Philip Johnson’s AT&T Building Lobby Reimagined by Gensler
The postmodernist AT&T building in Midtown Manhattan was redesigned by Gensler’s New York studio. The goal was to pay homage to the existing structure. The landmarked Philip Johnson-designed building is located at 550 Madison.
The building’s large 110 foot entrance, along Madison Avenue, leads visitors to the triple height, vaulted lobby. According to Gensler they set out to create a “bright, minimalist space.” The redesign maintained the lobby’s height, volume, and vaulted features.
The lobby entrance welcomes visitors through a large scale arch. The grandeur of the entrance area surrounds guests with lavish finishes; such as, bronze mesh, leather, and stone. The geometric patterns on the floor were created with terrazzo in varying greys.
To help define the space and bring it to a human scale Gensler incorporated bronze mesh panels. The panels bring the eye line down from the marble above which leads to the triple height ceilings. Rust hued leather wrapped, recessed seating booths are inset into the bronze mesh panels. In line with the geometric floor pattern, you can see a welcome desk made of stone.
A marble sphere installation by Alicja Kwade was hung by chains from the vaulted ceiling twelve feet above the ground.
Strip lighting enhances the lines of the ceiling and decorative features.
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