400 Fairview
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At thirteen stories and 337,000-square-feet, this mixed-use building was conceived as a catalyst for urban engagement. Designed to knit into its neighborhood and foster a sense of community and connection, the building resets development expectations for commercial design in terms of public/private engagement and functional design.
Programmatically, the building is divided into two components. The podium is a richly-toned and textured, sinuously-curving three-story element notable for its porous ground plane that merges its prominent market hall with outdoor spaces to create a hub of activity. A contrasting, narrow, ten-story office tower featuring dynamically patterned windows rises above the podium. The tower is hinged slightly at mid-block to enhance views. Both podium and tower are formed with integrally colored precast concrete panels; a sandblasted pattern of circles at street level, and a smooth texture for the tower. The solution to resetting the typical language of commercial development is achieved through an open, engaging, and informal approach to architectural expression that is present throughout the building—from plan to massing, and materiality.
The patterning of the tower fenestration was inspired by the rustic weave found in natural fabrics, such as linen, flax, or silk—irregularities that contribute to its relaxed, natural feel. An additional benefit of the atypical window module is that it translates into a wide variety of room sizes, providing more flexibility for tenants.
Everything about the street-level experience is designed to increase the sense of invitation and engagement with its surroundings: large and frequent entries on all sides of the building, including the alley, improve movement throughout the site; the creation of a market hall that runs the length of the block to merge retail, office workers and passersby; a rich palette of materials that spills into sheltered exterior spaces, including a plaza and large-scale stoops; and the curation of local retail to create a rich and varied experience that brings life to the building from morning until night. Natural light floods into the market hall from three large, fully-glazed monitors, which also open to podium-level offices and afford views across floors.
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Magda Biernat
Spencer Lowell
Hannah Rankin
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2015 AIA Merit Award
2016 NAIOP Mixed-Use Development of the Year
2017 Architizer A+ Awards - Commercial Mid-Rise Finalist
