Renderings revealed for Gensler’s communal sky lobby at One World Trade Center

Tenants at One World Trade Center who occupy floors above 65 are required to change elevators at the 64th floor. When the building opened its doors two summers ago, the Durst Organization noticed that these elevator banks became a natural mingling area, and so decided to forego plans to make the space into offices and instead keep it open as an open sky lobby. Commercial Observer got a first look at renderings of the commons designed by Gensler, whose principal and design director Tom Vecchione referred to it as “a shared piazza for the entire building.” In addition to a cafe, it will offer a game room and a 180-person meeting room that can be split into two or host fitness and yoga classes.

EJ Lee, who headed the design team for Gensler, described the firm’s vision as “tech meets fashion,” likely a nod to the high-profile new media companies that have moved in, most notably Conde Naste, but also Mic and High 5 Games.

The sky lobby has double-height ceilings and bright walls and floors, while the cafe area is much darker with long tables overlooking the skyline. The game room will have televisions, console video games, table tennis, and billiards and is also distinguished by dark colors, wood floors, and smaller framed windows.

The 25,000-square-foot space differs from the Observatory in that it will be open only to building tenants and their guests. An additional 5,000 square feet on the floor is dedicated to the elevators and a reception area for a large-scale tenant above. Between the buildout and supporting infrastructure, the project is expected to cost $14 million. It’s scheduled for completion at the beginning of next year, and Durst is currently looking for a third-party operator to manage the facility on a day-to-day basis.

[Via CO]

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Renderings courtesy of Gensler