Exterior work is progressing on the two newest additions to Columbia University‘s Manhattanville campus. Named the Henry R. Kravis Building and the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation, the two structures are designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with FXCollaborative and will yield 450,000 square feet of classrooms, faculty offices, and lounge areas. The buildings will be connected by a landscaped public plaza and green space designed by James Corner Field Operations. Turner Construction Company is in charge of building the two new buildings, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill designed the master plan for the overall Manhattanville campus.
Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation. Rendering courtesy of Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Recent photos show the progress at the site, which is bound by West 130th Street to the south, West 131st street to the north, the elevated Riverside Drive highway to the west, and Broadway to the east. The Forum and Wallach Art Gallery by Renzo Piano Building Workshop both sit to the south, across the street from the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation.
Looking north at the two buildings. Photo by Michael Young
Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation (foreground) and the Henry R. Kravis Building (background). Photo by Michael Young
The Henry R. Kravis Building appears to be slightly further ahead in progress with the outside substantially completed.
Henry R. Kravis Building. Photo by Michael Young
Minor work is left to be done around the pointed corners of the sloped exterior portions. They will be clad with light-colored panels as seen in the bottom of the following photograph.
Henry R. Kravis Building. Photo by Michael Young
The floor-to-ceiling glass looks to be fully installed, while interior work is underway.
Henry R. Kravis Building. Photo by Michael Young
Henry R. Kravis Building. Photo by Michael Young
Photos of the structure on a cloudy day reveal its cool-toned teal envelope, which appears much darker than Piano’s nearby projects.
Henry R. Kravis Building. Photo by Michael Young
The exterior hoist has been disassembled from the southern elevation of the Ronald O. Perelman Center since our last update over the summer, and more of the glass curtain wall has been installed.
Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation. Photo by Michael Young
Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation. Photo by Michael Young
The western side looks to be the most complete.
Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation. Photo by Michael Young
The Perelman Center features intersecting levels of asymmetrical horizontal projections in a staggered pattern. Corners cantilever out from the overall massing, adding greater emphasis.
Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation. Photo by Michael Young
YIMBY estimates that the new Manhattanville campus expansion will be completed sometime around 2022.
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I must say that the building is beautiful in every way, and another notable feature is the emphasis on the edges: Thanks to New York YIMBY.
Great improvement to the area.
Super great project
Good to see a 5 Star Team project coming to fruition. And, looking forward to the Field Operations layer at the pedestrian level (finishing the most important human-scaled component of the project).
Columbia..deep pockets.
Deeper than you know.
Those students better pay tuition…
Sleek modern buildings are my cup of tea. Columbia University’s new buildings fit my criteria.
I am looking for scholarship… two bedroom… please send form
Im looking for a million dollars… please give it to me.
Its nice they fixing the neighborhood up but what about people living in buildings next to Columbia new projects are they going to put the people on the street are they going to remove people from their homes just to make sure they project go well
We surely don’t have lack of rental apartments in NYC. They can move elsewhere. Why would they go on the streets?
Not my cup of tea. Looks predictable, looks boring, looks not elegant in any way, could be a hospital or a library. Wish architecture would honor beautiful elegant buildings.
Housing projects on two sides. Does Columbia have tutoring, college placement, and jobs for residents and their kids?
Why would they? They don’t get enough free stuff already?
Columbia should only build the very best quality designed buildings with the best quality materials. The buildings should stand the test of time and become a beloved cherished gem for future generations to be inspired by and to marvel at, like Low Library on the main campus. This is a big way to boost the university with top quality buildings.
I agree fully. Good for Columbia.
Not my taste at all …. I find them unsightly. However, a boon to the neighborhood.
Like how many more buildings Do they need ! They already taking half of Harlem like seriously this needs to stop! I mean it’s not like they’re offering jobs to the community or building a place To embrace and highlight the amazing contribution that the people of Harlem has done throughout history! Again how many building Do they need how come they don’t do that in the upper Eastside or in Tribeca etc. I mean there’s plenty of abandoned warehouse is in Brooklyn That could be used! This is so annoying! You guys are destroying Our community why you don’t use the money and feed the homeless create jobs for them and a place for them to live! You guys are destroying our culture by building these buildings and taking space are you guys not contributing to the community literally giving people jobs the lives in the streets!
Columbia hires many people from the local community; trains local staff for numerous projects; gives many, many work hours to the local community – probably about 50% of all work hours; and does much for community development. It has engaged meaningfully with the community for many years. it is a source of pride to see the numerous ways in which how Columbia is committed to engagement with the local community of West Harlem.
Please send an application for a two-bedroom affordable apartment by email
Thanks
That you need to direct that to the mayor. It is not Columbia’s role to provide affordable housing, although they have built an affordable housing building on 147Th and Broadway with 148 apartments. Columbia is the number one employer for the area and actively recruits area residents to fill all construction as well as permanent positions.
Columbia is willing to hire people who are seriously looking for a job. The whining complainers kept this project from getting started for a long time.
Absolutely beautiful buildings on an incredible campus. This will be the business school to attend. Columbia has done a spectacular job with these new buildings and the new campus.
My concern is the state of NYC.
Important people and businesses are leaving town and leaving the mess that the political establishment has made.
Columbia needs a vibrant city to attract the top applicants.
Yes the new campus is necessary and beautiful. Now it’s up to New York to do its job.