Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners is an international architecture and design firm founded in 1967 by Norman Foster in London. The firm is known for modern, high-tech architecture that combines advanced engineering with clean, efficient design. Its work often features steel and glass structures, innovative façades, and flexible interior spaces. Sustainability is a major focus, with many projects using energy-saving systems, natural ventilation, and environmentally responsible materials. Foster + Partners designs a wide range of buildings, including skyscrapers, cultural institutions, airports, and bridges, across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. The firm collaborates closely with engineers and designers to integrate structure, technology, and form. Through its emphasis on innovation, precision, and performance, Foster + Partners has become one of the most influential architectural practices in the world.
ABOUT THE ARCHITECT
PROJECTS:
SPERONE WESTWATER GALLERY
New York City, NY - United States
ADDRESS:
257 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
ACCESS:
FREE to the public.
HOURS:
10am - 6pm Tuesday -Saturday.
The Sperone Westwater Gallery, designed by Foster + Partners, is a striking vertical structure located on the Bowery in Manhattan, reflecting both innovation and spatial efficiency within a tight urban footprint. The building rises eight stories and is defined by its bold use of glass, steel, and red-toned panels that give it a contemporary yet understated presence. A standout feature is the moving gallery — a large elevator-like space that transports artwork and visitors between floors, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and a unique curatorial experience. The interior is minimalist and flexible, with high ceilings, clean lines, and natural light filtering through floor-to-ceiling glazing at the front façade. This design supports a variety of exhibitions, from large-scale sculptures to more intimate works. The architecture not only addresses the practical needs of an art gallery but also enhances the interaction between art, space, and viewer, making it an integral part of the gallery experience.
DESCRIPTION:
NOTES:
The building has a glass façade that lights up at night, making the red moving gallery visible from the exterior.
New York City, NY - United States
HURST TOWER
ADDRESS:
257 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
ACCESS:
Access to the public is not permitted.
Hurst Tower, designed by Foster + Partners, is a modern office skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Completed in 2006, it rises from a preserved 1920s stone base, combining historic and contemporary architecture. The tower is known for its distinctive diagrid steel structure, which reduces the need for interior columns and uses less steel than a traditional frame. Its triangular glass façade allows natural light to enter the offices while providing structural strength. The building reaches about 597 feet in height and contains 46 floors. Hurst Tower was one of the first office buildings in New York to achieve a high environmental rating, using energy-efficient systems, rainwater collection, and recycled materials. The design emphasizes sustainability, structural expression, and a clear contrast between old and new construction.
DESCRIPTION:
The original Art Deco podium for the Hurst Tower was constructed in 1928. The original building called for a grand tower, however it was never built due to the Great Depression.
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