New York City College of Technology—CUNY Brooklyn, New York

The brick cladding of the existing Voorhees building, in extremely poor condition and suffering from façade stability problems, needed to be completely removed. CUNY, in collaboration with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York mandated that in addition to a new curtainwall, interior design renovations would include classroom enhancement, new lobby, and other building upgrades totaling $30 million.

The distinctive architectural curtainwall incorporates low-E energy-efficient glazing, and shadow boxes to add shade and visual interest in a grid that emphasizes the technology of the curtain wall. Window openings, which had been blocked off in a prior renovation, are to be re-opened to bring natural light to classrooms, offices, and laboratories. A trellis screen following the curtainwall motif unifies the uneven penthouse elevations and will be lighted at night. A fritted, freestanding glass-and-aluminum screen entry provides a visual reference point and serves as an identification beacon for the college. The low-rise building will be re-clad with a ventilated rain screen tile façade providing superior building envelope protection and additional energy savings. The design projects a new image of high technology and enhances the credibility of NYCCT’s long history as a superior technical college.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2010, with completion estimated for March 2012.