Arguably once the most formidable media empire in the world, The Hearst Corporation, founded by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, has a bold headquarters in New York City that leads by example. Designed by internationally renowned British architect Norman Foster, the tower rises out of a 6-story 1920s Art Deco era building on 57th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan, which previously served as the offices of the Hearst Corporation. According to a video on the company’s website, the structure became the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold level office building in New York City, achieving the certification in 2006. Due to the unique diagrid, or diagonal grid, 2000 fewer tons of steel (20% less than a building of comparable size) were required to build the structure’s skeleton. According to Mr. Foster, this design feature mimics natural forms, a key component of sustainable design. Several other facets of the building’s construction stand out. As stated in the video found on their website, 26% less energy was used during construction than a comparable structure. A low emittance coating on the windows allows sunlight in while reducing heat. Light sensors regulate artificial lighting and motion sensors turn off lights when rooms are uninhabited. Furthermore, the building exhibits 22% higher energy efficiency than a typical office building. During the demolition of the preexisting 6-story building’s interior, approximately 80% of the materials were recycled for future use (including more than 170 tons of steel). Rainwater collects in a 14,000 gallon reclamation tank to irrigate plants and humidify the lobby, thereby cooling the atrium, all of which result in 1.7 million gallons of water saved annually.

As mentioned in the post on the Tower at One Bryant Park, workers are exposed to cleaner air and more natural surroundings, which can lead to improved productivity. A New York Times article from 2006 focuses on the structure as a harbinger of Manhattan’s return to architectural significance. Not only does the building epitomize green design, but it came at a time when New York was floundering. In addition, the building has become a destination itself, setting the Hearst Corporation apart. The structure serves as a shinning example of what corporations can accomplish when they plan for sustainability. As Peter Senge suggests in Necessary Revolution, those companies that set the standard put themselves at a competitive advantage by establishing a unique, recognizable product.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: architecture.com]