Situated opposite the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue, a 32’x32’ glass cube at plaza level encloses a glass staircase and cylindrical elevator leading to a 25,000 sf Apple retail store under the plaza. L+U provided site shading analysis, advanced Radiance simulations and advice on glass selection to fine-tune the visual performance of the entry cube. The entry will deliver visual transparency from the outside while maintaining a strong visual connection between the store and the sky from inside. The specified glazing provides solar and glare control for visual comfort as one moves down into the store and begins to view the merchandise.

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American Institute of Architects San Francisco Design Merit Award, 2007

AIA New York State Chapter Award of Excellence For Design, 2007

Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, 2007

Honorable Mention, Best Retail Space Travel + Leisure Magazine Awards, 2007

A sunpath diagram was overlaid onto a fisheye photograph to understand the site's limited solar access due to surrounding skyscrapers.