Circa Central Park

A remarkably privileged location on the northwest circle of Central Park required a memorable addition to the cityscape. An architectural essay in arcs and lines, the building's curved geometry is inspired by its cornerstone site and views to Central Park.

Located on the site of a former gas station, Circa's façade curves in response to Frederick Douglass Circle, a roundabout in front of the building. Tiered arced bands glass and metal gradually set back and peel open, shifting in orientation from the roundabout toward the park. Circa's façade and colored fins seek a performative balance of panoramic views, privacy, and solar control. The environmentally responsive skin incorporates large expanses of glass, while discrete shading elements temper unwanted glare and heat gain, reducing the need for energy-intensive mechanical air conditioning. The building rises to the occasion by promoting sustainability through green building practices, innovative technology, and superior design.