Baccarat Hotel & Residences

About

From the exterior, Baccarat Hotel & Residences is a study in contrast. The tower’s east and west elevations—the main structural components of the tower—are sheathed in faceted, jet black aluminum panels, referencing the austerity and minimalism of its neighbor, Edward Durell Stone’s landmark MoMA building. Like a geode, these solid, matte surfaces frame the dazzling, re ective north and south façades. Clad with crystal-clear glass, these surfaces evoke Baccarat’s long history of decorative arts. With varying light and sky conditions, these large glazed expanses appear organic and lively. The play of light and material continues at ground level. The tower’s podium is composed of prismatic glass ns arranged in rhythmic, vertical con guration. Throughout the day, these ns re ect one another, creating a dynamic interplay of light and color. Three canopied bronze portals are cut into this surface, providing separate entrances to the residences, hotel, and restaurant. At night, illuminated from within, the podium glows like a chandelier. Within, the 50-story structure contains three distinct programmatic elements that are stacked vertically above one other: a public library, located on the ground oor and one level below, a 9-story luxury hotel within the tower’s podium, and condominiums above on oors 18-49.