Hearst Tower in New York City is the world headquarters of the Hearst Corporation. The original basement was completed in 1928 by Joseph Urban. The new tower addition was finished at 4 May 2006 lead-managed by Norman Forster. The Hearst Tower was the first skyscraper to break ground in New York City after September 11, 2001. The building received the 2006 Emporis Skyscraper Award, citing it as the best skyscraper in the world completed that year. The Hearst Tower includes a number of environmental considerations is also known for the iron diagrid pattern at the wall covering substrate. The building is located at 300 West 57th Street on 8th Avenue, near Columbus Circle. 

Thomas Kellner: Skycraper City

Upon entering Manhattan’s newest landmark, the Hearst Tower, you are first engulfed by the building and then, your view is directed upwards by the light. The sensation is similar to wandering around New York’s streets outside. The light, ground and atmosphere fly to your senses simultaneously.

Going upstairs you arrive in the large atrium, an Italian plaza to a degree. However, the sky is heavy and still visible at the corners. Comparable to how Atlas shouldered the world, huge pillars stem the delightful glass and steel facades of Norman Foster’s newest building.

The outside structure that seems to be in the cubistic arte moderne style disappears inside where the old building’s style dominates. My images bring this wonderful contrast of architecture and physical experience together in one place - perhaps a bit scary but at the same time playfully including the structural elements of the building itself.

Thomas Kellner, 2006