A green philosophy that crosses all avenues.

Long before the terms "green" and "LEED" became commonplace within the architecture community, FXFOWLE Architects was already incorporating many energy conservation measures into its designs.

One of its first projects to gain national prominence as a "green" design was The Conde Nast building at 4 Times Square. The 1.6 million square-foot office property is a shining example integrating sustainable design into a modern state-of-the-art facility and was the first structure of its size and type to raise the bar for energy conservation, indoor environmental quality, and the use of a sustainable construction process.

This building set the standard for the green movement; it helped define U.S.G.B.C's LEED Rating System and it demonstrated that an environmentally responsible property could also be a success.

In addition to its work on the commercial office building front, FXFOWLE brought its green design philosophy to the residential arena. The firm incorporated its green design in practical and unexpected ways when it created The Helena, a 38story residential tower on Manhattan's West Side. Roofs are covered in greenery, creating a more appealing view while helping to retain storm water, reduce heat gain and temper the micro-environment. Blackwater treatment technology, micro-turbine co-generation, a centralized heating and cooling system and photovoltaic panels promote resource conservation. Recycled and rapidly renewable materials are used throughout the building. Residents embrace the benefit of improved indoor air and water quality, and enhanced occupant comfort which contributes to the overall quality of life.

Another FXFOWLE residential project featuring green design aspects is The Mosaic, a new assemblage of green buildings that accommodate residential, cultural and commercial uses. Located on West 52nd and 10th Avenue, the development includes two, 300-unit apartment towers, a low-rise component with space for two separate theater companies and a public plaza. Developed by the Dermot Company, the Mosaic incorporates many green design features including site planning and massing that maximizes exposure to natural light and views, integration of high performance HVAC systems with turbine-generated power produced onsite, green roofs, and utilization of a variety of locally available building materials to celebrate a look rooted in the regional community. This project is expected to earn LEED Certification from the US Green Building Council.

Currently, FXFOWLE is collaborating on another green building design at the West 31st Street Residential Tower. The development consists of 460 luxury residential units and is being developed by the Durst Organization and Sidney Fetner Associates. The building is 580,000 square feet, including the air rights to the St. Francis of Assisi Church and Friary. Currently under construction, the building may earn a LEED Silver designation by incorporating all the same sustainable features of The Mosaic, as well as a curtain wall of high-performing glass and green roofs.

Incorporating green design does not stop at the actual infrastructure of the building. In fact, FXFOWLE practices interior green design as well. To date, most sustainable interior design solutions focus on using products made of recycled materials or with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At FXFOWLE, sustainable interior architecture is about integrating environmentally conscious solutions with aesthetics and operational function. Whether designing for commercial or residential space, each interior has the ability to not only reflect the company's vision, but also be environmentally responsible and increase worker productivity and achieve long-term cost savings. By incorporating cost-effective techniques like optimizing layouts to increase the day lighting throughout the office floor, specifying re-used materials, considering alternative office configurations and unitized construction, plus purchasing high quality flexible furnishings, green elements can be incorporated into the overall design. Throughout the design process, FXFOWLE strives to create an environment that cooperates with its natural surroundings. In keeping with this philosophy, the architects make every effort to minimize the waste during building construction and post-occupancy. This means using building materials that are environmentally responsible and selecting the most durable products that perform well and are safely manufactured. By incorporating this philosophy into each of its design, FXFOWLE Architects continues to set the standard for environmental awareness in architecture.

Alexandra Paley is a freelance writer.