Award
Project name: The Tower at PNC Plaza
Project location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Firm name: Gensler
Jury comments: The outer layer of the building enclosure is clear laminate glass with vertical “popper” windows that act as a weather and air barrier. The inner layer contains automated air vents, a wood curtainwall, and manual sliding doors so users can open admit fresh air. There’s much to like about the double facade, but we question the use of so much glass. It’s a very ambitious project, with double height living spaces, great access to views, and ideas of a breathable facade that dictates floor depths. The building seeks to address workplace health while also revitalizing the downtown. There’s a clear passive strategy, but we wished for more data. There’s nothing breakthrough here, but everything is very well done.
Client: PNC
Consultants: Buro Happold Engineering; Paladino & Company; P.J. Dick; CEC Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Edgett Williams Consulting Group, Inc.; CS Technology; Jensen Hughes; Studio i Architectural Lighting; Fisher Marantz Stone; LaQuatra Bonci Associates; Lerch, Bates & Associates; R.A. Heintges Associates; Threshold Acoustics; Alan G. Davenport Wind Engineering Group; DVS Security Consulting & Engineering; Trans Associates; Christine Davis Consultants; Hammer Design Associates; TAD Associates; Good Gallery; Altura Associates; CJL Engineering; ESI Design; Automated Logic