A closer look: BIG's Via 57 West — a multifamily “courtscraper” for Manhattan

Amid New York City's concrete jungle, it's hard to miss the strikingly angular Via 57 West, designed by none other than Bjarke Ingels Group in collaboration with architect of record SLCE. The “courtscraper" multifamily structure fuses the European perimeter block characteristic with the traditional Manhattan high-rise.

Most recently, the project was distinguished with a 2017 AIA Housing Award. Completed in 2016, the project has “become a new part of the city's recognized buildings. Certainly a confident and forward looking building," one of the jurors commented.

Take a peek at the project below.

“VIA 57 WEST creates a new typology—the ‘courtscraper.’ VIA combines the advantages of the European perimeter block and the traditional Manhattan high-rise: the compactness, density, and intimacy of a classic courtyard building, with the airiness and the expansive views of a skyscraper.”

“By keeping three corners of the block low and lifting the north-east corner up towards its peak, the courtyard opens views towards the Hudson River, bringing low western sun deep into the block and graciously preserving the adjacent tower’s views of the river.”

“The slope of the building allows for a transition in scale between the low-rise structures to the south and the high-rise residential towers to the north and east of the site.”

“The sloping roof consists of a simple ruled surface perforated by terraces, each one unique and south-facing. Every apartment gets a bay window to amplify the benefits of the generous view and balconies.”

See the rest of the 2017 AIA Housing Award winners, or find more BIG projects in the links below.

Images and quoted text courtesy of the 2017 AIA Housing Award.