A steel pergola with timber louvres over long tables, the MetLife clock tower behind.
Pavilion, MetLife tower beyond

Grey Group Roof Deck

Flatiron, New York, USA · 2018
Location
Flatiron, New York, USA
Year
2018
Type
Rooftop pavilion, terrace and annex, 650 m²
Status
Completed
Photography
Adrian Wilson

An alternative workplace on the roof of Grey Group's building in the Flatiron district, used for everything from a quiet hour alone to launch parties. Three parts, the Pavilion, the Terrace and the Annex, are held together by a half-height enclosure of planters and benches that frames the MetLife tower and the Empire State Building.

The Pavilion is an asymmetrical steel pergola, 4.3 metres high, under ipé louvres, angled by solar studies to lay broken shade over the beer-garden tables below. At its foot an 18-metre counter carries service, lighting and a projection screen for new reels. The Terrace is half meeting room, half amphitheatre, with bleachers and a stage. The Annex holds the support and the only fully covered room.

The graffiti already on the roof set the palette for the upholstery, and for a wall covering generated with scripted line work.

Tables along a low planter wall beside the pavilion, trees and towers beyond.
Pavilion and planters
Long timber tables under the pergola's louvres, benches along the side.
Under the pavilion
Rows of timber tables and benches beneath the pavilion roof, planting behind.
Tables under the pavilion
Looking out under the timber louvres over tables towards steps and a parapet.
Stage and bleachers, under the louvres
A wall of vertical timber slats behind a table with black wire chairs.
Timber wall and dining table
Line drawing of the roof plan with the pavilion, terrace and annex.
Roof plan
The terrace at dusk with steps, planters, a lit brick parapet and a long timber table.
Terrace, evening
Planters and a lit parapet at dusk, the Empire State Building in green light behind.
Terrace, Empire State Building beyond