Flatiron Institute

New York, New York
Named after the architectural focal point of the historic neighborhood, the Flatiron Institute is dedicated to being thought leaders in the fields of mathematics, astrophysics and biochemistry.  They work to marry modern advancements in their fields, while honoring the historic contributions of previous great thinkers.  The Institute promotes this collaboration of the sciences with dedication, commitment and wonder for our natural world.

The creative professionals working at the institute are obstinate dreamers and problem solvers.  They can be found engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue and complex problem solving on the tiered amphitheater style seating of their rooftop terrace.  The layers of built in benches and stadium style seating references the grand stairs of college campuses and higher learning institutes.   Sweeps of ornamental grasses create subtle boundaries between outdoor rooms while shifting with the seasons.  The grasses can be seen dancing in the wind against the urban backdrop of Fifth Avenue.  A grove of birch trees offers shade and vibrant fall foliage.  The swaths of hakone grass under planting the trees create a cascading effect softening the edges of blackened steel planters.  Green roof and stepping-stones help break up the hardscape of porcelain pavers and ash decking.  The outdoor learning rooms feature chalkboards and areas for stargazing.  The green roofs and terrace combat urban heat island effect and absorb storm water. The Flatiron Institute’s rooftop garden and interior plantings represent a thorough integration of the natural world and the office environment.
Size

2100 SF

Collaborators
Perkins Eastman
Awards
ASLA NY: HONOR AWARD 2021
SARA NY: HONOR AWARD 2021
SARA NATIONAL: HONOR AWARD 2021