FXFOWLE principal discusses design of the Times.

FXFOWLE ARCHITECTS, PC gave a presentation at the 7th World Congress Conference sponsored by The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat on October 17-19.

The firm explored the ways in which the New York Times tower has reinvented the office building as a workplace.

Daniel J. Kaplan, senior principal of FXFOWLE, discussed the regeneration of New York's Times Square, citing the 52 story, 1.6 million s/f Times Building, as playing a pivotal role in the project. Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, in association with FXFOWLE and interior architect Gensler, the building's high ceilings, abundant and controlled lighting, inter-floor connections and stronger visual relationship to the outside environment serve as a glimpse into the future of corporate environments.

The project's office space is a merging of humanistic and ergonomic elements, as well as technical innovations.

"The New York Times Building is a sophisticated and efficient workspace inspired by the manufacturing lofts of 100 years ago yet with the technology of today," Kaplan said.

"This building features state-of-the-art design, yet remains innovative. It truly reinvents the office building as a workspace."

The ongoing revitalization of Times Square has been spurred by projects and developments in the 42nd Street area, a far cry from what it was just a few years ago.

"The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's World Congress Conference is an occasion to share new technologies and theories that will benefit skyscraper design and the reinvention of building technology in New York and countries throughout the world." Kaplan said. "We hope to contribute to that through our collaborative efforts."

The CTBUH conference examined the world's tallest buildings, the future of these buildings, mixed-use concepts and elevator and structural innovation of today's most booming real estate markets. Experts outlined suggestions for future developments, which emphasized culture, technology and innovation for sustainable cities.