In response to the unique history of 5Pointz, the famed Long Island City graffiti mecca, the design of the interior lobbies and public amenity spaces of the new residential towers was focused primarily on finding harmony between two otherwise contrasting visual concepts; the new luxury towers required a sophisticated and clean-lined modern suitable for high-end city living, while also embracing and celebrating the dynamic street-art the block is historically known for
With a scope including design for the entry lobbies, gallery, fitness center, business center, and game rooms, the programming of the interior spaces was first carefully processed to place an emphasis on shared and communal spaces; the entry lobby and reception was designed to double as a lounge and waiting area, with an oversized LED TV wall looping archival footage of the property’s street-art history. The connecting wing between the two towers became not only a circulation path, but an elongated casual lounge/work-space intended to foster impromptu social interactions and gatherings and to display local graffiti. These planning decisions, along with careful location of other secondary amenity elements (golf simulator, poker room, old-style arcade and video-game center) helped to create an environment where residents are made to feel as much at home outside of their apartments as they are within.
With planning and programming established, a simple architectural palette of polished concrete, wood plank, and blackened steel was utilized to create a baseline industrial aesthetic familiar to the neighborhood, with cleaner elements of polished marble, grey tile, and stainless steel plate providing beautiful contrast and balance to the space. Carefully detailed millwork, ceilings, and feature walls are designed to purposely leave space for art to be incorporated into the interiors, and for a rotating cast of local artists to come and contribute to the work. Slatted wood ceiling panels add a layer of detail and texture, and act as way-finding elements to carry visitors into and through the large interconnected public spaces and to highlight primary thresholds. In the gallery, repeated angular ceiling planes with integrated linear LED lighting break up the length of the space, and create a carefully proportioned rhythm, while framing seating areas and views both to the courtyard and the street.
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