Location
3-5 Washington Place
Completion
2008
Client
New York University
Square Footage
25,000 SF
Architect
Steven Holl
New York University - School of Philosophy
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the NYU School of Philosophyโs renovation of a 25,000 SF landmark building within the NYU Washington Square campus. The project was designed to provide new undergraduate student offices, faculty and support staff offices, periodicals library as well as a modern 120 seat lecture hall for the Philosophy Department.
The design by Steven Holl Architecture is highlighted by open floor plans that capitalize on natural lighting from the numerous windows. A new porous stair, changing its direction slightly at each floor, vertically connects the six-level building through shifting light and shadow and is designed to encourage social interaction.
The unique design is continued on the ground floor with the removal of structural columns to enhance the open space necessary to create the architecturally challenging lecture hall.
Project Awards
AIA New York Building Type – Educational Facility Design Honor Award
Educational Facility Design
Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center โ Though relatively small in size, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center was a technically complex project successfully constructed and delivered by Sciame Construction. This groundbreaking laboratory made an outsized impact on global health. It was here that Dr. David Ho pioneered the development of the revolutionary โAIDS cocktail,โ a combination therapy that transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition. His groundbreaking work earned him the title of TIME magazineโs Man of the Year, underscoring the centerโs profound contribution to the fight against the AIDS epidemic.
The New Victory Theater โ Originally built in 1900 as The Republic, the first performing arts venue on 42nd Street, the theater was transformed into The New Victory in 1995, becoming New Yorkโs first theater for children and families. The renovation uncovered and restored original architectural elements, added a new lobby carved from the existing structure and bedrock, rebuilt the historic staircase, and created space for much-needed restrooms. A rear wing was added for backstage access, dressing rooms, workshops, and a loading dock, while new elevators and rooftop HVAC systems were integrated to meet modern needs of the historic theater.
Weโre turning 50! As we count down to Sciameโs 50th anniversary on June 13th, weโre celebrating the moments that shaped us. For the next 50 days, weโll be sharing one standout project a day in our โCountdown to 50โ.
Thank you to our amazing clients, team, and friends! We wouldnโt be here without you.
Sciame is honored to have served as the construction manager for the expansion and refurbishment of The Frick Collection, working alongside Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle to bring this vision to life. As the museum prepares to reopen next month, weโre pleased to see this project receive high praise in The New York Times from esteemed architecture critic Michael Kimmelman.
๐ Click the link in our bio to read more.
๐ฐ: The New York Times
๐ธ: by Lila Barth
