AECOM Tishman served as CM for One Bryant Park, the 55-story, 2.1 million SF office tower developed by the Durst Organization. It is the first skyscraper in the world to achieve a LEED Platinum rating and includes a five-megawatt cogeneration plant, ice storage plant, extensive graywater retention and recycling system, green roof areas that use compost from tenant waste and state-of-the-art air filtration.
As CM AECOM Tishman oversaw and coordinated the work of both base building and tenant special work fit-out contractors. We also oversaw the construction of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre at the base of the tower – incorporating the landmarked 1918 façade of the existing theatre immediately west of the site on 43rd Street – as well as the construction of a new free-standing glass-enclosed New York City Transit subway entrance, adjacent to the building, and its pedestrian tunnel.
AECOM Tishman assisted the owners in achieving LEED Platinum for the skyscraper by diligently taking these steps:
- Teaching subcontractors green building methods
AECOM Tishman made sure subcontractors had absolute clarity about the building’s green specifications in the bid phase. This strategy brought bids in at more competitive rates, since subcontractors didn’t have to leave an allowance in the numbers to cover green challenges they weren’t familiar with.
We made sure subcontractors understood the difference between LEED specifications for materials fabricated offsite and those used onsite (paints, glues, etc.), given that criteria for offsite materials are lower. Materials used in the shop cannot necessarily be used in the field.
Additionally, we taught subcontractors how to track and report criteria for regionally sourced materials (by weight and dollar value), so that the information could be summarized and reported accurately to the USGBC.
- Selecting green materials
AECOM Tishman required early submission of green materials so that they could be approved concurrently by both the architect and the LEED expert. This strategy saved time and money.
- Protecting indoor air quality
Our team implemented an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plan during construction so that workers had fresh air and ventilation in every area of the building during every phase of the project. The IAQ plan also improved air quality for the building’s eventual tenants.
AECOM Tishman ensured that subcontractors shielded both ends of any ductwork to be installed, so when the ducts were delivered, they were not exposed to water- or airborne contaminants.
- Coordinating the building design for co-gen plant
The 4.6-megawatt cogeneration plant that AECOM Tishman installed in One Bryant Park provides approximately 65% of the building’s energy and was a key component in achieving enough points for LEED Platinum certification.
The AECOM Tishman team was part of the design process, providing advice during constructability reviews as to how to coordinate the design of the building around the co-gen, what structural reinforcements would be implemented, how to coordinate it into the structure, how to install the mechanical, electrical and ventilation systems around it and how to handle the logistics of equipment delivery and installation.
Project Highlights
- LEED Platinum