Project Feature: Stavros Niarchos Foundation – David Rockefeller River Campus

Sentech’s latest project feature takes us along the East River into the heart of New York City. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation – David Rockefeller River Campus is an extension of Rockefeller University and is considered one of the most technically ambitious academic buildings in the United States as the result of the architectural and engineering ingenuity it took to construct a two-acre platform of laboratories and public spaces over an active highway along New York City’s East River.

Designed by the acclaimed Rafael Viñoly Architects and built by Turner Construction in 2019, the expansion features a low-profile, two-story research building stretching three and a half city blocks. 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. Sentech was commissioned to engineer and fabricate the facades of four of the new buildings 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 walls, all-glass revolving doors, panic swing doors, a cantilevered glass guardrail system and a glass elevator.

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Credits

Owner: Rockefeller University

Architect: Rafael Viñoly Architects

Glazing Contractor: Jobin Organization

General Contractor: Turner Construction

Awards

2023 AIA Architecture Award of Design Excellence

2021 Urban Land Institute Excellence in Institutional Development