Located in the heart of New York City’s Fashion District, SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology’s Brutalist campus buildings traditionally separated the college from its vibrant surroundings. The Pomerantz Lobby Expansion and Art Galleries project sought to bridge this divide by reclaiming underutilized space on 7th Avenue at 27th Street, creating an inviting, multifunctional space that connects the campus with the city.
A new structurally glazed curtain wall enclosed a formerly unused portico, establishing a flexible lobby, gallery, exhibition hall, and student gathering area. The curtain wall’s design respects the rhythm and proportion of the existing architecture, integrating seamlessly with the original building. The lobby serves as a dynamic hub for student interaction and public events, while carefully planned circulation, a security desk, and turnstiles maintain campus security.
A suspended second-floor glass-enclosed studio within the double-height lobby provides a private yet visually connected collaborative space for students. The complex lighting system features a customizable Lutron setup with over 30 zones, allowing weekly changes in lighting schemes controlled via iPad. Energy-saving measures include daylighting and occupancy sensors, balancing flexibility with sustainability.