30 in 30: #2

Jean Nouvel's design for 40 Mercer Residences in Soho is nearing completion.



As a nod to contextualism, the design's massing is a slab atop a large base. But the sleek glass skin departs sharply from its cast-iron neighbors.



Overall the project is rather pleasing, in terms of massing and skin. The color choices are a bit unfortunate, especially the ugly purple cap and spandrel panels (they look blue here, but trust me that they're purple, and ugly).



Thankfully, the ultra-expensive condos sit above retail, giving something back to the bustling street life of the area. Unfortunately, it looks like the main tenant will be a bank, one of the signs that a place is well beyond gentrification.

Directions:
The building is located on the NW corner of Grand and Broadway. Take A,B,E to Canal; R,W to Canal; 6 to Canal; N,Q to Canal (all different stations with the same name).

Previously:
#1 - Church of the Crucifixion