reality.