41 Cooper Square, New York
Architect: Thomas Mayne

This is one of the latest projects of the architect Thom Mayne, awarded for the energy and audacity of his work at the Energy Performance + Architecture Award at Interclima+Elec 2010 (Paris).
The building was designed in accord with high quality environmental standards and is still the top academic building in New York, certified LEED*.

As a provocateur of the flashy style, the American used to rebellious constructions has turned "green", aware that energy efficiency must take a more prominent place in architecture. He underlines the responsibility of his role.
The Cooper Union academic centre in New York illustrates his initiative, the importance he gives to today’s social, economic, environmental, cultural, political and technical elements. The building replaces a neo classical two storey building and provides an original and profound synthesis between the town and a venerable one hundred and fifty year old institution.

41 Cooper square is presented in the form of a grouping of vertical structures, organised round a central square designed to promote interdisciplinary exchanges between students from three departments on Union Square.
The abrupt and deep cracks and large scar on the main façade reveal an impressive central atrium, the heart of the building. The lifts only stop on certain floors to encourage use of the central staircase to promote social interaction and exercise. Secondary lifts still serve each level to conform to access regulations for the disabled.

* North American Construction Standardisation system for high quality environmental buildings created by the US Green Building Council in 1998.